Recreo, a new restaurant and bar for Chandler residents and visitors to enjoy, recently opened its door in historic Downtown Chandler. The playground-themed concept, located at 28 S. San Marcos Pl., will feature live outdoor entertainment, an edible garden, specialty cocktails and international cuisine.
Recreo, created as a space for a youthful remembrance of a lighter time in the school yard, has elaborate design elements like a bus art installation, a bar swing set and twinkle lights. Its unique live music stage was created out of a shipping container that is suspended in the back patio of the restaurant. The menu follows a “foodventurous” theme, taking patrons through a journey from takeoff to landing. Signature menu items include charcuterie boards (The Patio Board and The Garden Board), the Buddha Bowl, fresh ceviche, sugar crusted ahi and The Amazing Mushroom. Desserts include crepes foster and “That’ll Do, Fig”.
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The cocktails on the menu align with the playful recess trend, including “Elementary Cocktails,” such as The Mean Dog On The Other Side Of The Fence (Greyhound) and The After-School Special (White Wine Spritzer). Recreo also has signature cocktails including the Second Star to the Right and Hot Pink! The Yolo Whip is a frozen drink on the menu that features miso-rubbed charred pineapple, Spring44 Honey Vodka, iichiko Saiten barley shochu, Damiana flower liqueur and Heirloom Pineapple Amaro.
“Recreo is brining a fresh, youthful atmosphere to Chandler’s downtown area,” said Henry Malachowski, the general manager of Recreo. “We are thrilled to provide fresh local ingredients, an inviting indoor/outdoor garden hangout vibe and unique cocktails that will have you daydreaming about your next visit.”
The area where Recreo now stands is an important part of the rich history behind Downtown Chandler. The building was first constructed more than 100 years ago and is one floor below the office of the city’s famous founder, Dr. A.J. Chandler. With imaginative use of this centuries-old historical space, Recreo in celebrates Arizona.
“From the moment we discovered the site, we were instantly dedicated to recreating the space to honor our great state, it’s ‘melting pot’ culture, and to also creating new experiences as a community,” said Chris Field, founder of Allium Hospitality, the development company behind Recreo. “Recreo celebrates the history of Chandler, while simultaneously looking forward to its vibrant, bustling future.”
Recreo has approximately 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space and can hold 242 people. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Recreo will be extending its hours in the future for “Recreo After Dark”.
For more information about Recreo, visit recreoaz.com or connect via social media on Facebook and Instagram.
