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Get your kicks on Route 66 #Chicago #flyforfood #Yelpfriends OMG! I must say the midwest chefs are accustomed to feeding hungry farmers and truckers I think. The portions of each menu item is HUGE. Be prepared to wait in line for a table. No reservations taken, you just wait your turn in that line.... Food is actually pretty darn good. Rolls and fruit are complimentary. Their home made jelly and marmalade is absolutely delicious (OK, full disclosure: I grabbed a couple containers of the marmalade and carried them back home to Honolulu, I should have purchased their jar of marmalade which I didn't know they had. It was after and as I walked out of the Establishment that I noticed it. I shared the Denver Omelet and it was a good thing because that meal was HUGE. Looking at the food our traveling companions ordered only confirmed the decision to share the meal was the right thing to do. OH that darned Pecan Roll, recommended by our waiter was delicious and let me just say one bite curbed my sweet craving. Iconic Lou Mitchell's has been there for over 100 years. There is something to be said about an establishment in business for a century. AND the big thing? Close to the start of Route 66..... A must try and a must visit if you are in Chicago, let alone in the area
Lou Mitchell's was our brunch destination of choice for our group. This is a truly iconic Chicago diner with huge portions and lots of customers. We arrived on a weekend morning, and the line was out the door. It went by relatively fast. The turnaround is good, considering the restaurant is pretty big, with seats for all party sizes inside plus some tables outside. Service was just fine. As a diner, it was pretty average, but our general needs were met. Our food came out in a decent amount of time as well. My friend and I shared the Denver Omelet and One Pancake. We also got other items to share, like the Pecan Roll. The omelet truly is jumbo! It comes in a giant skillet with potatoes. It was full of all the fixings and needed a bit of seasoning, but overall it was good. The pecan roll was sweet and so gooey! The pancake tasted average. The thing here is the portion sizes. Considering we shared and still had leftovers, that's a sign in itself. Everyone else enjoyed their dishes and left stuffed. If you're visiting Chicago and want a true breakfast diner experience, Lou Mitchell's is a must-try. Find them off W Jackson Blvd., near public transportation.
We arrived at Lou Mitchell's on a very rainy morning at about 6:45 AM. There was plenty of seating, but it was easy to see how tight it could get when busy. They have a mandatory must spend of $10 per person so instead of sharing as we usually do, we each ordered a single egg breakfast. (Chef gave us two eggs each anyway.) While that was being prepared, the restaurant staff kept my coffee cup well filled. The eggs were prepared well, my home fries crispy (my wife's less so) but the star of the show is the house made bread served toasted. So very good! Their baked items are almost a must, so take advantage! They trade heavily on the Route 66 kitch for restaurant ambiance, but since it is the Centennial for the Route, it works. They have really cool shirts for the centennial so our breakfast bill was quite high with my wife's apparel purchase. lol Overall, well worth a stop.
Buzz and skillets full of food!!! Friendly fast service with attention worthy of a Michelin starred restaurant. Comfort food with a bit extra, regulars who care bout the place. Just fun and good!
While in the area for a meeting a large group of us came here for lunch... Getting there around noon, they were quite busy, but we were quickly greeted and seated. The menu is filled with many of the typical diner favs and what they're known for is they bake their own breads, so I knew I needed to try that. Soon after sitting down, our server brought us a homemade donut hole with a slice of orange. That donut hole was so very tasty! I also got unsweetened iced tea to drink and that was freshly made and also tasted great. For my entrée, I opted for their open face tuna sandwich, which has melted American cheese on top of it and the combo of the tuna, cheese, and their amazing bread was so very good! The tuna is definitely not your ordinary tuna from a restaurant, it's high-quality, thick pieces and hardly has any mayo in it. And this portion was HUGE! I couldn't eat it all. It came with their homemade fries and cole slaw - the cole slaw was excellent and the fries were pretty good, sort of "homestyle breakfast potato" type of flavor, but a big, thick, square, beautiful fry, it just was a little soft, not very crunchy... it was very good though. Overall, we all loved what we got - would definitely return!
No visit to Chicago is complete without a visit to this classic eatery. For over 100 years, Lou Mitchell's has been serving up the best breakfast in Chicago and if you have never heard of it, ask any Chicagoan because they know it. What you need to know is that there will be a line, it will move fast and you will be rewarded with some of the most delicious food and coffee you have ever tried. If you come during football season, it would be best not to wear any Packers, Lions, Vikings or Cardinals gear because this restaurant is very proudly, Bears' country.
