Old Lviv Restaurant

Ukrainian restaurant · Ukrainian Village

Old Lviv Restaurant

Ukrainian restaurant · Ukrainian Village

3

2228 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

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Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by Kim Kovacik
Old Lviv Restaurant by Kim Kovacik
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null
Old Lviv Restaurant by null

Highlights

Hearty Ukrainian buffet with stuffed cabbage & pierogi  

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2228 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Get directions

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2228 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Get directions

+1 773 772 7250
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Oct 8, 2025

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@infatuation

Where To Find Great All-You-Can-Eat Deals and Buffets In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Old Lviv looks like it would be an ideal rest stop after wandering through the wilderness, but in reality it's an ideal place to stop after touring Ukrainian Village. The buffet at this tiny wooden restaurant gives you endless access to mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, roasted chicken legs, and nalysnyky with sweet cheese and berries tucked into soft crepes." - john ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-buffets-all-you-can-eat-chicago
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@infatuation

Where To Eat Ukrainian Food In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Old Lviv would be an ideal rest stop after wandering through the wilderness—but it works just as well when you’re hungry after touring Ukrainian Village. The tiny wooden restaurant has only a handful of tables and a bar. But more importantly, there's a buffet. For $18, you can eat endless plates of mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, roasted chicken legs, and nalysnyky with sweet cheese and berries tucked into soft crepes. If 60 pounds of stuffed cabbage isn’t enough, you can always throw in some a la carte dishes like pelmeni." - john ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/where-to-eat-ukrainian-food-in-chicago
View Postcard for Old Lviv Restaurant
@infatuation

Old Lviv - Review - Ukrainian Village - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Old Lviv would be an ideal rest stop after wandering through the wilderness—but it works just as well when you’re hungry after touring Ukrainian Village. The tiny wooden restaurant has only a handful of tables and a bar. But more importantly, there's a buffet. For $18, you can eat endless plates of mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, roasted chicken legs, and nalysnyky with sweet cheese and berries tucked into soft crepes. If 60 pounds of stuffed cabbage isn’t enough, you can always throw in some a la carte dishes like pelmeni." - John Ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/old-lviv
View Postcard for Old Lviv Restaurant

Tatiana Kesh

Google
Old Lviv Restaurant is a gem, a unique and authentic eatery that perfectly captures the essence of Ukrainian cuisine. Its small, cozy, homey atmosphere is irresistibly charming. Offering both buffet style and à la carte options, there's something for everyone. Marian, the friendly and multilingual waiter, was wonderfully accommodating with kids' food options. Adding to the authentic experience, a group of Ukrainian men gathered for lunch, their lively conversation in Ukrainian creating a truly immersive atmosphere. I’m eagerly awaiting my next visit to this delightful spot.

Sonia Trygubenko

Google
What a lovely place. My daughter and I came and just devoured our food it was that good. Cherry Varenyky were spectacular. Nice and clean hot buffet, the borscht is a must. Our server Marion was so helpful, happy and kind. Ask for him

Faicel EK

Google
This family-owned Ukrainian restaurant in Chicago has quickly become a favorite of mine. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The owners are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to ensure every guest feels welcome. The menu features a wide variety of traditional Ukrainian dishes, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I was particularly impressed with how flavorful and healthy the food was – it's the perfect spot for those seeking a delicious and nutritious meal. The relaxed ambiance makes it an ideal place for families or anyone looking to unwind after a long day. And with its reasonable prices, you get exceptional value for your money. Be sure to try their Ukrainian lager – it's the perfect complement to any meal. Overall, this restaurant is a true hidden gem in Chicago and a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Ukrainian cuisine in a cozy setting.

daniel carrero

Google
This place is a hidden gem. If you want to try Ukrainian food and never had this is your spot. The ambiance is classical and homey, the food is good and the dessert are an experience by themselves.

Csaba Sukosd

Google
It was awesome and just like eating at a family establishment in Europe. The buffet was great where you got to taste a lot of different dishes that are familiar to central and Eastern Europeans with their own take. You could tell it was home cooking. Mom made the food and his son took care of the service. The beer was really good, too.

