In a city that never stops moving, Chicago’s diners serve as anchors for night workers, early risers, and everyone in between.
These establishments maintain traditions from multiple immigrant communities while serving classic American diner fare around the clock.
Lou Mitchell’s
Operating since 1923, Lou Mitchell’s maintains its original wooden booths and terrazzo floors.
Their breakfast includes double-yolk eggs served with thick-cut bacon from local butchers.
The kitchen makes Greek toast using bread from Bridgeport bakeries.
They serve Milk Duds to waiting customers, a tradition since 1958. Their coffee beans come from a family-owned Chicago roaster, ground hourly.
White Palace Grill
Running 24 hours since 1939, White Palace serves traditional diner fare to everyone from cab drivers to opera patrons.
Their skillets include house-made corned beef hash prepared daily.
The kitchen produces fresh biscuits every hour, served with sausage gravy made in small batches.
Their potato wedges use Idaho potatoes, cut and seasoned each morning.
Valois
Known as “See Your Food” cafeteria, Valois operates as a traditional diner.
Their breakfast menu includes four varieties of French toast and hand-cut home fries.
The kitchen prepares omelettes to order using eggs from Indiana farms. Their breakfast meat selection includes house-made sage sausage patties.
Palace Grill
Serving since 1938, Palace Grill combines Greek and American diner traditions.
Their breakfast platters feature thick-cut ham and eggs from local suppliers.
The kitchen makes three varieties of potatoes, including their signature “Palace Potatoes” with onions and peppers.
Their menu includes house-made rice pudding from a family recipe.
Diner Grill
Operating from a converted railroad car since 1937, Diner Grill serves 24 hours.
Their signature “Slinger” combines hamburger patties, eggs, and hash browns with chili.
The kitchen maintains traditional flat-top cooking methods.
Their breakfast special includes hand-breaded chicken fried steak.
Late-night service draws cab drivers, musicians, and service industry workers.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