We visited here on a Sunday morning. The lady managing the line was efficient but it was very clear she was not communicating with the wait staff. The restaurant isn't small but there are so many tables that make it much tighter than it needs to be. We ordered several items from the menu and most of them were not all that good. The donut holes were okay. The hot chocolate would've been fine if it was hot/fresh (I could tell it sat for a few minutes. The scrambled eggs were a no for me. The wings were... they were whole and not cooked long enough at all. On top of the mediocre food, our server seemed deeply over his head. He had a pen pad but kept forgetting things and couldn't answer any questions clearly. I've never had bad food in Chicago until now. I'm still sad about this.
I doubt we will be back $100 for a mediocre breakfast wasn't the greatest way to start the day. Yes, it's famous but it is not wheelchair friendly or plus size friendly. They rely heavily on table sharing with other parties. Staff wants your order quick because it is BUSY, and then once the order is taken they are nowhere to be found. Coffee stays refilled but anything else forget it. They also nickel and dime everything and from a taste and flavor perspective it just wasn't great. We were honestly really disappointed as it was something we had high hopes for.
Lou Mitchell's is one of those classic Chicago spots that feels like stepping back in time. We arrived around 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday and were greeted by a pretty long line, but it moved efficiently and we were seated within about 30 minutes. They were a bit short-staffed that morning, so service was slower than usual, but we weren't in a hurry and the staff remained friendly throughout. I ordered the daily special French toast, added fruit and pecans, plus a side of bacon. The French toast was absolutely massive and could easily be shared. My only complaint was the $3.75 charge for pecans, which felt a little steep for the amount included. Overall, the food was good, the diner atmosphere was exactly what I was hoping for, and there's something special about dining in such a historic Chicago institution. If you're visiting the city and don't mind a bit of a wait, Lou Mitchell's is worth experiencing at least once.
We waited 35-40 minutes outside on a Saturday. The seating process was frustrating, as parties of 3 or 4 were pulled from the line for nice booths while parties of 2 waited longer for counter seats or crowded communal tables. We chose to wait a little longer for a two-person booth. The coffee was good, and the complimentary donut hole, orange wedge, and ice cream were nice touches. The breakfasts were satisfying and delicious, with generous portions, and the diner has a great old-school vibe. Despite the annoying wait, the food was worth it. Recommended if you're in the West Loop or commuting in from Union Station.
It was... outdated. Could use a good remodel. Maybe VINTAGE is a kinder word. And I know they got the money to do it cuz... my husband ordered a skillet (and upgraded to pancakes) and I got an omelette (which needed to be sent back cuz it was still runny on the inside). We ordered a coffee and a Diet Coke. Our bill was OVER $70. SEVENTY dollars. I always say I believe in paying good money for good food but the juice just wasn't worth the squeeze. And this is on top of the city parking you have to pay to eat there. It's just craziness. I will say that the toast was pretty delicious. The server was nice enough. The bathrooms were downstairs and needed attention.
I finally waited in line to try Lou Mitchell's, a true Chicago classic that's been around for years, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. One thing that really stood out is that everything is made from scratch, from the bread to the jam, which gives the whole experience a homemade, comforting feel. The portions are very generous, so you're definitely getting your money's worth. On top of that, the service was friendly and impressively quick despite how busy it was. That said, the pancakes personally weren't my favorite. They weren't bad, just not something I'd go back specifically for. Overall, it's a solid spot with great service and quality food. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu next time.
I have been coming here for years and truly everything I have tried from their menu has not disappointed me. It is classic diner food, and the portions are quite generous as well. The service is also spectacular, they are quite attentive. The most interesting thing that I've tried from them is their apple omelet (pictured). I thought it would be just apple slices with the eggs, but it was actually apple pie filling! Definitely interesting, but not bad. Not spectacular either but I would prefer to eat their savory items more than the sweet ones. On the weekends its normal for there to be a line, but it moves quick. The longest I've probably ever waited was 20 minutes.
