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Photo: Red Apple Buffet

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

by Eater Staff
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by Eater Staff
1 comment / new
Photo: Red Apple Buffet

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.

661 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 932-9330
(312) 932-9330

Also featured in:

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.

2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-5040
(312) 326-5040

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.

6474 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 588-5781
(773) 588-5781

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.

2056 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-5363
(773) 929-5363

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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.

1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 455-4500
(312) 455-4500

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.

899 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 362-9999
(312) 362-9999

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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.

2913 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-1741
(773) 477-1741

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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.

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 473-5263
(773) 473-5263

Also featured in:

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.

30 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-8400
(312) 726-8400

Also featured in:

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Fogo de Chão

661 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

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.

661 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 932-9330
(312) 932-9330

Lao Sze Chuan

2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

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.

2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-5040
(312) 326-5040

Red Apple

6474 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60631

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.

6474 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 588-5781
(773) 588-5781

RJ Grunts

2056 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

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.

2056 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-5363
(773) 929-5363

United Center Chicago Stadium Club

1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612

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.

1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 455-4500
(312) 455-4500

Chicago Curry House

899 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60605

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.

899 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 362-9999
(312) 362-9999

Duke Of Perth

2913 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

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.

2913 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-1741
(773) 477-1741

Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant‎

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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.

3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 473-5263
(773) 473-5263

Flat Top Grill

30 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

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.

30 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-8400
(312) 726-8400

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