Lou Mitchell's image

Lou Mitchell's

Restaurant Breakfast restaurant Diner Brunch restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Diners in Chicago


Address

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, United States

Website

www.loumitchells.com

Contact

+1 312-939-3111

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 6 am to 2 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 2 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 2 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 6 am to 2 pm
  • Thursday: 6 am to 2 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (18) good (17) breakfast (16) diner (16) coffee (14) service (11) delicious (11) Chicago (11) staff (10) toast (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Sanil T. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice cozy place and the lady serving us was very sweet. We went with the specials and that's where things went downhill. First, there was no mention of the price of the specials on the board. We ordered the French toast and the steak skillet. The steak was so rubbery that it was difficult to chew. It was not the best. The French toast was decent but it wasn't sweet as you expect from the French toast. The coffee was decent, not good. We also added the apple pie and it was extra sweet. This is something that was way too much for the breakfast. The shocker came at the end when the bill came out to be $72. I still can't process the steak skillet my wife had which was all chewy was freaking $28. She said she wished she had the Dunkin donuts sandwich across the street. My French toast also seemed overpriced. Two stars only for the warm welcome by the attenders.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Marissa S. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here Sunday morning and there was a line out the door, but the service moves quick so we were seated after 10min. I don't really understand the high ratings. This place is pretty much an overpriced Denny's. Nice that it's been around for 100 years, but there are better breakfast places in the city that are less expensive.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam A. 3 months ago on Google • 329 reviews New
    100 years old! The vibe absolutely lends to the experience, the minute we walked in on a crisp morning it was a win! On atmosphere. Tried the greek omelet and loved it. Would have been a 5 star had it not been for a small stone found in the hash, we didn't make big deal out of it as we truly enjoyed the experience, but had there been some sort of gesture to make up for the miss would have let it go but there wasn't Regardless would come back again
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L T. 10 months ago on Google • 230 reviews
    We visited this place on Father's Day weekend. It's so crowded, but it's so worth it. Our server was very welcoming and very knowledgeable of what they serve. I ordered traditional egg Benedict and coffee, which is very fulfilling. Everything was made fresh. Parking was across the street and was easy to find, maybe because we came pretty early, which was around 9 am. Breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m., and then lunch will be served afterward. Will be returning in the future.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah S. 3 months ago on Google • 354 reviews New
    Such a friendly place - this historic diner is so cosy, has such tasty food and cute booths. Really enjoyed my cinnamon toast and the relaxed and fun atmosphere. A great American diner.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful classic diner in the heart of downtown! Also, a great place to start your journey down route 66! Even when the line is long, it downstairs take much time to get through it and get seated. They're impetus are huge. There coffee is great. And the staff is the BEST! I WOULD DEFINITELY GO BACK!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 The D. 4 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    Lou Mitchell's is a great greasy diner. Hung over? Go here. Traveling on a train or bus? Go here. Want fast service? Go here. Want huge portions? You know the drill. This is right across the street from Union Station, so it's always busy. Their service is phenomenal, and the atmosphere is an old school diner vibe. The food was good, but this is not haute cuisine. It's a greasy spoon, and it does so unapologetically. The portions are humongous. No, really. They're huge. It's ridiculous. I actually laughed when the waitress brought me my Eggs Benedict. 4 eggs? Really? Ha! If you plan on traveling via car, don't let the person driving eat here. They're going to fall asleep in under 15 minutes. Guaranteed. I'll be back the next time I'm taking the Amtrak....
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 B J. 2 years ago on Google
    No frills, comforting food, quick service. Not much as you can ask for for a place like this. Biscuits and gravy was delicious, eggs benny was solid and for some reason had twice the amount of poached eggs than I'm used to so no complaints. It was incredibly busy when I went on a Sunday morning but business was booming and tables were turning. Wait staff meant business and there was no small talk or anything but I didn't even mind because coffees came out instantly and orders were taken really fast. It's also conveniently close to union station where I got off so there's a good chance I'll be coming back here again if I get in town from Amtrak
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sylvia C. 2 years ago on Google
    Where to start? This is exactly the type of breakfast place that my boyfriend and I love going to, when on vacation. Let me just say that not only was Lou Mitchell's highly recommended to us, it also did not disappoint!! The staff were incredibly friendly and sweet! Audrey (the boss) is Amazing, but definitely not someone you want to mess with! 😜 She goes out of her way to take care of her customers, and also her employees!! Jorge, another employee, was cracking jokes with us and made sure we were well taken care of. The banter between Audrey & Jorge was great, and their mutual respect for one another was evident. We got the Espindole & ham/cheese omelets, which were fluffy and delicious! While waiting for our food, Audrey brought us donut hole and orange wedge - a perfect little appetizer before our meals. All in all, Lou Mitchell's has become one of our favorite spots in Chicago. And we can't wait to go back....probably tomorrow, if I'm being honest!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the oldest breakfast diners located in Chicago, it stands proud serve in the people of Chicago for 99 years. I found a service to be helpful the food was very nice although I wish I could’ve tried more things on the menu because it all looked delicious! The great thing about this diner is that it opens early at 6 am which means you can get in there and enjoy nearly breakfast before your day starts!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mikee B. 1 year ago on Google
