Portions are huge, but prices are similarly high in turn imo. I think the hype of standing in line and finally getting seated into the old diner feel is a huge part of the experience. The food itself is fine, the service is adequate, and the cleanliness leaves some to be desired (saw a waiter grabbing the free orange slice and donut hole with his bare hands), but for a quick breakfast stop on vacation I enjoyed it. We got the pecan waffle (would pass, overpriced) and the steak skillet (great portion for sharing). The steak skillet had SO many potatoes there was no way we could finish it. The flavors were fine, nothing to write home about. Overall it was worth an experience but won't be back. read more

Gotta say that I have had better from Lou's, but reading the other reviews confirmed it's not just me who had a disappointing meal. I sat at the counter and the service was okay. The spinach and feta omelette was a "D" at best. The omelette had an off taste, though I did not return it. The hash browns were sliced and steamed, but saw a minimal amount of time on a flat-top getting browned. There were two slices of potatoes that had any color, the rest was a soggy mess. Even the fresh squeezed orange juice was tepid. It will be a while before I go back. read more

Had breakfast with my family here this morning for the first time, and we loved it! Maribel took excellent care of us and made our visit incredibly special. She was absolutely amazing, and we will definitely be returning! PS. Coffee is delicious!!!! read more

I've been coming here since I was in diapers and now I no longer live in Chicago, I HAVE to plan a visit each time that I come back. I always get the Belgium waffle with the fruit (unless it's peaches) and an omelet to split with someone. The fresh squeezed Orange Juice is so good! read more

See all

Come on...what's left to say. This place is a legendary institution and for very good reasons. The service was really good and the food came out fast. I don't need another breakfast place when we visit Chicago. read more

Delicious food served with a smile, in an old school style diner! This restaurant is very popular; however, the line moves quickly as the staff hustles to get guests seated. Once seated, you're immediately served up a fresh donut hole and orange slice, a Lou Mitchell's staple. Ample portions and house made breakfast staples made me want to go back for more! We loved the fluffy no cholesterol egg whites and the eggs over easy, turkey sausage and hash browns skillet. If you're looking for tasty comfort food and happen to be near Union Station, stop into Lou Mitchell's, you won't be disappointed! read more

See all

6/6/25 Friday after breakfast rush before lunch rush there always crowded but we were able to grab a seat outside staff was great Josh was are server we also had a chance to talked to Virginia and Paul they provided excellent services. My daughter wanted to try the pancakes. She said they were delicious and the bacon was cooked. perfect, potatoes were good. I had a bowl of fresh fruit because I had already eaten breakfast, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. Enjoyed talking to Paul he really a people person and enjoyed his job. They open early and closed around 2 read more

Lou Mitchell's - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

One of the greatest breakfast places ever, at least on Route 66 (ironically, near where the Mother Road starts/ends)! The place was very busy but I got to hand it to the great staff as they were always attentive and they kept moving. Food was delicious as I got the Denver Omelette. I also ordered a caramel pecan roll which was huge. Speaking of which, the portions here are generous so come hungry! You get a free donut hole and piece of fruit when coming here. I'm not sure about the whole parking thing but either way if you're in Chicago for breakfast, make this a top priority. Same goes if you are beginning your Route 66 journey. read more

Hands down one of the best breakfast experiences I've ever had. I recommend only going with one or two other people, if possible, because you have to wait in a line to be seated. I was a party of 2 on a Saturday at 11am and we were seated within 15-20 minutes, not bad at all. The line was worth it in my opinion. The diner atmosphere was so fun and really took me back in time. We ended up over-ordering. You can definitely split entrees here. The portions are huge! The little bit of soft serve ice cream that they gave us for free was so good I wanted to order a whole ice cream for myself, but I was stuffed. I loved this place and it's definitely a must-try in Chicago. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

A Chicago landmark institution, and somehow a place I had never visited in the 13-odd years I lived in Chicago. It has a wonderfully nostalgic feel to it, much of the decor refusing to turn modern, invoking old-diner from 80's movies feels... isn't it funny how these sorts of places were simply the norm not too long ago, and now suddenly they're drawing in big numbers? Is it just because they have a cool neon sign? Very busy, but if you're coming in solo, you'll be able to easily sit at one of several counters. Food comes out super quick; I think it's part of their schtick since they are located downtown, not to mention right next to Union Station. Food is fairly average. I took a chance with the Benny, knowing full well it probably wouldn't be great. The poached eggs on the Benny were correct, but the sauce had clumped and congealed in some areas. The portions are generous though, and it seems as though they might double up the eggs, being on the smaller side. The potatoes were pretty sad, though. Coffee, despite some other reviews, tasted really average to me. Worth a visit if you're from out of town. Be prepared to wait if you're more than solo. Doesn't feel like a 'regulars' sort of place. Would not eat here again unless a friend insisted. Another one off the list. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

