An evening of winding down and tapping into your inner child is definitely an experience you can satisfy at Recess Grove, which opened in Williamsburg in late 2025. This establishment was inspired by a group of college friends with a wish to rekindle what keeps our souls light and playful. Their initial intent was to create a space where people can do activities that were focused on craft and art; a place for peace and release. Recess Grove provides a variety of classes in painting, knitting and even woodshop. All their activities are either free events, classes or sessions held throughout the week.
The establishment is brightly lit with warm lighting, adding to its homey and cozy atmosphere. The set-up is aesthetically pleasing and colorful without being overwhelming, filled with pillows and long tables, making it especially comforting. The mural wall is the first thing you see, opposite from the dining area. As you go further back, you enter the other rooms that are less busy for sit-down activities such as drawing and chatting while their downstairs area is used for woodshop classes.
Recess Grove has a wonderful menu, offering the option to order all kinds of warm and cold beverages, along with various bites to satisfy small cravings amidst taking a break or mingling.
Along with two of my friends, I attended their Mural & Mingle event. Mural nights usually revolve around one particular theme, and that night, the theme happened to be “junk drawer.” The goal is to paint anything on the mural that pertains to the theme, but there is no strict regulation for painting outside the given theme. The caveat is that you can only paint using five colors. The mural stays up for a week and is washed away at the end of the week in preparation for the next session of mural painting, a unique and convincing incentive to add anything you truly desire.
We were there from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., observing what others had already painted on the wall, contributing to such a captivating mural while also thinking of what we were going to add ourselves. Some people stuck to the theme, using it as a space to let their creativity lead them while others used it as a space to release anything that was heavy on their minds. For the night, my friends and I utilized white, blue, red, orange and yellow, painting words, paper letters and cats.
Amidst painting on the wall, the three of us ordered warm drinks and took a break to mingle with strangers. Sipping on matcha and chai lattes, my friends and I indulged in a conversation with a lovely lady as she passed down wisdom and shared her story on how she ended up in New York. As we all shared laughs, experiences and honest truths, it made me realize how rewarding it is to step outside of my comfort zone. We never truly fathom that we possess the ability to learn something valuable from every individual we come across until the moment is gone.
Personally, the event was truly a fulfilling opportunity to not only center myself, but to be one with my creativity in the company of my favorite people. Recess Grove holds a special space for moments that remind you of quiet tranquility that comes from creating art and having the courage to express yourself. Even after painting for an hour, my friends and I were all silently drawing our own things and it was strangely so peaceful that my surroundings melted away and I almost forgot where I was.
After participating in these activities, I’ve come to value the art of being utterly present and making the most of a single moment, especially on a new endeavor. I can happily say that for the whole time I was there, I did not think to check my phone — something I didn’t realize I’d appreciate. In a society where we’re so centered around our devices, participating in classes and events like this can provide an outlet for tapping into old hobbies or reigniting passions we may have abandoned. I would certainly recommend exploring Recess Grove and all they provide for your next friend hang-out or solo outing.
