Alright, take a look at Lou Mitchell’s-this place might just smell like coffee and history. Since 1923, it’s been the breakfast table for everyone from daily commuters to road trippers, thanks to its spot right near Union Station and-this is classic Chicago-the beginning of the old Route 66. They even call it “the first stop on the Mother Road.” If you were setting out for California, you started your day right here over eggs and pancakes. Imagine it: for a couple bucks-more like twenty bucks in today’s money-you could eat enough to survive an entire trip to L.A.
Lou Mitchell’s isn’t just about fluffy omelets and the warm donut holes they hand you at the door. In 2002, the national restoration of Route 66 kicked off right here. And Heleen Thanasouras, the longtime owner? She once judged chefs on Top Chef, grilling them on-what else-the egg station.
Places like this remind you that some things-strong coffee, good company, starting fresh-never go out of style. When you’re ready, head west for about nine minutes to reach the International Tailoring Company Building.
