Lou Mitchell's has been serving breakfast and lunch near Union Station since 1923, when it was started by the father of "Uncle" Lou Mitchell before passing to Lou himself. The diner has built its reputation on home-cooked classics served in a counter-and-booth room that hasn't changed its basic formula in a century.
The menu runs long on diner staples: fluffy jumbo omelettes in dozens of combinations, pancakes in versions from silver dollar to pecan to chocolate chip, thick grilled French toast, and Belgian malted waffles. Since 1958, diners waiting for a table have been greeted with donut holes and Milk Duds, a small tradition that's become as much a part of the visit as anything on the menu.
Lou Mitchell's has been Michelin Selected in the Chicago guide for 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025.
The menu runs long on diner staples: fluffy jumbo omelettes in dozens of combinations, pancakes in versions from silver dollar to pecan to chocolate chip, thick grilled French toast, and Belgian malted waffles. Since 1958, diners waiting for a table have been greeted with donut holes and Milk Duds, a small tradition that's become as much a part of the visit as anything on the menu.
Lou Mitchell's has been Michelin Selected in the Chicago guide for 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025.