Lillian Hazel Pearce

Google
Wow this place was delicious. The food is so comforting… great if you’re in need of something warm and yummy. We got the buffet and it was stocked full with food — from mashed potatoes to meat to staple Ukrainian dishes. The soup too was delicious. The staff was very friendly and attentive.

Hanna Romero Molina

Google
Familiar everyday dishes that transport me into my granny's home. Comforting meals are guaranteed to make you feel good. My Hispanic husband really loved stuffed cabbage rolls and spring salad (he fell in love with Borsch waaaay before). I was just happy to have a bit of everything since I grew up eating all those foods, and 2 years in the US made me super homesick. Nicely designed space with wooden elements, not very spacious, with limited seating. The staff is welcoming and kind. Also, coffee is good too!

Charlie Uwu

Google
Simply spectacular. We had the buffet and one of each soup. Everything is delicious, beautiful, and high quality ESPECIALLY for the price. If you're in Chicago you must eat here! The service is very nice too with a cozy atmosphere.
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Kristina K.

Yelp
Old Lviv is such a lovely place. It took me back home to Ukraine. The food is traditional and wonderful. Such a soul soothing and body warming selection. The service was great, and I was so happy to come here.
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Mindy G.

Yelp
Delicious freshly cooked food. Buffet is fresh and has many choices. The young man who runs the front end is friendly and accommodating.
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Seth F.

Yelp
What a wondrous and wonderful place. While it may be next to impossible for a Ukrainian restaurant to outdo New York's Streecha, Old Lviv certainly comes close. This cozy restaurant houses only a handful of tables, but the buffet and its selection certainly befit a grandiose establishment. Although I am generally hesitant of buffets, I was particularly intrigued by this one as less common genre in the country at large. And no disappointment was found in the experience. The buffet offered a wide assortment of dishes: meat in mushroom sauce, stuffed cabbages, filled mlyntsi, potatoes, vegetables, beef, various salads, fruits, and more. The buffet also includes soup, where I opted for the borshch. The meats were tender, the chickens juicy, the vegetables flavorful, and the horseradishes potent. There is truly nothing more one could ask for. There is also a full bar, although I did not explore its offerings. As for the cost, the weekday buffet at the time of my visit, July 2022, was $17. In my mind's eye, this is an exceptionally reasonable price for the variety, quality, and location. The service is very good as well. I will absolutely come back, and would recommend that you visit too. A note to the vegans of the world: this place is not for you.
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Brandy L.

Yelp
Absolute gem! The borscht was DEVINE ... the best borscht I have ever had. Savory and sweet with delicious potatoes and cabbage and the service was warm and attentive. The varynyky (or Ukrainian peroigies) were also delicious and were balanced with flavor and deliciousness. The decor is authentic Ukrainian cultural pieces that made the place so cozy and inviting. I highly recommend this place especially on a chilly day. Will go back every time I'm in the neighborhood. Please go and treat yourself!
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Miriam W.

Yelp
The food at this tiny storefront restaurant did not fail to please. We arrived for lunch and were offered beverages and some borscht. We took the waiter up on the offer of borscht, and were served a good sized bowl. Ukrainian borscht differs from its Russian counterpart, as it's often vegetarian and served hot. It's a simple, warming bowl of goodness. The buffet was still being filled while we ate our soup, so we waited a bit; a warning if you're planning on arriving just as they open. They had a few cold options on the salad bar, and I sampled most of them. The shredded beets were very good, and I also liked the cucumber salad, which had lots of dill. My favorite item from the cold side was their purée of beets and horseradish. I'm not sure what this condiment is intended to go with, but I ate it with everything and went back for more. The hot buffet is comfort food central, with stick-to-the-ribs choices like stuffed cabbage, pork stew and mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes. There were also two chicken dishes, a fish dish with vegetables and a beef liver stew. The stuffed cabbage here is different from the Polish and Hungarian varieties I'm familiar with. It was stuffed with ground pork and rice and served in a delicious creamy tomato sauce. I'm fact, much of the food on the buffet had dairy in it. A vegetarian couple came in as we were eating and interviewed the waiter on the options open to them on the buffet. They ended up staying, so, while Ukrainian food is typically very meat-centric, vegetarians (not vegans) can find enough to eat here. There are only 5 tables, so the space is small. They have a full bar and some Ukrainian wines that I'll try on a future visit. Yes, I'll most definitely be back.
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Minh P.

Yelp
Loved my experience at Old Lviv. Cute, small family-owned joint with delicious food. Tried both the meat and cheese & potato pirogies and loved both (especially the cheese & potato!). Came with sour cream and perfect caramelized onions. Tried my friend's borscht as well and that was also on point. The folks here are really nice and the place has a lot of character. Definitely want to come back to try the buffet ($17, or $19 on weekends).
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Juanita N.

Yelp
We drop by during lunch and it was a small cozy restaurant. My son tried the Buffet and he loved it. We tried the chicken soup is was simple but surprisingly delicious along with the amazing bread. Would definitely come back.
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Livia R.

Yelp
buffet for $18 very yummy warm food clearly made earlier, so get there relatively early (we got there at 5:40p- they stop making food at 6p) borscht isnt very intensely beety (which was good for me- but to each their own)
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Cynthia R.

Yelp
After a perfectly awful start to my Chicago visit, this place was much more than a 'welcome respite.' When I walked in, I was knocked over by the fact that it literally smelled like my grandmother's kitchen. Simple, hearty, wonderful Ukrainian food...that literally tastes like your grandmother made it. Fantastic. My family comes from Lviv...so stepping in here? Heart, soul...and most importantly, BELLY...were thrilled to tears.

Anthony A.

Yelp
The food was outstanding! The space was cozy and reminded me of my grandmother, if she would've opened up a restaurant. Could not recommend more to anyone whom is wanting to get back to their roots with the food and the ambiance! My only complaint was there being no Olivie Salad or Kvas. Otherwise 5 stars including the service! Might I mention the full bar?
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Boris K.

Yelp
Wonderful potato varenyky served with deliciously caramelized onions and sour cream! Nice staff. Cozy with quiet music so you can chat. Definitely worth a visit!

Ashley R.

Yelp
Their food is amazing! Authentic Ukrainian buffet for $17 for adults, $10 for kiddos. Family owned and operated which you sense from walking in.
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Matt M.

Yelp
One of my favorite comfort food "go to" restaurants in Chicago! This little gem in Ukrainian Village offers rich, creamy borscht in "just the perfect shade of pink." (Fresh dill and sour cream atop? Yes. Of course!) I love the roast chicken here, as well as the braised cabbage, the beautifully prepared schnitzel, the rich mushroom gravy, the pickled cabbage with caraway, the roast pork with sautéed onions, the delicious blini, and the VERY nice selection of freshly prepared desserts. Reasonable menu prices Warm and friendly table service
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Sara H.

Yelp
We stopped here February 17 for lunch and tried the buffet. I tried to get a little bit of everything. I'm surprised we were the only ones here for lunch it was so delicious. My favorite things from the buffet were the swai, cabbage rolls, potatoes with mushroom gravy and cheese blintzes. We also had soup (I had borscht and my husband had the chicken noodle). My favorite was the varenyky. With the sour cream and the onions it's one of the best things I've ever had. The service was great and parking was ample. It's a cozy little place in the Ukrainian Village. We'll be back to eat again next time we're in the city, thank you!
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Kokoenutt C.

Yelp
One word: authentic. I've had food from a Ukrainian grandmother as well as countries in Eastern Europe. The borscht and pierogies (had the cheese and potatoes) were on point. I also sampled most of the dishes from the buffet. Be ready to get full. I felt like I was eating food the ladies working there might make at home for their families. Comfort food. The atmosphere is perfectly hole-in-the-wall, with Ukrainian decor from tablecloth to murals. The patrons who came in and out were all Ukrainian. I'd definitely come back to this place when in Chicago.
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Michael B.