A Chicago staple, as a diner, and just as a restaurant overall. It's 100 years old, and has been featured in TV such as the recent show Dark Matter. It's got the classic diner vibe and look. I sat right at the counter, which honestly is the way to go, as you may be waiting long for a table. I got a ham and cheddar omelet with sour cream on top. It was very good and very big, and comes with potatoes and toast. I was barely able to just finish the omelet portion. They also have good coffee, which they refill often. Even though it was pretty crowded, service was still pretty dang fast. The staff knows what they're doing. I will say, it may be best to just come as a party of 1 or 2 people, as like I said it will likely be crowded, especially on a weekend. I'd say it's 100% worth checking out if you like visiting famous Chicago spots, or just diners in general, as this is likely the premier Chicago one. I'd happily come back again at some point in the future and try something else. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Ham & Cheese Omelette with sour cream - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The fact that they start by giving you a donut hole makes the experience in itself 10/10 Food is good and portions are huge - the best combo! A must visit if you're in Chicago read more

If you like old diner type food then this is the best place in downtown. Plan to visit early in the morning in the weekends otherwise there will be a long queue. read more

Services and portions are fine. Food was bland though, maybe they expect you to experiment with the condiments read more

Lou Mitchell's - Mushroom Green Pepper Special Omelette Belgian Malted Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Huge Portions! Lou Mitchell's was a great spot to go after visiting the Skydeck at the Willis Tower. The line was long but moved quickly and once we were seated, service was fantastic and the food came out descently quick. Great food, big portions, and happy visits to Chicago. read more

See all

Iconic --- great for delicious old fashioned breakfast and seeing the start of Route 66. I loved that people were genuine.

If you enjoy diner food and a casual friendly restaurant, this is your spot. Our waitress was extremely friendly and welcoming. She answered questions about the menu and made recommendation. When you first arrive, you are greeted with a hush puppy and an orange slice. We order the chicken sausage omelette hobo style and French toast with fresh fruit. You can also order an iced coffee with almond milk (they don't have oat milk). I would eat here again if I lived in Chicago . read more

See all

I walked by this spot thinking it was a simple local Chicago restaurant but boy was I wrong. There's a lot of history to this place and I'm glad I stopped by here. AMBIANCE: Parking: Street parking, depending on the day and season, it can get busy. Seating: Inside and outside seating. Room for maybe about 75 people. Great for groups and individuals. Feels: You're really not too far away from Union Station and other touristy spots. When I entered, I was welcomed by the hustle and bustle of the diner. This place is not hidden gem as its known to locals and travelers. There's no music but just the sound of chatter of people and servers on the move. You can basically get a history of Chicago from their vintage pictures of the city and iconic people that stopped by. FOOD: La Conga Delight & Fries (Recommend) Basically a cheese sandwich with delicious slices of savory bacon and juicy tomatoes. What's not to like?!? I enjoyed the poppy seed bread, the generous portion of cheese, and the nice side of cole slaw. Topped with thick-cut, seasoned, crunchy fries helped add an extra delightful experience. This was enjoyable during a Winter Chicago day. World's Famous Coffee (Recommend) Awesome! Did I know anything exceptionally special about this place? Not necessarily but after reading the history of this place, I understand why this is world-famous - as people travel, this was one of the first food spots to welcome them arriving from Union Station. Aside from being welcomed by the cold weather, a nice cup of hot coffee is comforting. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Virginia was great! Friendly, sweet, and helpful! TL; DR OVERALL: 4.5 Stars! I can see why this place wins the hearts of many. Great selections, reasonable prices, and a pleasant ambiance. Yes there are a lot of great eats in Chicago but this stands out as it has a nice local feel to it. A sincere thanks to Uncle Lou and the team for making this place awesome throughout all the years! TIPS: * Check out their seasonal specials * OG Location read more

Lou Mitchell's - La Conga Delight Sandwich! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Worse hash browns ever...,the fact that I almost had to ring the bell because I was trying to order and the waitresses kept walking past...super crowded around 10am read more

So good and the service was top tier! Very generous people who work here. Food was awesome !!! read more

Lou Mitchell's - Smoked Salmon Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Classic diner! They really pack you in there but it's so worth it! The staff work their butts off to serve you and make sure you have a great experience. Down home, mom and pop shop! It is definitely a must when visiting Chicago! read more

