14 Chicago All-You-Can-Eat Deals That Deliver Serious Value

Food & Drink Travel
By Amelia Brooks

Chicago knows how to do big appetites right. From sushi rolling in on conveyor belts to steaks carved tableside, the city is packed with all-you-can-eat spots that actually deliver quality alongside quantity. Whether you’re craving Korean BBQ, hot pot, or endless brunch in a buzzing scene, these 14 deals prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for value.

1. Sushi Taku – the classic AYCE sushi move (Wicker Park + Logan Square)

© Sushi Taku-Logan Square

Walk into Sushi Taku and you’ll immediately understand why it’s been a Chicago staple for years. This place perfected the made-to-order all-you-can-eat sushi model long before it became trendy everywhere else.

Groups love it here because the menu is massive and nobody has to compromise on what they want. You order as many rounds as your stomach allows, and the kitchen keeps the quality consistent even when the restaurant is packed.

With locations in both Wicker Park and Logan Square, it’s easy to find one near you. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend hangout. Expect to leave full, happy, and probably planning your next visit before you even pay the bill.

2. STR Rotary – premium AYCE with a fun rotary twist (Lincoln Park)

© Sushi Taku Rotary STR

Brought to you by the same team behind Sushi Taku, STR Rotary takes the all-you-can-eat concept and adds a playful spin. The rotary system means sushi travels around the restaurant on a conveyor, turning your meal into an interactive experience.

It’s ideal when you want variety without waiting long between rounds. You can grab what looks good as it passes by, or order specific items directly from the kitchen. Either way, you’re in control of your feast.

Located in Lincoln Park, the spot has a more polished, event-like atmosphere compared to its sister restaurants. Bring friends who appreciate a little theater with their dinner, and prepare for a night that feels more special than your average AYCE outing.

3. Sushi Payce – premium AYCE energy (Lincoln Park)

© Sushi Payce

Not all all-you-can-eat spots are created equal, and Sushi Payce knows it. They’ve built their entire identity around the idea of premium AYCE, which means better ingredients, better presentation, and a setting you’d actually want to take a date to.

The cocktail menu is legit, the lighting is moody in all the right ways, and the sushi itself tastes like it came from a place that charges per piece. You still get the unlimited format, but without the fluorescent lights and plastic chairs.

Located in Lincoln Park, it’s perfect for when you want to impress someone or just treat yourself to something a little fancier. Expect to spend a bit more than the budget spots, but the experience justifies every dollar.

4. Sushi Para II – all-you-can-eat sushi + BYOB-friendly vibes (Lincoln Park)

© Sushi Para II

Sushi Para II keeps things simple and affordable, which is exactly what you want when you’re planning a casual night out. Their all-you-can-eat specials are straightforward, and the BYOB policy means you can bring your own drinks and keep costs down even further.

Located in Lincoln Park, it’s become a neighborhood favorite for people who want a sushi binge without the fuss. The vibe is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the focus is squarely on getting you fed well.

Bring a bottle of wine, order a few rounds of your favorite rolls, and settle in for a meal that feels like a steal. It’s the kind of place that proves you don’t need fancy decor to have a great time.

5. Koi Sushi – straightforward AYCE sushi (Wicker Park)

© Koi Sushi

Sometimes you just want to show up, order, and eat without overthinking it. Koi Sushi makes that easy with a dedicated all-you-can-eat menu that takes the guesswork out of the equation.

There’s no confusion about what’s included or how the system works. You sit down, you order from the AYCE menu, and the kitchen starts sending out rolls. It’s efficient, it’s reliable, and it gets the job done.

Located in Wicker Park, it’s a solid pick for a low-key meal with friends or a solo sushi mission. The focus here is on volume and value, and they deliver on both fronts without pretending to be something they’re not. Come hungry, leave satisfied.

6. Iron Age Korean Steakhouse – iconic AYCE Korean BBQ (Wicker Park)

© Iron Age Korean Steakhouse

Few dining experiences are as fun and interactive as Korean BBQ, and Iron Age delivers it in all-you-can-eat form. You cook your own meat right at the table, which turns dinner into a hands-on event where everyone participates.

The menu includes plenty of marinated meats, from bulgogi to spicy pork, plus all the banchan (side dishes) you can handle. It’s loud, it’s smoky, and it’s absolutely perfect for groups who want to make a night of it.

Located in Wicker Park, it’s become an iconic spot for celebrations, birthdays, or just a Friday night when you want to grill, laugh, and eat until you can’t move. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure.

7. Gyu-Kaku (Streeterville) – Japanese BBQ with an AYCE menu option

© Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Gyu-Kaku brings Japanese BBQ to Chicago with a polished, chain-done-right approach that actually works. Their Premium All You Can Eat Menu at the Streeterville location is clearly listed, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you sit down.

The meats are high quality, the grilling setup is clean and efficient, and the overall experience feels more refined than your typical AYCE spot. It’s a great middle ground if you want the unlimited format but prefer a slightly more upscale vibe.

