Recess

4.5 (1579)

$31 to $50

American

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642-6532

Make a reservation

Recess

4.5

$31 to $50

American

West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 6, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

Lively
Good for groups
Great for creative cocktails

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
George Harvey
Private party facilities
https://recesschicago.com/home#privateevents
Private party contact
The Event Sales Manager: (312) 801-1181
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

All Experiences

Recess Open 2026
$10.00 per person
Prepaid
1 - 20 people
Nov 25, 2026 only
Multiple times
The Recess Open | Black Wednesday | $10 Spend Black Wednesday at the Recess Open! We're partnering with ChiTown Par-Tee to bring two golf simulators and a 9-hole mini golf course to Recess. For just $10, your ticket includes: Longest Drive: 5 swings to hit your longest drive. Closest to the Pin: 5 swings to get as close as you can. Mini Golf: One round on our 9-hole course. See how you stack up on the leaderboard, grab food and drinks between rounds, and keep the night going at Recess! Simulator sessions are scheduled in 30-minute blocks. Mini golf can be played separately. Golf tickets do not include food, drinks, or a dining reservation. Dining reservations must be made separately. All attendees must be 21+ with valid ID.

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

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

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

sveta.s.belova
Dreaming of après-ski vibes 🏂❄️… but don’t want to leave Chicago? No mountains? No problem. ⠀ @thankyoufordancing team brought the first winter day-party series to the city — Powder (@powderapresparty). And it’s 🔥! ⠀ Only 2 dates left this season: Feb 21 & Mar 28 — don’t miss out! . . #thankyouforyourdancing #chicagoparty #chicagoevents #chicagobucketlist #apresskiparty
kalvin.eats
（🇺🇸West Loop • Chicago) Recess • Steak N Eggs $28 • Chicken & Waffle Fries $15 • Apple Pie French Toast $16 • Chicken Wings (one pound) $16 • Margarita Packs a Peach for Lunch $15 Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 3pm. Weekend brunch at @chicagoinrecess is all about easy vibes and comfort food. Cozy indoor space, big screens, playful brunch plates, and a relaxed energy that works for casual catch-ups or group brunches. Simple, fun, and very easy to enjoy. They also run happy hour and events throughout the week: trivia nights, karaoke, game nights, and weekend DJs, so it’s a spot you can come back to for different vibes. The steak and eggs were a favorite: coffee-rubbed skirt steak with chimichurri, sunny eggs, and breakfast potatoes. The steak was solid, but the breakfast potatoes really stood out. 📍 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642 ☎️ +1 312 801 1181 🔗 recesschicago.com #kalvineats #kalvineats🇺🇸 #kalvineats🇺🇸chicago west loop brunch • chicago brunch spots • brunch and mimosas • west loop eats • casual brunch chicago • chicken and waffles chicago • steak and eggs chicago • chicago bars • weekend brunch chicago • 芝加哥 • 시카고 • シカゴ
dee.luxee.eats
Playtime, but make it grown-up! 🌟 Recess isn’t just home to the largest patio in Chicago—it’s your ultimate playground. 🛝 From epic shotskis 🍹 to mouthwatering cheeseburger sliders 🍔 and perfectly crafted cocktails 🍸, this is where carefree vibes meet unforgettable flavors. Bring your squad (and your pup 🐾), and don’t miss the extracurriculars—whether it’s a marg bike ride, beer tower cheers, or some bubbly fun. Who says recess is just for kids? 🎉 📍838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL #RecessChicago #PlayHardEatWell #ShotskiGoal #chicagofoodie #chicagoeats #chicagorestaurants #foodie #westloop
whitneylynncreates
Recess was always my favorite period in school 😜 #Chicago #foodie #ChicagoFood #Recess #whitneylynn #chicagofoodie #summertimechi #chicagofoodblogger #chicagoeats #chicagorestaurants #latinafoodie #chicagodogs

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

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

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Recess.

4.5

(1579)

4.2Food
4.3Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Recess is a vibrant spot perfect for sports enthusiasts and group gatherings. With "great ambiance" and "awesome energy," it shines during events like the World Cup. Guests enjoy a "fun atmosphere," tasty brunch, and accommodating service. While seating and service can occasionally falter, the overall experience is "highly recommended."

