The service here was amazing (thanks Virginia!). It's a classic diner feel and definitely a place where the locals go. Try the corned beef hash or the deep dish skillet. read more

This place is overrated. It's the kind of place that people will tell you to like just because it has a history in Chicago. My bf and I went to this place after hearing so much about this (and afterall, it was featured in Top Chef). But this place doesn't stand out among other brunch places in the city. I've had a better experience in places like Le Peep, Orange, Ina's, etc. The service was also worse than mediocre. It took so long for our server to take our order. And to begin with, she wasn't all that friendly as well. My bf ordered a burger and when it arrived, it didn't come with a bun. And when he asked the server if the burger comes with a bun, the server just gave a straight no answer. I had banana pancakes which were good, but really, I've also tasted very good banana pancakes in other brunch places. And during the whole time we were eating, our server didn't come to refill our water and never checked with us if everything was ok. And then suddenly she came over and put our check on the table (she didn't say anything at that time too). And when we went up to the counter to pay, we realized that they only accepted cash and not credit card. My bf thought out loud that he had enough cash, but it turned out that he was short on some singles, and so I had to take some singles out from my purse. And the cashier made some lame joke about how my bf shouldn't "lie" to me that he had enough cash on hand because if not, how were we going to get married next time. WTF? The cashier doesn't even know us and what gives her the right to say such things to customers? We expected this place to be better. We are not returning to this place, ever. read more

I just stopped by here this past Saturday and I adore this place. I had the Denver omelet w/potato's and the portions we're more then I can handle. A lot of food!!! Donuts as a welcome gift we're very cute and yummy! OJ was great...will go back to have the pancakes. read more

I'm a breakfast person, not because I eat breakfast but bcoz I eat what is refered to as breakfast foods anytime of d day. I read some of d reviews on d way to this place. I read a lot of good reviews about this place. I have an idea of what food am going to try. We kinda expect d place to be crowded during lunch hour in downtown Chicago.So, I was impressed when we got a table so quickly. oh yeah, The guy handed us a box of milkduds :-) the basket with d donut holes is empty. I was disapointed about this. I wanted to try those donut holes fellow yelpers were raving about. I ordered Belgium malted pecan & bacon waffle and greek sausage on d side. I did not expect that pecan n bacon would all be mixed in with d batter n cooked in d waffler. I thought it was strange. I expected pecan n bacon as toppings for d waffle. It looks okay enough to eat. So I braved it out, I took a bite...I wasn't disapointed with my waffle. It actually tasted good. Crunchy, salty n sweet. the greek sausage were cut up into pieces. I didn't like my sausage cut so I have to take away a star. After we got all our orders, the waitstaff never came back to check on us. I had to ask a busboy to refill my coffee. She was nowhere in sight. I read about their crappy service too n I thought we will be spare today. Boy oh boy... It's true, they got u your order n that's it. you can skip on d bill if u r daring enough. U can say, my waitress is nowhere in sight n am ready to pay 30 mins. Ago... U can try n lay d guilt trip on their crappy waitstaff service. So I took another star away. read more

Service was horrible. They change sections so you get a new server halfway through your lunch. Over crowded and loud. Good food though. Not a fan of the service. One good thing they greet you with freshly made donut holes and give you milk duds when you sit down at your table. read more

Having been to plenty of breakfast joints this past week, I definitely can articulate what sets this place apart from others. LM is most certainly a 'diner', a term others may use to denote a restaurant of a second tier(or quality), but may miss the point about what is good. Not every place has to have the ambiance of a tourist trap, nor the über healthy menu predominantly displayed. This place is made to fill your stomach and send you on your way. Had to wait? A little. Busy waitstaff? Yes. But what makes this special is the waitstaff knows people's names. They are incredibly polite, even when crushed with tourists and locals. CTA drivers on either side of me, always a good sign. You're going to be waiting in line at the Sears/Willis tower anyway - may as well start off a couple of blocks west and have a good meal to fuel your day. My recommendation? Try the biscuits and gravy. Hats off to Beverly and the rest of the crew at Lou Mitchell's. read more

