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Our Response to COVID-19

We are excited to have opened and welcome everyone back to Steal and Escape… just with a few minor changes.

 

We are taking every cautionary step to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and community. Therefore, we have implemented the following new sanitation requirements along with additional staff training.

  • Upon entry and exit all persons must use the hand sanitizer conveniently located at our point of entry door
  • All persons entering the facility are required to wear a face covering. If a guest or staff member does not have a face covering, one will be provided
  • We have removed small puzzles and games from all common and waiting areas
  • We have extended gaps between groups to allow for additional sanitation time and social distancing
  • Increased social distancing will ensure no two groups are in the building at the same time
  • All games are private and limited to your group
  • We have implemented deep sanitation to all game rooms before and after games begin with CDC approved cleaners
  • We have increased bathroom cleanings
  • We have implemented digital waivers that can be completed on your own smart device

 

We are committed to the safety of our guests, staff, and community and together we can return to enjoying our favorite pass time.

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

Escape Room Sanitation

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3 Ways You Can Help Small Business Amid Social Isolation

We have all felt the effects of the Corona Virus in the last few weeks and even days– some more than others. Small businesses and small business owners have been put in a difficult situation because of social isolation and social distancing. Restaurant and bar owners have had to reduce their customers by half or even close. Gyms have also been forced to temporarily shut down along with many offices sending their employees home to work remotely. With small businesses making up over 45% of the US economy, the ripple effects have been seen tenfold.

We must ask ourselves, “what can we do to help?” Supporting your local and small businesses will help them keep their doors open during these trying times. Here are three ways you can help:

  1. Buy gift cards – Though you may not be able to visit a local business with the social isolation we are encouraged to be practicing right now, you can visit later. When health officials share it is safe to do so, you can cash in your gift cards for goods and services to your favorite small businesses. Purchasing gift cards now will help small business with cash flow and help pay overhead expenses such as building rent and utilities. These overhead expenses are prevalent regardless how many customers walk through their doors.
  2. Write reviews – Go onto your favorite review platform – whether it be Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, Facebook, or somewhere else – and share a positive review of your favorite small business. Positive reviews encourage other shoppers to purchase from a business’ webstore, store front, restaurant, bar, etc. The power of referral and word of mouth builds a strong foundation and reputation for a small business. Positive reviews also help new customers find small business online.
  3. Share on social media – We all know social media is a powerful tool – especially Instagram and Facebook. Social media connects the world at the click of a button. While you are limited with your activities, jump online and share something from your favorite small business. If you share a post or profile of a small business, you are providing marketing at no cost to the business. How often can a business get free, no obligation marketing? The sharing of online content helps a small business increase their reach – they are able to get in front of new customers and in return, bring more people through the doors.

There are several things we can do to help our small business friends through these difficult and uneasy times. We must remember, supporting small businesses is supporting the backbone of the American Economy. Lend out a helping hand to a small business; you are bringing more good into the world.

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Spring Break -Into Something New

In San Diego, locals and tourists have an endless amount of options for Spring Break Fun. Beach goers, sports fans, foodies, and craft beer connoisseurs – they all have one thing in common, they are looking for something to do! But the question must be asked, “Are you tired of doing the same activities over and over again?” There are fifty-two weeks in a year and only one of them is Spring Break; make the most of it. Do something different; think outside the box and challenge yourself! Grab a group of friends and family and take an adventure to the best Escape Room San Diego has to offer, Steal & Escape!

Steal & Escape, located in National City, San Diego, offers three unique puzzle rooms that satisfy all skill levels and ages. The rooms drop players into a fully immersive, time-based scenario. In order to complete the mission, the team must solve a variety of puzzles, clues, and riddles in sixty minutes. Each game is designed for two to eight people and is recommended for ages seven and up.

Players can choose from:

  • Takeover – recommended for ages thirteen and up
  • Mysterious Stranger – great for families
  • Lost Expedition – designed for experienced players.

“Perfect for a moms’ night out,” says Kennington, a recent guest, “The ‘puzzles’ all had a rhyme and reason and kept with the story line of the escape room which made it more fun. We definitely plan on going back!” Players are taken into a new world in each room imbedding them into storyline and experience.

Steal & Escape cannot predict if players will win or lose; however, it is guaranteed you will finish the game a stronger team and your experience will be the best of your Spring Break. If you are looking for something to do on your Spring Break in San Diego, head to Steal & Escape.

Spring Break -Into Something New
Mysterious Stranger website picture
Lost Expedition website pic
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dog

Top Dog-Friendly Places in San Diego

San Diegans love their dogs, and luckily have many dog-friendly places and activities to enjoy with them.

