Recess Cafe

Ann Arbor, MI · Cafe

Rating
5.0/5
★★★★★ 5.0
Reviews
20
Rank in Ann Arbor
#4
of 483 restaurants
City Percentile
94%
rating percentile
Address
Recess Cafe, 208 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone
(734) 800-4959
Website
www.recess.cafe
Status
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat

Recess Cafe is a restaurant located in Ann Arbor, MI. It is one of 483 restaurants listed in Ann Arbor. Its 5.0-star rating is above the Ann Arbor city average of 4.3 stars. It ranks #4 among Ann Arbor restaurants by combined rating and review volume. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Recess Cafe

A family-friendly cafe in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor offering a play area for children and a menu serving natural wines, beer, locally roasted coffee and pastries.

Hours

Friday9 AM–7 PM
Saturday9 AM–7 PM
Sunday9 AM–6 PM
Monday9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday9 AM–6 PM
Thursday9 AM–6 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Emily Lynch · Jan 2026

This place is wonderful. It is so cozy, the staff are so friendly, the atmosphere is very homey and they have actual food so you don't have to overeat pastries (unless you want to). The play area is especially nice for littles (particularly ages 3 and under). There's a slide and playacting things that 4-6 years old would likely enjoy as well. I've spent a couple of days working here on my laptop and it is also wonderful for that. Several different seating options, including medium-high stools at a counter that might work for standing. Highly recommend - great addition to the community!

★★★★★ 5.0 Candace W · Sep 2025

Yes, for young families, but grandparents, aunts, and anyone who wants a snack and play area or drink with a friend will be comfortable. Coffees, teas, beer and wine either in café or to go (café is within the AA social district for alcohol). Play space is $10/kid per hour ($15/2 hours) and was worth it based on fun they had.

★★★★☆ 4.0 Gwen Powell · Mar 2026

This is a cute little spot, but is geared toward much smaller kids than it seemed based on the website. I booked an hour with my kids (ages 5-9) and the play structure and toys were geared far more toward toddlers (I would say 3 and under). There was a cubby hole where my bigger kids enjoyed climbing because the toddlers couldn't make it up there, but none of the books were age appropriate. If they added some books more appropriate for big kids and maybe some separation between the two sides of the play area that would have made it more appropriate for older kids, but considering the price I will not be bringing my kiddos back here as it is just not a good fit for any kid over 5.

★★★★★ 5.0 Emily Heid · Dec 2025

This place is super cute! Everything is perfectly curated to be both appealing to adults and kiddos. The chai lattes are delicious, and I will have to go back another time to try their wine. Our two year old had a blast playing here and did not want to leave. The workers were very friendly and welcoming. Compared to other play cafes, this one had a much more calming atmosphere and featured more Montessori/STEM type of activities.

★★★★★ 5.0 Alexander Herzog · Dec 2025

What a wonderful place to bring your family especially with little ones. Our son very much enjoyed his playtime here. The hot coco and espresso shots were the best we have had in a long time. Highly recommend! We will be back!

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Identifies As Women Owned ✓ Onsite Services ✓ Takeout ✓ Dine In ✓ Delivery ✓ Fast Service ✓ Great Coffee ✓ Good For Working On Laptop ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating ✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Small Plates

Services

Cafe

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.