We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Recess

4907 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205-1131
317-925-7529
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #14 of 1,485 restaurants in Indianapolis
Cuisines: American
Dining options: Reservations
14 visitor photos
Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations
Write a Review

29 reviews from our community

93% Recommend
    22
    5
    2
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Have been to Recess a few times because my gal pal loves the place. Wine list easily most interesting in the city. Different selections. Four course menu changes daily. Well presented and executed. If in Chicago or NYC the price would be double. Owner is usually there. Bluebeard only place that competes in this category.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by HenrySteel for Indianapolis
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013 via mobile

Service was outstanding. We tried to book in the morning. We received two phone calls that day in our car and were able to take advantage of a cancellation. They remembered us that evening and the restaurant was packed. The meal was fabulous. A previous diner complained about the time it took for food to come out. Remember that this... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Rovinj, Croatia
Top Contributor
118 reviews 118 reviews
25 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 61 cities Reviews in 61 cities
353 helpful votes 353 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Recess is often given the title as Indianapolis's cutting edge dining destination. However, with an attitude echoing the departed Charlie Trotter's, Recess needed a "time out." The room is modern in what may be called whimsical, but truly might also be called IKEA cheap. The wait staff was quite supercilious & I had to remind myself I was in Indianapolis,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by enofile1 for Indianapolis
San Francisco, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013 via mobile

Recess looks casual, but it prepares and serves ambitious cuisine with the flair and expertise of a top-tier white tablecloth restaurant. The $52 tab for the menu the night we dined pushes the limit for the local dining scene, but it is well worth it. A similar meal in larger cities would be $20+ higher. Some people call Recess Indy's... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Indiana
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013 via mobile

I think it is very important to see the menu prior to showing up as the entree choice will be very limited...but very good! I had the rib eye, which was delicious. Portions on the small side, however, after 4 courses, even hearty appetites are satisfied! We had a very good experience, service was prompt but not rushed. A little... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by onthego802 for Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2013 via mobile

The menu is for the evening is fixed. The price is on the high end. But if you have a willingness to eat what the chef has chosen for the menu and the budget to afford it, this may be the best prepared food in town. We did have a few options on the night we dined but I'm sure... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Joshua G for Indianapolis
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 March 2013 via mobile

Recess is a hidden gem, with great food, wine and service. You won't have to worry about ordering, and that's no problem. The fixed menu offers fresh local fare, and will send you away feeling full and satisfied! Creative dishes are simple, but alive with flavor. I have dined there twice, and each time was great. Staff is very helpful,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Berkeley, California
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2013

My husband and I are from the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley to be exact, and have enjoyed numerous great meals at our local restaurants (like Chez Panisse, Gary Danko, etc). Four times a year we travel to Indianapolis for business. We feel Recess is a culinary experience on the same level as some of the top eating destinations found... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Indianapolis, IN
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2013

My husband and I have visited this wonderful restaurant at least half a dozen times since its opening. We were just there on Saturday, February 16, for a belated Valentine's dinner. We always enjoy the wine pairings that accompany the prix fixe menu, and this meal was absolutely lovely. Every dish was just the right size, delicious, and paired perfectly... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Leslie F for Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2013 via mobile

Greg Hardesty creates interesting, fantastic dinners. I gladly place my trust in him and his crew. Wine pairings add a decadent flair to your experience. It's expensive, but worth it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by ccanderso for Indianapolis

Travellers who viewed Recess also viewed

 

Been to Recess? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Recess, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing