Eat First

i ordered two strawberry smoothies today and on our way home the person i was with told me a hair just came out of his straw as he was drinking it. i decided to check mine and it had a hair in the drink as well. at first i thought it might be outside the cup but i moved it with the straw and it was indeed inside. we both felt disgusted. we’ve ordered their smoothies on multiple occasions and never had this issue. on top of that the guy that took our order looked like he had an attitude. terrible experience this time.

This was a huge mistake I haven't purchased from them in years. Their food was very good years ago. So I decided to give them a try again because my regular Chinese food restaurant is closed on Monday's. This place charges for absolutely everything, 2.00 for green onions in dishes. The fried chicken was not fresh, it was old, and the bone was brown and looked dried out VERY OLD . I will NEVER eat from this restaurant again. The quality of the food is terrible. The vegetables were soggy and overcooked, and the shrimp looked and tasted like they came out of a can. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this place.

Very good Chinese food for price and quantity. I love their vegetarian pan fried dumplings and they have the best chili oil. You can never go wrong with their noodles and the folks are very nice to remove anything and substitute items out.

this restaurant does NOT have good customer service. The lady was rude when i picked up my order. No hello or thank you but just very hostile demanding my number. The food is OKAY but extremely bland. I got the crab rangoon’s which were good. The beef chow fun was extremely greasy and had no flavor whatsoever. The hot and spicy soup was good but also just extremely bland. Pretty disappointing for how much i spent on dinner there.

I love Eat First! Never disappoints...always good for me! I am grateful to everyone there. I miss the older man who used to deliver to me for years. He had the best smile! Thank you, Eat First!

Food wasn’t great. Honestly for what it was it’s expensive. 16$ for a plate 97% vegetables do not recommend trust me there’s better.

I ordered this today at 11 when they opened, so why does my order look like this. Very disappointed!!

Orange chicken was a mistake & the rice just wasn't hitting the spot. Not to mention where's the veggies in the chicken fried rice? Would i get it again. No. But the eggroll was interesting. Wasn't that bad. Also yeah drinks don't come with your meal even if your order a *dinner* ..

No frills Chinese restaurant near the Belmont blue line. They have about 3 tables and not really meant for dining in, but you definitely can if you get a seat. Otherwise it's best for carry out. The Chinese food is decent and I always go with the dinner specials. You can't beat it as it comes with fried rice, an entree, and an egg roll, all for under $15. For those days when I don't feel like making dinner - this place is super convenient. I normally get either the egg foo young, shrimp with vegetables, or beef and broccoli. And all did not disappoint. They make their food as you order, so depending on what you order, it could take 10-20 min for your food to be ready. But their portions are normally a nice size and hit and fresh so worth the wait.

Main service is take out here. Only one table and a counter against window with 6 stools. Restaurant is clean. Large Cantonese menu serving old style Cantonese food to American taste. Ordered standard lunch food of Win Ton Noodle soup to eat in. Even though ordered as eat in it was served with a container of soup and wonton and noodles in a round to go container. It should have come in a bowl. They did not have a good soup spoon or chopsticks until I asked. Soup contained 8 meaty wonton. Noodles had little flavor probably because it was not in the soup. Texture of noodles ok and not too soft. Soup was ok but not real flavorful. Char siu, cabbage and onions were garnishes. If you are craving Wonyo noodle soup this place will do but if they don't have a bowl or reasonable spoon I'll take it to go. Location is a small strip mall next to the blueline El stop. Parking was not full. There was a constant stream of takeout customers.

Guy at the counter was surly and kind of rude, at least his tone was. It's pick-up only I think. There was 1 table you could theoretically eat at. I'll say this, you get a lot of food. We got egg foo young and it weighed about 3lbs. I really wanted this to be my go-to place, but alas, the search continues. egg foo young: really interesting texture, good flavor, could use more flavor, gravy was very boring. first time having EFY so maybe it's always like this hot and sour soup: had meat which was cool but needed more flavor eggrolls: classic, very good, not too greasy! general tso's: man, it was a LOT of food, but really needed more flavor.

I generally like their pork fried rice, but today I ordered it and there was scraps of hardly any meat. I feel like someone that may have ordered the same, that they got all the meat. Very disappointed

I've been going here for years, food is always hot and tastes great. You have to try the eggrolls! Heads up, they are made with peanut butter and they taste sooo good

Got the hot and sour seafood, soup.. no seafood in it, not sour. Think the cap fell off the power shaker while they were making it ...I cannot finish it, I would not have served it if I owned the place.

The two stars are for the best thing that they have which are their fried chicken wings very good and crispy, otherwise the rest of the food is pretty mediocre and overpriced for the quality and taste in my opinion I've had the egg for young, fried rice, orange chicken, general tso chicken, beef broccoli, egg rolls, and out of all those things everything is just bland. And they're very expensive in my opinion for what you get.