1,579 Reviews

J
Julie Gold
Tampa3 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 13, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The team was great! We had a small group and the staff was super accommodating!
RecessResponded on October 18, 2026
Julie, thank you so much for the love! We're thrilled to hear our team took such great care of your small group. That's exactly the kind of fun, personalized experience we aim for here at Recess! Your kind words mean the world to us and fuel our energy to keep the good times rolling. We can't wait to welcome you and your crew back soon for another round of games, drinks, and great vibes at our adult playground!
Is this helpful?
J
Jesse
Chicago1 review
2.0
Dined on October 3, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
It took awhile to get a drink. It wasn’t that busy.
Is this helpful?
A
Ana
Chicago1 review
3.0
Dined on September 20, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The energy for the Bears game was awesome. The food was fair it was not as good as you expect. The drinks are overflowing so the vibe overall is great.
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D
Dora Gold
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 19, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were there yesterday to celebrate a birthday, and we had a wonderful time. Food was great, ambiance was fun and our server was exceptional! Thank you, Jesus, for taking such great care of us! You made our night very memorable.
RecessResponded on August 21, 2026
Dora, thank you so much for celebrating such a special occasion with us! We're thrilled you had a wonderful time and that the food, ambiance, and service all came together to make your birthday celebration memorable. Jesus is an incredible part of our team, and we'll be sure to share your kind words with him – he'll be so happy to know he made your night! We can't wait to welcome you back for more fun at Recess soon!
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G
Guadalupe
Chicago2 reviews
4.0
Dined on August 15, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Was recommended to bring my cousin here, who was visiting from California, from a fellow Chicago bartender! We did the Saturday brunch agenda. They had a live DJ which I thought was very nice. Reserved a table. Things really started to liven up around 2p and we left very happy!
RecessResponded on August 18, 2026
Guadalupe, thank you so much for bringing your cousin to Recess during their visit! We're thrilled that your fellow bartender sent you our way – word of mouth from the Chicago hospitality community means the world to us! So glad you enjoyed Saturday brunch with our live DJ and that the energy was just right. There's nothing better than seeing guests leave happy! Can't wait to have you both back for more fun at our adult playground!
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R
Richard Gold
Chicago6 reviews
2.0
Dined on August 2, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The management claimed not to have Apple TV, so the night was filled with MLB. Recess is the "home" of Chicago Fire soccer/football. That team was playing Charlotte, NC, a legit MLS game. I had to watch the game on "my" device,& not with others as I had hoped by going. My experience leads me to make it my last @Recess, because it treats to individual differences, in this case whoever wishes to turn Recess into a Wrigleyville type pro-Cubs sports bar. 22. 33. 88
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G
Guillermo
Colombia1 review
5.0
Dined on July 19, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I was able to reserve a table for me to watch the World Cup Final. There was an insane line to enter, but they respected my reservation and gave me a table. Food was great, quick delivery, and the ambiance was incredible. Highly recommended for watching soccer, and a special shoutout to the lovely waitress who took great care of me. I'll definitely be back.
RecessResponded on July 21, 2026
Guillermo, thank you so much for the amazing review! We're thrilled you had such a great experience watching the World Cup Final with us. It was definitely a wild day with that crowd, but we're so glad we could honor your reservation and get you settled in for the big game. Love hearing that the food, service, and energy hit the mark – we'll be sure to pass along your kind words to our waitress! Can't wait to have you back for the next big match or just a fun night out. See you soon!
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C
Carlos
Chicago1 review
1.0
Dined on July 19, 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Experiencia muy mala el personal te levanta de las mesas sin importar que lleves niños solo por generar más propinas y cuentas pésimo servicio
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E
Erin Gold
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on July 18, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Would be wonderful if this continued to stay open for all the Fire games!
RecessResponded on July 21, 2026
Hi Erin! Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm! We absolutely love hosting Fire fans and creating that game day energy. Your feedback means the world to us, and we're always working to be the go-to spot for Chicago sports. We'd love to have you back for more games, great vibes, and good times. See you soon at Recess!
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R
Rolanda
Chicago1 review
4.0
Dined on July 18, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, and the food was great for brunch options!
RecessResponded on July 21, 2026
Hi Rolanda! Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our brunch options and had excellent service during your visit. Our team works hard to bring that fun, energetic vibe to every meal, and it means the world to know we hit the mark for you. We can't wait to welcome you back to Recess for more great food and good times soon!
Is this helpful?

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
George Harvey
Private party facilities
https://recesschicago.com/home#privateevents
Private party contact
The Event Sales Manager: (312) 801-1181
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

FAQs

Yes, Recess welcomes private parties, and its large indoor/outdoor setup (including what it calls Chicago’s largest patio) makes it a lively option for group gatherings.

Weekend brunch is a standout, Saturday and Sunday brunch (11:00 am–3:00 pm) gets repeated praise from guests for the food and bottomless mimosas.

Yes, the menu includes clearly labelled vegetarian and gluten-free items, plus a vegan option (for example, the Mini Quinoa Tacos are listed GF and Vegan, and several salads are marked GF/V).

Dogs are commonly welcomed on Recess’s patio, guests describe bringing their pups for brunch and enjoying the enclosed patio space with staff accommodating them.

The Double Smashburger is a standout, it’s on Recess’s menu and multiple reviewers call the smash burger a solid, favorite order.

Recess feels playful and energetic, an adult playground with board and patio games, big screens for sports, and a lively, social vibe guests often praise.

For an electric, game-day atmosphere head to Recess for major soccer matches and World Cup watch parties; for a quieter visit, guests note wintertime brunches tend to be much calmer.

Yes, brunch features a Bottomless Mimosa, and the menu offers playful experiences like Beer Towers, a Margarita Blender Bike, and a Bubble Service sparkling-wine flight.

Yes, the drinks menu includes craft cocktails and frozen cocktails, a full draft and bottled beer selection, sparkling and rosé wines, and large-format cocktails and sangrias.

Yes, guests report bringing dogs to brunch and enjoying the enclosed patio that connects to the restaurant, making the patio a dog-friendly spot.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Recess

4.5

$31 to $50

American

West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 6, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Recess

Make a reservation

Recess

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Recess Open 2026

Recess

City Hall

The Patio

Custom inquiry

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

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

Does this restaurant have private dining?

What is the best day to go to Recess?

Does this restaurant have vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free or other dietary options?

Are pets (including service dogs and emotional support animals) allowed in this restaurant?

What is this restaurant's stand-out or favorite dish?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

When is the best time to go to Recess?

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

Is this restaurant dog-friendly?

Make a reservation

Recess

Make a reservation