Recess

4.6

1468 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

About this restaurant

Lively
Good for groups
Great for live music

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.

Recess is a 21+ establishment.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–12:00 am Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–2:00 am Sat 11:00 am–3:00 am Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 801-1181
Website
http://chicagoinrecess.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Boo Kim
Private party facilities
Our sister venue – City Hall – is an unparalleled choice for weddings, private functions, live events, conferences, product launches, commercial video & photo production, and fundraising galas. The building’s industrial character is preserved with touch points inspired by historic municipal buildings, while classic details and finishes, enhance the space’s timeless decor. With your vision, our team is ready to expertly host your event of a lifetime. Learn more about City Hall at their website: https://thecityhall.com/

Location
838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642-6532
Neighborhood
West Loop
Cross street
Green Street
Parking details
A paid parking lot is available across the street on Kinzie.
Public transit
Green or Pink Lines to Morgan StopBlue Line to GrandI-90 to Racine (right off of the exit)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dancing, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Berry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast V$16.00
thick cut brioche, berry mascarpone, maple crème, fresh whipped cream, berries, lemon zest
BLT & E*$14.00
Bacon-Onion Jam, Arugula, Tomato, Sunny Egg, Chipotle Mayo, Brioche Bun, Home Fries
Avocado Toast*$13.00
Multigrain Toast, Smashed Avocado, Poached Eggs, Caper Salsa Verde, Pickled Shallots
Huevos Rancheros V$15.00
Black Bean Puree, Pickled Red Onion, Oaxaca Cheese, Salsa Roja, Cilantro Crema, Corn Tostadas, Sunny Eggs
Biscuits & Gravy$14.00
Warm Cheddar Biscuits, Pork Sausage Gravy, Scallions
Breakfast Burrito*$14.00
Scrambled Eggs, Chicken Chorizo, Queso Fresco, Black Bean Salsa, Avocado Mayo, Home Fries
Pork Belly Fried Rice GF$15.00
Miso Glazed Pork Belly, Edamame, Kimchi, Sriracha, Adobo Sauce, Sunny Egg
Steak N Eggs GF$32.00
Skirt Steak, Chimichurri, Banana Pepper Relish, Home Fries, Sunny Eggs

Starters

Recess Snack Mix V$11.00
Chocolate Almond Butter Coated Chex Mix & Pretzels, Powder Sugar (Take a bag to go
Chicken And Waffle Fries*$15.00
Crispy Chicken Bites, Wa e Fries, Nashville Hot Honey
Loaded Tater Tots$15.00
Cheddar Cheese, Giardiniera, Crispy Bacon, Scallions, Sour Cream
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls$15.00
Cheddar-Jack Cheese, Pimento, Corn Relish 15 Bleu Cheese Dressing
Cheeseburger Sliders$17.00
Prime Beef Patty, Candied Black Pepper Bacon, Pepper Jack Cheese, Chipotle Aioli, Hawaiian Bun
Hummus*$15.00
Pomegranate Seeds, Chili Oil, Watermelon Radish, Carrots, Cucumbers, Warm Pita

Salads

Add to any salad: Chicken $6, Skirt Steak $11

Chopped GF, V$20.00
romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lupini beans, mama lil's peppers, olive oil roasted artichoke, carrots, eggs, avocado, blue cheese crumbles, sunflower seeds, balsamic vinaigrette
Caesar$16.00
romaine, house made caesar dressing, garlicky croutons, parmesan cheese
Super Greens GF, V$18.00
Tuscan Kale, Spinach, Shaved Broccoli, Manchego, Mixed Berries, Almonds, Green Goddess Dressing

Sandwiches/Burgers

Served with Tater Tots, Waffle Fries or Side Salad

Honey Bbq Turkey Wrap* 🔥$16.00
Shredded Turkey Salad, Sweet Heat Mustard Sauce, Honey Poppy Seed Coleslaw, Spinach Wrap
Jerk Chicken Sandwich* 🔥$18.00
Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Mango-Coconut Garam Masala, Pickles, Boston Lettuce, Ciabatta Bun
Black Bean Burger* V$17.00
Pickled Peppers, Buttermilk Fried Onions, Green Goddess, Brioche Bun
Birria Burger* 🔥$20.00
Pasilla Rubbed Prime Beef Patty, Fried Poblano Rings, Queso Fresco, Onions, Cilantro, Toasted Bun, Modelo Adobo Dip
Double Smashburger*$20.00
Two Prime Beef Patties, Buttermilk Fried Onions, House Pickles, Cheddar Cheese, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Brioche Bun