Great food, reasonable prices, timely pick up, close parking. Rice and fortune cookies included with each meal.

Best Chinese food. Good portions and it's always consistent... best crab Rangoon ever. I drive far to support this place!

Food is great, service is great and the portions are MASSIVE.. my 1st time back in a long time and they haven't skipped a beat.. I was able to take it too go, so I can make my bus.. LoL..... check this place out of you're in the area and in the mood for good Chinese food..

I have been ordering food from this establishment for 7 years now, at least once every other week and last night when I put my food on a plate there was a roach in my yu shan chicken. When I called to complain the woman on the phone didn't sound surprised. I can deal with late food or cold food but hair or a roach in my food is an absolute no no. The woman said well can you just bring the food back and we'll give you a full refund. Excuse me? It's in the trash and I'm not repacking the roach infested food and bringing it back but I will bring a photo and my receipt.

Fantastic food, great service. My go-to for local Chinese food! Best egg rolls, Mongolian Beef and Mushu pork around!

The truth: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjJjWjZjxt3/?igshid=MDE2OWE1N2Q= Doesn't get much better for Chinese take-away. -1 star for the Crypto exchange sponsored fortune cookies

I went there the food is good that's not the problem. The problem is I ordered the food and it took them almost 1 hour and a half to get the food cooked and ready when they weren't busy. I had asked them and they said 15 minutes. I still waited for 45 minutes. The food itself even came sloppy. Don't recommend.

I love this place!! Always great service and yummy food! This place definitely deserves a higher rating

Absolutely disgusting. The orange chicken is dry, tough, and oily. The "chicken chow mein" looks like slop and is inedible. I'm pissed off it took an hour and I'm still sitting here starving. Complete waste of $22 I called to let them know they can't be serving this to people and she insisted that I didn't like the style.

Never befriend an individual who dislikes Chinese food. They are not to be trusted. Honestly, you can never go wrong with a meal that involves some orange chicken, fried rice, eggrolls, and/or some Mongolian beef with sweet n sour sauce. Chicago's home to many, many Chinese restaurants, big and small. In the northwest side, right next to the Belmont blue line, is a little eatery called Eat First with a nice big menu filled with Chinese food favorites. I went one day around lunch time, which was nice since they had a lunch special going on. I had some general tso chicken and fried rice with some crab ragoons on the side. God, you cannot go wrong with this combo anywhere; great meal! Good sized portions and hardly a wait time for your food. Perfect for take out too.

What a surprise! Great quality (and quantity) food. You wouldn't think much of this place from the outside, but they really crank out some delicious American style Chinese food. I've driven past there numerous times an finally decided to give it a try. Had trouble ordering through the website, but a call worked. Food was ready in 20 minutes. If you're comparing American Chinese food, this is much better than Panda Express (a guilty pleasure), and the prices are better for the lunch specials. Plus, the appetizer assortment was huge and had all the best treats. We were eating for three days from 4 entrees and the appetizers. I give it a big thumbs up.

This is my go-to Chinese place. I've been to others in the area but this is the best! Faves: Empress Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, and Happy Family. Also Wonton soup, pot stickers and egg rolls. People who know me know of my love for Chinese. Can't go without my comfort food for too long. Get the Avocado smoothie!

Only came here to order some smoothies with tapioca. The smoothies are surprisingly cheap for the size (only $3, tapioca is an extra $0.50 though). We had to wait 10 minutes because they didn't have any tapioca left, which was fine by us. The flavor of the smoothies were actually pretty great! I tried the matcha, strawberry, and coconut and all were pretty tasty. My friend told me they use fresh fruit in the smoothies, which honestly I'm not too sure about since all the flavors I tried tasted like syrup. Still good though. Very very small place -- only seats maybe 10-15 people. So it's mostly good for take-out.

Their food isn't traditional pineapple chunks in general tso chicken wasn't even spicy onion chunks in crab ragoon. I got pan fried dumplings and they looked and tasted steamed sweet and sour chicken had pineapple and bell peppers in it sauce wasn't the best ... the worst food I've had in the neighborhood. $50 a WASTE last time eating there only thing good there was the egg roll but it had all meats in it including shrimp !

I have to admit: I liked Eat First. I was desperate for something to eat, and I didn't want to wait until I got back to civilization...I mean, the north side. I know y'all loves you some Avondale, but DAMN. You really do need a car in this neighborhood. This restaurant probably does more delivery and carry-out business than dining-in. There are just three small tables, so do not plan on coming here with more then 3 or 4 people in a group. Anyway, turns out, my meal was pretty good. I'm probably the only person who orders their Kung Pao chicken mild and not spicy no matter where I order from, and at least these folks didn't give me a weird look. The white meat chicken was fresh and tasty. The rice served with the Kung Pao was disappointing--bits of dark meat chicken mixed in with otherwise tasty fried rice. This is one of the few places where fried rice is served with entrees instead of white rice. I also ordered an egg roll (OK, but a little too heavy on the corn starch which makes it ultra fattening) and a large order of shrimp fried rice. For fast-food fried rice, the shrimp fried rice was wonderful. A special shout out to the staff there--all yelling at each other, running around, etc. Love it. Reminded me a little bit of Chinatown with all the commotion and noise in the back and semi-friendly/semi-rude people in the front taking the orders and answering phones. But then...you remember you're in a friggin' strip mall. In Avondale.

