Chicago’s largest patio has been given a revamp and now offers more than 14,500 square feet of space to kick back and relax.
After debuting their massive new multi-tiered set-up last June, Chicago’s Recess Bar and Patio quickly became known as one of the best open-air hangouts in the city. Just when Chicago needed it, with the city allowing restaurants and bars to reopen for outdoor dining, Recess arrived and offered the perfect neighborhood respite and destination to celebrate the end of strict quarantine. Talk about timing. Now, just shy of a year later, the patio has expanded even more with summer around the corner.
Nestled within 30 shipping containers on a West Loop corner, Recess is home to a cozy amalgamation of bars, food stands, and cabana houses across a 14,500-square-foot space. Already holding the title of Chicago’s largest patio, a revamp has boosted the multi-level outdoor space by installing seating into many shipping containers and cutting “windows” into the sides to offer covered seating with amazing views.
Located at the corner of Kinzie and Green Streets in the West Loop, additional tables and Adirondack chairs have been added to the rooftop awning overhanging from the main historic building, bringing the total number of outdoor seats to 525 seats outdoors with another 259 seats indoors.
Not only does the eye-catching makeup of this snug sanctuary create an unparalleled vibe, but the sheer size means you’re more than likely to be able to find a spot at any time of the week.
A menu from Chef Amanda Salas features reliable seasonal comfort food and has been expanded and improved. New additions like the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and KBBQ Steak & Frites offer even more mouthwatering options in Chicago’s largest and most spacious patio.
Recess has also recently partnered with local Chicago establishment Bob’s Pizza, and the pizzeria’s beloved creations can now be found in one of Recess’s transformed shipping containers until midnight weekdays and 12:30 am weekends.
Recess at City Hall is open from 4 pm — 11 pm on weekdays and from 11 am — 11 pm on weekends. More information can be found at Recess.