I love the downtown location of recess! I walked in and was immediately greeted and chatted up by the staff. It was quiet in here since it was around 11 so it was easy to order and get my drink quickly. I had a maple cold brew with cold foam and it was absolutely delicious! I would recommend this place to anyone around the area who wants a coffee or quick bite. read more

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Cute place. Very friendly staff. Good coffee. Had the classic breakfast sandwich (bacon, cheddar, egg on an everything bagel which was very good. There is a small dine in area. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - The Classic - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Every time I come to Syracuse Recess coffee is my favorite spot for a cup of Joe or matcha. I normally have the decaf Mocha with oatmilk which is delicious, very creamy and you can taste the chocolate. I love their matcha too and because it does not come mix with any sugar nor syrup. I finally got try a sandwich for breakfast today. I had the Omegatine and my daughter the classic. They both were delicious. If you are in Syracuse this is a must go. On a side note, their decaf is H2O treated which is the healthiest way to drink a decaffeinated cup of Joe ! Meter parking. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Always love my Recess coffee & whatever else I have had. Cookies & fresh made are always different & delish

Located downtown, a smaller space but still inviting. Staff were quite helpful! That being said, I tried their signature Westcott blend but it just wasn't for me - at least, I couldn't taste much of a difference compared to other typical drip coffees I've had. read more

Such an amazing place i forgot about. Warm and welcoming the second you walk through the door. Huge menu with fresh ingredients. My build your own panini was on point as was the iced latte with just rhe right about of syrup. Highly recommend read more

Stopped by this place after a great tour at the Erie Canal Museum, to grab a nice beverage and sit for a little while. The place was very nicely decorated, and everything seemed clean and well-kept. We were greeted quickly upon entering, and placed an order for a chai tea and a vanilla latte. The beverages seemed to take a little longer than I'd have expected, but came out good. There was plenty of seating. Although there are signs clearly saying no smoking or vaping, apparently (at least for the vaping) it's not really enforced, as a couple of customers were openly vaping in there, which resulted in cutting our stay short. You'd think that someone could step outside to do that, instead of spreading the fumes around other people, but the establishment should probably make a little effort to stop it, since some people can't seem to control themselves. read more

My first time at this location and it's a cool spot. They have a small seating area to the left of where you order. They also have a few tables outside. I purchased a light roast coffee to go with my slice of Big Mommas ricotta cheesecake that I purchased at the Italian festival. It was a perfect match. read more

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Food was great, but the service was, well more concerned with what they were doing than what the customers were doing. The coffee was fantastic as always. My oatmeal could have had more than one walnut, but maybe it's a fluke. It was good otherwise. This store is a bit small but cute and has what you need. There's a small seating area but it feels tight to me instead of cozy like the larger Tipperary Hill location. The restroom is through a lot of doors, so if you need that, just know you have to go out the "back" and go through two sets of doors to find it. Definitely come for the coffee!! read more

I've been to the other locations, but never this one before now. I was getting tires on my car, needed to get work done, and the cafe was a short walk away, so I made the trip. This location is right downtown, near the Fish Friar. This space is very small, first off, maybe four or five tables total. Regardless, it wasn't crowded (midday on a weekday.) There were some other people working and some people chatting, so a pretty mellow crowd. A good number of outlets. I made the mistake of grabbing a table directly in front of the door, and it was CHILLY when people came in or out of it, but other than that the space is pretty cozy and conducive to work. I just got a regular coffee, which was cheap and tasty. The staff was nice and I felt totally welcome hanging out and working for a couple of hours while I waited for my errand to finish. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Inside - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Small location, street parking can be a pain, but definitely well worth it. I stopped here on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Ordered a hot chai expecting it to be the sweet powder stuff a lot of places use. I was pleasantly surprised! This is actual chai! Definitely more delicious and less sweet. I will definitely be stopping by again. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - 12 oz Chai Latte - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

This place is so good! Tried their CST breakfast sandwich, which was hands down one of the best I've had. Cinnamon sugar, sausage, egg, and cheddar w syrup... chefs kiss. Paired that with their special the snowblower. This was a hot white choc, caramel, pb latte. Was a little nervous about that combo but omg it was delish. I'll be back asap. read more

First time in Syracuse and I got recommended this coffee shop in downtown. Very cool atmosphere and very nice staff. I order a 16oz drip coffee with a panini turkey and cheese sandwich. If I'm ever in Syracuse again, I would totally come back here read more

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Coffee was great. I got a smores latte, and my partner got a regular latte. Staff was friendly. Place was chill to hang out and chat.