1 month ago
Fueling at Route 66... A famous spot to mark the start at Route 66 is a very busy spot as the line does snake out the door down the block though they do work a system as folks slowly move along it's amazing how the staff work it all. Our table of five was very snug so be prepared to be very close to your neighbor whether you know them or not but the staff does work fast and as a newbie we had no idea what was being placed on our table like a bowl of mini donuts and fruits with various housemade jelly and some butter pats as they drop and go so quickly before we get a chance to ask any question so we need to be fast once they return. Once we made our way in I also noticed some special one that did catch my eye "Route 66 Special Omelette"as this deep dish omelette has mushrooms, onions, green peppers, Parmesan cheese topped with tomato parmesan sauce which also comes with hash browns and choice of toast is quite the feast. First of all love the presentation it came in a skillet and it was the fluffiest omelette filled with so much veggies it was amazing and no there is no way I could finish but it was so good that it was hard to stop as it was so comforting and can see why many come here for a bite. They do have an all day menu if you're not into breakfast but it's really not to be missed as they sure know how to bring on that comfort vibe. Thank you read more
13 days ago
This is an old dinner at the beginning of Route 66 and has been around for 100 years, which is shown in this old dinner feel to it. I got seated pretty quickly even though they were busy. Probably because it was just me and they had plenty of counter space for one person and two people parties. I ordered the Greek Toast and Biscuits and Gravy, which I got my order pretty fast. The Greek Toast was not bad. Was it the best Toast I have had, no. But still was decent. I just wish that the Orange Marmalade was sweetened. I have definitely had better Orange Marmalade and they really should have it sweetened if it is going to be so tart. The Biscuits and Gravy came with the Biscuits separated from the Gravy. I actually liked that because you could put the amount of Gravy you want and it keeps the crispy texture of the Biscuits. These were one of the best biscuits I have had since it has a crispy texture on the outside while soft and moist on the inside. I enjoyed every bite of it with the Gravy. My only complaint is that there was more Biscuits to go with the Gravy since there was so much Gravy leftover and it only came with two Biscuits. Overall, good and affordable food. Great service. What isn't there to like? read more
Get your kicks on Route 66 #Chicago #flyforfood #Yelpfriends OMG! I must say the midwest chefs are accustomed to feeding hungry farmers and truckers I think. The portions of each menu item is HUGE. Be prepared to wait in line for a table. No reservations taken, you just wait your turn in that line.... Food is actually pretty darn good. Rolls and fruit are complimentary. Their home made jelly and marmalade is absolutely delicious (OK, full disclosure: I grabbed a couple containers of the marmalade and carried them back home to Honolulu, I should have purchased their jar of marmalade which I didn't know they had. It was after and as I walked out of the Establishment that I noticed it. I shared the Denver Omelet and it was a good thing because that meal was HUGE. Looking at the food our traveling companions ordered only confirmed the decision to share the meal was the right thing to do. OH that darned Pecan Roll, recommended by our waiter was delicious and let me just say one bite curbed my sweet craving. Iconic Lou Mitchell's has been there for over 100 years. There is something to be said about an establishment in business for a century. AND the big thing? Close to the start of Route 66..... A must try and a must visit if you are in Chicago, let alone in the area read more
Lou Mitchell's was our brunch destination of choice for our group. This is a truly iconic Chicago diner with huge portions and lots of customers. We arrived on a weekend morning, and the line was out the door. It went by relatively fast. The turnaround is good, considering the restaurant is pretty big, with seats for all party sizes inside plus some tables outside. Service was just fine. As a diner, it was pretty average, but our general needs were met. Our food came out in a decent amount of time as well. My friend and I shared the Denver Omelet and One Pancake. We also got other items to share, like the Pecan Roll. The omelet truly is jumbo! It comes in a giant skillet with potatoes. It was full of all the fixings and needed a bit of seasoning, but overall it was good. The pecan roll was sweet and so gooey! The pancake tasted average. The thing here is the portion sizes. Considering we shared and still had leftovers, that's a sign in itself. Everyone else enjoyed their dishes and left stuffed. If you're visiting Chicago and want a true breakfast diner experience, Lou Mitchell's is a must-try. Find them off W Jackson Blvd., near public transportation. read more
