Recent social media posts
06/02/2026
The Malört World Record attempt has officially SOLD OUT, but you can still make history with us.
Grab a free ticket for access to a live stream, along with exclusive updates and other ways to participate.
Additionally, you can still support Ravenswood Community Services by donating at https://everleighentertainment.ticketspice.com/malrt-wrld-recrd
Bad decisions are even more fun when they're for a good cause😈🥃
05/28/2026
Happy National Burger Day!!🍔
Celebrate with the cheeseburger to end all cheeseburgers: the Double Dip Burger. Fried jalapeños, onions, American cheese, jalapeño crema in a brioche bun, smothered in cheddar cheese dipping sauce with bacon bits.
This is the ONLY right way to spend this sacred holiday😉
05/26/2026
just released their 2026 roster...who are you most excited to watch?!
You can watch every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ at Recess this summer! Join us for special guest appearances, limited-edition merch, immersive activations and a high-energy crowd from June 11 through July 19.
For more info visit: https://recesschicago.com/chicago-fire-soccer-celebration
05/21/2026
Caution: Photo may induce drooling🤤
Say hi to our new Turkey Pesto Sandwich. Turkey, pesto mayo, oven-dried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and bacon all served on toasted whole wheat bread.
Reserve a table and try today🥪☀️
05/15/2026
We love talking about how great we are, but we also love when other people say it too❤️
Check us out in the "The Best Patios in Chicago" article🍻🎉
https://buff.ly/qV74pOx
05/08/2026
Recess is hiring! With busy season right around the corner, we're looking for passionate, hospitality-driven people to join our team.
If you love food, drinks, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we want to meet you.
Apply today at the link in our bio☀️
04/28/2026
Stop the clock. Eat for free. Introducing the 8:38 Challenge at Recess⏰️🎉
🚨RULES:
1. you get ONE shot to stop the timer at 8:38
2. one player per check
3. must play at checkout - no early attempts
4. grab a manager - they’re your official referee
5. available Tuesday only
🏆️Hit 8:38 – your food is on us!
(drinks, tax, and tip not included)
04/23/2026
‼️MORE TABLES AVAILABLE – BOOK YOURS NOW‼️
From first kick to final whistle, you can watch every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Join us for special guest appearances, limited-edition merch, immersive activations and a high-energy crowd from June 11 through July 19.
This summer, Recess is where Chicago watches the world play.
🔗 More tables are available – reserve yours now using the link in our bio
04/18/2026
Recess, home to Chicago’s largest patio, is turning into Chicago’s go-to fan zone for this summer’s biggest international football tournament ⚽☀️
From June 11 through July 19, we’ll be showing every match live with special appearances, limited-edition merch, immersive activations, and the kind of high-energy crowd that makes every match feel even bigger.
To get things started, we’re giving away 10 FREE TICKETS to Chicago Fire vs. Sporting Kansas City on April 25. Winners will be chosen Wednesday, April 22.
To enter:
1. Follow
2. Like this post
3. Tag who you’re bringing
This summer, Recess is where Chicago watches the world play
Reserve a table: https://recesschicago.com/chicago-fire-soccer-celebration
04/09/2026
Take a dip 🌊🛟
Try our appetizers for only $10 during happy hour, including our Elote Dip, Avocado Fries, and Classic or Boneless Chicken Wings
🔗 Reserve a table at the link in our bio
04/08/2026
Celebrate National Pet Day with a professional portrait of your furry friend🐾 📷️
Saturday, April 11, join us for a tail-wagging good time as we celebrate National Pet Day with a special pet portrait experience by Mandy Dempsey Photography
Bring your furry best friend and capture the moment with a professional portrait you'll treasure forever. Whether they're camera-shy or ready for their close-up, all pets are welcome.
Walk-ins are welcome, but we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
🔗 Reserve your session at the link in our bio
04/07/2026
FORE!🏌️♀️ Come watch the Masters with us Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12.
We'll be streaming the tournament all weekend long for an experience that's sure to be above-par⛳️
🔗 Reserve a table at the link in our bio
04/01/2026
After months of tense conversations, we have made the decision to ban dogs from the Recess patio.
Effective immediately, only cats, reptiles, and gerbils will be allowed on the premises.
This was not easy, and we apologize to anyone who is hurt by this choice. Thank you for your understanding.
03/31/2026
If you haven't heard, Illinois is in the Final Four, and we want you to watch with us this Saturday🏀🏆️
We'll be showing both March Madness games Saturday, April 4. Grab a drink, lock in your spot, and watch the action unfold as the last teams battle their way to the championship.
