Old school Polish-style buffet. It doesn't get any better than this. Imagine having a bunch of Polish grandma's in the kitchen cooking authentic homemade food from the homeland perfect for this type of weather I'd go every day if I could. One of the reasons I love going here is they require a vaccination card with ID? I love forward-thinking human's and helping protect their employees as well as their customer's congratulations great job! read more

What a great experience at Red Apple!!! I'm from California visiting my boyfriend's family and had never heard of a polish buffet. The closest we get to polish is a pierogi truck, but wow I had no idea how much great food Poland has to offer! The pierogis were delicious here, as were all the salads, polish schnitzel, kielbasa, potato pancakes and blitzes. Seriously, what a great variety!! But my favorite item of the visit was... The borscht soup!! Wow wow wow you've got to try it. It's creamy, warm, dill-y and full of beer taste. Service was also very good, attentive and native polish people :) I just wish we had this buffet in San Diego, it would be our go-to spot for sure! read more

Red Apple Buffet - That borscht soup, omg amazing!!! - Buffets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I really like this place. The food was fresh. They had lots of choices. They do not accept credit cards but they do have a ATM. It only cost one dollar to use. So back to the food. If you like meat, they have it here. From fish to ham. A great cold bar. And lots of desserts. Go here people, eat. read more

See all

We ended up at Red Apple because a few other Polish places were closed the day after Xmas, and it was totally fine. Current prices are $16 at lunch and $22 for dinner, with drinks and soup as extras. (Holidays can be considerably more so check ahead) Soft drinks do not come with refills but iced tea does. The buffet is a good size - I'm guessing 20ish hot dishes ranging from several kinds of chicken, to schnitzels (3 kinds), fish and of course traditional things like pancakes (potato and apple), pierogies (potato/cheese & sauerkraut/mushroom) and kischka. The cold area has plenty of salads, whole and sliced fruit and again, some very traditional things like carp and chicken in aspic. There is a dessert tray as well, near the fruit. As with any buffet there will be hits and misses. For me, the misses were potato pancakes (hard and overcooked), the cake area (dry and stale), and the cabbage rolls. Hits were delicious meatballs in a dill sauce, the schnitzels, and pork stew (like goulash without paprika). The pierogies are homemade but were "ok" - the flavors on offer aren't my faves. They do put things out in small batches so it stays fresh and I saw staff frequently tending to the buffet. Overall, it's pretty clean and the staff is nice. I wouldn't say no to coming back especially when I feel like some old fashioned Polish comfort food. CASH ONLY! read more

Love this place!!! We have to travel a long way to get there so we don't go as often as we would like but when we do go it's so awesome. The food is always fresh and hot not dried up and cold. These women work tirelessly keeping this buffet filled and the food hot out of the oven or off the stoves. It's very obvious they put a lot of heart and soul into this restaurant as do the cooks. If you go there and can't find something you like you are impossible to please. If you want awesome down-home Polish cooking this is the place for you. You won't be disappointed I guarantee it. read more

This buffet style restaurant is based on home cooking and from scratch is their hallmark. Mushroom soup on Sunday is one of my favorites anywhere. Roasted turkey, ham and or beef. Plus all kinds of other foods: salad bar, mashed potatoes, lots of chicken and pork dishes. Staff is friendly. A distinct European staff. Five stars for efforts to make this a safe dining experience during COVID. I had qualms about eating anywhere indoors. But I was satisfied with how will they have been able to control safe access to food. Save room for dessert. So many choices and also fresh fruit. They serve an excellent coffee as well. read more

We love the Red Apple and have been going there for many years. The food is amazing - hot and fresh - service always friendly. Only wish they were open more often than the weekends! read more

When I walked in I was pretty hungry so I was excited to eat. The lady that was like our server in a way was super nice and a lot of the food did look good, however the plates when i grabbed them were wet which I didn't like, and after my second plate of food I went to grab desert and when I grabbed a few strawberries they had mold on them which was disgusting. read more

A bit pricey, but worth it for a special treat. Hot, fresh and plenty of good with plenty of choices Tough to park read more

We are so happy that the owners have reopened for weekends! My family has dined here for decades. We are always impressed by the quality of food and the QUANITY of food! This is a delicious option for a relaxing eating experience. You can count on enjoying old favorites or trying something new. Small batch cooking assures you that all will be hot and fresh! Polish sausage, sauerkraut, pierogies, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, pork stew, roasted chicken, carved meats (at least 2 options), something for every tastebud! Don't forget the salad bar options-all homemade options as well; beets with horseradish, shrimp cocktail, potato salad, crab salad to name just a few. Many delicious desert options including cheesecake, cream puffs, cookies, pies, and fresh fruit. Definitely go there HUNGRY and you will not be disappointed! read more

