Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. for the registration of 1,520,611 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 16, 1997, with respect to the 1996 consolidated financial statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Chicago, Illinois October 1, 1997