Yelp
This is my first time trying Ukrainian food and I couldn't have asked for better. This is a family-owned restaurant that makes food that tastes family-made. Old Lviv offers an amazing Ukrainian buffet. Located in the heart of the Ukrainian Village neighborhood in Chicago, Old Lviv is only about a 15-30 minute bus/car ride away from the Loop & River North. The space is a bit small and cozy but never crowded. There always seem to be at least one extra table open. There is a solid selection of food and ALL of them are delicious. Buffet is around $12 ($14 on weekends) and soup comes free! Pierogies have to be bought separately. Bar selection is there for those who are interested in drinking. Definitely will be coming back.
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Andy P.

Yelp
Very friendly staff, fresh buffet (we got there early), and affordable. The food is obviously homemade with a good assortment of items to choose from. Buffet also comes with a bowl of soup. Had been meaning to go to this place for years and glad to finally go. The type of place that makes a neighborhood unique. They have a bar too. Left stuffed and will definitely go back.
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Walter L.

Yelp
Great family restaurant of Ukrainian cuisine. We loved it, the food was delicious, the staff were friendly and the price was not high.
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Alexander B.

Yelp
Came here for dinner and everything was delicious. Borsch was very good (I hope they can also add borsch with beans or borsch with meat to the menu), pelmeni (meat dumplings) were truly home made and tasted well. They also have a buffet with a few more meals and overall the food didn't cost much which was great. Usually, Russian food is overpriced in the U.S. based on other Russian restaurants I've been in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Indianapolis. Our server was friendly and attentive and food didn't take long to come out. Pretty simple and straightforward experience. I'd say the only wish is if they could expand their menu a little bit and add the items above and maybe draniki (potato pancakes). Everything else was perfect!

Katya B.

Yelp
I want to start off by saying that I was born and raised in Ukraine until I moved to the states at the age of 13. So, when I say that this is not at all Ukrainian food, I mean it. I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to try a Ukrainian buffet, but I digress. None of this food should be served buffet style. It needs to be fresh. Especially not the cabbage rolls. I couldn't even recognize anything in the buffet. The cabbage rolls looked wilted. The mashed potatoes were tasteless. The (rice dish) was too thick and lacked seasoning. I am ashamed that this is what people think is good Ukrainian food, because it is not. My American boyfriend typically loves vareniky, and he couldn't even eat one. I understand the novelty of Ukrainian food, especially now, but please save your money.

Jeff S.

Yelp
wonderful and substantial food. selection is right on an quite tasty. cozy, quality, and very nice folks. solid dining experience.
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Malika A.

Yelp
What a deal! Tasty great ukranian food for great prices :) There is an option for buffet or else vareniky/pelmeni. Make sure to do both :) Buffet also includes a soup like borsh, fruits and desserts what can be better? Last tip: Get to know the owner Maryan -- great guy

Michael M.

Yelp
First of all I have to confess that I'm 100% Ukrainian. Old Lviv is a Ukrainian restaurant. My nephew and I were in Ukrainian Village and decided to have lunch at Old Lviv. It's a tiny restaurant with about six tables. It was spotless and walking in felt very cozy. We walked over to the buffet which was very clean and the food looked very tasty. However, we both were only interested in a few things. My nephew ordered a Ukrainian beer named after the city of Lviv. I got a coke. We asked the waitress/owner if she was serving borscht (Ukrainian beet soup) and she said she was. We both ordered a bowl which arrived piping hot with a large dollop of sour cream. It was super delicious very much like my Mom used to make. We then asked if they were serving varenyky (pierogies) she was so we ordered kapusta (cabbage) and potato. They were freshly made and came with both sour cream and caramelized onions. Delicious! I highly recommend Old Lviv!
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Mark G.

Yelp
Even though my wife cooks excellent Ukrainian food, we go to this restaurant because of the great variety and the superb quality of the food it serves. It is perfect soul food, very tasty and it makes you want to come back again and again.
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Sofiya C.

Yelp
One of the best Ukrainian buffets around. I have been a customer here for the past 10 years, their food is heavenly good and reminds me of how my grandmother used to cook when I lived in Ukraine. Borshch, vareneky, coleslaw, kotlety, mashed potatoes and more. Their mushroom gravy melts in my mouth with amazing flavors, and chicken noodle soup is a must try if you come here. Great atmosphere and music and there is a tv :) Thank you for an amazing Ukrainian dinning experience Old Lviv!
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Kathryn P.