Dog Parks:

Nate’s Point Dog Park, Balboa Park

Located in historic Balboa Park, this dog park is popular for both the location and the tree-covered expanse of grass.

Dusty Rhodes Park, Ocean Beach

Many locals bring their dogs to enjoy this park near the beach, perfect for some exercise under the palm trees and sea air.

Hiking Trails:

Cowles Mountain

Though one of the busiest hikes in San Diego, this short and steep trail great for taking your dog along. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both of you on hot days.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

This flat, shady trail is the perfect place to take your canine for a stroll. End at a waterfall where you can both cool off and then walk back along the same beautiful path.

Beaches:

Dog Beach, Ocean Beach

Dogs of all shapes and sizes fill this popular beach with rock jetties on either side. Dogs are allowed off a leash in this area, so sit back in the sand and watch them play in the surf.

Fiesta Island, Mission Bay

Dogs are allowed off the leash on Fiesta Island, located right next to Sea World. Bring a group of friends for a picnic or a bonfire at one of the many bonfire pits on the island.

Restaurants:

Many restaurants in San Diego allow dogs on their patios, however, some areas are better for bringing your pup than others. Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest, and North Park are all neighborhoods with a heavy concentration of dog-friendly restaurants. In addition, many San Diego breweries allow dogs in their taprooms. Check websites or make a phone call before you go to make sure Fido is welcome!

Thank you for reading.

Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Do you love a certain spot we mentioned? Let us know in the comments.

EK YAPCreative DirectorPhotographerwww.ekyap.comwww.flickr.com/ekyap

Best Bars for Trivia in San Diego

San Diego is a dense community of brewing and beer. If you are in San Diego, it’s important that you take drinking alcohol seriously. We do! We also take games seriously, so we wanted to make sure that you know where you can find the best trivia nights in town.

Midtown: Regal Beagle

Wednesdays, 8pm

This unique restaurant in the heart of Midtown offers a fun atmosphere and amazing food during trivia. Try one of their artisan sausages, burgers, or tots topped with one of their many mustard choices, as well as a craft beer from their extensive tap list.

Mission Beach: Beachcomber

Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30pm

Popular with the coastal locals, this beachside bar is a great place to spend a night showing your smarts by the water. The top three teams win discounted drink tickets called “Beachcomber Bucks.”

Ocean Beach: Belching Beaver Brewery

Thursdays, 7pm

Bring your dog and your dinner to this busy and fun trivia night. Resident teams abound, and the music is always fun. The top three teams win gift cards for the brewery, and the winners of the middle round win a free flight of your choice of beers.

Gaslamp: Bubs at the Ballpark

Tuesdays, 8-10pm

Located right next to the Padres stadium, this lively downtown join offers surprise drink specials and the opportunity to win prizes and gift cards during trivia.

Little Italy: Princess Pub

Wednesdays, 7pm

If you’re in the mood for an authentic British pub, come enjoy some fish and chips while you play trivia in the heart of Little Italy. Gift cards are given out to the top three teams.

Miramar: 32 North Brewing Company

Thursdays, 7pm

For $10, you can enjoy unlimited tacos during trivia at 32 North. The large taproom is dog friendly, and features plenty of other games to enjoy in addition to a great beer lineup.

North Park: True North Tavern

Mondays, 8pm

If you’re in North Park looking for a fun quiz night, stop by this large sports bar and enjoy $4 St. Archer cans and $4 Jameson while you test your trivia knowledge. Watching the games on their many T.V. screens is a bonus.

Thanks for reading

Let us know if we missed some of your favorite San Diego trivia spots. Have you attended some of the ones we mentioned?

psych-ward

The Psych Ward, Crossroads Escape Games

One question we are constantly asked as an escape room business: “What is your favorite escape room?” While I am not sure we not come out and say it for fear of reprisal, we certainly love Crossroads Escape Games. They have been in business a bit longer than Steal and Escape, and we consider them friends.

About Crossroads Escape Games

The owners as Crossroads started their escape room a bit before us. They have experience in theatre and it’s very apparent when you play one of their games because the narrative and immersive quality are undeniable. They have been growing steadily since their start and are now offering a brand new game: The Psych Ward. The Psych Ward will be combined with the roster of their two existing games: The Hex Room and The Fun House.

Crossroads Escape Games’ Accolades

  • Ranked Top #3 Best Escape Room in the Nation by USA Today
  • Recipient of the Cadavers Award
  • Rated #1 Escape Room by Escape Rooms
  • Recipient of the Golden Pumpkin Award
  • Recipient of the Skeleton Key Award
  • Rated #1 escape room in Orange Country by USA Today, Best L.A. Escape Rooms, Horrorbuzz.com, Escape Room Tips, My Haunt Life, FanBoyNation, Gamingshogun and more!

