Lou Mitchell's - Chicago's Iconic Route 66 Restaurant

Lou Mitchell's, Chicago's legendary Route 66 restaurant

Located just steps from the sign announcing the start of Route 66 in Chicago, Lou Mitchell's Restaurant and its hearty breakfasts have always been considered the "emotional and gourmet" starting point of Route 66.

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Since 1923, this unchanging landmark on Jackson Boulevard has witnessed the coronation of the road in 1926, followed by its gradual decommissioning until 1986. As for Lou's Restaurant, it never closed, and generations of travelers have followed in its footsteps, drawn by a menu that promises generous omelets, homemade pastries and breads, and a varied selection of sandwiches and hamburgers. Many of the items prepared here are organic.

Inside Lou Mitchell's (Chicago)

Starting at 10:30 a.m., the lunch menu takes over, with a bevy of sandwiches and other burgers - all Angus beef - that indulge in a few original touches: with olives, corned beef or sauerkraut (!), for example, on Greek or ciabatta bread. The menus come with French fries. They even say they're hand-cut!

As for the more traditional salads, they come with a choice of homemade bread: roll, Greek or raisin.

Lou Mitchell's is on the top list of every self-respecting Chicago tourist. It's not uncommon to have to wait in line for a seat.