🔗 Reserve a table at the link in our bio
03/26/2026
03/07/2026
Five rounds in… still thirsty. 🍺
We’re teaming up with Old Irving Brewing Co. for the fifth edition of our exclusive Recess Brew — and this year? The can is your canvas.
We want bold. Playful. Unmistakably Recess.
Think sun-soaked patio season. Think skipping class. Think main character energy in aluminum form.
Here’s how to enter:
• Download the template from our website (check dimensions + logo placement)
• Design a label that screams Recess summer
• Any medium welcome — hand-drawn, painted, digital. We’ll help prep for print if needed
• Include your signature + IG handle or website
• Email to [email protected] by Friday, April 10
Winner gets:
✨ Their artwork on the official Recess Brew can for one year
🍺 A bucket of Recess Brew on their first visit
💳 $100 Recess gift card
🥂 A Recess Brew on us every time they come in (while supplies last)
Class is in session. Creativity required.
Tag your artsy friend and let’s make this a collectible.
03/04/2026
Cue juicy chicken fried to perfection, dripping with buffalo sauce and ranch. Our classic fried chicken sandwich is anything but🍗🤤
03/03/2026
From March 15 through April 2, Recess turns bracket season into a full-court press of bad decisions😈🔥
Malört Madness is our March Madness-inspired cocktail competition featuring eight original Jeppson’s Malört cocktails, rotating head-to-head matchups, in-bar voting, and a bracket that updates every Thursday and Sunday. Try the lineup, back your favorites, and keep coming back as the field gets cut down round by round.
How it works:
Try the featured cocktails. Vote in-bar. Watch the bracket move. Come back for the next round. No QR codes, no apps, no committee—just cocktails and consequences.
02/28/2026
Chicago, we're celebrating your 189th birthday the only way we know how...
with shots of Malört, our Baja Blast in Chicago cocktail, and Chicago-Style Hot Dog pizzas
See you at the birthday party🩵🥳
02/27/2026
Chicago, you look good for 189😉 Here's how we're celebrating you this year!🥳
3/4 CHICAGO'S BIRTHDAY SPECIALS
🌭 Chicago-Style Hot Dog Pizza
🍹 Baja Blast in Chicago Cocktail
🥃 Malört Shots
See you at the birthday party 🎉
02/23/2026
🍺🍔🤪 This week at Recess – Your Weekly Lineup is here!
02/18/2026
Rock Paper Pizza is BACK! 🍕🥳 This Friday, challenge a manager to a game of Rock Paper Scissors for a chance to win a FREE pizza!
02/17/2026
And now you can (sorta) 😉 Every Wednesday at 7 PM, join us for Jeopardy and nerd out against fellow Recess-goers 🧠
All you need is yourself, your phone, and a killer team name 🏆️ Play for points (and some free stuff) and bring your A-Game 💪
02/16/2026
Your weekly Recess Olympics Schedule is here🏅🎉 Join us and watch the Winter Olympics all week long 😎
Address
838 W Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL
60642
To reach the location on West Kinzie Street, you can take the CTA Blue Line to Grand Station and then walk towards the east for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus numbers 8, 56 or 65 to the Kinzie & Wells stop and then walk towards the west for about a block.
If you're driving, from I-90/94, take exit 50A for Ohio St E. Keep left at the fork to continue toward W Ohio St and then turn right onto N Wells St. Turn left onto W Kinzie St and continue until you see the destination on your left. There is limited street parking available in the area but there are many paid parking lots nearby as well.
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
4pm - 12am |
| Wednesday |
4pm - 12am |
| Thursday |
4pm - 12am |
| Friday |
4pm - 2am |
| Saturday |
11am - 3am |
| Sunday |
11am - 10pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Recess Bar and Patio in Chicago's West Loop is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a good time. With its retractable glass-paneled garage doors that open directly onto the 14,500sq ft patio, Recess offers an unparalleled dining experience awash in natural light. The 40-foot wooden bar is the centerpiece of the dining room and serves up signature cocktails that take a bright, ingredient-driven approach with both classic and original options available. Chef Amanda Salas's menu offers casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Named one of the best bars in Chicago by Thrillist in 2019, Recess invites you to tap into the carefree joys of the playground with an adult twist. The daily lineup of events includes live music, trivia nights, NFL on the big screens, and much more. Even in Recess, there's always something going on.
While it's important to note that Recess is a 21+ establishment, it's also worth mentioning that just next door you'll find City Hall - their 10,000-square-foot event space. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or planning your next big event, Recess has got you covered. Overall, Recess Bar and Patio is an excellent choice for anyone looking for great food and drinks in a fun atmosphere.