Crossroads Escape Games’ Press

  • ABC7 Eye on L.A. Feature
  • OS Weekly Feature

The Escape Rooms

The Fun House

The fun house game is a family-friendly game for all ages. Here you will find clowns and magicians. This room is the least difficult of the three offered by Crossroads Escape Games.

[themify_button text=”Visit The Fun House” target=”_blank” link=”https://crossroadsescapegames.com/the-hex-room/”]Visit The Fun House[/themify_button]

The Hex Room

Arguably the best escape room of all time, The Hex Room is world-famous. Players who attempt this game have a finish rate of one half when compared to The Fun House. This is a 16+ game as well. Sorry kids. You will have to wait until your sweet 16.

[themify_button text=”Visit The Hex Room” target=”_blank” link=”https://crossroadsescapegames.com/the-hex-room/”]Visit The Hex Room[/themify_button]

The Psych Ward

So now we get to the point of this blog post. These guys are opening a new game. We have been talking to the owners and they are so ready to launch. While the game is shrouded in mystery, we do know a few things. The game will host 5-8 players and is also requires guests to be 16 years of age or older. The game is set to open this month.

[themify_button text=”Visit The Hex Room” target=”_blank” link=”https://crossroadsescapegames.com/the-psych-ward/”]Visit The Psych Ward[/themify_button]

Have you been to Crossroads Escape Games? What are some of your favorite escape rooms? Let us know in the comments below.

coffe-shop

Best Coffee in Golden Hill, San Diego, California

So why Coffee?

Everyone has their different rituals for getting into their escape game mode. For me, coffee is a key ingredient for puzzle solving and coordinating with others. Steal and Escape is based in National City. Golden Hill is a bit more residential than National City, so if you are in town, it might be a nice place to grab a cup of joe before playing heading down to play one of our games. We created a list for you, so you can skip the guessing work.

Krakatoa

Located on 25th street (between B and C) rates number one for Best Golden Hill Coffee. It rests in the heart of Golden Hill underneath the shade of a beautiful banyan tree that overlooks its sizeable patio. The building is abundantly charming, keeping the character of the once smaller Craftsman house from which it was rendered. The décor and menu are volcano-themed. Coffee selection is carefully curated and includes an array of espresso coffee drinks, or fresh brewed organic, medium, or dark roast to put a spring in your step. Coffees and teas are from the premium Caffe Calabria and you can even bring your canine companion since the Krakatoa team are fellow dog lovers!

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Runner-up for best GH coffee is Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, owned by a trio of brothers who hail from Koloa, Hawaii. They certainly transferred some of Hawaii’s “aloha spirit” with their exceptional barista customer service who serve a variety of coffee.One of the founders of Steal and Escape was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii so the Hawaiian origins are significant. The coffee includes such items like deliciously well-crafted nitro cold-brew, single-origin pour overs, and specialty drinks. For example, “The Champ” with its espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, and honey. Grab an accompanying pastry from their own Skinny Donuts vegan doughnut line! The company has an intimate hand in the coffee process, going on various trips to places like Ethiopia to garner recipe insights and more importantly, create ties with the local communities.

Influx Café

Last but certainly not least is Influx Café located on Broadway! The mod-chic space attracts a highly productive customer base of students and business workers, though this space is perfect for friends looking for some relaxed conversation as well. The drink menu includes the must-have Vietnamese coffee (hot or cold) that will keep you laser-focused throughout the day, as well as tea lattes and mochas that will satisfy any divergent tastes.

What do you think?

We won’t hold it against you if you disagree? Where did we go right? Where did we go wrong? Looking forward to hearing from you!

San Diego Downtown

4 San Diego Adventurous Activities

Escape-Room-Style Adventures

Looking for an adventure in San Diego similar to Escape Rooms? Escape rooms throughout North America, Asia, Europe, Russia, and New Zealand share some common elements. In essence, it is a timed, physical puzzle that may or may not involve storytelling. The puzzles require strategy, cooperation, and hints to escape, and they are based on the video game genre “escape-the-room.” Although not an exhaustive list, common locations of escape rooms are space stations, prison cells, dungeons, laboratories, and shipwrecks. Because of similarities, the escape room demographic usually includes people who enjoy interactive team problem-solving in a creative, meaningful environment full of symbols and mystery. Here are additional San Diego activities (in no particular order) that might interest the average escape room player:

  1.   Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt

While most scavenger hunts in San Diego appeal to children, Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt contains clue-based games and hunts that are specially designed to be challenging for adults. It is far from run-of-the-mill passive walking tours. Instead, the scavenger hunt is a unique competition to identify a killer using detective skills while exploring beautiful locations such as Old Town San Diego, Newport Beach, Downtown Laguna Beach, or San Clemente. Armed with nothing but your wits, imagination, and team, you will compete with up to ten other teams scattered throughout the area in this “whodunnit?” remix. According to Yelp, even participants who did not identify the killer listed a 5-star entertained experience.

