If you are looking for an escape room in Austin with a different vibe, Novel Escape is a great spot to check out. Located at 7950 Anderson Square #108, this space opened in 2019 as the first literary-themed escape room venue in Texas. The waiting area feels like a cozy Victorian library, complete with shelves full of novels, old-school artifacts, and a photo booth to take photos after your game. They operate strictly by appointment from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours starting at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays, 2:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12:00 PM on weekends, closing at 10:00 PM every night.
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They currently offer two fully immersive adventures, with a Sherlock Holmes room coming soon. Their main attraction is 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, inspired by the Jules Verne classic. In this 60-minute game designed for 2 to 6 players, your team starts inside a submarine capsule and has an hour to find hidden treasure before the air supply runs out. It is challenging—rated a 9 out of 10 in difficulty—but it is built to be exciting rather than scary, making it suitable for families with older kids. This room was even nominated as a Top Room by the TERPECAs (Top Escape Rooms Project Enthusiasts' Choice Awards) for both 2024 and 2025.
Their second option, Royale Casino Heist, puts players in the shoes of secret agents trying to crack a casino vault. A unique touch in this room is the inclusion of a live actor playing a blackjack dealer inside the room to guide the experience. You do not need any special background knowledge or prior reading of the books to enjoy either room, and the game masters are on hand to ensure you don't get stuck without helpful clues.
Pricing ranges from $37 to $49 per person depending on the size of your group, with larger groups of 5 to 6 paying $39 per person, down to $49 for a private pair. All bookings are strictly private, so you will never be placed with strangers. If you play on a Wednesday or Thursday, you can use the code MIDWEEK10 for a 10% discount. Note that all participants must be at least 12 years old, and players between 12 and 16 need an adult present.
Published Date
6 August 2026
