Sauve Qui Peut - "The Clandestine Bar"

Updated: Apr 22

LOCATION:  Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada

Photo above is property of Sauve Qui Peut

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Clandestine Bar
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 10, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Adult, Bar
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 Players): 7/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 PPL (Recommend 2-6PP, ages 18+)
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CAD $32/PP
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES

📖 THE STORY

A local bar is long suspected to be a cover for running some clandestine operations, but it’s been impossible to get in there and gather any evidence. But tonight’s the night! The hottest jazz band is in town, and everyone is there! Sneak into the bar and see if you can prove what shady dealings have been going on - before the show ends and everyone is back in an hour!

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

There were a number of satisfying, hands-on manipulations and problem-solving moments (which seems to be common for Sauve Qui Peut in general, based on the three rooms I’ve played). Several times Cici and I tried to tell Brandon he shouldn’t be doing something…but he was totally right! These are super tactile but don’t necessarily require a lot of dexterity, and they’re great for people who might consider themselves better problem-solvers than “puzzlers”.
"The Clandestine Bar" definitely has a dramatic reveal that none of us expected! There was some shock, and a lot of laughter, and it’s not something we’ll forget. It’s a bold choice, and not your typical theme, bringing something unusual to the market - which some people will love!
Sauve Qui Peut has an excellent artist who works on a lot of their rooms, resulting in some really cool paintings (one of which is apparently even 3d?!). The set dressing in general does a great job making you feel like you’re in an alley and then a bar - if only those draught taps had been pouring some beer!

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

This game is listed as 18+, and they do state that the scenario may be offensive to some. We definitely respect wanting to minimize information to maximize surprises, but we see potential for some people to have a very awkward, embarrassing, or even upsetting time playing the game. Certainly not one to play with your parents or for a work team-building game! If you have concerns, you might want to touch base with them beforehand and see if you can get a little more information (or feel free to reach out to us)!
The ending was a little anticlimactic. We weren’t sure if we had actually finished or exactly what we needed to do at that stage. Just bear in mind that once you’ve completed the given goals - you’re done!

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

If you’re not easily shocked or offended and are looking for something a little different (and highly memorable), The Clandestine Bar might be for you! I can particularly see this room being a hit for bachelor/bachelorette parties or just folks out with a group of mates. SQP does rate this as an “Expert” room, and there are some puzzles that may not be super beginner-friendly. However, you get unlimited hints (but after three, they don’t officially count your game as a “win” if that’s important to you.) So, go start your investigation, if you think your group can handle it…

🔎 HINT:

Don’t be afraid to mess with things in the room, so long as they don’t have a “Do not touch” sticker on them! And remember that in Canada, the day goes before the month when it comes to listing dates!

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

The lobby/waiting area where you check in and have your rules/intro also has lockers and seating. There also are bathrooms available. There are a variety of parking options (both paid lots, free lots, and paid street parking) in the area. The closest free lot is about a 3-5 minute walk.

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

BOOK NOW

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Sauve Qui Peut for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.