Dessert

Tipsy Scout Cookies V (Contains alcohol)$16.00
Some More A's • Rum Caramel, Coconut, Rice Crackers, Chocolate Do's & Don'ts • Oatmeal, Dried Fruit, Peanut Butter Whiskey Thick Mints • Triple Chocolate Crème De Menthe
Doughnuts V$10.00
Mexican Chocolate, Mixed Berry Mascarpone, Passion Fruit Curd

What 1,468 people are saying

Recess reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Recess offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for gatherings, with "great vibes" and a "fun environment." Ideal for sunny days, guests love the "amazing outdoor space" and engaging games. While the drinks and brunch, especially "bottomless mimosas," are highlights, service quality can vary. Overall, it's a lively spot for socializing.

1,468 Reviews

S
Sergio
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Went for the superbowl, had a good time could use some more servers that’s my only issue
Is this helpful?
M
Melissa
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious and kid-friendly with a fun vibe. Games on all the tables. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
M
Megan VIP
Cleveland14 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A great place to meet up with friends for a fun, casual brunch with good food and cocktails or to get a group together to watch a game!
Is this helpful?
G
Gabrielle
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a lot of fun! It was our first time there and we didn’t know what to expect but it was definitely worth it! We’ll be back again for more brunch and possibly a happy hour or two.
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a great place to spend a Saturday brunch! I was celebrating my birthday and it was perfect. The games on the tables made it even more fun with everyone!
Is this helpful?
I
Ismail I
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience at Recess !!! Good food , drinks , atmosphere and the service was impeccable.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had so much fun as we always do. Took friends who were visiting from out of town and they loved it!
Is this helpful?
S
Sherrie
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on October 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great experience to gather with a group of friends
Is this helpful?
LL
LionelL
Minneapolis2 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 5, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience and nothing new here. Would like to see a dog menu at some point since it’s such an animal friendly spot
Is this helpful?
C
Chloe
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on September 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
great spot for a large party, shareable portions and the marg tower was delicious
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Recess does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Recess is rated 4.6 stars by 1468 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642-6532

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Green Street
Neighborhood
West Loop
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 4:00 pm–12:00 am Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–2:00 am Sat 11:00 am–3:00 am Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
A paid parking lot is available across the street on Kinzie.
Public transit
Green or Pink Lines to Morgan StopBlue Line to GrandI-90 to Racine (right off of the exit)
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Boo Kim
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dancing, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://chicagoinrecess.com/
Phone number
(312) 801-1181
Private party facilities
Our sister venue – City Hall – is an unparalleled choice for weddings, private functions, live events, conferences, product launches, commercial video & photo production, and fundraising galas. The building’s industrial character is preserved with touch points inspired by historic municipal buildings, while classic details and finishes, enhance the space’s timeless decor. With your vision, our team is ready to expertly host your event of a lifetime. Learn more about City Hall at their website: https://thecityhall.com/

Recess

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Chicken BLT

Veggie

Featured Cocktails

Cold Brew$5.00

Bloody Mary$10.00

Bottomless Mimosa (bottomless - per person)$28.00

Boozy Cereal Bowls$16.00

Mains

Berry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast V$16.00

BLT & E*$14.00

Avocado Toast*$13.00

Huevos Rancheros V$15.00

Biscuits & Gravy$14.00

Breakfast Burrito*$14.00

Pork Belly Fried Rice GF$15.00

Steak N Eggs GF$32.00

Starters

Recess Snack Mix V$11.00

Chicken And Waffle Fries*$15.00

Loaded Tater Tots$15.00

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls$15.00

Cheeseburger Sliders$17.00

Hummus*$15.00

Salads

Chopped GF, V$20.00

Caesar$16.00

Super Greens GF, V$18.00

Sandwiches/Burgers

Honey Bbq Turkey Wrap* 🔥$16.00

Jerk Chicken Sandwich* 🔥$18.00

Black Bean Burger* V$17.00

Birria Burger* 🔥$20.00

Double Smashburger*$20.00

Dessert

Tipsy Scout Cookies V (Contains alcohol)$16.00

Doughnuts V$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Recess offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Recess restaurant rated?

Is Recess currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information