Recess

Name: Recess
Address: 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60642-6532
Telephone: (312) 801-1181
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.1

4.1 (1478)

$31 to $50

American

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642-6532

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

9:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

Lively
Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour

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.

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://recesschicago.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/
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

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AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Berry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast V$16.00
thick cut brioche, berry mascarpone, maple crème, fresh whipped cream, berries, lemon zest
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, Queso Fresco, 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, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Mayo, Breakfast Potatoes
Pork Belly Fried Rice GF$15.00
Miso Glazed Pork Belly, Edamame, Kimchi, Sriracha, Adobo Sauce, Sunny Egg
Steak N Eggs GF$26.00
Skirt Steak, Chimichurri, Banana Peppers, Sunny Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes
Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuit$16.00
Buttermilk Biscuit, Pork Sausage, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Jam, Breakfast Potatoes
Crispy Chicken Biscuit$16.00
Buttermilk Biscuit, Crispy Chicken, Pickles, Breakfast Potatoes
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes V
Salted Maple Butter, Whipped Cream, Strawberries, Lemon Zest

Starters

Queso Dip$14.00
choose sausage or no meat four cheese blend, house made sausage, poblano & japapeno peppers, onions, modelo
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, Bleu Cheese Dressing
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, 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
Impossible Burger * V$17.00
impossible patty, lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, sriracha aioli on a brioche bun
Cheesy Beef Sandwich$16.00
hoagie roll, ground beef, sharp cheddar sauce, grilled onions
Double Smashburger*$20.00
Two Prime Beef Patties, Buttermilk Fried Onions, House Pickles, Cheddar Cheese, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Brioche Bun add a fried egg +$5
Cheeseburger Sliders$17.00
Prime Beef Patty, Candied Black Pepper Bacon, Pepper Jack Cheese, Chipotle Aioli, Hawaiian Bun

Dessert

Churro Cake V$12.00
churro bundt cake, dulce de leche, chocolate drizzle, vanilla gelato
Doughnuts V$10.00
Mexican Chocolate, Mixed Berry Mascarpone, Passion Fruit Curd

What 1,478 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

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.0Food
3.8Service
4.5Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Recess offers a lively atmosphere with "fun vibes" and "delicious" food, making it a great spot for brunch or casual dining. While service can be inconsistent, the smash burger and kid-friendly environment with games are highlights. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a meal with friends in a relaxed setting.

1,478 Reviews

C
Cassie VIP
Chicago / Illinois9 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 29, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The service here sucks!! I wasn't greeted when walking in, had to tell the boy host I had a reservation, walked me to my table, asked where the restrooms were and he just waived his hands toward the direction I think the restrooms were. So many servers greeted our table, didn't really know who our server was. Pepperoni pizza came out burnt after waiting 30 mins for our food. Took forever to get out server to let them know the pizza was burned, she really didn't know how to handle the situation. So another server came 15mins later and took the pizza and took our order for something else.
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S
Steve VIP
Chicago / Illinois51 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Overall, we enjoyed the experience. Food and drinks were good. Smash burger was solid!! The service started super slow but got better as the meal went on. Our server was having to work tables plus a private group upstairs so not entirely her fault. Finally a manager came by and got our drink order after about 15 min or so.
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A
Ariel
Phoenix / Arizona1 review
2.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Music was blasting, couldn't hear the waitress, no fans so it was in extreme heat and no way to cool down. They sat my group in the sun during a heat advisory and the food was not worth it. Spent 40 minutes in there altogether and won't be going back.
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C
Christina VIP
Chicago / Illinois8 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We came to Recess for a Father's Day lunch, and when we walked in were greeted by a very intimidating lady who asked for all of our IDs. Our experience did not get oof to a friendly start to match the joy of the day. The food was average and I had stomach upset the next day from eating the chips and queso. This restaurant is fine for doing a lot of drinking and eating processed food but not for families.
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A
Archie
Unspecified1 review
1.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
We went for brunch at Recess. Our service was so slow and poor. After appetizers we waited for 30 minutes for our waiter to come to take order for brunch. Finally we spotted her and called her over to order that’s when she says oops it’s 3:04pm and brunch is no longer offered. She forgot to come and tell us 15 minutes ago. We were so disappointed that we left.
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a
aimee
Washington, D.C. Area3 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
We came here for drinks and apps for a birthday party and were underwhelmed. Our server was not very busy and not very attentive or nice. We asked to divide up the checks and she refused to do that. We probably won’t be coming back
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j
jenise VIP
Chicago / Illinois8 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Had two reservations for 10 and we called twice to make sure they would allow our guests to split bills. They said we could just pay at bar and that didn’t make sense to us because how would the waitress make money? So We called a few days later they said no we have to order from our waitress because of the reason we said. And that we would be able to split checks. Great! Well, the end of the night we are only allowed to split it two ways as you can imagine how stressful that was after we told everyone they would be able to split it. So then the waitress didn’t know how to handle the situation and had to go get her manager to talk to us like she, the waitress who that told us we could split. Her name starts with an S I’m not gonna put her whole name on here because I’m not like that but people need to not be allowed to do things like that. But this originally we had two waitresses they asked us if we wanted to combine it. I said sure as long as that makes it easy for them at end and they both make money. I said it I don’t know how many times as long as it makes it easy those two agreed and then this happens. The waitress that stood with us that starts with an S said she agreed to give the other waitress her table. I’m sure me describing this so thoroughly everyone involved is going to remember who I was and remember the conversation. So double check, take names of who you talked to. Or better yet just email them to get things in writing so they can’t play the switch. Not cool at all Recess. I don’t ever complain but this was sneaky and unprofessional. We have no problem paying the bill, but you know how messy that can get at the end of the night after people have had some cocktails.
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C
Corentin
Chicago / Illinois1 review
2.0
Dined on April 6, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really not sure that we appreciate the service charge (18%) discretly included in the list of consumption and then asking for a tip to get double. Will be really careful next time we have to come.
1 person found this helpful
P
Pamela
Wisconsin1 review
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great time and great food. We stopped for brunch on our way out of Chicago. I'd love to come back and day drink. Food was delicious. Fun vibes
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J
Joe
Chicago / Illinois1 review
1.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Potential discrimination when trying to make a reservation
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FAQs

Recess does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Recess is rated 4.1 stars by 1478 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

9:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
http://recesschicago.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

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured Cocktails

Cold Brew$5.00

Bloody Mary$10.00

Bottomless Mimosa (bottomless - per person)$28.00

Mains

Berry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast V$16.00

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$26.00

Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuit$16.00

Crispy Chicken Biscuit$16.00

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes V

Starters

Queso Dip$14.00

Chicken And Waffle Fries*$15.00

Loaded Tater Tots$15.00

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls$15.00

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

Impossible Burger * V$17.00

Cheesy Beef Sandwich$16.00

Double Smashburger*$20.00

Cheeseburger Sliders$17.00

Dessert

Churro Cake V$12.00

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

Dining areas

Additional information