Recess

Name: Recess
Address: 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60642-6532
Telephone: (312) 801-1181
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1271 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Recess serves up good times, delicious American fare and zero red tape in Chicago’s West Loop. Retractable glass-paneled garage doors open directly onto our playful 14,500sq ft patio – the largest in Chicago. Executive Chef Boo Kim's menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated twists on well-loved dishes with a touch of playful Chicago swagger. From starters such as the Loaded Tater Tots and The Quilted Hog (Our Giant Pig in a Blanket) to mains like the Pork Belly Sandwich and Braised beef Short Ribs, there’s something for every appetite (including vegan and gluten-free). Stephenie Jensen’s beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original named with tongue-in-cheek references to Chicago culture and politics.

Recess is a 21+ establishment.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2022

11:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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

Experiences

NYE House Party
$40.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 31, 2022 only
Our house. Your Party! Join us this New Years Eve for a RECESS HOUSE PARTY featuring a 4 hour food and drink package, djs and dancing, and even a few party tricks up our sleeves. Dress up, dress down, this is your party and we’ll be there to make sure you have everything you need to ring in 2023!

Popular dishes

Nutella French Toast$16.00
brûléed banana, hazelnut brittle, caramel sauce
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$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, scallion
Breakfast Burrito$14.00
house-made chicken chorizo, scrambled eggs, queso fresco, black bean salsa, avocado mayo, home fries
Pork Belly Fried Rice$15.00
miso glazed pork belly, edamame, kimchi, sriracha, adobo sauce, sunny egg
Steak N Eggs$26.00
skirt steak, chimichurri, banana pepper relish, home fries, sunny eggs

Starters

Chicken & Waffle Fries$15.00
crispy chicken bites, waffle fries, nashville hot honey
Recess Dip Trio$15.00
pumpkin hummus, roasted garlic labneh, chunky morita salsa, crudite, house chips, lavash
Loaded Tater Tots$13.00
cheddar cheese, giardiniera, crispy bacon, scallions, sour cream
Smoked Mozzarella Taquitos$14.00
purple potato, pickled red onion, tomatillo crema, lime
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls$13.00
corn relish, cheddar-jack cheese, pimento, bleu cheese dressing
Pulled Pork Nachos$17.00
cilantro, pickled red onion, lime crema, cheese sauce

Salads

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

Caesar Salad$13.00
parmesan, croutons, oven roasted tomatoes
Cashew Crunch$14.00
spinach, quinoa, edamame, cabbage, carrot, wonton strips, cashew dressing

Sandwiches

Served with Tater Tots or Side Salad

City Hall Cheeseburger Sliders$17.00
candied black pepper bacon, pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, sesame brioche
Chipotle Shrimp Wrap$17.00
pickled carrots, arugula, cucumber, goat cheese, green goddess, lavash
Grilled Cheese$16.00
fontina, cheddar, candied jalapeños, tomato onion jam, sourdough
Chicken Sandwich$15.00
(grilled or crispy) fresh mozzarella, beefsteak tomato, pesto mayo, brioche bun
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich$16.00
cabbage slaw, pickled strawberries, strawberry bbq, toasted shokupan
Turkey Club$16.00
bacon, pickled red onion, oven dried tomato, pepperjack cheese, cabbage slaw, green goddess aioli, pullman (Sub beyond Burger +$2)

Dessert

Warm Dark Chocolate Brownie Skillet$13.00
(allow 20 mins cooking time) chocolate brittle, almond crumble, salted caramel ice cream, whipped cream
Cinnamon Crunch Bread Pudding$13.00
orange caramel, smoked maple bourbon pecan ice cream

