- Attraction: Pittsfield Cafe
- Location: 55 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://pittsfieldcafe.com/
Step through the revolving doors of what was once Chicago’s tallest skyscraper.
And inside you’ll discover breakfast magic happening in a five-story marble atrium.
Pittsfield Cafe has been serving “home made food at its best” since 1987, transforming the historic lobby of the 1927 Pittsfield Building into one of downtown’s most unique dining experiences.
While tourists rush past the scaffolding-wrapped exterior without a second glance, locals know this family-run diner serves generous portions of comfort food beneath soaring ceilings adorned with brass, bronze, and Spanish Gothic carvings.
The building opened in 1927 as Chicago’s tallest skyscraper, constructed by the Marshall Field family, and dining here feels like stepping back to the Roaring Twenties when Chicago’s elite – and perhaps a few infamous gangsters – would have graced these marble halls.
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Menu Highlights
French Toast Specialties: The star attractions here are the gourmet French toast creations that go far beyond typical diner fare.
The Banana Nut Bread French toast and Red Velvet French toast have earned devoted followings, with thick slices that arrive golden and perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining fluffy, custardy centers.
The banana version comes drizzled with rich caramel sauce and topped with fresh banana slices and powdered sugar.
Signature Skillets: The Greek Skillet stands out as a must-try dish, loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese, served alongside three eggs cooked to your preference, crispy hash browns, and toast.
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The Chef’s Skillet arrives as a massive portion loaded with bacon, sausage, ham, Swiss cheese, plus three eggs over a steaming bed of hash brown potatoes.
Classic Diner Fare: The housemade Corned Beef Hash features house-cured corned beef with fresh-cut potatoes, onions, and green peppers grilled to crispy perfection.
Their steak and eggs combination delivers properly cooked ribeye alongside perfectly prepared eggs, though the steak can lean toward the chewy side. The extensive breakfast menu includes everything from traditional eggs Benedict to creative breakfast burritos.
Chicago Specialties: The Chicago Style Dog comes loaded with onions, sliced tomatoes, mustard, Chicago relish, and sport peppers on a poppy seed bun, delivering an authentic taste of the city.
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Atmosphere & Architecture
Historic Grandeur: The five-story atrium soars above diners, crowned with a gigantic chandelier and lined with marble-covered balconies adorned with brass and bronze details.
The Spanish Gothic Revival architecture creates an almost cathedral-like dining experience that’s completely unique in Chicago’s restaurant scene.
Looking up at the ornate balconies, it’s easy to imagine the elegant evenings and high society gatherings that once took place here when this was the city’s premier address.
Seating Options: You can choose between the traditional diner-style interior with classic counter service and comfortable booth seating, or opt for tables positioned directly in the spectacular atrium.
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Discover MoreMany diners prefer the atrium seating for its dramatic architectural backdrop and additional space between tables. The atrium does create some echo, making it better suited for solo diners or those who don’t mind a bit of ambient noise.
Hidden Location: The building exterior is often wrapped in scaffolding and can appear almost abandoned from the street, making this feel like a true hidden gem. The inconspicuous entrance through the revolving doors adds to the surprise and delight when you step into the magnificent lobby space.
Other Considerations
Exceptional Value: Prices are notably reasonable for a downtown Chicago location, with early bird breakfast specials available until 11am daily that offer tremendous portions at competitive prices.
Even outside of special hours, the pricing remains fair compared to other Loop restaurants, and the generous portions ensure you’ll leave satisfied. Multiple long-time customers praise it as one of the best breakfast lunch places in the loop for a lot of food for the money.
Practical Details: The cafe operates from 7am to 3pm, seven days a week, making it perfect for early risers and lunch crowds. Parking can be challenging in the downtown location, but the cafe is conveniently located near Millennium Station for public transit users. The building is wheelchair accessible with an elevator, though the restrooms are located in the basement.
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The location near Millennium Park makes it an ideal stop before visiting the Bean or other downtown attractions.
Unique Quirks: Don’t miss the ostentatious vintage mailbox decorated with a metallic eagle as you enter the building. The building’s history includes being gifted to the Field Museum by Marshall Field III, and you’re literally dining in a piece of Chicago’s architectural legacy.
Pittsfield Cafe
📍 55 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
