Talk about a place this is living off the name. Not a bright spot in the visit. Where do I start... Asked for a table outside and we were quickly seated at an inside table in the back corner next to a table of 10. Served coffee in a dirty cup. Asked for rye toast, got pumpernickel bread, not toasted. Food came quick but over easy eggs were cooked over hard. No silverware at the table so we borrowed it from an adjacent table. Overall the restaurant is in need of a deep cleaning. Hand prints on the glass partition between the booths and on the mirrors hanging on the walls. Menus were sticky. Oh, the coffee was good. Hard pass. read more

Really good food, great service and ambiance. Makes you wanna stay for hrs and enjoy your meal. Servers are really friendly and always bring water and coffee. I'm glad we stopped by. read more

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

I was in Chicago to catch a train after flying in from DC. So, as any tourist would do, they would get a deep dish pizza. But me being the coffee junkie that I am, I really wanted a good cup. So walking out of the pizza joint, I stumbled across Lou's. Nice classic spot with very good coffee (not bitter at all, and very flavorful) and hands down the best apple pie I have ever eaten. The staff were super friendly, and made me feel like a local. And to the young hostess in the front, sorry for running back with minutes until my train left to tell you that you were hot. But let's be honest, you are. Sucks that you have a boyfriend. Thanks again everyone at Lou Mitchell's! read more

Lou Mitchell's - Apple pie and coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time in Chicago and was recommended this place for breakfast. Such a fun diner vibe, food was so delicious and satisfying. The servers were friendly and attentive. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Egg & Meat Breakfast - 2 Egg Breakfast Grilled Thick French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lou Mitchell touts they have "fluffy omlettes". There is truth in advertising. Although light and fluffy, the omlettes are filling. The Apple/Cheddar omlette was filled with delicious Wisconsin cheddar and adorned with sweet cooked apples on top. The thinly-sliced potatoes cooked on the flat top gives them crispy edges and tender in the middle. You can order pancakes @ $3.95/ea. They are light and fluffy but lacked taste. I add a shot a vanilla to my pancake batter (hint- hint) read more

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

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I really enjoyed this place. I refer this restaurant as a piece of Chicago Americana. Nice serving sized portions, excellent ham carved off the bone and a solid cup of coffee. Whenever I am in the city this is my #1 breakfast joint. read more

The food was great as always, the service was top notch and ambiance at this place is always terrific.

Very quick-pace environment; the line might be long but it moves fairly fast; as for service, the staff worked fast and efficiently throughout the entire time we were there. I ordered the Salmon Egg's Benedict and I would say that they were very savory and didn't leave me feeling lethargic. I would come here again & again, a good old American breakfast. :) read more

3.5 stars but an extra half for friendly service all from all. I'm glad we came but the food didn't wow me. Service was super friendly as you're greeted with a free donut hole upon entering. If that doesn't set the stage for great diner service, I don't know what does. Felt like southern hospitality in the big city of Chicago. We wanted to try a cinnamon roll but our late arrival resulted in them being sold out. We opted for a cinnamon donut twist and the waitress brought us her favorite cinnamon cake on the house. We ended up liking her recommendation better that we finished hers and left half the giant twist. She ended up taking the twist off our bill which we didn't expect at all. My eggs Benedict were prepared well and the pancakes were very good especially with their REAL maple syrup. I think they're worth the trip for a nostalgic view of Chicago from 1923. Prices are reasonable and serving sizes are plentiful. read more

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

The food was pretty good. In a really solid area of Chicago the interior design of the place is cool looking as an old fashioned diner type style. The service was ok I mean it could have been a tad bit better. But overall pretty good place read more

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

Drove in from western burbs for breakfast with family. Hospitality and service never misses! Food consistently the same for the past 30 years. Miss the milk duds and stewed prunes but post Covid and keeping prices in reasonable perspective you need to cut some overhead. Staff is extremely pleasant. 101 years and going strong. Great coffee! Love Lou! read more

Perfect old school Chicago diner. Feels like it has a lot of history and it definitely has a lot of character. The service was so nice and very timely for how busy it was. The portion sizes for the food are very generous and delicious. A cute place for any occasion but it is a little loud! read more

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

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It just doesn't get better! Walked in on Friday morning at 9:00 and got the only open table. Our server was like a whirling dervish while simultaneously being the sweetest and most engaging. Our food looked only okay so I was surprised at how delicious it was. We had the French toast and though it is not dipped to have a gooey inside and crispy outside it had an amazing cinnamon crunch exterior and I really enjoyed it. Our other dish was smoked salmon Benedict. Tasty but the real take away here is that they give you a steak knife to cut through those resistant English muffins....nice touch! Excellent experience! read more