Ahh I love this place!! The service is phenomenal!! My favorite barista by far is Ellie! She is always on top of her game & always remembers what I get!! Cold brew is a fave of mine & I love the coffee ice cubes that don't water down my drinks! Definitely recommend coming here! read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

The classic on an everything bagel was delish! The fruit & nut oatmeal was also very good and filling for a quick brunch stop. The caramel latte was pretty good and the jasmine green tea was refreshing. This was a good and accessible local spot to stop on our journeys. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Accessible entrance - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Last fall we went to Syracuse for the NY state fair. For the drive back home we stopped here for coffee and some provisions. Coffee was good and the place seemed like a local haunt. Would stop by again if we're in town. read more

The best lattes in Syracuse!!!! I love this place, the staff are so friendly and make the best espresso drinks in town. Amazing bake goods are a perfect compliment. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Downtown latte - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

I really love Recess. The coffee is great, the staff are great, and the bagels are great. I find myself frequenting recess when I need my coffee fix. I love that they offer coffee ice cubes so that your coffee drinks don't get diluted! Highly recommend it. I also buy a bag of the espresso beans to make the coffee at home as well. I'm a huge fan! read more

The primo of hipster cafes. I was walking by Recess and I had to stop by such a funky looking and named cafe (Syracuse is awesome that way!). Good coffee. I loved the decor. Reminds me a bit of Jimmy's in Toronto. Give it a shot if you are nearby. read more

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Delicious drinks, especially the almond joy hot chocolate. I like getting an actual cup as opposed to disposable ones at chain coffee stores. The one downside is that the bagels are way too small. They would definitely have my business in terms of buying breakfast sandwiches if they were bigger. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Recess was the next stop on my Syracuse coffee tour. We stopped into the downtown shop and I was very impressed by their locally roasted coffee and fresh baked bagels. The one thing that stuck out was with two groups ahead of us in line (4 people in total) the line was out the door. While on a lazy fall Saturday where there's no rush and the weather was nice it was not an issue. However during the week even if the line was to move fast the perception may be that there won't be enough time to get in and out. Also if it was a bone chilling winter morning that might make the café a less than pleasant option for relaxing. As it went though the line mined quickly I ordered a café at laît and a everything bagel and my fiancé got a drip coffee and bagel sandwich. The coffees came out quickly and the bagels almost immediately followed. I got a light roast and was pleasantly surprised with how well it held up to the steamed milk and even though it was African it didn't sour as it cooled like many African and Latin American beans tend to do. I was also very impressed by the bagel, it was nice and soft and had great flavor. The seasoning on my everything bagel was a little light for my taste but the quality more than made up for it. Knowing that they do a light seasoning I'd like to try their rosemary bagel next time. I'm updating my review to state that their iced coffee is very good. A smooth neutral flavor would make it a nice complement to any snack. Okay. One more update here. Came back for a cappuccino which is usually my favorite espresso based beverage. The espresso is very sour here, not bad, just sour and needed some sugar added. read more

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Hands down Best coffee in Syracuse. Friendly staff and always playing good music. Love that they are now open on Sunday's too

It's dangerous that Recess is so close to Le Moyne. After tutoring at the library, I would go back to my dorm and my friends and I would often carpool here for peanut butter hot chocolate and maybe a slice of vegan chocolate cake. A late night reward. It's such a hipster place. Students and 20-something's alike come here to work on homework, assignments, and all sorts of papers and work on their MacBooks, listening to their Spotify playlists while holding some exciting latte such as the Elvis Presley (peanut butter, banana, chocolate--I think). Recently, thank Instagram, I saw that their newest summer drink is The Electric Beach, "a refreshing Americano served over ice, made with coconut water, seltzer and a spritz of lavender syrup." I curse myself for not getting this when I last visited, but it was night and it was freezing outside and I guess just an excuse to come very soon? I ordered the peanut butter hot chocolate. Although it is a classic, and my go-to, the last few sips are always kind of funny--there's often chunks of unmelted peanut butter which even I (who loves cottage cheese and most textures that throw off a lot of people) couldn't finish. But in the sips before this, it's like you're drinking a Reese's cup. Recess is the quintessential vegan, vegetarian, hipster, laid-back, and cool place. I feel like coming here in summer and sitting outside on their porch drinking an Electric Beach (soon!). Or even in the fall where I have the most memories: the foliage, a hot latte (the almond joy latte is yummy). Ugh it's so hard to choose between Recess, Cafe Kubal, Cafe Soleil, Cafe at 401, Freedom of Espresso (which I have yet to try). There are so many coffee shops in Syracuse. Recess also has a tea selection and they make their own marshmallows and whipped cream. I applaud them for that. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Even the logo is trendy. I saved a sleeve in my car, it just added something decorative/eye-catching to all of the napkins and wrappers. - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

