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9 of Chicago's Best All-You-Can-Eat Options

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Gluttony has its price, but in Chicago eaters don't always have to sacrifice quality for quantity and low prices. All-you-can-eat once triggered red flags of restaurants who compromised their cuisine by making it suffer under the harsh temperatures of a heat lamp. Although chain buffets continue to deliver questionable quality, other restaurants are attempting to shed that label. The buffet can give an eater a safe entry to cuisines they've never tried or provide a family with a no-frill way to feed their clan.

Here's a map of nine of Chicago's best all-you-can eat options.


—Ashok Selvam

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Fogo de Chão

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The Brazilian steakhouse is a familiar staple for big cities, but what makes Fogo different is the salad bar. If you have a vegetarian in tow that doesn’t mind being around meat, the salad bar is so good that carnivores could feel comfortable shunning the gauchos.

Lao Sze Chuan

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Tony Hu’s empire continues to evolve with the offering of unlimited hot pot service at his family of Chinatown restaurants. Hot pots involve boiling broth brought to your table and a selection of raw meats and veggies that eaters submerge into the broth and cook.

Red Apple

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If you’re interested in traditional Polish cuisine, complete with a genuine Chicago carving station, look no further than Red Apple. Pierogi is just the surface, as the menu at this place is gargantuan with something for everybody.

RJ Grunts

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RJ Grunt’s is the original Lettuce Entertain You entry, and its longevity means you might wait in long lines for its extensive weekend brunch buffet.

United Center Chicago Stadium Club

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If you have club level access and make a reservation before your event, you can forgo the UC’s standard fare and opt for the royal treatment with a prime rib carving station and assorted fondue desserts.

Chicago Curry House

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Indian and Nepalese buffets can be a drag with dried-out naan sitting under a heat lamp. Chicago Curry House remedies that with made-to-order bread delivered to your table apart from the buffet.

Duke Of Perth

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A haven for Catholics during lent, this Lakeview "Scottish" pub continues to deliver with its all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant‎

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Children of the 80s may still be reeling from the loss of Wendy’s Superbar, but Dave Thomas never had a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar like the Chief does on Sundays.

Flat Top Grill

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The old Mongolian barbecue concept was perfected at the many Flat Top locations. The fresh meats and veggies alongside a myriad of sauces makes this a no-brainer for those interested in stuffing themselves with southeast Asian food.

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Fogo de Chão

The Brazilian steakhouse is a familiar staple for big cities, but what makes Fogo different is the salad bar. If you have a vegetarian in tow that doesn’t mind being around meat, the salad bar is so good that carnivores could feel comfortable shunning the gauchos.

Lao Sze Chuan

Tony Hu’s empire continues to evolve with the offering of unlimited hot pot service at his family of Chinatown restaurants. Hot pots involve boiling broth brought to your table and a selection of raw meats and veggies that eaters submerge into the broth and cook.

Red Apple

If you’re interested in traditional Polish cuisine, complete with a genuine Chicago carving station, look no further than Red Apple. Pierogi is just the surface, as the menu at this place is gargantuan with something for everybody.

RJ Grunts

RJ Grunt’s is the original Lettuce Entertain You entry, and its longevity means you might wait in long lines for its extensive weekend brunch buffet.

United Center Chicago Stadium Club

If you have club level access and make a reservation before your event, you can forgo the UC’s standard fare and opt for the royal treatment with a prime rib carving station and assorted fondue desserts.

Chicago Curry House

Indian and Nepalese buffets can be a drag with dried-out naan sitting under a heat lamp. Chicago Curry House remedies that with made-to-order bread delivered to your table apart from the buffet.

Duke Of Perth

A haven for Catholics during lent, this Lakeview "Scottish" pub continues to deliver with its all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant‎

Children of the 80s may still be reeling from the loss of Wendy’s Superbar, but Dave Thomas never had a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar like the Chief does on Sundays.

Flat Top Grill

The old Mongolian barbecue concept was perfected at the many Flat Top locations. The fresh meats and veggies alongside a myriad of sauces makes this a no-brainer for those interested in stuffing themselves with southeast Asian food.

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