Lou Mitchell's
27 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago30 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 18 threads.
What people say, in short
Lou Mitchell's receives breakfast recommendations for a classic diner meal and old-fashioned atmosphere. Omelettes and banana pancakes earn praise, and one visitor particularly likes its Norwegian salmon omelette. Dissent includes a diner who finds the food poor and overpriced and another who considers it average. Visitors also describe crowds, with one suggesting counter seats as an alternative to waiting for a table.
Address
Lou Mitchell's, 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
At a glance
- Signature dishes
- Greek toast, Banana pancakes, Norwegian salmon omelette
- Best for
- Breakfast
- Opinions divided
- Yes
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Lou Mitchell's, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/ladylawyer2892 in r/chicagofood · Nov 2024
Recommends it for an old-fashioned breakfast or lunch.
- Recommendsu/jakeplasky in r/chicagofood · Mar 2024
Named Lou Mitchell's as the breakfast answer.
- Recommendsu/wanderwonder187 in r/chicagofood · Nov 2024ambience
Says their parents were charmed by this place’s old-timey feel.
- Recommendsu/ShakeWeightMyDick in r/chicagofood · Nov 2024
Ranks this as the best diner they have visited.
- Recommendsu/Shot-Programmer3761 in r/AskChicago · Jul 2026
Names Lou Mitchell's when asked for favorite American breakfast spots.
- Mixedu/poubcoult in r/AskChicago · Dec 2025ambience
Says it is not especially impressive, yet recommends it as a classic downtown place with a distinctive mood.
- Contextu/midwestern_boi in r/chicagofood · Oct 2024
Thinks Lou Mitchell's still makes a toast close to this Greek-toast style.
- Recommendsu/bak4320 in r/chicagofood · Oct 2024
Recommends Lou Mitchell's for breakfast.
Show all 30 cited comments
- Recommendsu/fitfoodie28 in r/chicagofood · Feb 2026
Calls it a classic diner; notes a regular line of travelers and a soft-serve treat after.
- Recommendsu/Consistent_Forever33 in r/chicagofood · Dec 2024taste
Praises the omelettes and suggests visiting off the weekend crowds.
- Recommendsu/TheBarleywineHeckler in r/chicagofood · Nov 2024taste
Replying in the Lou Mitchell’s thread, advises ordering a specific salmon omelette.
- Recommendsu/tgman5050 in r/AskChicago · Oct 2026
Names this old-school spot as the go-to choice for a hangover breakfast.
- Mixedu/Bronck in r/chicagofood · Nov 2024taste
Likes the 1950s vibe and service but finds the food awful and overpriced.
- Recommendsu/Uncle_Burney in r/chicagofood · Aug 2024
Names Lou Mitchell's as an established breakfast place and links its website.
- Recommendsu/firetailring in r/AskChicago · Jul 2026
Names this diner as the place to go for the morning meal, among other local suggestions.
- Recommendsu/bucketman1986 in r/chicagofood · Nov 2024
Includes this diner in their favorites list.
- Recommendsu/DaveMan10 in r/chicagofood · Oct 2024
Calls Lou Mitchell's a great option when asked about Greek toast.
- Recommendsu/pazdan in r/chicagofood · Mar 2024
Calls Lou Mitchell's the correct answer.
- Recommendsu/Bruhhhhhhhhhhhhh in r/chicagofood · Feb 2026
Suggests Lou Mitchell's as a long-running spot that is always busy.
- Recommendsu/epppennn in r/chicagofood · Dec 2024taste
Picks the hobo skillets and suggests counter seats to avoid the wait.
- Recommendsu/Kubricksmind in r/chicagofood · Mar 2024
Suggests trying Lou Mitchell's for breakfast.
- Recommendsu/Otherwise_Help_4239 in r/chicagofood · Mar 2024
Calls Lou Mitchell's the best, close enough to the Loop.
- Recommendsu/Ladybug624 in r/chicagofood · Aug 2026
Proposes this diner as a breakfast swap instead of the donut shop.
- Recommendsu/JulesInIllinois in r/chicagofood · Nov 2025
Calls it an institution for breakfast.
- Recommendsu/bondbat007 in r/chicagofood · May 2025taste
Recommends Lou Mitchell's banana pancakes, saying they can't get enough of them.
- Caveatu/Rockembopper in r/chicagofood · Dec 2024taste
Calls it an average diner whose dishes did not impress them.
- Recommendsu/Intrepid-Computer561 in r/chicagofood · Oct 2024
Names Lou Mitchell's as the breakfast choice.
- Contextu/WhosYourPapa in r/chicagofood · Oct 2024
Thinks the pictured toast resembles the one at Lou Mitchell's.
- Recommendsu/PAW21622 in r/chicagofood · Dec 2023
Names Lou Mitchell's among its breakfast or brunch suggestions.
- Caveatu/Then-Jacket9012 in r/chicagofood · Aug 2025
Replying to the Lou Mitchell’s mention, calls the place far too overrated.
Also on
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Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.