4. Lou Mitchell's

Disgusted
Very dissapointed! Nobody met us at the door and so since there was no sign saying "wait to be seated" we seated ourselves. Later the "hostess" walked by and threw the menus on the table and she didn't offer us the basket of overdone "munchies" so I had to go up front and get our own. We waited a long time for a waitress but one finally arrived. Our food was nothing to brag about and I had to go and find a salt shaker since we didn't have one. I think this is a place with lot's of tradition but is very tired and is probably about to die.

Once a Chicago Landmark, with emphasis on quality and service, it has become a marketing gimick. They no longer have a bakery or use filtered water (despite the misleading signs). Laziness abounds, and with the exception of one server, customer service is poor. Food quality is horrible.

whos who is always there having the worlds greatest breakfast! wait staff is a riot!!

I was once told that the staff at Lou Mitchell's were sullen. However, my husband and I make the 40-mile trek from Aurora everytime we have visitors, and while many of the staff have been on board for years, we have ALWAYS been treated well. Breakfast is the highlight for us. The eggs, bacon, etc. have always been perfectly cooked to our specs. The omelets are huge, the potatoes are nicely fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You will not leave hungry! Interestingly, as a pre-course to breakfast, they bring a small bowl with a slice of orange and a prune. Also, I hear that the orange marmalade on the table is homemade – I think it is divine! This mom-and-pop restaurant is a gem with lots of history and is frequented by the rich, the famous, and just good ol' folks. Please note that it was cash only on our last visit.