Lou Mitchell's Restaurant
Chicago, IL 60661-5701
Phone: (312) 939-3111
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Jefferson Street
- Directions:
- El: Blue Line to Clinton
- Specialties:
- Breakfast
- Best of Citysearch:
- Breakfast 2007, Breakfast 2004
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30am-3pm, Sun 7am-3pm
Editorial Review for Lou Mitchell's Restaurant – by Elisa Kronish
The Scene
Most mornings see a line out the door at this bustling, decades-old West Loop institution. Still full of old-school city attitude, it hasn't lost any of its popularity among both tourists and eat-and-run business types. The decor--beige booths, white-speckled black tile floor and plastic plants--is outdated, but comforting. Fresh and veteran "Whaddya-want?" servers dash around, delivering cholesterol by the plateful. Food comes fast and hot, and good coffee comes frequently.
The Food
Three plate-size banana pancakes are light and sweet. For kids, pancakes get a whipped-cream smiley face studded with Milk Duds. Mile-high French toast is lightly grilled, not fried. Egg dishes come in skillets, with potatoes, generous sides of bacon or sausage, and choice of homemade toast--limp with melting butter, which you can top off with house-made marmalade. The menu doesn't lie about over-stuffed omelettes being "fluffy." The secret? Double-yolk eggs.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoMitchell's doesn't accept credit cards, but there's an ATM just inside the door.
Where to SitIf you can wait, get a booth. Tables are pushed-together community affairs, so be prepared to share sugar. Or pull up a stool at the counter.
The ExtrasMitchell's is the king of freebies: Doughnut holes are handed out to customers waiting in line, and Milk Duds are given to women and children when seated. Top off your meal with a free mini-cup of soft-serve ice cream (before 10:30am weekdays, all day on weekends).
User Reviews for Lou Mitchell's Restaurant
08/12/2008 Posted by jaxma1
Even as out-of-towners, we were made to feel at home at Lou's. Very warm, inviting establishment - if you like this style of dining (which we do!). Very filling food - we ordered way too much - I swear they use eight eggs in one of their omeletes. Highly recommend the thin sliced potatoes with cheddar cheese and feta - share with the table!
Pros: Huge portions, friendly service & good value
Cons: tight quarters
07/20/2008 Posted by annie4
Bad food and even poorer service. Yeah, that sums it up!
Pros: None
Cons: Service
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