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....
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
Best old school, wait, no — best breakfast ANYWHERE.
Properly awesome coffee, served in cups with saucers and refilled constantly, that takes you “body and soul” back in time to the days of the most perfect breakfast diner experience.
Servers in uniform.. home-baked pastries and breads and desserts.. 2 eggs really served as 4, omelettes, waffles and all the classic dishes.. booths and 20th-century counter service, too!
FIVE STARS forever!
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.
Perfect for the breakfast in a rainy day. 1923 - 2023, One hundred years of good services and traditional food!
Really enjoyed this spot! The food is really tasty! They gave us an orange slice and donut hole as a starter, it was on the house. We had the egg sandwich and omelette. We also had the pecan waffle. The omelette was super fluffy and their bread is delicious! The coffee is also good here. The servers and staff are very nice. Definitely worth the stop!
Arantza Ainhoa Gonzalez Guillen
+5
I recently went to this restaurant for the first time and we felt very comfortable with the customer service they have, the food is very tasty and the attention is perfect. Despite having a very long line, the host worried about us and made us sit down quickly in addition to being very charismatic making us laugh with his jokes! When I travel back to Chicago we will visit this place again.
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!!!
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Attended Lou Mitchell’s during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend. First time ever dining here and the food was absolutely amazing. Between the massively thick cut French toast, fluffy omelets, fresh fruit, and hash browns, we simply could not have asked for a better way to start the day! My one and only gripe would be how insanely packed the dining area is. Kinda felt like we were seated alongside two other breakfast parties. There was really zero separation between us and the other diners. Completely understandable though given the weekend, and the relative size of the building in general. I only say that because I’m relatively socially introverted and it places me in too close of a proximity to others for my comfort. Conversation is relatively unavoidable when you’re literally within one another’s elbow space. I do recall sharing our syrup bottle with another party and thinking of it as almost like a communal wine jug. All great vibes though. Guest around us were friendly yet respectful of our “privacy” while eating. The server was outstanding and made our dining experience a positive one! I would definitely return again, and I highly recommend waiting out the lines and crowds for this hometown diner experience within the heart of Chicago!
This place is excellent. This waitress was the best I have ever had. She makes you feel like family! I will definitely come back when I am in Chicago again!! Even though it is packed seating, they made me feel as if it was a hometown expectancies. Virginia is her name!!
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.
Came to Chicago for the weekend with some friends and were looking for a great breakfast spot, and Lou Mitchell’s did not disappoint! I got the Belgium Waffle with fruit and it was very good.
Friends said the pancakes were good, French toast sticks, and also Chicken and waffles, which he said the chicken was good but not great.
Service was kind and friendly and we had a good experience!
Give this place a try!
In a nice neighborhood too.
Visiting Chicago for a few days. Found this spot. It was amazing food was so good! Fresh bread, fresh OJ. Had a nice lil chat with some of the staff! Your missing out if you skip this place!
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