Inexpensive eateries in Chicago loop for b'fast and lunch?

Lou Mitchell's is right across the street from Union Station and is the best place to eat breakfast in the city of Chicago: http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/

Also look at Orange on Harrison which less than a block from the Harrison stop on the Red Line.

If you just want some pancakes look up B&B (Beef & Brandy), Ada's, West Egg, the Marquette Grill/Diner or Mary's on chicago.metromix.com

There's not much if anything with a lake view for breakfast...at least that's inexpensive.

Your best bets for breakfast might be right there in Union Station. Most other places won't be open at 6am but you might find a bakery in the train station with some coffee, donuts and muffins.

Lunch has a lot more variety to offer. On Michigan Avenue inside the Northbridge Mall (the street entrance says Nordstrom, its about 500N Michigan Ave) has a 3rd floor food court with some reasonably priced options for downtown. Relish is a burger type place where you can get a burger fries and a drink for around $5. Max Orient has cheap chinese food for about $6. Mezza has steak pitas with a drink for $7 and PotBelly Sandwich Works has a variety of subs with a drink for around $6. Other than that there is a cafeteriea style food court under the Equitable building (at the NE corner of Michigan ave and the river) in the basement (take the escalator downstairs) and most items are between $5-$7.

Far cheaper than if you went to a sit down restaurant and paid $10-$15.00.

TheYolk on South Michigan Ave or The Grand Lux cafe near the shops on Michigan Ave. I was just there a few weeks ago and ate at the GrandLux

Grand Lux is good for breakfast, it's out of the loop, but you can take the El.

For lunch in the loop, you should check out http://www.looplunch.com/ to find a place.

Grand Lux cafe.. it's moderately priced and yummy