Eat First in Chicago, IL

4.0(327)10.19 - 16.45Chicago, IL
Cantonese-AmericanStir-fries
Solid choice

Rated 4.0 stars based on 327 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Families
  • Large groups
  • Quick meals

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers

At a glance

Chicago, IL • Price 10.19 - 16.45 • 4.0★
Eat First: Your Go-To Chinese Buffet in Avondale, Chicago. This Chicago, Illinois staple offers an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet experience that's hard to beat. With a vast selection of dishes to satisfy any craving, you'll find yourself returning time and time again. Reviewers rave about the vegetarian pan fried dumplings, calling them a standout favorite. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food or a quick bite, Eat First has got you covered. With fast and efficient service, you can enjoy your meal without any hassle.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages.
Address
3337 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA, Avondale, Chicago, Illinois
Phone
(773) 588-7071
Today
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Price
10.19 - 16.45
Rating
4.0 (327 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

🦀Fresh seafood

Quality crab and seafood options

View reviews →

Before you go

Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

🍽️Dine-in available

Eat in the restaurant

🚚Delivery available

Delivery service offered

Signature Dishes

9 popular dishes mentioned by diners

Top picks

**Vegetarian Pan Fried Dumplings**· $7.45As Well As Some Unique FlavorsCalling Them A Standout FavoriteCombinationsVegetarian Options

Also mentioned

Atmosphere LikeFood Quality LikeServiceWait Times Like

Extracted from diner reviews and FAQ answers.

Not the Fastest

Score 30/100 · 2 positive signals
Quick bite score30/100
Speed signals
5/30
Grab-and-go
0/25
Budget-friendly
10/20
Time commitment
15/15
Convenience
0/10

What works

  • Fast food turnaround noted in FAQ
  • Under $16 per person

Keep in mind

  • No takeout option

Scored from service speed, takeout options, pricing, meal format, and lunch availability.

Traditional Touches 🥢

Chinese regional cuisine · score 35/100
Authenticity score35/100
Authentic

Regional dishes detected

Boba

Detected from menu, FAQ answers, and restaurant name.

Trusted Rating

⚖️ 4.1 weighted · 327 reviews
4.1weighted · raw 4.0 from 327 reviews( 0.07 from raw)
Needs More Reviews
Review volume vs. city median327 / 438 median
02,190 (Rock Solid threshold)

The trusted rating blends this place’s raw score (4.0) with the city average (4.12) using a Bayesian formula. Places with fewer reviews are pulled toward the city mean; places with 2190+ reviews carry their rating at nearly full weight.

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 – 10:00 PM

Popular Times

See when it's busiest
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

Pricing

Price range 10.19 - 16.45
Price range10.19 - 16.45
Menu items include pricing. See the menu section for item details.

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

Available facilities and features
Dogs AllowedCurbside Pickup

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualQuiet

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
LunchDinnerLunchDinnerSolo diningServes Breakfast

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Credit CardsDebit CardsN F C mobile payments

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
Comfort foodQuick biteSmall platesVegetarian options

Reviews

327 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

Is Eat First kid-friendly?

No specific information about kid-friendliness was mentioned in the reviews. However, one review mentioned that the place is 'very tiny for dining in but they do have some seats'.

What is the food quality like at Eat First?

The food quality is generally good, with many reviewers mentioning that the food is delicious and authentic. However, there are some negative reviews mentioning that the food is bland, greasy, or old.

Is Eat First a good value?

Yes, Eat First is generally considered a good value, with many reviewers mentioning that the food is inexpensive and the portions are large.

What kind of dishes does Eat First offer?

Eat First offers a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, including vegetarian options, as well as some unique flavors and combinations.

Is the service good at Eat First?

The service at Eat First is generally considered to be poor, with many reviewers mentioning that the staff are rude, unfriendly, or unhelpful.

What are the wait times like at Eat First?

The wait times at Eat First can be significant, with some reviewers mentioning that they had to wait for 10-15 minutes or more to receive their order.

Is Eat First a good place to grab a quick bite?

Yes, Eat First is generally considered a good place to grab a quick bite, with many reviewers mentioning that the food is fresh and the service is friendly.

Does Eat First offer vegetarian options?

Yes, Eat First offers a variety of vegetarian options, including pan fried dumplings, egg rolls, and entrees.

Show 6 more questions

Is Eat First a good value for the price?

Yes, Eat First is generally considered a good value for the price, with many reviewers mentioning that the food is inexpensive and the portions are large.

What kind of drinks does Eat First offer?