We arrived at Lou Mitchell's on a very rainy morning at about 6:45 AM. There was plenty of seating, but it was easy to see how tight it could get when busy. They have a mandatory must spend of $10 per person so instead of sharing as we usually do, we each ordered a single egg breakfast. (Chef gave us two eggs each anyway.) While that was being prepared, the restaurant staff kept my coffee cup well filled. The eggs were prepared well, my home fries crispy (my wife's less so) but the star of the show is the house made bread served toasted. So very good! Their baked items are almost a must, so take advantage! They trade heavily on the Route 66 kitch for restaurant ambiance, but since it is the Centennial for the Route, it works. They have really cool shirts for the centennial so our breakfast bill was quite high with my wife's apparel purchase. lol Overall, well worth a stop. read more
2 months ago
While in the area for a meeting a large group of us came here for lunch... Getting there around noon, they were quite busy, but we were quickly greeted and seated. The menu is filled with many of the typical diner favs and what they're known for is they bake their own breads, so I knew I needed to try that. Soon after sitting down, our server brought us a homemade donut hole with a slice of orange. That donut hole was so very tasty! I also got unsweetened iced tea to drink and that was freshly made and also tasted great. For my entrée, I opted for their open face tuna sandwich, which has melted American cheese on top of it and the combo of the tuna, cheese, and their amazing bread was so very good! The tuna is definitely not your ordinary tuna from a restaurant, it's high-quality, thick pieces and hardly has any mayo in it. And this portion was HUGE! I couldn't eat it all. It came with their homemade fries and cole slaw - the cole slaw was excellent and the fries were pretty good, sort of "homestyle breakfast potato" type of flavor, but a big, thick, square, beautiful fry, it just was a little soft, not very crunchy... it was very good though. Overall, we all loved what we got - would definitely return! read more
No visit to Chicago is complete without a visit to this classic eatery. For over 100 years, Lou Mitchell's has been serving up the best breakfast in Chicago and if you have never heard of it, ask any Chicagoan because they know it. What you need to know is that there will be a line, it will move fast and you will be rewarded with some of the most delicious food and coffee you have ever tried. If you come during football season, it would be best not to wear any Packers, Lions, Vikings or Cardinals gear because this restaurant is very proudly, Bears' country. read more
2 months ago
We visited here on a Sunday morning. The lady managing the line was efficient but it was very clear she was not communicating with the wait staff. The restaurant isn't small but there are so many tables that make it much tighter than it needs to be. We ordered several items from the menu and most of them were not all that good. The donut holes were okay. The hot chocolate would've been fine if it was hot/fresh (I could tell it sat for a few minutes. The scrambled eggs were a no for me. The wings were... they were whole and not cooked long enough at all. On top of the mediocre food, our server seemed deeply over his head. He had a pen pad but kept forgetting things and couldn't answer any questions clearly. I've never had bad food in Chicago until now. I'm still sad about this. read more
I doubt we will be back $100 for a mediocre breakfast wasn't the greatest way to start the day. Yes, it's famous but it is not wheelchair friendly or plus size friendly. They rely heavily on table sharing with other parties. Staff wants your order quick because it is BUSY, and then once the order is taken they are nowhere to be found. Coffee stays refilled but anything else forget it. They also nickel and dime everything and from a taste and flavor perspective it just wasn't great. We were honestly really disappointed as it was something we had high hopes for. read more
Lou Mitchell's is one of those classic Chicago spots that feels like stepping back in time. We arrived around 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday and were greeted by a pretty long line, but it moved efficiently and we were seated within about 30 minutes. They were a bit short-staffed that morning, so service was slower than usual, but we weren't in a hurry and the staff remained friendly throughout. I ordered the daily special French toast, added fruit and pecans, plus a side of bacon. The French toast was absolutely massive and could easily be shared. My only complaint was the $3.75 charge for pecans, which felt a little steep for the amount included. Overall, the food was good, the diner atmosphere was exactly what I was hoping for, and there's something special about dining in such a historic Chicago institution. If you're visiting the city and don't mind a bit of a wait, Lou Mitchell's is worth experiencing at least once. read more
18 days ago
We waited 35-40 minutes outside on a Saturday. The seating process was frustrating, as parties of 3 or 4 were pulled from the line for nice booths while parties of 2 waited longer for counter seats or crowded communal tables. We chose to wait a little longer for a two-person booth. The coffee was good, and the complimentary donut hole, orange wedge, and ice cream were nice touches. The breakfasts were satisfying and delicious, with generous portions, and the diner has a great old-school vibe. Despite the annoying wait, the food was worth it. Recommended if you're in the West Loop or commuting in from Union Station. read more
7 months ago