This is a good spot to study but the wifi cuts in and out a bit and the outlet I used there didn't work (though I noticed it worked for others). Their smoothies are nice. Their macchiato and cortado are listed as "macchiato/cortado" as if they're the same thing. Unless they did this to suggest they're the same price but different products. A macchiato and green works smoothie was $10.75. For the macchiato I was asked if I wanted a double or quad shot. I've never been asked this before in the 100s of times I've ordered macchiatos at other coffee shops. I guess they don't automatically do the traditional single shot of macchiatos. The texture of the macchiato and flavor are also unlike others I've had. There wasn't much or any steamed milk which made me believe it was more of a macchiato than a cortado. It was very strong tasting but not in a smooth way. The smoothie tasted of ginger and kale and was pretty tasty! I They have a speciality drink called peanut butter and jelly which seems like coffee blasphemy. But who knows! Maybe it's delicious and yummy. Their other specialty drinks all sound really sweet as well (Rolo, almond joy). There are plenty of outlets. The music isn't too loud and it's cold inside. They also have three outdoor tables fit for two people each. I haven't enjoyed the espresso roasts the few times I've been here but I've always enjoyed their smoothies or food options. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Macchiato & green works smoothie $10.75 - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Went here for a breakfast sandwich and it was awesome. Everything was fresh and the rosemary bagel was one of the best I have had! The atmosphere was really nice and the staff was friendly. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Rosemary Bagel Classic Breakfast Sandwich. So good I had to take a bite before I took the picture!! - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Saturday morning coffee. It's a regular thing for Naomi and I and today's cup came from recess downtown location. Now I've been to the other one and always thought it was an interesting place. But that was a few years ago. I hadn't ever been in downtown at a time where this location worked for me but I was excited to try it again since recess has been growing in leaps and bounds and you see their coffee everywhere. This location is across from city hall on a shady side street where the sun always seems to get blocked out on this road every time I'm on it. Whenever I drove past I always thought it was bigger on the inside. But it's actually somewhat small compared to the other locale. A row of booths and bench seats a couple single tables and a bar along the window. Furnished in a modern industrial style that really fits the downtown vibe. Metal chairs, raw wood, exposed brick and air ducts and edison bulbs light the room. The service area is cordoned off in a separate section of the shoppe. A large easy to read menu adorns the wall and a small cold case with sodas fruit and sandwiches on the other. With other numerous bits of decor and merch splashed on the exposed brick. It's nicely designed and for those students and business people in the area. I saw plenty of ample outlets for their media devices to work while getting their fix. Today when I went in, I was gonna go for my favorite thing which is a pour over. But they have it setup to only do 12oz portions, common to a lot of coffee shops, but I wanted to get a bigger size so I just went with their Sumatran medium roast in standard drip form. And a bagel sandwich off their specials menu, aptly called a caprese, with tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella and pesto. I chose to have it on a everything bagel. The coffee which is why most people would come was deep and earthy as you'd expect from a Sumatran. Little bit of smoke but was incredibly mild in the other tones which sort of taste like berries, Almost like a roasted cherry. Quite a lot of flavor for a drip coffee which doesn't normally get the strong flavor profile I see from pour over where you get more of the coffees natural oil from the brewing process. What I expected from recess though was good coffee. I've had it and I know that's something they rarely falter on. The sandwich was the star of the show though. Something I'd never had was the bagels that recess I found makes themselves in the same place they roast their coffee fresh every day. My only complaint is that to call something an everything bagel. It should have well, "everything" on it. This has sesame seeds and a few poppy seeds on it, far from everything. But, that doesn't detract its the perfect vessel for a great sandwich. Soft and chewy. It was one of the best bagel doughs I've had in a long time. I'd buy their bagels in bulk just for that. And the sandwich was perfectly portioned to get a ton of flavor from something simple. A nice thick piece of mozzarella and light spread olive oil and pesto topped with a nice thick slice of fresh tomato and a handful of basil leaves it was just enough of everything that all the flavors stood out on their own and made it perfect and something I'd eat again and again. In short, good coffee is to be expected from recess they have been doing it for years and they are good at it. Their light snack and sandwich fare also hits the mark well and their prices (about 11$ for two coffees and sandwich for me and Naomi before tip) is more than fair. The staff were super polite and answered my questions about the bagels before we left. All in all a great stop for the morning and somewhere I'd definitely go back to. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Caprese bagel sandwich on a "everything" bagel. And a 16oz coffee. - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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This is a great little spot and the coffee is really good. Love the seating areas. Definitely feels like a hometown spot.