What 1,271 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience2
The servers were rude and not friendly. They over charged our bill with food no one got. I will not be going back.
K
Kami
Chicago
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall3food4service5ambience3
I feel like the energy at Recess is much better during the summer- it was made for the summer. Fall/winter, I gave it a try and was underwhelmed. The menu seems to missing a bit more variety and I desired more offerings.
DD
DDChi
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience4
This is a wonderful spot to enjoy food and drinks on a warm day. All the food tastes amazing; I haven’t had a bad item yet!
BP
BrianaP
Washington DC
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
Recess is definitely a fun vibe. The outdoor space is well decorated and there plenty of space to move around. The food was very delicious. I had loaded tots and nachos that I split with friends. The featured beer was surprisingly good. The cocktails we had were terrible. The service was weird, at first it seem our server was not quick to take our order, but the food came out fast. I'll definitely come back.
AM
AishaM
Adelaide
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Nice outdoor space... food was good and so was the mimosas.
AF
AshleyF
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The ambiance was amazing. Super fun for my friend’s bday celebration! Wish you guys would do flavored bottomless mimosas. Overall great place!
AB
AshleyB
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience2
This place is good if you have a large event with co-workers or want a place to hang for a sporting event. I would not recommend it for a low key evening out, even if you want to people watch. The food was pretty bad, the order came out incorrectly, apps came with dinner and the app tasted like it had sat out for a bit (musty taste). Drinks are too expensive for what it is, can get a better value at a better location.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Brunch at Recess is a must in the west loop! So fun, great bottomless mimosas, food & an overall fun time!
PA
PattyA
Chicago
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
The hostesses have no clue on what they are doing or how to seat a room. The place is average and the food is average.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience5
Usually love recess but yesterday they were out of so many things we ended up leaving and eating somewhere else.
RC
RyanC
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a fantastic time as always at Recess for Bear down Sunday! The staff is great! We can watch the game and enjoy the company each week. We love bringing our dog and there is a heated space for the cooler days coming that is still dog friendly! All the food is really tasty, and this week I tried the new special burger and brat. The burger was incredible! (Note it contains nuts) The brat was also very good with a sweet mustard jam that shouldn't be slept on! I had a few of the pink drink, which tastes phenomenal, but the best part is that a dollar is donated to breast cancer research. Hope Recess starts selling the pink swag I saw many of the servers wearing!
RecessResponded on October 12, 2022Hi Ryan! We will be getting in some of that pink swag next week for sale! Thanks for coming to visit us!
u
umanniew
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
We came to watch Thursday Night Football, and it was a good vibe. The DJ was great, and there are plenty of TVs. Food was hit or miss — we liked the ceviche and sliders were okay, but we were not fans of the cheesesteak taquitos (way too greasy and lacking flavor). Our server was excellent.
RC
RyanC
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always have such a fantastic time at Recess. Their food have continues to level up and their cocktails have always been top tier! Be sure to head over during bears games for the specials, promotions, and different yard games!
JT
JohnT
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun for a game or an outing
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This experience was awesome and so convenient! So glad we came across it! Pretty much a bus will pick you up from recess and they take you to and from the bears game which is convenient bc you can enjoy yourself!!
CH
ConnorH
Detroit
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Food and space was great but they forgot one of meals and it ended up coming out wrong 20 minutes later.
SS
StephenS
Las Vegas
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed it. Much more for younger crowd but lots of fun. Good prices and atmosphere
RecessResponded on September 25, 2022Thank you!
PP
PatsyP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had so much fun at the bachelorette party!!!! Definitely coming back here
RecessResponded on September 25, 2022Thank you!
P
Pris
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time and space to be with friends! The service was great and the server had great recommendations to give!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lynnsey was amazing. She gave excellent recommendations and was so fun! Great time and good food :)
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot, was there for wedding after party!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience with the outdoor atmosphere. Absolutely loved it
BL
BrunchLover
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Recess was worth the hype! The drinks were good, the food was great and the atmosphere was overall very good! This place was a lot of fun and worth a return visit!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The atmosphere and ambiance was perfect. The food was good and the service was good as
S
Shenita