It was... outdated. Could use a good remodel. Maybe VINTAGE is a kinder word. And I know they got the money to do it cuz... my husband ordered a skillet (and upgraded to pancakes) and I got an omelette (which needed to be sent back cuz it was still runny on the inside). We ordered a coffee and a Diet Coke. Our bill was OVER $70. SEVENTY dollars. I always say I believe in paying good money for good food but the juice just wasn't worth the squeeze. And this is on top of the city parking you have to pay to eat there. It's just craziness. I will say that the toast was pretty delicious. The server was nice enough. The bathrooms were downstairs and needed attention. read more
I finally waited in line to try Lou Mitchell's, a true Chicago classic that's been around for years, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. One thing that really stood out is that everything is made from scratch, from the bread to the jam, which gives the whole experience a homemade, comforting feel. The portions are very generous, so you're definitely getting your money's worth. On top of that, the service was friendly and impressively quick despite how busy it was. That said, the pancakes personally weren't my favorite. They weren't bad, just not something I'd go back specifically for. Overall, it's a solid spot with great service and quality food. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu next time. read more
I have been coming here for years and truly everything I have tried from their menu has not disappointed me. It is classic diner food, and the portions are quite generous as well. The service is also spectacular, they are quite attentive. The most interesting thing that I've tried from them is their apple omelet (pictured). I thought it would be just apple slices with the eggs, but it was actually apple pie filling! Definitely interesting, but not bad. Not spectacular either but I would prefer to eat their savory items more than the sweet ones. On the weekends its normal for there to be a line, but it moves quick. The longest I've probably ever waited was 20 minutes. read more
GO FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF SITTING IN A PIECE OF CHICAGO HISTORY!!! This diner's been here since 1923. Outdoor and indoor seating. Huge menu. Huge portions Delicious fresh squeezed orange juice. Piping hot very mediocre weak coffee. I got the traditional eggs Benedict with steamed spinach. The eggs were poached perfectly with a thick slice of ham. The hollandaise had no taste at all. The spinach was delicious and piping hot. Ask them to toast the English muffin if you order this dish, mine was pretty so soggy. Little breakfast appetizer of a greasy doughnut and a dry orange. All in all breakfast for one at $40 was way too pricey for the quality of food I received read more
If you're a local, this is not a quick breakfast before work type of place. Service was slow but friendly enough. The food was super greasy, but that is probably to be expected. I got the scrambled eggs, potatoes and toast which was good. Their coffee was very average to me, so if you like a a medium to dark brew, it's not for you. read more
Another visit Another fantastic lunch Service the best Food excellent Ambiance old school (is cool) Price so reasonable If you've been here good visit again If you haven't come down , you'll be glad you did. Not a bad item on the menu read more
Tourist trap. No, not at all. It's an outstanding value for really really good food and service Also, you get free donut holes. So what is not to love. It's 100 years old and has started many trips down Route 66. It was a midway on our way to San Francisco on the train, and that just felt right. The service is possibly even more efficient than Chic-fil-a which I always thought was impossible. Even if there is a long line get in it. They will move through super fast. There are not enough bathrooms, so plan for that. But while I was waiting for the bathroom the waitress put foil over my meal to keep it warm without being asked. A very thoughtful touch. There is also a place to stow your bags while you are there which is handy. read more
At Lou Mitchell's, you'll be sure to find a few things: classic American breakfast fare, a line of people waiting to be seated, and charismatic staff weaving through the vibrant interior. It's a Chicago classic through and through. Both the omelette and the potatoes were well-cooked, with a soft interior to the omelette and a crispy yet tender bite to the potatoes. Being a bit of an expert in breakfast fare, I also ordered a set of chocolate chip pancakes for the table. These were a touch lacking in flavor and texture. but they nonetheless rounded out a very good meal at a Chicago staple. read more
Went in today, early morning, not busy at all, and I just wanted to purchase some donuts since they claim to be a bakery. Well, when I finally got some attention from one of the of two ladies talking/working in by the Takeout counter, I finally got to order my donuts, from the pretty slim selection. I bought 4 regular donuts and it was almost 20$. Um, yea I get it's downtown and in a heavy tourist area but, really, over four dollars for each regular donut, thats a bit much, considering that service wasn't good either. Sorry but they were not that great. read more
10 months ago