Totally my kind of place, because it has such vintage charm inclusive the people working there. The atmosphere is to me very comfortable, I can be very chatty, so if I get to sit at a counter and am allowed to throw (friendly) comments back and forth with others sitting there and with staff I feel like at home in my grandma's kitchen. It's the kind of place where the waitresses are called "Donna" and "Virginia" and don't look like they are REALLY there only because they are waiting for when that modelling agency calls back where they signed up, whilst they are also playing lead guitar in a rock band. Not that I have an issue with either, not at all, in fact, but it does help if waiting staff can identify with the job description: taking care of customers. Personally I like the food a lot, very American home style cooking, although I admit being not originally American it did take me exactly four years before I could even smell eggs and bacon on an empty stomach for breakfast, far from enjoying it. Being very into healthy eating after all I appreciate the freshly squeezed juice, fruit and prune options, and the homemade marmalade is angelic. If I was more often in town I would eat there probably twice a week or more. The only BUT, which is the reason that cost it five minus one *star: all the eggy breakfast are being made in small aluminum pans. I hope occasionally I will get away with eating from it, but IF I would eat there as often as I'd like to, well, Aluminum cooking ware is connected to Alzheimer risk and I do not want to get that, so that is the one point I would certainly change. read more

The classic diner on Route 66! Conveniently located in the west loop right by Union Station. Come early to avoid the lines and check the specials when you walk in. I always get whatever is on special it is always a bit cheaper and loaded with extras. This is a staple that I've been going to with my family since I was small. If you are from out of town come give Lou's a try and avoid the big chain spots you will not regret it! read more

Cute little diner, been here for breakfast many times. Great Chicago classic. The food is tasty, service is not the warmest but they are quick. The line can be long on the weekends after 10-11am but the turnover is fast and the food is worth the wait. read more

My boss knows just about every great restaurant in city of Chicago. When I asked where would be a good place to take my friend for brunch, she said Lou Mitchell's. She was right, it's a fantastic place for brunch! When my friend and I went, we waited in line around 10:30 on a Sunday, (even with the snow and gross weather, the place was packed), a basket of freshly powdered donut holes were brought to us. The donut holes melt in your mouth. Once inside, we were greeted with an adorable old waitress and a cute retro looking dinner. We were immediately served hot, fresh coffee (so good!) and then my friend and I took our time perusing through the extensive menu. After debating, we opted to split two entrees that we couldn't decide on: the malted pecan belgian waffle and the veggie omelette covered in onion sauce. We were very intrigued by this onion sauce. They obligingly split the omelette between two fry pans. The waffle was pretty good, served with REAL maple syrup. I have had better waffles, but I still ate it like it was the best thing ever. But I love waffles, so I would even down an eggo without thinking twice. The omelette was HUGE and served with finely sliced fried potatoes. The omelette was fluffy hot and the veggies and onion sauce were spot on. We practically licked our plates clean. We were so full, we passed on the soft serve ice cream, which is offered free at the end of the meal. We did grab our boxes of Milk Duds, though! If you're looking for a charming, delicious breakfast that's not too far from the downtown Loop- defintely go to Lou Mitchell's. Make sure to grab a donut hole! BTW, it's cash only! read more

Very disappointing as it was treating my nephew too something 100% Chicago. The portions were small the prices high. Omelets were over $10 each and nothing special. Two omelets, two drinks and a slice of ham was $35. If know things change but this was not the Lou Michell's I recall when I started working downtown. read more

Super good omelets & the coffee was amazing. The interior is kind of outdated but overall I would recommend. Servers were all super friendly! read more

This is one of my favorite breakfast spots. Their breakfast is awesome. They try hard to make you feel welcome and at home even though they are often very busy, due to their popularity. Great people watching too. If you order eggs you get double the amount 2 eggs= 4eggs. They also bake all their own breads and they are delish! read more

If you like eggs for breakfast, this is your place. The jumbo fluffy omelettes don't disappoint. Fresh everything in an old school setting. read more

I remember what a good restaurant this was when Lou Mitchell ran it like a spit and polished ship. Through sucsessive owners, this restaurant is mediocre at best, and very spotty on food quality. Service is good, when you get past the up sells. Today, I had pancakes, they used to be outstanding, today they were uncooked with raw soggy interiors and a distinctive grill taste. I also do not appreciate, that they do not take credit cards, have no wifi, and the god books at the cashier. You could do better at the McDonalds in the train station. Wish I could resurrect Lou. read more

The only reason I went in was because my touristy friends from out of town wanted to try it. My omelette was expensive and oh so bland.