    What terrific place to grab a bite in a historic route 66 dinner. After we were seated they brought homemade donut holes & orange slices then took our order. I ordered the special, French Toast with strawberries, banana & toasted coconut, so good. We also got the Texas hash & eggs (note 4 eggs) potatoes with homemade cinnamon bread. Again yummy. They were slammed & the service was great & if I lived here I would be a regular.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 wxlliqm 2 years ago on Google
    Getting off the train from Union Station, we wanted to find a comfortable place to eat and relax, and this didn't disappoint! First off, the food is absolutely amazing. The french toast was perfect and fluffy with whip cream and fruit topped it perfectly. Extremely considerate staff who do their best to give you the best experience. While we were waiting for our food, they gave us doughnut holes which was just an extra cherry on top. This is definitely the best diner, highly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jennifer W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great menu tons of options. We went on a Sunday morning and they were very busy we got right in. The staff all works very hard to accommodate everyone. I ordered the Denver skillet. It was supposed to come with ham and I got bacon. The coffee was very good and a man was always coming by to refill the coffee and water. Very friendly and the food was very fresh.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris N. 1 year ago on Google
    Wanted a taste of a proper old school American diner and got exactly that here. The food was excellent and the coffee was really good. I tried the 2 egg with chicken sausage and it was really good, portions are huge too. The staff were all really nice and it was a great way to start a Sunday
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Dan S. 8 months ago on Google
    Maybe the food was good back in the day, but the omelette and waffles were very bland. Surprisingly the Cesar salad was very good, although they charge me incorrectly for that and they had to redo the bill. Come here if you want to say you’ve been here, otherwise you’re not missing much.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shiona D. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the perfect location from people who are staying in downtown Chicago, it was only a 4 minute walk from my hotel. I was looking for a brunch restaurant to dine in before catching a train from Union station and this place was the perfect spot. The food was well priced and plentiful and the staff was great considering it was a busy Sunday lunch rush. Their waffles were delicious and their omelettes were massive. Another plus is that they have outdoor seating. Would recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David S. 5 months ago on Google • 39 reviews
    We were in town for the Marathon and needed a quick stop for lunch. This place was hopping! Lets try it. We got right in and were not disappointed! The service was excellent for how busy they were. Food came out quickly and was really good. Absolutely would come here again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Herman D. 2 years ago on Google
    Lou Mitchrll's hands down has the best breakfast in Chicago! the food is Awesome!! I AM not sure what happened with the rest of my pictures but you will have to take my word for it you will not be disappointed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 V F. 2 years ago on Google
    Service was outstanding and the food was delicious. Cream of Turkey Soup was the best. Would definitely recommend this restaurant and bakery to everyone. Prices were reasonable!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Emily H. 8 months ago on Google
    A little pricey but MASSIVE portions of food! Complimentary orange slice and doughnut hole when you first sit down as a little appetizer. The omelette was fluffy and the scalloped potatoes so good and comes with incredible toast (you can pick your bread i got cinnamon raisin)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William W. 2 years ago on Google
    I've tried to get in here for over 10 years, but my trains never arrived when they were open. This trip in the last week I have been able to stop in twice. Great meatloaf , and today I tried the Greek sausage omelette. Fantastic!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dushyant M. 2 years ago on Google
    Went here for brunch on a Saturday morning. This neighborhood was pretty quiet until you approach Lou Mitchell's. That place was buzzing! We had reservations and didn't have to wait for a table thankfully. I had coffee and ordered a Florentine Benedict. My wife had freshly squeezed OJ and vegetarian omelette. The coffee was nice and strong and the benedict was pretty good. My wife loved the OJ and was pretty happy with the omelette. The hash browns left something to be desired, though. They smelled stale. I love diners and that's what I loved most about this place - It's the quintessential diner! We had a great time here and would definitely be back the next time we're in town!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley W. 2 months ago on Google • 74 reviews New
    Fun busy, loud diner with delicious food. The portions were good and the wait for a table wasn't too bad even though there was quite a line. Getting a donut hole and orange slice right when we sat down was delightful. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his Denver omelette. My egg sandwich was also great. The bread it came on was fluffy but still sturdy. The potatoes are slices rather than shreds or cubes.