A true Chicago institution! Shockingly my first time, but wow was I missing out! Such an inviting, old timey diner feel. We went the day after a Bears playoff win and everyone was wearing Bears gear, along with decor all around the diner. They even had blue ice cream with orange sprinkles to celebrate! Our phones did not eat first (we were so hungry and so excited about the food!) so I apologize for the subpar photos. What we ordered: Freshly squeezed OJ: One word - YUM! Mushroom special omelette: The eggs were so fluffy + delicious! Malted bacon + pecan waffle: Love that the pecans were incorporated into the waffle! Plus the housemade syrup - a hit! Reuben: Ginormous + delicious! Meat is piled on along with melty cheese and so much sauerkraut. Loved it! Our server, Alex, was also a delight and really enhanced our experience! 10/10! read more
Exactly what you would expect from a breakfast place. I love the fresh squeezed orange juice. Our server was friendly and gave us free ice cream at the end of our meal. It seems very busy but they're very fast. The inside is an old school diner style. read more
10 months ago
LOU MITCHELLS I LOVE YOU!!!!!! The most perfect breakfast spot which such a diner and cozy vibe. Being from NJ I consider myself a diner expert and Lou's is one of the best! The staff treat you like family and are so attentive even when they are always packed! If you're coming here, definitely prepare to wait in line, but it is SO WORTH it. I got the blueberry pancakes with a side of hashbrowns and they were delicious. My partner got their Belgian waffle and it was huge and fluffy! Also got their never ending coffee which was brewed perfectly. Will always come back! read more
5 months ago
Cool spot to start our Rt. 66 roadtrip as it's a must according to all of the Rt. 66 resources. The food and service were good but it was the interior that stole the show. Very busy and touristy. One and done. read more
Travelling to chicago, then you have to stop by Lou's. Nice old time diner feel to it and staff are very friendly. Food was also amazing. They made their own syrup and it was the perfect sweet and thickness. Overall it is a restaurant that feels warm even thru the chilly winds of chicago read more
It was really fun visiting this iconic diner! It's a city landmark and has been around over 100 years!!! Wow!!!!!! I love visiting historical places. It definitely has that old school, fun diner ambiance. The coffee is delicious--it's their special blend and has won awards. They serve it with pure cream, which is my favorite. They give out free donut holes to customers but they were out by the time we got there so I'll have to return to experience those. It was packed for Sunday brunch but we didn't have to wait too long for our booth. Excellent service. Everyone was very kind. My mom had silver dollar pancakes and they were huge! So many of them! The bacon was delicious!!! So good!! The portions are very generous here. Huge! I had the smoked salmon Benedict and my boyfriend had the traditional eggs Benedict. We both agreed that our eggs were super salty. Perfectly cooked poached eggs but too salty. I couldn't finish mine because of the salt. But my hash browns were fantastic! I think I just ordered the wrong thing because all the other dishes my family ordered were excellent. There was plenty of food for sharing so I got to try everything. My niece had scrambled eggs and those were not salty. Very fluffy and tasty. She ordered 1 scrambled egg but it looked like she got more eggs than that. Again, generous portions and you'll get your money's worth. I think next time I'll order an omelette. Those looked really good. I really enjoyed their raisin toast. They make their own syrup too and it was so good. I even put some in my coffee. We were given complimentary little cups of soft serve ice cream at the end of the meal. What a nice touch! Very cool experience! Very glad we came here! read more
We found this place when we were looking on Yelp for breakfast options near our hotel, and it was a quickly walk away. We went on a Friday morning and it was busy (but according to the staff, nowhere near that busy for what they usually see). The ambiance is very old school diner, it's so cute and cozy. When we arrived in from the blistering cold of the Chicago fall, we were quickly sat amongst the rows of tables. It is a tight squeeze in this restaurant, especially once you have been sat. We ordered coffee and our entrees. While we waited, they poured coffee for us and brought over some beignets/donuts. The beignets were good but cold. When we got our food, my breakfast sandwich was also cold. Also good, I just wish it had been warm. My partner enjoyed his omelet, potatoes, and pancake. (I also enjoyed a bite of his pancake). The way the space is set up is fun. You can literally hear every single word of the conversations beside you, so it's not as awkward to make friends with your tablemates. I enjoyed it as a fun way to drink coffee and chat with the wonderful women beside us. Definitely an experience. I would recommend coming for breakfast if you are in the area. read more
Classic in every way. The coffee was delicious and was brought out with a donut hole and orange wedge. All orders are served in vintage skillets and those scrambled eggs couldn't be more fluffy if they were injected with air. The bacon was cooked perfectly and there was so much food I could have shared. Personally I wasn't as big of a fan of the sweetness on the wheat toast but the rest of the group loved it. There were other things I wanted to try but I was too full. I will have to go back again. On top of the wonderful breakfast I loved the setting. The diner has stood there for decades and you feel like you re stepping back in time from the second you enter the door until you go back out onto the street. read more
