The Timeless Appeal of Lou Mitchell’s Chicago
Walking into Lou Mitchell’s on Jackson Boulevard feels like stepping through a time machine. The iconic downtown Chicago diner seems frozen in time, from its original wooden stools and winding counter to its good old comfort food served in generous portions. Open since 1923, Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant is a classic Chicago diner sitting on historic Route 66 and serving homespun breakfasts.
What makes this place truly remarkable isn’t just the decades-old recipes, but the people who’ve been serving them. Donna Fenton has waited tables here with us for decades, and she just celebrated her 95th birthday together with our 100th. Even in her late 80s, she worked four days per week. Martin Anya has been working as a chef behind the scenes at the diner for over 40 years.
The National Park Service recognizes Lou Mitchell’s historic significance. The dining room retains its original black and white terrazzo flooring, and most of the dining and counter areas are unchanged. Much of the wood and formica wall paneling dates to 1949. It was the first place in Chicago to offer breakfast 24 hours a day, so you know it will be good.
Katz’s Delicatessen: A New York Institution Since 1888
On the Lower East Side of Manhattan, another culinary time capsule continues serving legendary dishes. Katz’s Delicatessen, also known as Katz’s of New York City, is a kosher-style delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street. Since its founding in 1888, it has been popular among locals and tourists alike for its pastrami on rye, which is considered among New York’s best. Corned beef and pastrami are the stars here, both of which take up to 30 days to cure. The finished product is hand-carved and slapped on rye with mustard, Russian dressing or mayo (if need be)…