Recess is one of the newest and coolest dining spots in Chicago. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess boasts Chicago’s largest outdoor patio. Recently, the Fire & Ice Pop-Up decorated that patio with incredible ice sculptures.

Photo courtesy of Recess

Roll-top glass-paneled garage doors open to a huge, multitiered 14,000-square-foot patio. The patio is so spacious it can still hold 300 diners even with socially-distanced tables. There are also shipping containers which serve as private cabanas. A huge mural of Chicago’s famous el train adorns the upper section of one wall. It’s a unique setup, giving off a casual and relaxing vibe.

Photo courtesy of Recess

Photo courtesy of Recess

Recess hosts several special nights, including a movie night, trivia night and other fun events like the Fire & Ice Pop-Up, the latest and most artistic event. The patio became a winter wonderland with beautiful ice sculptures. Created and maintained by Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures, the amazing ice sculptures are on display throughout January. Fire pit tables, toasting s’mores and specialty drinks keep diners warm. Upstairs is a special area for kids to craft snowflakes.

Photo courtesy of Recess

The ice sculptures are the stars in January, but the menu is quite impressive, too. While not extensive, there are plenty of excellent options for starters, burgers, sandwiches and entrées. The butternut squash soup with goat cheese and garlic herb breadcrumbs is a creamy delight, perfect for delighting the taste buds and warming the body. The beverage menu features many choices of cocktails, beer and wine.

Photo courtesy of Recess

Recess is active and creative on social media. Recently they teased the “sweetest pop-up confection” coming in February. My friends and I are already trying to coordinate a night to experience the sweet pop-up.

Photo courtesy of Recess

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Photo courtesy of Recess

Photo courtesy of Recess

Photo courtesy of Recess

Photo courtesy of Recess

Photo courtesy of Recess

Photo courtesy of Recess