[category]
[title]
Lou Mitchell's is a West Loop institution that's been around since 1923. It's hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities and was recently featured in season three of Hulu's hit show The Bear. The iconic red signage welcomes hungry crowds, which, on some days, stretch down the block as they wait for a table.
The vibe: Intimate booths, counter seating and an old-school aesthetic. This is a great place to squeeze your group into a booth and discuss last night's events over steaming-hot coffee and a ton of pancakes.
The food: Diners never leave feeling hungry. The well-portioned plates include staples like "meltaway" pancakes, waffles topped with a mound of fresh fruit, massive omelettes and skillets, and fresh-baked bread. Plus, each meal starts with donut holes on the house. What more could you ask for?
The drinks: Coffee is a must. The diner prides itself on serving high-quality joe, but we also appreciate the robust selection of fresh juices and tea.
Time Out tip: Women and children are treated to Milk Duds on each visit. It's a longstanding tradition that dates back to the diner's early days and reflects classic Greek hospitality traditions.