Great food. However I will not be returning on account of a discriminating hostess. Very unfortunate.

I respect this establishment for their history in the community. It's known for their hearty breakfasts and menu. They call it iconic for being one of first stops of Route 66. I appreciate all of the above but nothing spectacular about their food and or service. I am satisfied that I tried it. Don't need to go back. Waiting time is expected because it draws lots of people, the space is dated to nostalgic era, and their touch of offering a small doughnut ball is special but nothing worth repeating. read more

Lou Mitchell's still has farm-raised eggs cooked in a skillet, made to taste,over easy, with hash browns, the way Grandmother served it. There is homemade orange jam, served on old-fashioned, buttered toast, from oven-baked wheat bread. You can also get a fresh prune and a slice of orange on the side. Don't forget to ask for the morning newspaper and a warm up cup of coffee. The taste of oven-fresh baked goods reminds you that Lou Mitchell's does its own quality baking, fresh, everyday... read more

My wife and I have been here twice now. We travel from California and always love good eats. Lou Mitchells is awesome for serving donuts to waiting customers. I like the corned beef hash with eggs over medium. It was so good I'm getting hungry thinking about it. read more

Excellent service. Awesome breakfast..... My second time here for breakfast. A real treat.

Love the history of this place and the rye bread is the best I've ever had. A must for brunch while in Chicago!

Way too aggressive. We came in here for pastries and they sat us down at the counter since we had mentioned we weren't eating. Without giving us a chance to order or telling us they were out of pastries they brought us two cups of coffee that we didn't order or want and were now forced to pay for. They were pushing all the customers to eat faster even though business was pretty slow and nothing I saw looked appetizing. read more

This was the worst dinner I have had in a restaurant. The food came cold, the service was poor, and a new meal wasn't offered, rather the frozen meal that came out was just reheated. No adjustment to the bill was made after the exceptionally poor service. Avoid at dinner at all costs! read more

I was very excited about visiting Lou Mitchell's. I was very disappointed!!!! The food was not good at all. It was all al a carte as well as overpriced. Our waitress was very rude and impatient. I will not be visiting this restaurant EVER again!!! read more

I wanted to go to this restaurant for quite a while because of it's history and reviews. I finally decided to go with a friend at the end of trip we took downtown on the train. So we went before we caught the train home as it was so close to Union station. Unfortunately we got there at about 2:40pm and noticed that they close at 3:00pm. I already had a good idea of what I wanted from researching the menu the day before. We decided to just get a couple of cups of lobster bisque (Wednesday's soup special) since they were closing in about 15 minutes. It was clear to both of us after the first spoonful that it was the WORST excuse for lobster bisque we ever had. Does Campbell's make a condensed lobster bisque? If so this might have been it. To add insult to injury, a CUP of lobster bisque clocked in at $3.99! If the rest of their menu can be judged by the lobster bisque I guess I will not be eating their again. Since most of the other positive reviews I read were for breakfast I assume that is probably the way to go. I'm not sure if I will give it another chance under better circumstances. Maybe for breakfast. Maybe? read more

Consistently VG breakfast food. If you like the 'omelette in the pan' then you will like it here. The fritters and Milk Duds add to the charm, but the real enjoyment is the food and sitting shoulder to shoulder with other patrons. Service is good and prompt. Recent visit I had the Lox and Onion omelette. Bride had Cottage Cheese and Bacon Omelette. After one taste of hers I had genuine Omelette Envy. Orange marmalade is great on the toast. We will go back! read more

Giving one star because you can't give 0 food was horrible eggs benedict were okay I heard fill up on the donuts coffee was good service was below subpar do not go for ppl bill was $60 58 total crap will never be back they advertise the best breakfast on the planet we do not know what planet they're talking about thank you read more

