Recess
Chicago
At a glance
Located in the bustling West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Recess offers a playful twist on the traditional bar experience. With a focus on food, drinks, sports, and entertainment, it is a lively venue that caters to a broad audience looking for good times. The venue is known for housing Chicago's largest patio, providing visitors with ample space to enjoy the often warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The cuisine at Recess is diverse and complements their wide range of craft cocktails. Menu offerings are designed to cater to casual eaters looking for easygoing, flavorful bites. The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring bold craft cocktails that pair well with the vibrant setting.
A big draw at Recess is its commitment to fun and games. The venue provides a variety of table games that encourage friendly competition and are perfect for groups. These games range from nostalgic classics to newer, more chaotic options. Additionally, Recess is a prime spot for sports enthusiasts, with multiple screens showcasing professional and college games across different sports. The energetic vibe is further enhanced by DJs, particularly on weekends.
Whether visitors are coming for a brunch with bottomless mimosas, a weeknight happy hour, or staying late into the night, Recess has something to offer. Indoor spaces provide semi-private spots with games and a cozy environment suitable for gatherings, even on days when the outdoor patio isn't ideal.
Recess is well-suited for hosting private events or parties, providing spaces that accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Just next door, City Hall offers an expansive event venue option, suitable for larger-scale events with its industrial-chic aesthetics and ample space.
Reviews
We came to Recess to watch a game and had a mixed experience. The staff deserves credit. Service was fast, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. Unfortunately, the setup for daytime games needs improvement. We had a reserved table for a 2:00 p.m. match in mid-July, but there was no shade at all. Sitting in the direct sun for hours was extremely uncomfortable. During the ad breaks, we tried standing in a shaded area to cool off, but security told us we couldn’t stay there. The biggest disappointment came near the end of the match when the Wi-Fi cut out about 10 minutes before the final whistle. Since the game was being streamed, the screens went black, and we completely missed the ending. That’s the last thing you expect when you’ve come specifically to watch a sporting event. One tip for future visitors: bring your physical ID. They check IDs at the entrance, even if you already have a reservation. Overall, great table service, but the lack of shade and the Wi-Fi failure took away from what should have been a fun game-day experience.
Fun place to watch soccer. Was super busy service was good. All tables booked in advance but food available in the other room. I can't speak to the menu food, but the pizza slice I got from fast order was OK. They were out of my fist choice.
Perfect spot to catch any of the World Cup games. The vibes are are great and the space doesn’t get too too crowded. Just make sure to get there early for any major games/events as it is a popular spot. Food is alright, nothing special and they got the stand bar cocktails/drinks. The majority of the space is outside but there is an inside bar area.
Recess was an awesome spot to watch the World Cup with friends! The atmosphere was energetic and fun, with great vibes all around. The staff was friendly and attentive, the drinks were excellent, and the food was delicious. It was the perfect place to enjoy the game, celebrate goals, and spend quality time with friends. Definitely recommend Recess if you’re looking for a lively sports bar with a great crowd and great service. We’ll definitely be back! 🍻⚽️🙌
The food and service was mediocre to me, the Philly bites were fried outside but in the inside there was the blend of steak, cheese, etc. It was too mushy for me, especially when drinking. Our server was either very busy or very slow. Great atmosphere, security is top notch, I'm going back, just will be very careful about what I order. Oh the drinks were really good too.