Located in Streeterville, it’s convenient for downtown visitors or locals looking for a reliable option. Expect friendly service, consistent quality, and a meal that feels like a treat without breaking the bank.

8. Shabu Plus Rotary – AYCE Japanese hot pot on a conveyor (Chinatown + Wicker Park)

© Shabu Plus Rotary Hot Pot Wicker Park

Imagine hot pot meets sushi conveyor belt, and you’ve got Shabu Plus Rotary. This place combines the best of both worlds with over 60 dishes rotating past your table while you cook your own broth-based meal.

You pick what looks good from the conveyor, drop it into your bubbling pot, and wait for it to cook. It’s endlessly entertaining, especially if you’re dining with people who like to try a little bit of everything.

With locations in both Chinatown and Wicker Park, it’s accessible no matter where you’re coming from. Just note that there’s a time limit, so pace yourself and don’t waste time deciding what to order. Grab, cook, eat, repeat.

9. Happy Lamb Hot Pot – AYCE option in Chinatown (Wentworth)

© Happy Lamb Hot Pot

Happy Lamb Hot Pot is built for big groups and big appetites. Located in Chinatown on Wentworth, it’s the kind of place where you can book a room, order the all-you-can-eat option, and settle in for a long, leisurely meal.

The AYCE format includes a wide variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, all of which you cook in your choice of broth. It’s social, it’s customizable, and it’s perfect for cold Chicago nights when you want something warm and filling.

The Infatuation even mentions a specific price point, so you can budget accordingly. Bring a crew, order everything, and enjoy the communal experience of cooking and eating together. It’s comfort food at its finest.

10. Wagyu House By The X Pot – futuristic all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu (South Loop)

© Wagyu House by The X Pot

If you want your hot pot experience to feel like you’ve stepped into the future, Wagyu House is the move. Robot servers deliver your food, the decor is immersive and high-tech, and the all-you-can-eat menu centers around premium wagyu beef.

It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of cutting-edge service and top-tier ingredients makes it stand out from every other hot pot spot in the city. You’ll be snapping photos before you even start cooking.

Located in the South Loop, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress out-of-town guests. The price reflects the premium vibe, but if you’re looking for the most extra hot pot night Chicago has to offer, this is it.

11. Chubby Cattle Chicago – unlimited yakiniku + sushi (Chinatown)

© Chubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago

Chubby Cattle takes the unlimited dining concept seriously. Their menu isn’t just about quantity; it’s built around wagyu-focused yakiniku, plus unlimited sushi and hot dishes that would cost a fortune if ordered individually.

Located in Chinatown, it’s a high-end option that feels indulgent without being stuffy. You grill your own premium meats at the table, then balance it out with fresh sushi rolls and cooked dishes from the kitchen.

It’s perfect for celebrations or when you want to treat yourself to something special. The quality is noticeably higher than most AYCE spots, and the variety means everyone at the table will find something they love. Expect to spend more, but also expect to leave impressed.

12. Fogo de Chao – continuous tableside churrasco (River North)

© Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

For meat lovers who want the ultimate unlimited experience, Fogo de Chao delivers with their Full Churrasco Experience. Servers continuously bring fire-roasted meats to your table and carve them right in front of you until you flip your card to red.

It’s an elegant, almost theatrical approach to all-you-can-eat dining. The meats are seasoned simply and cooked over open flames, letting the quality speak for itself. Plus, the salad bar is stocked with gourmet options that could be a meal on their own.

Located in River North, it’s a splurge-worthy choice for special occasions or when you want to impress someone. The service is polished, the atmosphere is upscale, and the meat just keeps coming until you physically can’t eat anymore.

13. TAO Chicago – Endless Sunday Brunch (River North)

© TAO Chicago

When you want your all-you-can-eat experience to come with a side of glamour, TAO Chicago has you covered. Their Endless Sunday Brunch is explicitly designed for people who want to see and be seen while eating unlimited food.

Located in River North, the setting is as much a draw as the menu. Dramatic decor, a buzzing social atmosphere, and Instagram-worthy presentation make it feel like an event, not just a meal.

The food itself ranges from Asian-inspired dishes to brunch classics, all served in unlimited portions. It’s perfect for celebrations, bachelorette parties, or just a Sunday when you want to feel fancy. Come ready to eat, drink, and soak in the scene.

14. Liuyishou Hotpot – all-you-can-eat lunch special (Chinatown)

© Liuyishou Hotpot + BBQ

Liuyishou Hotpot offers a specific-use-case deal that’s worth knowing about: an all-you-can-eat hot pot lunch special. It’s perfect for when you want the full hot pot experience but don’t want to commit to a long dinner or pay dinner prices.

Located in Chinatown, it’s an authentic spot that specializes in Sichuan-style hot pot with bold, spicy broths. The lunch special reportedly includes unlimited ingredients, though it’s smart to double-check the day and time before you go.

It’s ideal for a midday meal with coworkers or friends who can take a long lunch. You get all the fun and flavor of hot pot without staying out late or breaking your budget. Just come with an appetite and a tolerance for heat.