Recess Tapas LoungeFun, TrendyI hadn't been downtown in a while, so visiting recess was enjoyable for my small group of friends. We made a reservation and once at the hostess stand, we were seated immediately. I read other reviews and was slightly worried, however, the sangria did not disappoint and the lomo saltado was excellent! The best part of the meal was the decadent bread pudding...I loved it so much, that I'm making my own today! Is this absolutely fine dining-no, but the food is enjoyable and the ambiance made me feel trendy! I would visit Recess again for dinner before going out on the town. How can I forget...they have valet-which I always love!!!!!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat hidden enclaveThe food was fantastic - simply tasty. The service (shout out to Natasha!) was perfect. Natasha knew the menu, she was chatty, attentive .... and our drinks never went empty. The music was great and at the right level. Dim lighting and cool ambiance. We all commented that this would be a great first date (or any date) spot. We will be back5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's tucked away in a basementIt's tucked away in a basement and significantly smaller than I imagined but the vibe was great, along with the service. The chef came over several times and was very nice and the traditional Venezuelan dishes on the menu were authentic and a pleasant surprise. We had an amazing groupon for 8 tapas and unlimited sangria for 4 people for only $55 so that was even better. Otherwise I think the menu is slightly over priced.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent. TheThe food was excellent. The portion of the lamb could be more generous. The sangria was also very good and the desserts were also very good. I will come back.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMChef Will Vivas knocked itChef Will Vivas knocked it out of the ballpark when he came to our table to say hi and inquire about the food. Naturally, we all told him the truth and said we were blown away with each dish's savor.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful quality, beautiful prepWonderful, delicious food with a nice location to our hotel. I was able to eat healthy foods as well as delicious, opulent food! My husband & I loved this place.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing tapas!We loved Recess. The ambiance was great, and the tapas were delicious! I couldn't even pick my favorite, because they were all excellent. The sangria was excellent as well. A bit pricey, so it's a place for special occasions, but definitely worth the money if you are in the mood for a treat.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden, affordable, delicious gemRecess is great and affordable! Located right by the White House in downtown and such a sophisticated menu, you would think the lounge would break the bank. This is hardly the case...I highly recommend the bottomless sangria, (which is truly bottomless). Their tapas plate size is quite filling, I found two per person is plenty. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. I will say at first the lounge is a bit hard to find as you have to go downstairs into the basement to get there, so just keep that in mind.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGood portions for tapas. FoodGood portions for tapas. Food was very delicious and definitely recommend getting dessert as well. If you are looking for a good drink, order the sangria-its very tasty and sweet. Neat ambiance-definitely make a reservation ahead of time to be seated immediately. Service was friendly and food comes out fast! Will definitely go again!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food choices were availableGreat food choices were available and each dish was exceptional with many, many large portions ... we were three, two guys and a girl, eight plates and one and a half pitchers of sangria were just right for us ... will definately go again ...4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMStumbled upon this undergroundStumbled upon this underground gem when looking for lunch availability for four people. A delight. Tapas style, but larger portions, great Cuban and South American food. Delish!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOur party of 3 ordered 6 tapasOur party of 3 ordered 6 tapas and a salad, and all were either very good or outstanding. The Loma Salteado is incredible, and the scallops on pesto risotto were wonderful. It was slow when we were there (1:00 p.m. on a Tuesday) with only a few other diners, and the service was attentive and knowledgable. All in all a wonderful dining experience. We plan on returning for dinner.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was wonderful. ServiceFood was wonderful. Service was very friendly. We were on a Groupon deal for unlimited sangria, and they kept them coming. Would definitely recommend to all my friends.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThank you! We had a greatThank you! We had a great time and for tapas, the portions were huge!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat tapas!!This place is below the sidewalk, but don't be put off. The food and the service were great!! The location near a metro station is a plus. Please make sure to get the steak (the peppery one), but everytring I tried was fabulous. My only disappont was the sauce that came with the calamari. It was a bland tomato sauce that added nothing to the calamari. In fact, I think the sauce distracted from it. Also, the lighting was so low I had to use a pen light to read the menu. I plan to return and would encourage you to go.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMHad it not been for the groupon,Had it not been for the groupon, I would not have even thought to even look for this place. I'm sooo glad I did. Everything from their ambiance to their food was excellent. You must try the lomo saltado and coconut shrimp. We will be back!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden GemGreat service, Great food, Great ambiance, etc. Definitely a great place for any occasion except for kids in my opinion. Especially for happy hour!!!3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMWe attended with a "Groupon"We attended with a "Groupon" for four tapas and unlimited sangria. The service was wonderful. The waitress checked with us after each dish to make sure we were satisfied. These tapas are quite large and four was plenty for my husband and myself. The scallops were the best we ever had, with a crunchy top. When we asked how they were cooked the chef came out and spent over 5 minutes with us explaining his method. The special venezuelan beef dish was excellent shredded beef and presented beautifully, which is difficlt for that dish. The special butter chicken was a surprise since it was an Indian dish in a mainly hispanic restaurant. The sangria was fair but it didn't take away from a fabulous experience. We will return.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had dinner at 6:00 on St.We had dinner at 6:00 on St. Paddy's Eve and it was nice and quiet; just what my wife and I were looking for. I believe the place starts hopping after 10pm. Food and service were great; really enjoyed and will be back.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThis example of a true loungeThis example of a true lounge in DC. It's the perfect place if you want cool restaurant feel at a later hour, or a nice place to start with a drink and bite to eat before a late night out. The food is fantastic and the menu has lots of tasty options.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFinding a Happy Hour thatFinding a Happy Hour that goes from 4-10pm is definitely a find. Great Food at Great Prices! All one block from the White House. Since it is downstairs and hidden from Street View, the foot traffic from tourists is non-existent, so the service is much better than other neighborhood establishments that often seem overwhelmed.2/27/2013 12:00:00 AM