Yelp
Amazing authentic Ukrainian food. A small place, but very cute. I recommend the buffet.
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Amy J.

Yelp
I regret not taking pictures but I was the only patron in the quiet small comfortable and classy restaurant and didn't want to appear odd or impolite. For $15.42 you get all you can eat legitimate Ukrainian dishes and I had water. It includes warm soft bread brought to the table along with a bowl of one of two soups- I chose borscht and it was the best I've ever had! The gentleman serving me was so polite. The food was all hot, fresh, actually traditional, and delicious! I am not knowledgeable enough to know the names of the dishes but there were at least 5-6 meat based dishes with different vegetables and sauces, salad and mixed cold deli type salads, cheese blintzes, chicken legs, and dessert fruit and delicious not store tasting cheesecake type dish. Overall a filling tasty place to have lunch.

Suzanne N.

Yelp
This Ukrainian restaurant in the Ukrainian Village serves a huge variety of dishes on their buffet: stuffed cabbage, goulash, ground pork schnitzel, roast chicken, cheese blintzes, and battered fish, plus side dishes of mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, sweet and sour cabbage, kasha, an assortment of salads, as well as sweet rolls, fruit, and apple strudel for dessert. We were there on a Saturday when the buffet is $2 more than on a week night so the buffet may have been more extensive. Included in the buffet is your choice of borscht, chicken noodle, or cabbage soup. We tried everything and it was so delicious! We ordered Pelmeni on the side, but had to take it to go, since we were so full after the buffet. We microwaved the Pelmeni the next day and it was so delicious. It seemed freshly made, never frozen. The restaurant is small and has Ukrainian decorations. It is family run. We will return!
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Mia P.

Yelp
So I might be pushing it by giving this place 5 stars. I have to admit the Ukrainian food tugs at my heartstrings. This is a tiny little buffet style restaurant in the heart of Chicago's Ukrainian Village. This place feels very mom and pop-ish. It's a discreet little place with folksy art on the walls and a chalkboard menu. I'm not sure if anyone inside spoke English as it was so quiet. The locals that were eating there were speaking Ukrainian, so this place is legit. For around $12 it's an all you can eat Ukrainian meal with soup of your choice and dessert. There is a small makeshift bar area with liquor and wine by the front register. Also if I was reading everything correctly it looks like the restaurant is cash only. The hot food bar featured schnitzel with creamy mushroom gravy, pork in a tomato sauce with sautéed onions, cabbages rolls, cheese blintz, roasted chicken legs, cooked cabbage and some other items. The cold/salad area had pickled cabbage with caraway seeds (this was not kraut), puréed beets with horseradish, creamy tomato and cucumber salad, an amazingly delicious potato salad with cubed ham and peas, chopped oranges and watermelon, and assorted cake slices. Our server asked what type of soup we wanted so we tried the borscht. The soup came out of the kitchen very warm and served with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped dill. It was perfect! There was also a hearty half loaf of wheat bread and little butter packets for the meal. Everything here tasted great and so authentic, just like my babushka used to make. Loved dining here!
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Neshat M.

Yelp
It was great! Very small place but the quality was great and the food was quite new experience. You must try the beet soup!

Ann W.

Yelp
Family restaurant with homemade food just like what I grew up eating. I stop there whenever I'm in Chicago. Easy to get to on the bus. Very reasonable prices. The last time I went, we were the only ones there when we arrived. Couldn't ask for better food or service!
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Gerald S.

Yelp
This is one of those "dives" that are hidden gems in Chicago. There are only a few tables and it's nothing fancy. The small menu was written on a chalk board. They have a buffet, which we all ate. EVERYTHING, and I mean everything on their was tasty and authentic. Ukrainian food and Polish food is very similar. I hate to say this, but a lot of the dishes on the buffet were better than some of the Polish restaurants. The Ukrainian radio station was playing, which added a nice touch. We were the only people there and it was around 12:30pm. The server almost seemed annoyed when we came in. Maybe he was having a bad day. Some of the food on the buffet needed a decent stir, so it had been sitting there for a while, but it was the right temperature. The beet soup was delicious. Parking may be a problem, so just drive around.
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Tiratat P.