Let me just say that this place has one of the best breakfast vibes in the city. The service staff is hopping as the joint is jumping, especially on a Saturday morning. Around since 1923, they are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Welcoming people at the counter, patio or dining room, the hostess was a true gem! She accommodated our party of nine, celebrating a wedding weekend in style. The food, from the donuts and oranges at the start, to the entrees...omelettes (the Salmon and Onion--omg!), pancakes, sandwiches and salads were all great! Coffee and other morning beverages never went empty...like I said, the staff never skipped a beat! I strongly recommend taking a pecan roll home with your copious amounts of leftovers. The pancakes are huge so take some home--they microwave well at 2:15am in the morning if that hits you. The toasted housemade bread and orange marmalade were also a surprisingly good late night leftover combo. You can't go home without leftovers. It's good to see Chicago institutions like Lou's welcoming people back after the pandemic has subsided. Give them a try...well worth the drive into the city! Make sure and plan on a bit of a wait on weekends, but the staff moves pretty fast. Like I said...so worth the wait! Can't wait to go back and try the Omelette with apples and cheddar (add bacon or ham to it)! Maybe next weekend? read more

See all

This is a charming and historic diner that has earned its reputation in Chicago culinary history. Prices are good, servers are friendly, and the breakfast and coffee will satisfy your taste buds and fuel you for the day. A visit here is a quintessential Chicago experience. read more

If you have not been to Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, Illinois for brunch or lunch yet, then you need to definitely add this spot to your bucket list! This spot is pretty popular, because of how delicious and simple the menu items are. The more popular item on the menu are the omelets served in a skillet with homemade tasty breakfast potatoes and a slice of toast. I ordered the Greek sausage omelet which was packed with peppers, onions, and Greek sausage. Our table also enjoyed the special French toast with strawberries, as well as the breakfast sandwich. Start your morning off with some coffee, or even one of their pastries! The line may look long, but the wait wasn't too terrible! There is plenty of seating inside, as well as a few tables on the patio. If you were looking for an extremely tasty brunch in Chicago, Lou Mitchell's is the spot to check out! read more

See all

If you want a classic American diner with amazing breakfast, this is the spot to be. Menu consists of eggs in all forms and fresh baked goods. The restaurant is tightly packed and it gets loud, but it fun and inviting. Lines can get long, but service is quick, efficient, and attentive. The food was great and it was so fun to see how happy everyone was while enjoying their breakfast. Best breakfast I've had in Chicago. Not a place to be missed. read more

See all

Luckily came when the line was short around 10am! Very nice waitresses who were very quick to get our orders. We got some free "snacks" at the beginning and end that were a great plus! Omelette was amazing, and the French toast was okay. The ambiance was very diner vibes-- seats at a counter. read more

See all

Iconic diner and is truly a Chicago staple. Imagine yourself transported to a diner in the 80s. There is always a wait, so definitely go earlier to have a shorter wait. The eggs are always cooked to perfection. So many options for every breakfast lover. My favorite is the florentine benedict. Catch up with your besties here for your next brunch date! read more

I tried calling their number twice to set up a pickup order and the person literally hung up on me! Wish I could say more about their food but service seems terrible to me read more

Lou Mitchell's is a delightful diner within walking distance of Union Station. It doesn't appear that they do reservations. So if you have a bigger group, be prepared to wait during the busy times. We had 9 in our group, and they were able to accommodate us after only a 20 min wait on a Wednesday morning at 11. After reading their website, I was excited for my kids to get some milk duds. But unfortunately, they didn't have any. I'm not sure if that is no longer done or if they were just out for the day. But we did get the yummy donut holes for the table. The food overall was good. I really enjoyed the pancakes. They were light and fluffy. The hash browns were thinly sliced potatoes and I wish they had been crisper. The eggs Benedict was tasty. The eggs were poached perfectly and the hollandaise had a nice flavor. read more

See all

This place is a no frills diner that is about as good as good can get at an old school American breakfast place. Worth the experience with fantastic food and service! A Chicago Icon for good reason!!! read more

I got the Plain Open Face Chunk Sandwich which consists of White Skipjack Tunafish Salad on Homemade Golden Brown Greek Toast, Melted American Cheese, and Sliced Tomato! This was basic but delicious and every ingredient really shined through, especially the bread which was perfectly fresh and nicely toasted! You can tell the ingredients are high quality. The sandwich is a big size and you're likely going to be full without any sides. A great spot for a weekday lunch! They also have a really nice diner vibe inside but i got my food to go which helped with wait time. have been around for a long time, and I can see why. Definitely recommend! read more

Lou Mitchell's - Open Face Chunk White Skipjack Tunafish Salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It was okay. Food was amazing. The restaurant was over crowded, but the service was good. The only hesitation I have is it was extremely expensive for what you got. Everything was a large up charge. It is loud and not great for early morning conversations. The dining room is over crowded. read more