This small restaurant is nestled in the middle of a tiny strip mall near the Belmont Blue Line stop. Their chicken fried rice and Mongolian beef is a great pick if you're looking for a no-frills lunch or dinner, but it's no 5-star meal either. It's more your typical local Chinese restaurant. BUT, their smoothies here are always great! They use a simple recipe of fresh fruit (or powder if you're getting the green tea), simple syrup, and ice to blend up a refreshing drink that hits the spot! They have a range of great flavors, from matcha to coconut to watermelon. You can mix and match flavors or stick to something simple. I highly recommend the green tea smoothie with extra matcha and tapioca pearls. 5 out of 5!

This is a "hidden gem". I just moved to the area one evening and stopped by my Chase bank. I noticed the place, small and cozy, and thought I'd give it a try. I ordered the chicken and pea pod dish, rice, and the two egg rolls. It was great. Chicken and pea pods could have used a SLIGHT bit more flavor, but was otherwise fantastic. Good quality and quality. The egg rolls were also great. Lots of filling and for a great price. The place is more of a take out or delivery, but has about five tables, and a bar like area for about six people. The owners were friendly, and food was prepared quickly. Despite being busy with take out orders and delivery, only waited about 15 minutes on a Thursday evening. L If only more Chinese places in Chicago were like this.

Order from Eat First all the time. Fast delivery, great food, large portions. Order the combo appetizer-it's delicious!

This was my favorite restaurant till we found a long black hair in our sesame chicken. Just so you know when reported to Grubhub, they said report it to the restaurant.

Have never left a negative review until now but felt this warranted one-ordered online from grubhub with an expected delivery time between 7:35 and 7:45. My friend and I left instructions which bell to ring when the delivery arrived and sat by the window to periodically check. I received an email through grubhub saying they had tried to call me and to urgently call back. As I have an Irish mobile number I thought this might have been the issue (although I left the area code so there should not have been an issue). We spoke on the phone to an employee at Eat First who said the driver had not left, and that there was no issue. The grubhub app confirmed the order was not yet on its way. We then left my American friend's number with this employee as well as emailing it to the app and consequently the restaurant. At 8pm I suggested we ring Eat First again. We were put on the phone to a different employee, who said that the driver had come not once but twice. Given we had left instructions for which bell to ring, had left the door open in case he knocked, sat by the window and left two cell numbers to call, as well as checking with another employee, this is disgraceful. The employee on the phone offered nothing but a weak apology and explained the driver "refused" to come to our address again. When asked what more we could have possibly done to make the order easier to deliver, they had no answer for me. Do not order from this establishment, or if you do ensure you pay by cash, as this could have been a lot worse if they had taken my money in advance.

Been ordering from here for years. Service is friendly, food is made to order, delivery is fast. Definitely order delivery directly from them, it's faster and cheaper than delivery apps. Their crab rangoon is the best I've had anywhere. Food is authentic and fresh. The avocado smoothie sounds weird but tastes amazing! Some faves are vegetable dumplings, egg rolls, mandarin noodles, cashew chicken, yu shan scallop with vegetables, and moo shu vegetables. My husband loves their mongolian beef and shrimp fried rice. My daughter always orders the singapore rice noodle or lo mein. Definitely give it a try.

We have been ordering from here for years. Love the food and quick service Great neighborhood restaurant

Very classic spot. Traditional menu with many options available. Good portions. Great prices! I've never had an issue with staff or delivery. Order here often and will continue to!

Eat First is slightly better than the standard Chinese take-out place, but not quite a 4. I say slightly better because they do have some less generic options - fish is an option, and their combination special, which has zucchini is different. The food doesn't taste bad, but everything is over-salted for my preference. The fried rice is soy sauce overload. The lunch special appears to be a good deal, but keep in mind that it comes in a container that is one-third entree and the remainder is rice. Egg rolls are also smaller than normal and rather bland. It'll be hit-or-miss, depending on what you order.

Chinese food is my comfort craving food. There are times I just neeeeeed it. I'm still in search of an amazing spot in my new 'hood but Eat First is a completely acceptable option for the deep fried, ooey gooey American style Chinese food. Their eggrolls are kind of mini sized but they are decent. Same goes for the sweet & sour chicken...there's about 5 times as much rice as there is main dish. However it's not packed full of tons of vegetables which is a plus for me. They do seem to enjoy MSG. I had a bit of a food coma post binging.

go to Chinese food. my family and i have ordered from here for yearssss and it's never a disappointment. definitely recommend!!

