Lou Mitchell's
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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.
6 months ago
7 months ago
3 years ago
This is a classic Chicago diner spot. The food here is what you would expect from a typical diner which I love. The omelette was big and fluffy and the pancakes with chocolate chips were delicious. They also gave you an orange slice and a doughnut hole for free to start. We went here on a Saturday and my only issue is that there were a ton of people and it was extremely crowded. The tables are all very close to each other so you can hear everyone's conversations and it felt very claustrophobic. I think this ruined the experience a bit, but hoping I can return and have a better environment next time. read more
7 months ago
8 months ago
7 months ago
3 years ago
Lou Mitchell's is considered a historical landmark of Chicago. They are celebrating 100 years in 2023! The restaurant is first come, first served basis. They do not take down names and expect you to wait in line to be seated. We did a walk-in for a group of 5 people and had to wait in a line that went outside the restaurant in the cold. We had part of our party stay in the car due to the cold weather. Note: they will not seat you if your entire party is not present. They have a pretty decent menu with lots of options. I ordered the smoked salmon benedict, which was served with potatoes. The food is pretty basic, standard diner breakfast. It was great to try, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
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
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
10 months ago
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
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
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
5 months ago
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
11 months ago
2 years ago
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
1 year ago
Services and portions are fine. Food was bland though, maybe they expect you to experiment with the condiments read more
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
1 year ago
So good and the service was top tier! Very generous people who work here. Food was awesome !!! 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
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
7 months ago
7 months ago
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
2 years ago
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
1 year ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
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
1 year ago
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 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
1 year ago
More info about Lou Mitchell's
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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