Early morning flights mean limited breakfast and coffee options in the loop, so Lou Mitchell's was a lifesaver for me. Normally, the long line outside stops me from checking it out but thankfully most people aren't awake at 7am. Not super hungry, I ordered the egg sandwich for something to hold me over during my flight. I promise I'm not picky with my sandwiches, but this one was severely lacking. Everything was overly greasy and under seasoned. Plus maybe a mistake on my part, but the bread wasn't even toasted or warm. Beggars can't be choosers, but in the future I rather risk it. read more
After stepping inside Lou Mitchell's, it's evident why it's a Chicago breakfast staple. The quaint restaurant is often filled to capacity, so it's best to go early. They give you a donut hole to start the meal. I ordered the Espaniole Omelette, which was delicious and hearty. You will not get cheated on portions at Lou Mitchell's. My girlfriend ordered the Greek feta cheese omelette, and it was also quite tasty. It's standard breakfast fare, but nothing amazing. Overall, great breakfast spot laden with history. read more
Saw the middling reviews and expected little, but we loved our breakfast. I hadn't been here in over 20 years, and i don't think it's changed at all. Everyone should come here at least once to experience what diners used to be like. Hearken back to the time before our choices for breakfast were pretty much between elaborate, instagramable dessert concoctions and total garbage. It's busy, but not the kind of busy where you feel rushed or can feel a stranger's breath on you. Get a few things and split it. Get the pancakes. Get a Benedict with perfectly poached eggs probably poached by someone who could poach eggs in their sleep. And for the love of all that is holy, get those potatoes. You won't be able to eat it all, and later you'll regret not trying harder eat it all. read more
4 months ago
A classic Chicago breakfast establishment. My only regret is waiting so long to try Lou's. You can tell most of the staff have worked there forever, and they're very friendly. The diner itself is exactly the old school ambiance I love. Standard Chicago breakfast pricing, good portions, and a free donut hole to enjoy with your coffee while you wait for your entree. Fresh ingredients. Need to try lunch here next time. read more
I came here with my husband on a weekend at like 930am and we waited maybe like 20mins before being seated which was pretty quick in my opinion. I know if I come here any later then the line is out the door cause it's usually the case whenever I walk pass here. I love the interior of this place because you actually feel like you're dining at a diner. My husband ordered the corned beef hash and I got the mushroom omelette. I love the quick service and they give you a dessert to end the meal. I got a piece of orange and a small donut hole which were sweet and good! Prices are reasonable given the economy we're in and I thought the portions were fairly generous because I could not finish my food and needed a to-go box. I love the vibe here and cannot wait to come back more often whenever I'm in the mood for breakfast. Overall, very solid American diner just slightly west of the loop. I'm excited to try the pastries next time I am back! read more
My partner and I came to Lou Michell's because we've heard from many people that this institution was a must to visit while we're in town. We came on Thursday morning around 11 am and they already ran out of their famous donut holes when I asked to buy some, oh well that's my fault for not coming earlier. We ordered the French toast, and Greek special omelette. The French toast was alright, it was super dry in the middle and it came out tepid.. even with all the maple syrup, it couldn't be saved. We did not finish it. The Greek omelette special was also tepid. I was expecting it to be piping hot, it was barely warm. The middle of the omelette wasn't warm at all, how disappointing. Almost $20 an omelette and it comes out like that? At least the omelette wasn't dry, I give them that. They also ran out of hash browns, so we settled for fries and that was also sad. It wasn't hot, big shocker there. They were leftover fries that were left sitting on the side too long. My waiter also forgot to bring me my side of bread that came with the omelette, never came. I get it, it's busy. This was probably the saddest breakfast spot I've ever been to and I won't recommend this to others who want to visit Chicago. Only reason this is still a two star is because our waiter never left my partner's coffee cup empty. He said the coffee was also very good, the best diner coffee he's had by far. I won't be coming back. read more
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565 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60661
West Loop, Near West Side
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(312) 939-3111
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http://www.loumitchells.com
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Ask the Community - Lou Mitchell's
Are there vegan options?
I haven't been here in years, are they no longer giving out the little boxes of Milk Duds while you wait in line?
They are not.
Is the coffee and food at Lou Mitchell's always substandard?
My experience has always been top notch. No complaints!
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44 reviews that are not currently recommended
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