  1.   The Haunted Trail Balboa Park

This thrilling outdoor experience boasts a venue too large for the ordinary haunted house. While the Haunted Trail is a mile long stretch at world-famous Balboa and does not necessarily require navigating physical puzzles, you will be required to carefully navigate mental obstacles like fear and anxiety. Who knows what awaits as you walk through the trail of gnarled oaks and twisted pines towards the abandoned bus and farmhouse? All we know for certain is that popular horror icons like Freddy, Pennywise, Leatherface, and Michael Myers will be there, as well as the Stranger Things house and upside down world.

  1.   Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park

Chillino Rock Climbing Company offers the safety equipment and setting to privately rock climb in Joshua Tree National Park. You may bring an entire group on the expedition and take your escape-room problem-solving skills to the Mojave high desert! The national park hosts a variety of difficulty levels for climbing from beginner to advanced. The bouldering, steep faces, multi-pitch, and low angle slabs, as well as thousands of moderate crack, climbs embedded in the magnificent rocky landscape will surely have you thinking about your every next step.

  1.   Coin-Op Game Room

Want to satisfy your craving for action gameplay and camaraderie without the physical obstacle course? Check out San Diego’s first arcade bar located in North Park. The menu hosts American style burgers and finger-foods. Loosen up your gaming thumbs at the notable bar program that includes a rotating 20 craft beers and house cocktails. The Coin-Op game-room boasts dozens of games from current day to childhood classics. Yelp favorites include Streetfigher, Mariokart, and Galaga just to name a few!

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The Origin of Escape Rooms

Escape Rooms were Live Clubs

Our current digital age has left the information-overloaded population to once again seek out adventure in the physical world. The phenomena led to the success of escape rooms, and this is evidenced by a closer examination of their roots. Scrap Inc. in Japan was the first documented example where the concept of the digital escape room was transferred to a “lets do this in the real world” counterpart. Scrap Entertainment Inc. is a Kyoto-based event company managed by Takao Kato. The thirty-five-year-old entrepreneur opened Real Escape Game (Riaru Dasshutsu Ge-mu) in July 2007 for teams of 5-6 players. “I thought I could create my own adventure, a story, and then invite people to be a part of it,” said Kato. The entrepreneur credits his inspiration for the concept after witnessing a classmate play an online version of an escape-the-room. Originally, Real Escape Room events were hosted live in clubs or bars equipped with clues. One would have to purchase tickets immediately as these live events sold out quickly.

The Explosion in Popularity for Escape Rooms

It was not until 2011 that physical escape rooms began to exponentially explode in popularity, starting in Budapest and Eastern Europe. Rooms began spreading across Europe, Canada, Australia, and then moving into North America by about 2012. As the history of escape rooms is convoluted and difficult to accurately trace, a better approach would be to explore some of the interactive media that served as direct inspiration. These include role-playing games, escape-the-room games, and puzzle hunts.

Live Role-playing Games in Escape Rooms

Role-playing games, more prominently live-action role-playing games, revealed gamers’ wishes for a further immersive setting than their tabletop narratives. A notable amount of national organizations in the 1980s like NERO (New England Role Playing Organization) and IFGS (International Fantasy Gaming Society) created a precursor to escape rooms. They provided scenarios and rulesets for players to equip themselves with foam weapons and corresponding costumes to engage in puzzle solving and combat. A few of the scenarios even included timed escape from tarp-covered locked rooms in the woods.

1980’s Escape Game Influences

The next important precursor is the point-and-click adventure games and escape-the-room digital games. In the 1980s, interactive 2D text-based fiction games required gamers to locate and combine items and solve riddles by typing computer commands. This morphed into point-and-click adventures as computer and mice graphics advanced and became the norm. The most popular digital game that evolved from this 2D world to 3D world was Myst, a quintessential escape-the-room type game full of strategy-based barriers and appeals to exploration.

Puzzle Hunts in Escape Rooms

Lastly, puzzle hunts were a pivotal precursor to escape rooms. In puzzle hunts, digitized or paper-based puzzles lead to a chain of increasingly difficult puzzles, with the ultimate goal of solving a related meta-puzzle. The game is not solitary, and players once again work in teams to solve the intricately connected riddles. Puzzle hunts vary with focus on either the problem-solving aspect of the game or the social experience, MIT Mystery Hunt is an iconic example of the genre and remains a long-lasting annual tradition to this day.

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