This place is a legendary breakfast and lunch joint; no brunchy brunch menus. All the egg dishes, waffles, pancakes and fruit laden culinary delights are amazing. The Mitchell's Club sandwich is incredible, and there are many others that are equally as good. Many more to try . Highly recommend and will return as I have for the last 35 years. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Yup, this is it. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a restaurant that has been lying in my collection for a long time. I finally went there alone yesterday afternoon by chance, and ordered the meltaway pancakes as well as iced coffee. The pancakes were served with a bottle of maple syrup as well as some cheese, and the coffee was served with a pot of milk, which was of great fun doing them myself! The pancakes were soft and yummy, and were too much for me to eat them all so that I had to take out with a box. Anyway, recommend! read more

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

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The food is top notch. The wait is not longer than a few minutes and the ambiance is so much fun!! read more

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You like diners? Route 66? Big, tasty breakfasts? Fresh baked pastries? Then this is your place, too! And don't worry: the line moves quickly - service is efficient, and the place has more seating per square inch than any dining establishment this side of Europe! The veggie omelette was huge - but perfectly done. Fluffy, with an abundance of vegetables - I ordered it "hobo style", with potatoes added, served in an iron skillet. Even the piece of wheat toast was huge (but just baked, and flavorful - not the stuff I find at my local market!) My wife started with a "slice" of coffee cake - looked more like an entire coffee cake to me (which are it for the next two days!!). Her complex eggs order was perfectly rendered, served with a bed of potatoes and bacon. They kept out coffee (reg and decaf) cups refilled. Nice people. A Chicago treasure! Thank you, for the food and fun, Lou Mitchell's! read more

Lou Mitchell's - Saturday morning at prime breakfast time! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Long wait, my mom was excited to come here as she had been her in the 90s with an old boyfriend.. hahah the mems. Anyway, took us a long time to be seated, expected on a busy November morning. Food was ok. Don't remember what I got actually. Nothing really noteworthy Oh, but the spinach salad was actually a 4.5/5 stars. The star of a show. A salad at a diner. Who would have thought. Ugh ok it's 4 stars for the wonderful people here and the convivial atmosphere of a classical diner. I rated 3 originally but my spirit is like nah we gon give them 4 read more

Such a lovely home feel vibe. The food is great. Something your mom would make. The staff is nice as well

We lyfted from our hotel, got seated right away in a cute little side booth, it's hustling and bustling in here. The coffee was immediately poured and it's the best cup I have had in Chicago yet! Ordered the Belgium Bacon and Pecan Waffle and with their house made syrup and original pure whipped butter it was easily the best waffle of my life! Since being a child I have always loved dipping my bacon in syrup but to have this flavorful bacon baked right into the for was scrumptious!! My bf ordered the Waffle & Wings and enjoyed it but being a chicken fan (and from Nashville) he felt the wings were lacking in flavor and a bit overcooked. The coffee and hot chocolate was superior and come in the cutest little mugs. The side dish on the house of the orange and donut hole feel like your at grandma's house being treated! What a gem, so glad we stopped here on our last day in town! Also, the server was quick & anticipated our needs for refills before we ever had to ask and the food was quickly served but still warm and fresh! read more

Lou Mitchell's - So excited to try this Chicago staple! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great food, huge omelette, there was a line but it moved very quickly. Virginia served us and is the star of the restaurant. She was soo nice and funny. Great experience. You need to clone Virginia so everyone can experience her charm. Denver omelette 10/10, portions 11/10. I'll be back. read more

Quite simply a "go-to" every time I am in town. Line moves quickly. The hostess is a spitfire running around in her 90's!!! You will be stuffed. read more

Legendary place to eat. Experience was great. Waitress Virginia was a sweetheart. French toast was so disappointing. Omelette and toast was amazing. Presentation was nice! read more

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I'm bummed and confused to see a 3.5 star rating for this place. I had literally the most delicious breakfast of my life here. My best friend and I came here last year and were both in awe of the eggs at this place. They are so insanely fluffy. I ordered an omelette. The soft pillowy eggs combined with the gooey melty cheese was heavenly. And the omelette was served with these absolutely perfectly seasoned potatoes. The only thing I will say is that the a seating is kind of cramped. The booths are small and in very close proximity to the tables so there's very limited walking space. Also, the place can get really busy and noisy. But even as a person with social anxiety, I really didn't care because the food was that good. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Pardon my language but, bruh. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came to Chicago for a weekend trip and wanted to find a staple within the city. Cannot recommend this place enough. Top notch service, food was 10/10 and the whole vibe. The fluffiest French toast I have ever had, the maple syrup ACTUALLY tasted like maple syrup. The pancakes, oh my! Yummmmm So glad we stopped by here! read more

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

I enjoy having breakfast here on weekdays after rush hour is over. I avoid weekends because it is crowded and you can expect a wait line. My favorite is their Vegetarian Omelette which is fluffy and served with hash browns in a small skillet. Service has always been excellent. And I love the complimentary donut hole with orange slice. Lou's has great coffee too! read more

