565 W. Jackson Blvd. between S. Clinton and S. Jefferson Sts. (two blocks from Union Station where the Amtrak and Metra trains leave from)


Average Overall Rating:

(5 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(4 out of 5)

(2 out of 5)

Review by: Cactus5225 on 11/17/2010

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You gotta go! Pure Chicago, location, welcome, ambiance, all to cool. THEN THE FOOD! Come with an appitite and give yourself time to enjoy. The service is faboo, the portions are "crazy" big. Have fun...

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #21496Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 5/23/2010

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Don't be deterred by the long lines! They move fast and you get free donut holes while you wait. I have no clue why this place is classified as a 'classy joint'. There isn't a better example of a greasy spoon diner in the area. The food overall was very good, but don't miss out on the baked items. I would definetly reccomend this spot to anyone visiting Chicago. And if you like your coffee, this place has dedicated runners who circulate constantly to refill your cup.

Review #20106Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 8/14/2009

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Skillet breakfasts are great! I used to be a regular when I was a trader at the CME. Always crowded, but worth the wait.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #17736Review by: Bluehensfan on 10/25/2005

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Doesn't Apply

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Step off the street near Union Station and enter the 1950's coffee shop/diner era. As you enter, you are treated with donut holes and milk duds. Make sure to sit at the formica counter amidst the hustle and bustle and forget your dietary restrictions. Best bets include the fabulous banana pancakes served with decent syrup. The regular pancakes seem to be lacking though. Good belgian waffles, and bacon and home fries are ok. The omelettes, served in individual skillets looked good too. Great atmosphere including public address announcements of customer's birthdays with requisite singing and servers who have been there for years, and they have a number of baked goods to take home. They don't take credit cards but an ATM machine is on premises and they are open from (I believe) 5:30 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon so don't come expecting dinner.



Review #6126Review by: missmary on 3/13/2005

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When you enter, you will be met with long, but speedy lines, a host with a basket of freshly made cinnamon-sugar donut holes to sample while waiting for a seat, and a small box of Milk Duds "for ladies only." Cafeteria-style tables offer much seating and a chance to visit with strangers over breakfast though there are booths too. Every patron is given a small bowl with two stewed prunes and an orange slice before taking your order. The menu is very large; they're famous for their skillet breakfasts and homemade jams. Two scrambled eggs fill up a skillet like four eggs would. Fresh squeezed orange juice, though pricey, is worth a try. And there are lots of home-made pastries and cakes to choose from. I look forward to going to Lou Mitchell's when in Chicago!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #4652


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Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Chicago, Illinois - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Lou Mitchell's.