  • 5/5 Rebekah D. 5 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    I don't recall the last time I had breakfast on the go, but on my train ride down, I found this little "mom and pop shop" and decided to give it a go. They aren't messing around on their portions!!! It absolutely hit the spot and if I am ever in the area again, I will be taking a little stroll up the block from Union Station to try something else on the menu. I sat at the counter and looked at what everyone else was getting and everything looked SO delicious.

  • 5/5 DaMarcus Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Classic diner style breakfast spot with quick and friendly service. They start you with a complimentary doughnut hole and orange slice. Doughnut hole was delicious and I probably should’ve ordered more. I got the chicken and waffles which was great. The waffle was outstanding and the chicken wings were decent, but added a nice salty touch to the waffle. Others in my group enjoyed their French toast, waffles and pancakes. I recommend this spot everyday of the week.

  • 5/5 Christopher B. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful experience and very affable atmosphere. We had coffee cake that was more fluffy & light than decadent. I ordered the malted pecan & bacon waffle. It was so savory that syrup was unnecessary. My wife loved her cottage cheese omelet with ground beef! I had also ordered a delicious side of sausage. We were greeted with orange slices & fresh donut holes. Our first time and we'll most definitely be back!!!

  • 5/5 Amado H. 1 year ago on Google
    What a comfortable, super great place for breakfast or brunch. Service is outstanding, food amazing. The inside is bustling with Chicago live. The staff is excellent just 💯 customer attention. Coffee fill ups no need to ask or you need a fresh squeezed orange juice. Yeah this is your kinda place a must visit. Enjoy 🥞🍳🥓🥯🧋☕️

  • 5/5 J.A. J. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food. crazy portions. eggs Benedict were solid. potatoes pretty crispy. other person got pancakes and got like 10 pancakes. service was good. went on rainy Sunday at noon, no wait.

  • 5/5 Niv P. 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience dining at this historic restaurant. Staff is so warm and friendly, food is delicious and coffee is amazing. Very popular so crowded during breakfast and brunch hours. Unfortunately they don’t take reservations but it’s definitely worth the wait. Also love their complimentary donut hole and fruit. If you’re looking for a place to grab amazing breakfast, look no further.

  • 5/5 Jeanne D. 8 months ago on Google
    Most people go here for the food, I am sure! However, the experience itself is just fun! They celebrated their 100th anniversary this year! This place is a mainstay in Chicago! It has this quaint, family atmosphere in the middle of a metropolis! The servers were great and tried to stay on top of everything even though it was Sunday morning rush! The coffee was fresh, and the bakery items were delicious! Portions are very generous!! Go if you are ever in The Windy City!

  • 3/5 Scott B. 1 year ago on Google
    Decided to check out a little food history while in Chicago. Overall a disappointment but there were some bright spots. Atmosphere was great...lots of energy and for a birthday, the entire diner sang. It was pretty heartwarming. People were nice and it really felt homey without feeling cheap. Food was ok at best. For a place that prides itself on its baking, the French toast looked great but was super dry. And because the bread was so thick, you couldn't get pat it. Definately need to soak in a batter or liquid before cooking. Pumpkin pancakes served with a ton of whipped cream. Whole thing tasted like a baked pumpkin pie. Issue was the pancakes were nearly raw in the middle. Bacon we asked for never arrived but at least it wasn't on the check.

  • 5/5 Francisco C. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing breakfast we had over here. I'd recommend the classic omelettes. Portions are huge and I'd love to go back here. Great staff and service!

  • 5/5 Kiara F. 11 months ago on Google
    It was an incredible experience. The scrambled eggs tasted like pillows; they were super fluffy. The coffee cake was out of this world. The coffee from their normal pot was good but not super strong. Great service, and incredible food. 1st time visiting but will be back again 100%

  • 5/5 Annie W. 9 months ago on Google
    I love a great diner, and I wasn’t disappointed. Great atmosphere and the French Toast and coffee was amazing. Wished it was closer to our hotel while visiting Chicago because we would’ve gone more than once.

  • 5/5 Ross B. 2 years ago on Google
    If you’re looking for that downtown Americana diner feel, you’ve found your time capsule at Lou Mitchell’s. You have your regulars, you have your tourists, and you have a little bit of everyone in between all stopping in to see what the hub bub is all about. Friendly staff that treat you like family, food that tastes like 1945 is back, and an atmosphere simply unrivaled to your corporate, copy-and-paste breakfast establishments sweeping across America today. If you come to Lou’s and you demand a hardy breakfast, by golly you will get it. An era long gone awaits you within these walls. Get ready for an American breakfast experience of a lifetime, only steps away from the beginning of famous Route 66. Bravo.

  • 5/5 Janice M. 3 years ago on Google
    There's a reason Lou's has been here this long. The food is amazing. My friends gushed about how fluffy the omelets were. My corned beef hash was perfect. I am not a huge pancake fan but I dug into these. A ton of food and great writers who obviously know their stuff

  • 4/5 Jacob C. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was pretty good! Definitely a nice place to get breakfast. The waiter did kind of forget about us, and we had to go looking for him at one point.

  • 5/5 Tiffany P. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    The place is over 100 years old. So cool 😎 A good place to try a fresh egg 🐣 and more things to try as well. Everyone works there they are very friendly. I like to support local foods a lot so highly recommend it 😋

  • 5/5 Stuti G. 2 years ago on Google
    A cozy diner tucked away in the heart of downtown Chicago, just down the street from Union station, perfectly preserved diner reflecting life in 1950s Chicago. Built in 1923, the place has maintained its vintage charm and has food to die for. Come here for brunch and leave with tummys full for the rest of the day. A must stop if you are looking to explore the history of the city.


Call +1 312-939-3111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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