Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following documents of our report dated January 18, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999: . Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-20439) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. . Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-25136) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp Savings and Profit Sharing Plan. . Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-42980) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 1989 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan. . Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-42273) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 1989 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan. . Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-63095) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Non-employee Director Stock Option Plan. . Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-63097) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Nonqualified Retirement Plan. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Chicago, Illinois February 26, 2000