At Recess, we didn’t just grab a drink — we found a place that instantly made us want to slow down and stay awhile. From the moment we walked in, everything felt intentional, warm, and thoughtfully curated. This isn’t just another café; it truly feels like Indy’s first dedicated, elevated matcha bar.
As creators behind We Like Indy, we’re always looking for places that feel different — spots that add something special to the city. Recess does exactly that.
We decided to keep it classic for our first visit — and honestly, it was the perfect choice.
We ordered an Iced Matcha Latte with oat milk and a Hot Hojicha Matcha with oat milk, and both were incredibly smooth, clean, and well-balanced. No bitterness, no overpowering sweetness — just high-quality matcha that speaks for itself.
Sometimes you don’t need anything fancy to know when something is done right. These drinks were comforting, approachable, and easy to enjoy, even if you’re new to matcha.
One thing we kept hearing from other guests was how many people realized they actually like matcha for the first time at Recess — and after trying it ourselves, we completely understand why.
What really sets Recess apart is how seriously they treat the quality of their matcha. This isn’t something they take lightly or rush through. From what we learned during our visit, a lot of intention went into sourcing matcha that’s fresh, vibrant, and true to its origin.
Molly and Daniel spent a long time researching flavor, texture, and sourcing before opening Recess, eventually choosing to work directly with a farm in Japan. The result is matcha that feels noticeably smoother, brighter, and more balanced than what we’re used to finding around Indiana. There’s no dull color or overpowering bitterness here — just a clean, comforting cup that lets the matcha shine.
Even if matcha hasn’t been your go-to drink in the past, Recess feels like the kind of place that could change that.
When we walked into Recess, the first thing I noticed was how easy it felt to relax. Nothing felt rushed or crowded — it was calm, warm, and genuinely inviting. It’s the kind of place where you instinctively slow down, find a seat, and don’t feel the need to check the time.
I loved how comfortable the space is. There’s plenty of seating, outlets everywhere if you want to work, and small details that make it feel personal — like the record player with vinyl you can actually choose from and games sitting around the room. It didn’t feel like a typical café; it felt more like being welcomed into someone’s living room.
What really stood out to me was how thoughtful the space felt for everyone. Families felt welcome, kids had things to do, and there were drink options just for them too. And knowing they’re planning movie nights and community events made it clear that Recess isn’t just about serving matcha — it’s about creating a place people can come back to again and again.
📍 Address: 902 E 17th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Photos by We Like Indy Team.
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