This is my family's spot! We have been coming here for YEARS. I absolutely love their food and their smoothies are SO DELICIOUS. Love these guys/gals! Nothing but amazing experience with them and delicious food!

Sure, this is a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that is mainly for take out (just a few small tables). However, it is really delicious! They used to have two locations, and both did well, but now just the one on Belmont. I love their yu shan sauce and get it with steamed tofu and veggies. They are good at customizing and making sure the order is right. When you are craving fast, inexpensive Chinese food, this is the place to go. Plus, it's easy for vegan options!

Didn't feel welcome when I first walked in and leaving. I told the cashier I was vegan she did not quite understand. Ask for extra mushrooms on a dish and didn't get much. I wish they would be a lot nicer to people that are American English speakers.

Five stars... Food is great and prices are low. Its more for take out but a very small place with 3 tables.

It's your standard hole-in-the-wall Chinese spot. I haven't frequented it too much, though. Shrimp Egg Foo Young - It's okay. passable. nothing special, but not bad. Fried Rice - it's okay. Again. nothing special, but not bad. Fried Shrimp ball - I was craving Shrimp toast (from #1 Chop Suey) and tried this as an alternative.... DON"T GET IT. too salty. On a most recent order... Shrimp lo mein with extra shrimp. Tasty, saucy, on point. Big butterflied shrimp. I'd order it again, but geez. $3 for extra shrimp when the dish itsself was $8 seemed kinda much to me. Smoothies: I've tried the mango, and it does taste fresh! Overall: I'm sure I'll order again, but I think i need more absolute wins in order to gain it another star. The interior seems all business. I'd only order here for lunch, though. *shrug* i just think it's affordable and gets to the point, but not a place I would look forward to. In the area, I'd still prefer #1 Chop Suey.

They have the best fried rice and egg foo young. Has that fresh Asian cuisine taste I absolutely love. Good portions and descent prices.

Luv my yummm Shrimp Chop Suey and Crab Rangoon. They never fail me here, yumm food and Anna's service. Thank you

Food arrived nice and hot, ordered orange chicken which came served over broccoli and sesame chicken which was served over green beans, both were delicious! Also ordered fried rice which was also great... great price too, will definitely order again!

Amazing. Delicious. Tasty. The best vegetarian dishes i have ever had. No one compares to eat first. They have the best tofu dish in the city. I love this place and i am so disappointed anytime i try somewhere else. They deserve all the stars.

I have ordered from here multiple times and the food is always great. They will customize orders for allergies also! It is typical Chinese food but you will not be disappointed.

If you're coming here you shouldn't be looking for the world's best Chinese food, you should be looking for standard delivery/ carry out Chinese. Their prices are reasonably and the quality is decent, with generous portion sizes. You won't be disappointed, as long as your expectations are reasonable.

Best chinesse fast food spot I know ...always on point fast n good ... Smoothies are a must!

Loved it the manager was great and served me very well I had a lot of fun on the electric slide

I have a special place in my heart for places like this: Little strip mall Chinese take out places. Some of thees places CAN be hazardous to your health and serve up some really crappy food. This is NOT one of these places! The food here is good: Not horrible and not out of this world either. The value is one of the best. the amount of food you get is amazing compared to the price that you pay. The folks here are fast, fast, fast and very friendly too. This place does what it sets out to accomplish: fast, convenient Chinese food and a price and a taste that will keep you coming back as which I will!

Ordered delivery from this location for a night in with my roommate. Between the two of us, we shared the kung pao chicken and broccoli beef. They were pretty quick to take my order and said that it would be delivered shortly since it is just down the street from us. When the food arrived we were very eager to eat since we ere both very hungry. I dont know why we were just craving some good ol americanized Chinese food. With the amount of Chinese buffets in the area, one could actually eat at the buffets for the same price. We were too lazy to walk to one though so... First thing I noticed when opening the boxes, was the amount of oil they used. It literally looked like a layer of oil slicked over the top shiny and glistening. The fried rice was also so dark, I could tell they used tons of soy sauce. Upon eating the food, we were very disappointed. Salty tons of msg and just not well prepared. The egg rolls were harder than rocks. Don't think we will be ordering from this establishment again.

The best reason to go to Eat First are the smoothies. Watermelon and avacado, specifically. They're amazing. Like the other reviews, I agree on the fast service and decent prices. The pan fried noodles aren't overcooked, though I've had some questionable chicken from there (specifically the cashew - it was rubbery). I enjoy their General Tso's chicken though, and it's a handy stop right next to the Blue Line. I've had better, but they deliver and are worth the try.