A 3.5 star average? I'm so confuuuuuuuused! Why?! Lou Mitchell's is a Chicago institution. From the complimentary donut holes, the boxes of milk duds, the orange slice/prune combo and the soft serve vanilla ice cream to the familiar hostess and servers (who've been there for 30+ years) to the INCREDIBLE french toast (that contains a secret ingredient, I'm convinced. A swirl of cinnamon or some other spice perhaps?) to the INSANE "Signature Fries" which are smothered in feta and cheddar (not for the faint of heart, or those prone to heart attacks) to the delicious and gigantic omelet skillets. So Chicago. So amazing. read more

It was pretty crowded but the line for a table moves quick. Hard to find parking nearby. I went around noon. The omelette I had was pretty good and my girlfriend said her waffle was good also - but nothing super spectacular. A little pricey. I wasn't offered any milk duds or doughnut holes as these other reviews seem to rave about. read more

Loved the donut hole upon entering the restaurant. Great service, fresh food and juice. Tasty coffee

So.... I'm a big fan of nostalgia and little dives with good food. I can look past drab accommodations and even very average service if the food is good. I've now been into two places in the last month that are really living on the "life support" that is nostalgia. This is one of them. Is it a cool old school diner dive. Yes. Are the cute old ladies waiting tables charming, yes. Was service great... nah, it wasn't, but she was like 70 years old, so I give her some credit. I also said I wanted her to suggest and order my breakfast, so I was taking a risk. She said.... "Eggs Benedict, it's our best dish." Ugh... it hit the wall there. First, I was expecting something off the charts great looking and tasting. Neither. The poached eggs were smaller than I had ever seen before. Where do you get them that small? Too much hollandaise sauce on it too, they were practically swimming. The potatoes were not so great either. About half of them were good, the others were scorched or like potato chips. I had been here before and had a similar experience, but it was a good 6 years ago, so I thought maybe I had remembered it wrong. I hadn't. I would take a pass, if I were you..... read more

Every bite of what we ordered was perfection! Banana pancakes melt in your mouth. Ham and cheese omelette came with delicious breakfast potatoes. The raisin toast is worth the extra charge. The service was terrific. You are escorted to your table with an offer of a donut hole to enjoy on the way. Need I say more? read more

I've only been to Lou Mitchell's on weekday mornings, before 8:00. And it's STILL packed. As far as breakfasts go, it's pretty standard. All of the breakfasts I've had there have been pretty good, except for the apple and cheese omelette, but I guess it's my own fault for choosing the weirdest thing on the menu. Prices are reasonable, service is speedy and there are homemade donuts holes in the front while you wait for your table. Down side is that it is cash only, which I always seem to forget. The decor sort of reminds me of the late night diners I used to frequent back in Jersey. read more

um...maybe to call this "mediocre diner food" might be an overstatement. imo, lou mitchell's is about the gimmick: all customers get a complimentary doughnut hole when you walk in, orange+prune bowl, and soft serve ice cream to cleanse the pallet. if you sit at the bar you're served a copy of chicago sun times. all of this, plus the sassy waitresses calling you "hon" make it a fun place to take friends, but DO NOT expect good food. read more

Delicious! A definate must go if in Chicago....it reminds me of going to breakfast with my Dad when I was little. The atmosphere is a bit diner with heavy duty plates....clank clank! Bustle! The food is heavenly and service is great even though they are always busy. Lines out the door. Used to be that the owners son who had inherited the place would greet ever customer. He knew my Dad by name.....sigh! Good memories! read more

This restaurant is historic to Chicago so I would recommend at least one visit. It's family owned and been in business since 1923! The service is a little slow but it's a good experience and you can get a history lesson while you wait. Lou's also has a tradition of giving milk dudes to patrons while they wait to be seated; an orange and prune while you wait for your food; and a tide bit of ice cream after you're done with your meal. read more

Anyone who doesn't give this place five stars doesn't understand what a diner is, and they especially don't understand what an amazing accomplishment their eggs are. Unreal what they do with them. UNREAL. Staff is amazing, too. read more

Good service, kitsch experience. Food was OK (eggs up were runny). Prices seem reasonable, but coffee is $3.

Stopped in to kill a little time. While drinking ice tea and eating donut holes a rat, yes, rat, ran across the floor behind the counter. A busboy saw it and did not bat an eye. Never going back. Can I give less than one star? read more