Had the best cup of coffee! It was so smooth and rich and just perfect. You get used to the typical burnt bean/coffee taste from Starbucks but this was so refreshing and nice to have. The Omega bagel sandwich I had was so delicious! Having an actual cooked egg instead of just something slid out of a package from the frozen bulk box was a wonderful surprise. Can't wait to come back! Had a mocha coffee with almond milk. The staff is so friendly. Love this place! read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Mocha coffee and omega bagel. (I had already eaten the other half) - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Friendly, helpful, and honest staff. Great light roast coffee and mocha latte. Still drooling over their everything bagel! read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Mocha latte - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Great spot for coffee and studying. My friends and I have come here so many times in the past 3 years. Solid location with friendly staff and good sitting. Their fruit smoothie is solid and I would recommend it if you are willing to drop 7 bucks on it. Some claim the coffee to the best in Syracuse but that is obviously debatable. There are outlets under each table and the wifi is pretty decent for studying/work. read more

Recess is my favorite local coffee shop. Between the friendly staff and quality coffee -- it's a great spot to chill out and relax or get some work down. Be sure to try something off their seasonal coffee menu (tiramisu cortado was DELICIOUS.) Plus they sell giant cookies, so that's always a plus. read more

This coffee shop was highly recommended, and I will pass that recommendation on to all of you. Really loved the looked of the place and the location as well, with so much do to around it. My girlfriend and I were both satisfied with our drinks and plan on making it our new stop in the Syracuse area. read more

Beautiful new second location for Recess Coffee! Still serving up all the favorites from the original shop. I love the industrial flair of exposed brick, mixed with repurposed wood & other pieces. A great location to walk from downtown or drive from elsewhere. read more

Recess Coffee - Downtown - Right next to city hall on Montgomery. - Cafes Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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I love this place and I tell everyone to go there - that it's the best coffee downtown, maybe in the whole city. The staff are always terrific. But when I cashed in my coffee punch card, I was so surprised that the staff member wouldn't give me a small latte instead of a large plain coffee. Same price. I was so taken aback by his attitude that I don't feel like going back. read more

Other than a certain national chain, this is the only Downtown coffee spot open so late. Albeit, not as late as their Wescott spot but I won't hold it against them. This location is beautiful. Every seat has a window view and the staff is super friendly. Outlets abound. I haven't tried their food but I have tried the light and dark roast, chai and apple cider. Each one is as good as the next. As a Downtown resident, I think Recess holds its own as a neighborhood coffee joint. read more

Beautiful little coffee roaster! Bakery and food selection is a bit small, but the coffee is ON POINT! Love recess!

My boyfriend and I were exploring Syracuse and happened upon this adorable place. Everyone was so friendly to us and the cold brew was very good and strong. We walked around and found some cute spots to sit, so it was a very lovely experience. We also tried the espresso dark chocolate which tasted more like milk chocolate so I was disappointed, but the coffee was great and made up for it! read more

I don't suggest utilizing online ordering as it takes much longer than the estimated time that's given. It shouldn't take almost 30 minutes for a coffee to be made & it's not the first time this has happened. You're better off ordering if you just walk in as I saw customers were getting their in-house orders right away. The coffee is good and I would give this place more stars if it weren't for their slow service in regards to online orders. read more

The coffee is good, not the best, and they embarrassed my husband and me once because we threw a couple of crumbs to the pigeons nearby. Actually, we've been "talked to" 3 times for a variety of reasons as we sat outside and had our iced coffees. Kinda weird. read more