I hate the other location closed. But this spot was just as delicious. It's always on our Chicago food itinerary! read more

Red Apple Buffet - Pumpkin soup and Chicken Noodle soup. - Buffets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Quality: A Service: A Parking: B - Ambience: A Value / Price $ : A *** I could easily give 5 stars but unfortunately, they don't accept debit/credit cards(cash only). This is totally unprofessional in a restaurant business. read more

Red Apple Buffet - Buffets Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing buffet Great home made traditional food Must try pierogi Amazing fresh fruit and deserts read more

See all

A traditional Polish buffet with excellent hot and cold savory and sweet options and an all Polish staff who make you feel at home and provide superb table and buffet service. Soups and ice cream are included in the buffet, but served to your table. If you haven't been here, make the trip. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is truly the best buffet restaurant in Chicago. Pirogies, dumplings, potato pancakes, borczh, pancakes, beef stroganoff, Kiev cutlets, salads and meat dishes - just like my mother and grandmother prepared. Delicious! Sweet dishes also take me to childhood: apple pie, cakes, kolacky, paczki, rolls, puddings, meringues - it's impossible to tear myself away! Highly recommend it! read more

See all

Excellent buffet with very flavorful options. The pork stew was amazing! Excellent coffee to finish a great dinner.

If you don't mind breaking the bank, just a little bit, indulge and stop by is fabulous all you can eat Polish buffet. Not quite as good as it used to be but then nothing is really. read more

Large selection of food, most things were delicious. The cream of mushroom soup and pierogis were some of my favorites. Our waitress was attentive and kind. It is a bit pricey but if you go hungry you can definitely get your moneys worth. read more

This place offers variety of polish stables.... meat pierogi, schnitzel, potato pancakes just to name a few. I particularly love their pork tender chicken cutlets. Their very popular mushroom grave is out of this world. The waitresses are very friendly and attentive. I know I will be returning! read more

See all

First, a note. We made a reservation on Open Table for Father's Day. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were informed that they don't actually honor Open Table reservations. Luckily, they had room for us anyway, but I could see it being an issue, especially if you had a larger party. If you want a reservation, call. It's a really good buffet. They frequently restock the different items, so the food stays pretty fresh. I like that you can carve your own meat. The Polish classics were all very good, so I would recommend it if you're looking for large quantities of traditional Polish food. Some standouts were the golabki, kapusta, and kopytka. I also really liked the roasted brisket with horseradish sauce. read more

This is an excellent restaurant where you will be completely full after a few minutes. The salad bar is excellent as well as both hot food bars. The waitress are First Class. Very friendly and always looking to see if you need anything or to take your empty plate. I spent too much time enjoying the desert bar, which was second to none. We will definitely be back again soon for another delicious meal! read more

See all

I felt the prices were high compared to other polish buffets around Chicago & they had alot less variety also. They didn't want to accept my credit card after I had already eaten. But meanwhile I didn't see any sign that said "cash only" displayed. read more

Cash only with no sign. Automatic one star. This place stinks. I hate cash only places. I really hate cash-only when the food is mediocre. I really really hate cash-only when they don't tell you until the meal is over. Let's be real. After seeing this place on a list of really good buffets, I had somewhat high hopes. Those hopes were dashed by seriously food that was just average at best. I have no idea how this place got on the list of top buffets (and it was a national list, not just Chicago). Also, there were children running everywhere. Seriously? Factor in the $25/person price (including beverage and tax) and I was beside myself. This buffet shouldn't be more than $10/person, it's just not that good. Edit: It is my understanding from reading other reviews that I may have paid a mandatory 15% gratuity in addition to the money I left. All for buffet service. THIS PLACE SUCKS. STAY AWAY. read more

About a 2-2.5: The Red Apple restaurant has been around for ages in Chicago, and the locals go there for their AYCE Polish buffet. When you walk in, you just seat yourselves. Our server was nice and friendly, and once snag a table, you are welcome to start. The offerings include breaded shrimps, BBQ ribs, baked fish (salmon), meatballs, pork shanks, chicken bread cutlet, roasted turky/ham/duck, potato dumplings, potato salad, croquettes, boiled potatoes, and pierogies. I was a little disappointed because, as much as the buffet was extensive in terms of their selections, the flavors were just not tasty. I thought they were bland and underseasoned, and even some shakings of the salt and pepper didn't do so much. The apple pancakes were soggy and wet, and the crispy potato pancakes, while looking nice and crispy, were underseasoned. The schnitzels and the pork loin with the dill-based sauce tasted like ground 'mysterious' meat that had a very soft texture - yikes! The pierogies, which I was the most excited about, were boiled way too long, as it was super mushy. Even though there were a handful of dining patrons, the condiments by the buffet were never refilled (such as the tarter sauce, ketchup, mayo, etc.). The restaurant itself was cute and very old-school, but our dining experience was just not what we expected! I'm glad I gave Red Apple a try but would not go back! +AYCE Polish buffet +overcooked pierogies T___T +carry-out/takeaway availabe +friendly servers :D read more

