Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant in downtown Chicago offers a scrumptious send off to travelers headed on historic Route 66

Built in 1949, Lou Mitchell’s is located at 565 West Jackson Boulevard, a few blocks west of Lake Michigan and the eastern terminus of Route 66. To enjoy the full impact of this restaurant’s facade tucked snugly between two taller buildings, view it at a distance from across the street. Visitors immediately focus on the original aluminum and glass storefront. Rising up from the upper front facade and extending the entire length of the building is the eye catching, original 1949 neon sign that proudly states “Lou Mitchell’s Serving the World’s Best Coffee.” Another original sign, this one extolling the restaurant’s handmade bakery goods, is still hanging on the front facade. Aside from timely upgrades of the kitchen and bathrooms, the interior of Lou Mitchell’s has not been significantly altered since 1949. The dining room retains its original black and white terrazzo flooring, and most of the dining and counter areas are unchanged.

  The booths have their original wood tables, coat racks, and seats, although the seats sport new upholstery. The multi-sided counters with individual stools are original but have newer laminated surfaces and upholstery. Much of the wood and formica wall paneling dates to 1949. All in all, the stylistic choices made in 1949 point not backward but to the future, to the 1950s. The restaurant’s intense presentation of neon, shining glass, and sleek aluminum truly place this historic eatery in Route 66’s classic Golden Age.

Turn south along S. Clinton St. to West Jackson St. that carried eastbound Route 66 traffic into Chicago, and to your left on the south side of Jackson is the Historic

 Lou Mitchell's Restaurant.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places - Neon Sign

At 565 West Jackson Boulevard. Strategically located on the former eastbound US 66 into Chicago, a few blocks from Lake Michigan and the eastern terminus of the Mother Road. It is a Route 66 Hall of Fame Inductee.

The neon sign is the original one, from 1949, and it announces "Lou Mitchell's Serving the World's Best Coffee". Its facade with aluminium and glass is the original one, and most of its interior is also original and virtually unchanged.

It was founded by William Mitchell, who ran a restaurant on the other side of Jackson, back in 1923. He named it after his son Lou who worked hiere until he was in his seventies when he sold it to his niece. It is run by her family today.

Turn back and walk down Jackson to the "END" sign of Route 66 at Michigan Ave., and this is the end of your walking tour in "

 the Loop". Get your car and drive west to see some more of the few remaining Route 66 Landmarks in Chicago.