Lou Mitchell's Restaurant   

There are reasons native Chicagoans and tourists alike consider Lou Mitchell's a must-visit -- from the donut holes while you wait to the double-yolk eggs that make every dish even more sinfully indulgent, Lou's knows how to do breakfast. Located in the South Loop, the restaurant has been a Chicago institution since 1923, and decades later, they're still dishing out thick French toast, enormous platters of pancakes, fresh-baked pastries, and of course, those famous skillets. The extras are just as delectable. Lou's boasts pure maple syrup, fresh-squeezed orange juice and slabs of toast served with every omelet. Be prepared to make some new friends -- chances are good you'll be seated next to strangers at one of the lengthy tables. Even if you don't bond with fellow diners, the employees' perpetually friendly smiles -- and free Milk Duds for the ladies -- guarantee that you'll want to return soon.