Eat First offers a variety of drinks, including smoothies and boba.

Is Eat First a good place to order from?

Yes, Eat First is generally considered a good place to order from, with many reviewers mentioning that the food is delicious and the service is friendly.

What is the atmosphere like at Eat First?

The atmosphere at Eat First is generally considered to be casual and informal, with some reviewers mentioning that the place is small and cozy.

Where is Eat First located?

Eat First is located at 3337 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA, Avondale, Chicago, Illinois.

Is Eat First good?

Eat First is well-rated with 4.0 stars from 327 reviews.

🍜Cultural Food Hub

A vibrant food district with diverse eateries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

A vibrant food district with diverse eateries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

Food & Dining
30
Transportation & Automotive
19
Retail & Shopping
12
Miscellaneous Services
10
Healthcare & Medical
6
Personal Care & Beauty
6

110 nearby places across 14 categories

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

110 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, healthcare)

Museums & galleries

Artwork

Artwork

~0.5 mi
Hairpin Arts Center

Arts Centre

2800 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.5 mi
Pope John Paul II

Artwork

~0.5 mi
Elastic Arts Foundation

Arts Centre

~0.5 mi
All Star Press

Gallery

2775 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.5 mi

Insurance

Luke Harding (State Farm Insurance)

Insurance

3061 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.5 mi

Money services

Western Union

Money Transfer

3510 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.5 mi
Kedzie Elston Currency Exchange

Bureau De Change

3510 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.5 mi

Banking

Athena Bitcoin ATM

Atm

3145 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 mi24/7

Restaurants

Eat First

Restaurant

~10 ftMo-Th 11:00-21:30; Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa,Su 12:00-22:00
Subway

Fast Food

3333 West Belmont Avenue

~40 ftMo-Fr 08:00-22:00; Sa 08:00-22:00; Su 08:00-20:00
Charleys Philly Steaks

Fast Food

3228 North Kimball Avenue

~470 ft
Dunkin'

Fast Food

3415 West Melrose Street

~480 ftMo-Fr 04:30-20:00; Sa-Su 06:00-20:00
Milli By Metric

Restaurant

3110 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.2 mi
Taqueria Mazamitla

Fast Food

~0.3 mi
Tacos Tequilas

Restaurant

~0.4 mi
My Pollo

Restaurant

~0.4 mi
Giordano's Pizzeria

Restaurant

2855 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
La Celia Latin Kitchen

Restaurant

2890 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 miTu-Su 10:00-22:00
The Spice

Restaurant

~0.4 mi
EaThai

Restaurant

2901 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.4 mi

Grocery & Markets

Aldi

Supermarket

3320 West Belmont Avenue

~290 ftMo-Su 09:00-20:00
BP Shop

Convenience

3057 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.2 mi
7-Eleven

Convenience

3600 West Belmont Avenue

~0.3 mi
Midtown Produce

Greengrocer

~0.5 mi
FoodSmart Urban Market

Greengrocer

3415 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 mi24/7
BP Shop

Convenience

3201 West Addison Street

~0.5 mi
J.J. Pepper's

Convenience

3201 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 mi
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op

Supermarket

2746 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.6 mi08:00-21:00
Supermercado Picino

Convenience

~0.6 mi
Shell

Convenience

3181 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.6 mi
Red Star Liquor

Convenience

~0.6 mi
Diversey Market

Convenience

~0.6 mi

Bakeries & Desserts

Azucar Delights

Bakery

~450 ft
Carniceria Ruiz

Bakery

3001 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.3 mi
Yo Yo Food Mfg

Bakery

3465 North Kimball Avenue

~0.4 mi
Moonlight Vulture

Bakery

2889 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
Delicias

Ice Cream

~0.4 mi
Kurowski’s Sausage Shop

Bakery

2976 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi

Postal services

United States Postal Service

Post Box

3750 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.5 mi
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~0.6 mi

Government offices

35th Ward Service Office

Government

2710 North Sawyer Avenue

~0.6 mi

Specialists

Orthodontic Experts

Dentist

3339 West Belmont Avenue

~40 ftMo-We 09:00-17:00; Th 08:00-16:00; Fr 07:00-15:00; Sa 08:00-13:00
Big Smile Dental