It's the equivalent of coming home to my grandparents house, walking in to the aromatic flavors of the 'old country', as my grandpa would say. You immediately feel welcome, and food can, and does, make you feel comfortable and happy. While the food is hardly fitness friendly, it truly is delicious, and worth a cheat meal. Well prepared, with the traditional sauces, every one of the many meat options kept me coming back for more. Sunday's Mushroom soup is unforgettable, and who can pass up fresh kielbasa? If you're doing it right, your belly will be uncomfortably big, you'll have a smile on your face, and then, yes then, you're cute waitress will offer you ice cream. The correct thing to do, is get a scoop. Maybe that cold creamy ball of happiness will cool and compact that polish meat baby brewing in your belly... Or maybe not, but it sure was yummy! read more

I was blown away by the food here. Admittedly, my prior experience with polish cuisine stopped at Kiebalsa. But, I left Red Apple, smiling, happy, full and in love with most of the things I tried. And I tried almost everything. In fact, I was so full that we sat for an hour as to allow time for food to digest just so we could have dessert. Beet Soup - 4 stars (*not a beet fan but it was yummy!) Carrot & Peas - 5 stars (* a favorite) Stuffed Cabbage - 5 stars Smoked Kiebalsa - 5 stars Cucumbers & Cream Sauce - 5 stars Chicken Kiev - 5 stars (stuffed w/ cheese & then fried) Roasted Chicken - 5 stars Roasted Duck - 5 stars (*super tender) Veal Ragu - 5 stars Schnitzel - 3 stars Strawberry Pierogi - 5 stars Meat Pierogi - 4 stars Fried Vegetable Rice - 3 stars Cheese Blintzes - 5 stars (sweet & creamy) Chicken Noodle Soup - 4 stars Ham off the bone - 5 stars (slow cooked to perfection) Seafood Pasta - 3.5 stars Potato Pancakes - 5 frickin' stars (* absolutely amazing) Desserts - 5 stars (don't know the names of each one. They all were good.) Service - 5 stars Value for the money - 5 stars The line was full of fresh items. You were also topped off with your choice of ice cream. Needless to say, we all needed a nap after the feast. But the meal has left a lasting impression on my tummy. .... This will be the first of many visits to come. read more

While this place isn't my favorite Polish buffet, it's not bad at all. I think it doesn't have quite as many offerings as other places I've been to but the quality is great. Their meat pierogi are awesome. Their dessert offerings are impressive and delicious. The service is... meh. You have to ask for drink refills and the last time we were in, the waitress removed our Coke glasses... but never brought them back refilled. The price on the weekend is kinda high for a buffet IMO. I think it's $15 a person. Plus they charged us for my two year old. Most places don't start charging until the kid is 3. Since he ate MAYBE three bites of food off of my plate, I didn't feel the charge was justified but, whatever, I'm not going to bicker over $5. But, for sure, for $35 the three of us could have eaten elsewhere with better quality food. read more

Before the COVID situation, this was my favorite buffet style restaurant. Hopefully they will continue to prosper as the economy makes a comeback read more

I've passed Red Apple Restaurant for years before finally going to it with my wife a couple years ago. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was at such a reasonable price. Delicious Polish dishes and a variety of salads and desserts. The service was friendly and helpful. It doesn't quite reach the level of the Warsaw but now that the Warsaw closed, Red Apple is my go to for delicious Polish food. read more

This is the worst. Food was cold. The food had no taste. I tried the stuffed cabbage rolls. Absolutely terrible. In a polish restaurant. Unbelievable!!! Tried the sliced beef tenderloin. Tough as hell. Tried the lamb. I think this must have been 5 year old mutton. Complete garbage. Anyone who says this place is good, has their head up their a**!!! 30 bucks for this garbage. they should pay me to eat here. Never again!!! read more

Red Apple Buffet is the best buffet I've ever experienced! The food is excellent! It's delicious and very well seasoned, and the staff are very friendly and efficient. It's a warm and lovely atmosphere and family friendly. I highly recommend it. You cannot go wrong choosing Red Apple Buffet! Make plans to eat heartily because there's so much to choose from!! I'd give them 10 stars if I could!! read more

