Historic diner serving classic American breakfasts and lunches, renowned for its homemade baked goods, fresh coffee, and longstanding association with the beginning of Route 66.
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00am to 2:00pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Food and beverages available for purchase
How to Get There
From Downtown Chicago (1 mi): Travel west on Jackson Boulevard into the West Loop, where the restaurant is located near Union Station and the historic eastern terminus of Route 66.
Overview
Lou Mitchell's has been a Chicago institution since 1923 and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic diners in America. Known for its warm hospitality, the restaurant became famous for greeting guests with complimentary doughnut holes and Milk Duds while they wait to be seated. Its classic diner atmosphere, open kitchen, freshly squeezed juices, homemade breads, and generous breakfasts have made it a favorite stop for locals, commuters, and travelers beginning their journey along historic Route 66.
Located just steps from the traditional starting point of the Mother Road, the restaurant has welcomed generations of visitors from around the world seeking an authentic Chicago dining experience. Family operated for decades, it has maintained many of its historic traditions while continuing to serve signature pancakes, omelets, waffles, burgers, and comfort-food favorites. Frequently recognized in travel guides and national publications, Lou Mitchell's remains one of the city's most beloved landmarks and a must-visit destination for Route 66 enthusiasts.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Lou Mitchell's, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