Dentist

2833 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
ATI Physical Therapy

Physiotherapist

3233 West Addison Street

~0.5 miMo-Fr 07:00-19:00
Tropical Optical

Optician

~0.5 mi
Athletico Physical Therapy

Physiotherapist

2747 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.6 mi

Hospitals & clinics

Kimball Medical Center

Clinic

~0.4 mi

Other services

Spin Xpress Laundry

Laundry

~180 ft
Loading Dock

Loading Dock

~0.4 mi
Loading Dock

Loading Dock

~0.4 mi
Loading Dock

Loading Dock

~0.4 mi
The Insect Asylum

Yes

2870 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
Spin Cycle

Laundry

~0.4 mi
Ferguson

Trade

3509 West Addison Street

~0.5 mi
Pumping Station: One

Hackerspace

3519 North Elston Avenue

~0.5 mi
Windy City Wash House

Laundry

3200 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 mi
Superwash Coin Laundry

Laundry

~0.5 mi

Beauty & spa

Polished

Beauty

~20 ftMo-We 10:00-19:00; Th-Su 10:00-20:00
Savvy Coif

Beauty

~0.4 mi

Hair services

Sam’s Cuts

Hairdresser

2955 North Kedzie Avenue

~0.3 mi
Great Clips

Hairdresser

3229 West Addison Street

~0.5 mi
Brothers Hair Salon

Hairdresser

3133 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.5 miMo-Fr 09:00-19:30; Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-17:30
The Gilded Lily

Hairdresser

2741 North Spaulding Avenue

~0.5 mi

Professional services

Logan Share

Company

2864 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
Second Shift

Coworking

3432 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 mi
Fotofab

Company

3758 West Belmont Avenue

~0.5 mi

Other recreation & entertainment

Recreation & entertainment venue

Outdoor Seating

~0.5 mi

Sports & recreation

Avondale Bowl

Bowling Alley

3118 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.5 miMo-Th 17:00-00:00; Fr 17:00-01:00; Sa 13:00-01:00; Su 13:00-00:00

Places of worship

Local Evangelico Avondale

Place Of Worship

~0.5 mi

Funeral services

Diversey Funeral Home

Funeral Directors

~0.6 mi

General retail

Five Below

Variety Store

3302 West Belmont Avenue

~200 ftMo-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 10:00-20:30
TJ Maxx

Department Store

3262 West Belmont Avenue

~390 ft
Family Dollar

Variety Store

3429 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 miMo-Su 08:00-21:00

Clothing & fashion

Discovery Clothing Company

Clothes

3348 West Belmont Avenue

~240 ftMo-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 11:00-19:00
Camp/Us

Shoes

~0.4 mi
Foot Locker

Shoes

3401 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 miMo-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 12:00-18:00
Gap Factory

Clothes

2778 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.5 mi

Home & garden

Benjamin Moore

Paint

3445 North Kimball Avenue

~0.4 mi
Floor & Decor

Flooring

3448 West Addison Street

~0.5 mi

Electronics & technology

Prism Games

Games

2874 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
Bric-a-Brac Records

Music

2845 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.4 mi
Signal Records

Music

3156 West Diversey Avenue

~0.5 mi

Sports facilities

First Ascent Avondale

Sports Centre

3516 North Spaulding Avenue

~0.4 miMo-Fr 06:00-23:00; Sa, Su 09:00-20:00

Gyms & fitness centers

LA Fitness

Fitness Centre

3443 West Addison Street

~0.5 mi
Logan Square Gym

Fitness Centre

2179 North Spaulding Avenue

~0.6 mi

Vehicle rentals

Kimball Ave & Belmont Ave

Bicycle Rental

~120 ft24/7
Albany Ave & Belmont Ave

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi
Central Park Ave & Elbridge Ave

Bicycle Rental

~0.4 mi24/7
Troy St & Elston Ave

Bicycle Rental

~0.5 mi24/7
Elston Ave & Henderson St

Bicycle Rental

~0.6 mi
Kedzie Ave & George St

Bicycle Rental

~0.6 mi

Parking facilities

Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~130 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~210 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~590 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.2 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.4 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.5 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.5 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.5 mi
CDOT

Bicycle Parking

~0.5 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.5 mi

Vehicle services

Shell

Car Wash

3001 West Belmont Avenue

~0.4 mi
Shell

Car Wash

3181 North Milwaukee Avenue

~0.6 mi

Vehicle parts & accessories

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Car Parts

3237 West Addison Street

~0.5 mi

Other utilities

Ventra

Vending Machine

~160 ft
Chicago Transit Authority

Ticket Validator

~250 ft
Ventra

Vending Machine

~260 ft
Chicago Transit Authority

Ticket Validator

~0.6 mi

Fuel & charging stations

Electrify America

Charging Station

~0.5 mi