RED APPLE - 8/2019 - Chicago RED APPLE RESTAURANT or Czerwone Jabluszko - 6474 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 b/t Devon Ave & Imlay Ave in Norwood Park, Phone number (773) 763-3407 www.redapplebuffet.com Q-TIPS SAY: Food is just ok. Have not been here in a couple of years and the food now average. They offer a long salad, entree bar and dessert bar. Don't know how much early lunch costs but you certainly get your money worth. MRS. Q SAYS: The restaurant is clean, ok service & they clear your plates in a too fast fashion. They also offer a soup (soup of the day and another choice) at the beginning. They accept CASH ONLY - they have an ATM machine on the premises. read more

I was somewhat underwhelmed by this long standing Polish buffet, especially after hearing accolades from friends and reading the great reviews here. We went between lunch and dinner to avoid the crowds, and I do appreciate the fact that they're open all day. The buffet looks amazing when you first walk in; I was really looking forward to it. I started with their Ukrainian borscht, a mild beet soup with dairy, served hot. It was very good. The salad bar is ample, and may have been my favorite part, as there's much to chose from. I especially liked the pickled beets. The hot buffet, as I said, looks amazing, but the food was a kind of a yawn for me. Some of the meats were overly dry, and most of it really lacked flavor. They had 4 different potato dishes, which seemed kind of overkill to me. The best thing I had was the mushroom gravy; I was happiest eating this over mashed potatoes. For the price, however, I think it's not worth it. If the food quality was better, I would pay, no problem. Desserts were equally tasteless and dry. Moving on. read more

One of the best buffets I have ever had! The selection of items was enormous. Everything we tried was terrific. Great quality, very clean and constantly restocked. Terrific fruit and deserts too! Well worth the price. read more

By now this spot is an institution for buffet style or service style polish dining. When my In-Laws would visit from AZ, this was their spot, if they were not up to cooking(rarely). If you want cooking like Busia used to make, stop on by to Red Apple Restaurant! Smacznego & Cheers! read more

Hey now, hey nooooowwww this is what Polish dreeeeams are made of! The food here is so friggin delicious. It all tastes fresh and homemade. There's a great variety of Polish food and even some non-Polish food for kids. I loved the pierogi, PORK STEW, mashed potatoes with "old country" mushroom gravy. Everything was so flavorful! Even the salad bar is ON POINT! The desserts here are are fantastic!!!!! Service here is polite and prompt. ALSO, there's a full bar and yummy Polish beer. I love this place! read more

I'm American Polish, third generation. This is like grandma's cooking. Food is fresh, hot, and homemade. $19.99 pp buffet on weekends. Cash only. I'm completely fine with the price when the food selection is great and fresh. Not many places that I wish I had a bigger stomach. read more

See all

Me and my family came to this restaurant to have an Family outing. When we arrived here everyone spoke to the host and no response was received. So we ignored them because we didn't want any commotion. So I asked do we seat ourselves and the lady looked with no response again. Finally another person walked up and told us right this way. As we are walking thru the restaurant everyone is looking at us as if they never seen our kind. The waitress sat us all the way in the back of the restaurant which was weird because it was a lot of space everywhere. Once again we ignored the rudeness because we came for the food. Ok fast forward, the waitress come to the table and stated "soup and water is free. What's crazy she never brought us the free stuff. So we all go to the buffet happy as ever and as we're walking the cooks are now looking at us. My kids are looking at them look at us. They start asking why are these people looking at us like this. I told my children pay them no mind. We went too our table and ate our food. Mind you the food was not tasty at all. My son said to me I'm about to got get some Shrimps, ok go ahead is what I said. When my son came back he was upset because the lady was stand in his way as he was trying to get food. He said excuse me and the lady told him wait and be patience. At this point I'm over everything. So it was time to leave and we are at the cashier, why she she is standing in line and she literally took the lady money who was behind us first. With all this going on we still remain humble. Once I left the place I wrote a Google review and the picture below is what the owner said. But he/she tried to delete the comment, it was too late I had already screenshot the message. So what I'm trying to say save your money and don't let no one mistreat you and your family. This is not how you should run a business. This is Discrimination at a all time High. Please excuse me if something is not pronounced correctly or spelled. read more

Great buffet style restaurant with Old World touches. Self-operated carving station, plenty of food choices constantly restocked, and homemade too. The staff keep busy and circulate regularly, ready to refill a beverage or give another cup of soup. Fresh fruit at the salad bar. Lots of baked sweets for dessert. read more

So, so good. Everything I ate was tasty and the servers were all the nicest. Made a reservation ahead of time for a group of 6, and we were all so happy with our visit. Highlights for us: strawberry pierogis, potato pancakes, roast ham and beef brisket, potato dumplings, and stuffed cabbage. Can't recommend it enough! $30/person and beyond worth it. read more