Lou Mitchell's

Lou Mitchell's is a breakfast landmark at 565 W Jackson Blvd in Chicago's West Loop, Illinois, close to the traditional starting point of Route 66. The diner opened in 1923 and has long fed commuters from nearby Union Station, as well as road-trip travelers beginning the historic highway west. That history gives the restaurant a standing beyond its menu as a symbol of old Chicago breakfast culture. The cuisine is American breakfast and lunch. The skillet omelets, which arrive at the table in the pan, are the dish most associated with the address, and the double-yolk eggs and donut holes are the other emblematic items. Pancakes, toast, hash and coffee fill out the menu. The dining room is a traditional diner space, with counter and booth seating, brisk, friendly service and a busy, noisy morning atmosphere; dress is casual. The price tier is inexpensive for a downtown-area sit-down meal, and portions are large. Hours are Wednesday to Friday 6AM to 2PM and Saturday to Sunday 7AM to 2PM, and the diner is closed on Monday and Tuesday, so planning around those days matters. The restaurant does not take reservations, and lines form at weekends and during busy travel seasons, though service is quick and tables turn over steadily. Arriving soon after opening usually shortens the wait considerably. The location is a short walk from Union Station, making it a convenient stop for rail travelers and for visitors heading into the Loop or toward the Chicago Riverwalk. Pairing a skillet omelet with the donut holes is the traditional order for first-time diners.