Uncle John's Cafe in Los Angeles, CA

4.4(1,133)Los Angeles, CA
CallDirections
Solid choice

Rated 4.4 stars based on 1133 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals
  • Families
  • Large groups

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers

At a glance

Los Angeles, CA • 4.4★
Uncle John's Cafe, a renowned Chinese buffet in Downtown Los Angeles, California, is a top choice for those seeking an all-you-can-eat dining experience. With a rating of 4.4 and over 1,133 reviews, this Chinese restaurant has earned the trust of locals and visitors alike. The menu features a variety of options, including spicy pork chops, which are a particular favorite among patrons. One reviewer raved about the massive portions and reasonable prices, making it an excellent value in the area. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a great meal, Uncle John's Cafe is sure to impress. Wheelchair accessibility is also a plus, with features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating area.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages. This buffet provides good value for money.
Address
421 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA, Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Phone
(213) 623-3555
Today
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Rating
4.4 (1,133 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

💰Great value for families

Generous portions at reasonable prices

View reviews →

Before you go

♿Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🍺Alcohol served

Beer, wine, and cocktails available

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday
Closed

Popular Times

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

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lotWheelchair accessible restroomWheelchair accessible seating

Amenities

Available facilities and features
Gender-neutral restroomRestroomCurbside PickupDogs Allowed

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualCozyTrendy

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
BreakfastBrunchLunchDinnerCateringSeating

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Debit CardsN F C mobile payments

Highlights

Special features
Fast serviceGreat coffeeGreat tea selectionServes local specialty

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
AlcoholCoffeeComfort foodQuick biteVegetarian options

Planning

Reservations and groups
Accepts reservations

Reviews

1,133 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

What are the prices like at Uncle John's Cafe?

Very reasonable prices for DTLA paired with absolutely massive portions on the plate.

Is the food quality good at Uncle John's Cafe?

The chili oil they make in house is WELL worth the visit alone! The two who served me were incredibly friendly!

What kind of dishes does Uncle John's Cafe offer?

Spicy Pork Chops and Steak and Eggs were on point! Right across the Freehand Hotel. Super laid back. Great service and really good food!

Is the service good at Uncle John's Cafe?

The service was amazing and the staff was helpful and nice.

Is Uncle John's Cafe clean?

Good was clean and not greasy and very delicious.

How long does it take to get food at Uncle John's Cafe?

Place was busy so I expected the food to be a little better. Food arrived relatively quickly in heaping portions

Is Uncle John's Cafe kid-friendly?

Uncle John’s Cafe is one of those spots that instantly feels like home. The food is delicious, hearty, and always comes out fresh and flavorful.

What are the opening hours of Uncle John's Cafe?

The opening hour is fake. I went there tonight but it was closed.

Show 3 more questions

Is the steak good at Uncle John's Cafe?

Steak was great for the price. But I have to say the standout were the egg rolls. They had that old fashion donut flavor.

Is the fried rice good at Uncle John's Cafe?

Fried rice was greasy yet flavorless.

What are the Vietnamese options like at Uncle John's Cafe?

I’m from Vietnam and their Vietnamese menu is the best I’ve taste abroad so far! Really nice staff too!

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

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

Museums & galleries

The Landing Party

Gallery

~610 ft
The Hive

Gallery

~1050 ft
G727

Gallery

~0.2 mi
Infusion Gallery

Gallery

~0.2 mi
FIDM Museum And Galleries

Museum

~0.2 mi
Website
Goddess Wall

Artwork

~0.2 mi

Theaters & performance venues

Globe Theatre

Theatre

~770 ft
Niche.LA Video Art

Cinema

816 South Broadway

~790 ft
+1-213-290-6290Website
Orpheum Theatre

Theatre

~900 ft
Website

Banking

Chase

Bank

~710 ft
ATM

Atm

~0.2 mi

Restaurants

Uncle John's Cafe

Restaurant

421 West 8th Street

~30 ft
+1-213-623-3555Website
Colori Kitchen

Restaurant

~50 ft
Dunkin'