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall2food1service1ambience4
The overall experience was mediocre due the the initial waitress. I don’t mind paying automatic gratuity however there are expectations that accompany that. Her service was well below standard and frankly unacceptable. The actual food was sub par. However, The second waitress was great and did a great job of being attentive and friendly. And so if I ever return it would be for the drinks and games only.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kevin was outstanding! I hope we have him every time we’re there.
BB
BrittanyB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So Brittany seated us and she was a VIBE, such a sweet girl and our waitress was amazing! I forgot her name but it was a great experience
RecessResponded on August 29, 2022Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience5
Pretty boring spot for a guys night out
AS
AllieS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chicken & waffles fries are great! The atmosphere is great for a GNO or first date
RecessResponded on August 29, 2022Thank you!
S
Sara
Chicago
41 reviews
4.0
41 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall4food4service2ambience5
Great for day drinking outside and they have bobs pizza which is delicious. The service was very slow.
K
Katie
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server did a great job checking in at appropriate times and also providing feedback on food and drink preferences. The hostess also was accommodating with getting us a table outside but still in the shade. It was a great time overall!
RecessResponded on August 29, 2022Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Everything was good and our server was really nice. Only thing was the music they were playing could've been better.
RecessResponded on August 29, 2022Thank you!
R
Romantic
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience per usual
RecessResponded on August 29, 2022Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Recess is a great place to come with friends! Great vibes, drinks, and food!
RecessResponded on August 29, 2022Thank you!
MW
MaWa
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to go with friends. Fast service, good food, good drinks, overall energy was great for the weekends. Parking is difficult in the surrounding areas on busy days so keep that in mind.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great time! Food and service were spectacular. Sasha was Fierce! Give her a promotion!
AM
AmandaM
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, awesome atmosphere, friendly service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall4food2service3ambience5
Using Open Table made reservations seamless. We had our two young children with us and the ambience was more than sufficient for the occasion. Great vibes, good music, nice crowd. I would suggest eating before you get there as the food is ok, but nothing to save your appetite for. Appetizers are ideal to keep up with your drinks. The best occasion would be with friends or small groups. The perfect time IMO is between 6p-7p. The service can suffer from overwhelming orders, it's advised to buy beer or pitchers to sustain said groups. Overall, the space is nice, the staff is friendly and helpful. Great vibes and decent music, dont go hungry, indulge in finger food or eat before you get there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
Made reservations for two when we were seated we asked for a bigger table, the one given was big enough for two plates and two cups nothing more. We were denied any of the 20 plus tables next to us and was offered another small table that was hidden in a corner. The managers were more worried about accommodating the future reservations than us that was currently there. Not knowing if any future reservations would show up and/or choose an outside seating table which there was plenty available. I’ll never return. We went to STAX that wasn’t far away from here & was accommodated amazingly.
MP
MeaghanP
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lynnsey made our experience incredible!! So thankful for her and we had the best time! Thank you Lynnsey. If you go request her section!!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Recess using the Order Online button. Recess also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Recess is rated 4.5 stars by 1271 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2022

11:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Order online

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
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

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Dining areas

Additional information

NYE House Party

City Hall Cheeseburger Sliders

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Chicken &amp Waffle Fries

Featured Cocktails

Cold Brew$5.00

Bloody Mary$10.00

Bottomless Mimosa (bottomless - per person)$27.00

Mains

Nutella French Toast$16.00

BLT & E$14.00

Avocado Toast$13.00

Huevos Rancheros$15.00

Biscuits & Gravy$14.00

Breakfast Burrito$14.00

Pork Belly Fried Rice$15.00

Steak N Eggs$26.00

Starters

Chicken & Waffle Fries$15.00

Recess Dip Trio$15.00

Loaded Tater Tots$13.00

Smoked Mozzarella Taquitos$14.00

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls$13.00

Pulled Pork Nachos$17.00

Salads

Caesar Salad$13.00

Cashew Crunch$14.00

Sandwiches

City Hall Cheeseburger Sliders$17.00

Chipotle Shrimp Wrap$17.00

Grilled Cheese$16.00

Chicken Sandwich$15.00

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich$16.00

Turkey Club$16.00

Dessert

Warm Dark Chocolate Brownie Skillet$13.00

Cinnamon Crunch Bread Pudding$13.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

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

Options

Dining areas

Additional information