Lou Mitchell's - Chicago Route 66 is a photograph by Susan Rissi Tregoning which was uploaded on July 16th, 2022.
Lou Mitchell's - Chicago Route 66
Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, tucked between the Chicago downtown skyscrapers on Jackson Boulevard, is a historic Route 66 institution. Strategically... more
Title
Lou Mitchell's - Chicago Route 66
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
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Photograph - Photography
Description
Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, tucked between the Chicago downtown skyscrapers on Jackson Boulevard, is a historic Route 66 institution. Strategically located just a few blocks from the eastern terminus of the Mother Road, the diner first opened in 1923 across the street from its current location. William Mitchell named his new restaurant after his son, Lou, who eventually took over running the family business well into his 70s. Then, in 1992, Lou sold it to his niece.
On the exterior, the intense presentation of neon, shining glass, and sleek aluminum places this historic eatery in the Golden Age of Route 66. The restaurant has two signs, both originals to the 1949 relocation, a neon sign proclaiming “Lou Mitchell’s Serving the World’s Best Coffee” stretches across the entire building length, and one advertising the restaurant’s handmade bakery goods hanging off to the side.
On the inside, not much has changed since the restaurant opened. The dining room still has the original tables, coat racks, and seating, and the dining room floor retains its original black and white terrazzo flooring. Immediately transporting you back to the 1950s.
Known for its excellent breakfast and lunch fare, Lou’s was already feeding the hungry masses when Jackson Boulevard was designated Route 66 in 1926. While popular with the locals, it became known as the first stop to eat before heading across the country on the Mother Road. As a result, Lou Mitchell’s was often crowded with long lines of people stretching out the front door. Keeping with the tradition, the staff still passes out freshly baked donut holes and Milk Duds to all female guests and children to ease the wait.
Despite the urban setting, Lou Mitchell’s shares a common characteristic with hundreds of small town Route 66 commercial establishments; it’s family-owned and operated.
Lou Mitchell’s was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2006.
Copyright 2022 Susan Rissi Tregoning
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July 16th, 2022
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