Fast Food

754 South Olive Street

~100 ftMo-Sa 05:00-19:00; Su 05:00-18:00
+1 213-532-5555Website
The Exchange

Restaurant

416 West 8th Street

~130 ft
Domino's

Fast Food

740 S.Olive Street

~190 ft10:00-01:00
+1 213-623-2424Website
Shake Shack

Fast Food

400 West 8th Street

~230 ft11:00-21:00
Website
Tokyo Fried Chicken

Restaurant

801 South Olive Street

~230 ftTu-Su 11:30-21:00;
+1-213-278-0458Website
Modern Times Dankness Dojo

Restaurant

832 Olive Street

~420 ft
fundamental

Restaurant

750 South Grand Avenue

~590 ft
Rosemary Grill

Restaurant

~600 ftMo-Su 10:30-22:00
+1-855-745-2262Website
Gyu-Kaku

Restaurant

~630 ftSu-Th 11:30-22:30, Fr,Sa 11:30-02:00
HH Brazilian Steakhouse

Restaurant

~650 ft

Bars & Pubs

Golden Gopher

Bar

417 West 8th Street

~50 ft
broken shaker

Bar

~130 ft
Hanks Bar

Bar

~680 ft
Seven Grand Whiskey Bar

Bar

513 West 7th Street

~730 ft24/7
Website
Broadway Bar

Bar

830 South Broadway

~860 ft
Clifton's Republic

Bar

~1050 ft
+1-213-627-1673Website
Crane's Bar

Bar

810 South Spring Street

~0.2 mi
Casey's Irish

Pub

~0.2 mi

Cafes & Coffee

Cafe Integral at Freehand Los Angeles

Cafe

416 West 8th Street

~120 ftMo-Su 07:00-15:30
Gregs Deli

Coffee

~360 ft
Cognoscenti Coffee

Cafe

868 South Olive Street

~580 ftMo-Su 07:00-14:00
Website
It's Boba Time

Cafe

508 West 7th Street

~600 ftMo-Su 10:00-22:00
BASE

Cafe

731 South Broadway

~670 ftMo-Su 10:00-22:00
+1-213-604-3029Website
sandcouch cafe

Cafe

555 West 7th Street

~830 ft
Website
Il Caffe

Cafe

855 South Broadway

~920 ft
Philz Coffee

Cafe

801 South Hope Street

~1050 ft
Verve Coffee

Cafe

833 South Spring Street

~0.2 mi
Hao Sweet

Cafe

~0.2 mi

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~120 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~180 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~240 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~300 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~720 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~820 ft

Postal services

United States Post Office

Post Office

~0.2 mi

Pharmacy & medical supplies

CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

812 South Grand Avenue

~500 ft
+1-213-627-7925Website
MedMen Los Angeles - Downtown (DTLA)

Pharmacy

735 South Broadway

~650 ft08:00-22:00
+1-213-908-2244Website
Walgreens

Pharmacy

~0.2 miMo-Fr 08:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-18:00; Su 10:00-18:00
Website
Walgreens

Chemist

617 W 7th St

~0.2 miMo-Fr 06:30-23:00; Sa, Su 08:00-22:00
+1-213-694-2880Website
CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

210 West 7th Street

~0.2 mi
+1-213-327-0062Website

Specialists

L.A. Optical Gallery

Optician

~670 ft
Website
Mykita

Optician

847 South Broadway

~870 ftMo-Sa 11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00
+1 2132780562Website
Optometric Eye Institute

Optician

~920 ftMo-Fr 9:30-17:30; Sa 9:30-16:30
+1-213-627-9771Website
Eyes on the Bloc

Optometrist

~0.2 mi

Other healthcare

Massage Envy

Massage

315 West 9th Street

~690 ft
+1-323-315-6464Website

Hospitals & clinics

UCLA Health

Clinic

~0.2 mi

Other services

The Loft Company

Yes

~690 ft
Website
Gary Leonard Take My Picture

Photo

~990 ft
Art's Cleaners

Dry Cleaning

~0.2 mi
I Los Angeles Bankruptcy Attorneys

Laywer

510 West 6th Street

~0.2 mi24/7
Website
Sara Palacios Gallery

Photo

~0.2 mi
Road Runner Bags

Bag

818 South Main Street

~0.2 miMo-Fr 10:00-19:00, Sa 11:00-17:00
Website

Hair services

The Corner Barbershops

Hairdresser

743 South Broadway

~640 ft
+1-850-319-3288
Hair salon

Hairdresser

~1050 ft
Logunova Beauty Salon

Hairdresser

607 South Olive Street

~0.2 miMo-Sa 08:00-19:15
+1 213-338-2332Website
Mr. Brothers Cut Club - DLTA Barbershop