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

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Oh the history of it all... Vintage inside and out, you feel all of the many memories that ensconce Lou Mitchell's. How many meals have been served here? How many quick or leisurely breakfasts, business meetings, work lunches and memorable moments still haunt this place... Clean bright and inviting, the sweet little hostess lady welcomed us warmly. She seated us with a bright smile that made me feel that we were in her home. Then there was Virginia. The superstar of Lou Mitchell's, she works the room like a pro. She took great care of us and made the one guy in our group feel happy and content. We all had breakfast on this visit. Everything was huge, piping hot and prepared to perfection. Our delicious coffee stayed refilled for our entire meal. Yum!! And yes - there are still Milk Duds!!!! read more

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When you sit down you get a donut hole and an orange slice. Both were delicious. The staff was so nice and helpful and friendly. Food was GREAT and fairly priced. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in Chicago. I will be ordering the chocolate chip pancakes as my meal. read more

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The only place you should go for breakfast. Everything from the eggs to the sausage links seem like they came from a brontosaurus. They're HUGE! And the coffee is the best I've ever had. read more

If you want to eat only one meal when you're in Chicago, go to Lou's. I came on a four day weekend trip but didn't eat here until Day 2 and it remains the biggest regret of my life. To think I could've eaten here for four straight days...sigh. The Egg Sandwich was AMAZING and the Corn Beef Hash and eggs changed the way I look at breakfast...maybe forever! The service is the best and the desserts were insane! Get yourself a Black & White...get yourself Coffee Cake...get whatever you want, just make sure you come to Lou's!!! read more

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Fun crowded loud with average food at best. It's a pretty famous place and we did sit next to Reverend Jesse Jackson which was fun. The "maple syrup" as it turns out is a blend snd not pure a Maple syrup (what's the point?). My egg sandwich was dry with even drier toast. The service was great. I'd realistically give this place 2.5 stars but that's not an option on yelp read more

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Met some colleagues here due to location and so glad I found this place! Very old school diner vibe. They have a great omelette menu, include an apple and cheese omelet, and they make their own bread. Great service. read more

Another Trojan Tradition when USC comes to town. Great food with terrific and attentive wait staff. We never went without. Big menu options and clean restaurant. Only drawback was downstairs restroom but didn't hurt our visit or review. Little donuts delivered to the table are the best! read more

Went to Lou Mitchell's after probably 20+ years and it is probably the same as it ever was. I would agree that this place is an iconic place in the city and it still remains and operates as such. I think in these past decades, though, so many new choices have come up that are necessarily more premium of an experience and food. Though, the old is gold proverb still holds. For example, I ordered the waffle and they seem to have one of those flip waffle irons just like those at any hotel breakfast spread. They did embed the pecans into the batter... So, nothing premium there, but it was fine. The hash browns were ok as well. Needed flavor. I added s&p... I had asked for them well done and they could've been moreso. Beyond the food, though, the service was great in terms of quick coffee and water refills, etc. There was probably a 10 minute wait up front at 12pm on a Sunday, which isn't bad at all. You just wait in the line and they seat you as spaces arise. The place definitely has that old world charm. Very nice wait staff. Visit Lou Mitchell's if you haven't already. read more

Great food! The onions in my veggie omelette were cooked just to sweetness without losing their crunch. Tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms were all very tasty. Homemade marmalade was so fresh tasting on Greek wheat toast. My colleague had French Toast that was so soft and good, and way too much to finish. Service was quick and friendly. Hot tea option was Farmer's, which isn't bad. And they had honey. read more

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

A classic in downtown Chicago just West of the Loop. If I can, every time I travel to Chicago, I find an excuse to have breakfast here! Everything is good but the omelettes are especially good! Worth your time and cash! read more

Warm and friendly staff. Service was wonderful and breakfast portion can fill you up for two meals. The homemade marmalade was yummy. We enjoyed the ambience and the decor. It's a busy and happy place to be. Thank you Mickey for your fabulous service and your big smile. When visiting Chicago, be sure to add Lou Mitchell's in your itinerary. read more

Years ago, I randomly searched "Best breakfast in Chicago," and Lou Mitchell's came up. Since then, we have never missed a visit here on any trip to Chicago. The atmosphere is something between bustling and a 3 ring circus, but they always seem to find a spot for us when we arrive. The omelets here are simply superb. I usually get the spinach and feta, which is a mainstay at Long Island diners, but absolutely memorable here. There is a sign in the window, staking their claim that this is the spot where Route 66 begins. Only problem is that it is a bit off the beaten track, but we will always find a way to get there. Highly recommended. read more

Lou Mitchell's - Apple omelets? Oh, yes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Always a favorite when I'm in town. They give you plenty of good food, and the service is second to none.

Pretty ho-hum despite all the lore (100 years, blah, blah). Guessing people feel like they need to love this place because it's been around so long. Could be our mediocre service, food not coming as ordered, and the prices but there are better options around. read more