Heart of chicago an historic and amazing breakfast! A charming venue bringing back memories of my childhood. Food was exceptional. worth the 35 minute wait. read more

Lou Mitchell's is like a well oiled machine. Located in Downtown Chicago and a staple diner. We stopped in on our way out of a quick trip to the city. It's almost like walking into a movie scene. Loud chatter, hustle and bustle. But totally Chicago! Sunday morning and football season, so Bears gear everywhere. My family is from the city but I personally am just a byproduct of Chicago roots. Anytime I visit I look for ways to connect with what my parents and most of my family experienced being born and raised in ChiTown. Lou Mitchell's is one way to travel back in time and enjoy the same eats, as our grandparents and parents did. We were seated at the bar by choice and it was fast! Our waitress was great and the menu is extensive! All your favorites for breakfast and lunch. I went with the two eggs breakfast (scrambled hard), with crisp bacon, hash browns, and one buttermilk pancake and it came with one slice of toast. Served with their house made maple syrup. Before your meal is brought out they also give you two doughnut holes, sprinkled with light powdered sugar. Our favorite appetizer they were dope. It was a great breakfast overall and food for the road! Highly recommended when you are in a rush and want a good filling meal with a true Chicago experience. 10/23/22 - Jackie M. read more

See all

Authentic cute Chicago diner! Fast seating and service. The donut hole you're given as you get seated is amazing and a nice way to start your morning! Friend had the coffee and she said it was tasty! Bread is fresh baked daily. Love the vibes, would definitely go back and recommend! read more

It was so crowded inside when my friend and I visited for brunch on a Sunday afternoon. The line was all the way out the restaurant but thankfully it moved quickly! We were seated after waiting for 15 minutes  Very friendly staff. All of the staff were in pink t-shirts with a pink ribbon to raise breast cancer awareness for october! What we ordered: Cottage cheese omelet: Sounded odd at first but I loved it so much! The duality of the cold cottage cheese on the warm omelet made it very addicting. There were lots of bacon bits and tomato inside too Two eggs meal: Delicious and simple. The thinly sliced potato side was memorable  Pumpkin pancakes: We ordered this off of their seasonal menu (Our waitress was not aware that there was a seasonal menu until we mentioned it to her). Pretty disappointing because it tasted dry. We will try another sweet entree next time read more

Lou Mitchell's - Two eggs meal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Virginia has worked there for 30 years A doll and made my birthday weekend extra special. I highly recommend read more

Lou Mitchell's - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Unfortunately, the hotel I stayed at during my weeklong visit to the Windy City did not provide a solid breakfast, so I decided to break the bank a bit and find my own options. This came up. In fact, I heard of Lou Mitchell's back in 2020, when I was first considering going to Chicago (COVID wrecked that plan), but given my opportunity now, I decided to get up early and give this brunch spot a go. Close by a couple of CTA stops, I made my way here quite easily. I was greeted by the owner (who easily could have been cast as one of the Golden Girls), and was super nice and accommodating. The booths they have are perfect for the single diner or couple. Lots of solo diners here, so I fit right in. Day 1 Before your order is taken, you are given a complimentary donut hole (they make them fresh), and an orange peel. I promised the staff if I enjoyed my meal, I would return the next day. The donut hole is good. I then ordered the French Toast with fruit and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. It all comes out within 10 minutes. The French Toast's fruit is super fresh and the French Toast is delicious in its own right. The orange juice is too tangy for me. It is like drinking a cup of Tang with pulp. No loss, a delicious hot breakfast was what I aimed for and what I got. All in a matter of 15 minutes, that is incredible. Now I must return. A promise is a promise. Day 2 Free donut hole and orange juice brought out. Still delicious. This time I decided to change the program a bit and get a Salmon Eggs Benedict with cranberry juice. It comes out in 10 minutes just like last time. Everything works well. Delicious Hollandaise sauce (it is also made on site), fresh salmon, and a perfectly toasted English Muffin. The eggs are perfectly cooked as well. Oh, and the touch of hash browns is good too, those were tasty! A perfect 2 for 2 in as many days. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Grilled Thick French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Spectacular breakfast! We love it. The food is fantastic and their homemade bread is to die for. It's worth the long line.

Simply the best diner breakfast I have been to--A N All-Madden Sports lovers dream. Double yolked eggs with bacon , hash browns & Greek toast in a frying pan-the beat. Friendly Route 66 service served with a donut, orange slice and soft serve ice cream at the end cannot be beaten. The old school Chicago booths and counters give you a comfortable ambiance. Some high tech features like WiFi are needed. I love the Sinatra but a mix of new songs would be cool. read more

See all