Hairdresser

109 West 9th Street

~0.2 miMo-Su 09:00-19:00
+1-213-265-7645Website
Floyd's Barber Shop

Hairdresser

~0.2 mi
Drybar

Hairdresser

700 West 7th Street

~0.2 mi

Financial & accounting services

H&R Block

Tax Advisor

~250 ft

Real estate services

LEVEL Furnished Living

Estate Agent

888 South Olive Street

~630 ft
+1-213-873-8400Website

Legal services

Fisher & Talwar: Los Angeles Car Accident & Eminent Domain Attorneys

Lawyer

801 S Grand Ave, 11th Fl

~650 ftMo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa,Su off
+1-213-891-0777Website
Ghozland Law Firm

Lawyer

626 Wilshire Blvd

~0.2 miMo-Fr 08:00-18:00
+1-213-334-4570Website
King & Siegel LLP

Lawyer

724 South Spring Street

~0.2 miMo-Fr 09:00-18:00
+1 213-465-4802Website

Professional services

The Collection

Coworking

~790 ft
Alta Planning + Design

Consulting

617 West 7th Street

~0.2 mi
Website

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~720 ft
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi

Entertainment venues

Club Galaxy

Nightclub

~810 ft

Places of worship

Universal Life Church

Place Of Worship

~780 ft
Website

Specialty stores

LA Jewelry mart

Jewelry

~390 ft
Mitaa Jewelry center

Jewelry

404 West 7th Street

~580 ft
Royals Cigarette

Tobacco

~720 ft
Theatter Jewelry Center

Jewelry

~750 ft
St. Vincent Jewelry

Jewelry

639 South Broadway;South Hill Street

~750 ft
Website
Zen Jewelry

Jewelry

~990 ft

Clothing & fashion

COS

Clothes

323 West 8th Street

~450 ft
Rainbow

Clothes

~620 ft
Urban Outfitters

Clothes

~760 ft
Gentle Monster

Clothes

816 South Broadway

~760 ft
OAK Los Angeles

Clothes

910 South Broadway

~0.2 mi
+1 213 6224600
Jordan Flagship Store

Clothes

622 South Broadway

~0.2 mi

Gyms & fitness centers

Pure Barre

Fitness Centre

~170 ft
SoulCycle

Fitness Centre

898 Olive Street

~660 ft
Evoke Yoga

Fitness Centre

731 South Spring Street

~0.2 mi
CorePower Yoga

Fitness Centre

831 South Hope Street

~0.2 mi

Sports facilities

Los Angeles Athletic Club

Sports Centre

431 West 7th Street

~710 ft

Vehicle rentals

Olive & 8th

Bicycle Rental

729 South Olive Street

~200 ft
Website
Metro Bike Share

Bicycle Rental

~540 ft
7th & Hill

Bicycle Rental

~690 ft
7th & Broadway

Bicycle Rental

307 West 7th Street

~940 ft
Website
Broadway & 9th

Bicycle Rental

900 South Broadway Street

~0.2 mi
Website
7th & Spring

Bicycle Rental

201 West 7th Street

~0.2 mi
Website
Grand & Olympic

Bicycle Rental

919 South Grand Ave

~0.2 mi
Website

Parking facilities

Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~270 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~540 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~540 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~590 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~620 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~760 ft
Street Rack

Bicycle Parking

~910 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~970 ft
St. Vincent Jewelry Center Parking

Parking Entrance

~990 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~1020 ft

Public transportation

Taxi service

Taxi

~0.2 mi