The outside of Recess Coffee
Everyone needs a place where they can step away from everything for a little while. For me, that place is Recess Coffee in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood.
I have developed a tradition whenever I go to Westcott for a haircut. Afterward, I stop at Recess, grab a coffee and take a walk around the neighborhood while listening to music. It gives me a chance to relax, clear my head and enjoy some time by myself before returning to whatever I have to do next.
I keep the tradition going even when Syracuse decides to cover the sidewalks in snow—which, as every Syracuse student knows, happens far too often.
Custom sandwich from Recess including: Ham, Egg, Roasted Peppers, and Pesto
The sandwich
During my latest visit, I decided that coffee wasn’t going to be enough. I ordered a custom breakfast sandwich on ciabatta with egg, ham, pesto and roasted peppers.
It was one of those combinations that sounded good in my head but could have gone wrong very quickly. Luckily, it didn’t.
The ciabatta gave the sandwich a solid, warm base without being too tough. That is why I love ciabatta. The egg and ham made it filling, while the pesto and roasted peppers added enough flavor to make it more interesting than a basic breakfast sandwich. The portion was also much bigger than I expected. This wasn’t one of those tiny coffee-shop sandwiches that costs too much and somehow leaves you even hungrier.
If a sandwich still tastes that good while Syracuse weather is attacking you, that has to count for something.
Main dining area of Recess Coffee
The real reason I keep coming back
Of course, the main reason I visit Recess is the coffee. I ordered an iced mocha latte, and I can confidently say it was the best one I have had in Syracuse.
Some mocha lattes taste like someone poured chocolate syrup into a cup and briefly introduced it to coffee. Recess gets the balance right. The chocolate flavor is noticeable without overpowering the espresso, and the drink is sweet without becoming too much.
I’m not the only person in my family who feels this way. Whenever my parents visit Syracuse, they make a point of stopping at Recess. It has become part of their routine, too.
Maybe that’s what makes a coffee shop truly great. It isn’t only about what’s in the cup. It’s about the routine built around it—the haircut, the walk, the music and a few quiet minutes to slow down.
For me, at least, Recess isn’t just another coffee shop. It’s the best coffee place in Syracuse. It’s also not as expensive as other coffee places, which makes it taste way better.