Yelp
DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU CAN CONFIRM THAT THEY ARE OPEN. I've been trying to come here two times. The first time it was Saturday when I arrive they have a sign that they were closed for that weekend. Second time, it's also 11.41am on Saturday. The sign said they were closed until yesterday. But it was still closed when I arrive.
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Shikai L.

Yelp
To be honest, I had not expectations for this place. The food didn't look appealing. However, it turn out to be pretty good. A family style small restaurant. People were friendly and the price was friendly as well. Pretty nice. Worth a try.
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Jill M.

Yelp
I love this restaurant! They always serve very good food consistently and the service is amazing as well. If you would like to try awesome traditional Ukrainian cuisine, this is the best place to go in Chicago.
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Samuel C.

Yelp
Samuel C's Culinary Law # 346 Eastern European Food + a Grandmother cooking it = A Magnificent Meal. I saw the cook. She is a genuine bona fide Ukrainian grandmother. And the food proved Law #346 overwhelmingly. This place is a buffet. In most places, buffet equals old stale food. Ukrainian food is the most perfect buffet food in the world. Most things are braised or slow cooked - and most things have a bunch of ingredients and flavors that need to blend. These are dishes that are "best the next day" - and Old Lviv lets the flavors mellow the way they really need to be mellowed. This is Eastern European cooking the way it is supposed to be and the results are spectacular. Tremendous kraut. (Here served with no vinegar, no tartness, and no caraway seeds. Pure mellow meat stock goodness.) Utterly addictive varenyky (Here served long and narrow almost like a mexican flauta - and with fillings to die for. There were multiple flavors on the buffet.) I am of Jewish extraction and have been served more wretched stuffed cabbage than any human being should have to face. Old Lviv's holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) is the patron saint of all stuffed cabbage. There was so much flavor in the cabbage wrapping, I had to convince myself that this wasn't chicken skin from a really fine home roasted chicken instead of cabbage. And the sour cream gravy was a reminder that everything in the world is better with sour cream on it - and that sour cream and savory ingredients make the best sauces in the world. A fine principle in a world where we are all teriyaki-ed to death. Mashed potatoes were utterly magnificent. (I think these had eight sticks of butter in them per serving - which of course only made the sour cream sauce taste better.) An odd touch was Old Lviv's take on borscht. I am used to cabbage borscht or beet borscht. And if it is beet borscht, you either make it vegetarian and then pour on the lemon juice or vinegar, or you take the meat option and make it rich with a full bodied beef stock. This was beet-AND-cabbage borscht, instead of just beet or just cabbage. Plus it was made with a chicken stock and kept on the light side. What is chicken stock doing in borscht? My inner 1960s robot was saying "This does not compute. This does not compute." But obviously this take on borscht was principled and deliberate. And in a touch of elegance the cook covered PRECISELY half the soup in a semi-circle of sour cream and half in a semi-circle that was au naturel, so you could experience the soup both ways. So I agreed to listen to grandma here - and the soup had its charms. I kill for their cabbage, I kill for their mashed potatoes and I kill for anything they make that stuffs something with something else. (Stuffing something with something else represents the majority of what is on their menu.) A first rate establishment.

Anthony B.

Yelp
I actually tried to come back at 12:30pm today and sure enough they were closed. Some dude answers the phone saying they'll be open in half an hour. I've heard that before. I wish I could give them negative five stars!!
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Danny W.

Yelp
The perfect little lunch place for a winter that sucks as much snow balls as this one does. It's small, warm, and cozy with hot soups and a Ukrainian buffet for only 10 bucks. The spread is stocked with beets, bourscht, babushka, and a bunch of other stuff signature to the Eastern European country. Just listen to the ladies who run the joint and the language on the TV and you'll realize how authentic you're eating. Only problem is it's kind of tough to communicate so just walking in and you're a little confused how to go about ordering. It's only a buffet and they do pierogi for an extra charge, but you kinda have to just figure that out for yourself. Either way for this cheap of a price on pretty darn good unlimited food it's well worth the confusion.
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Yaryna C.

Yelp
Great food, nice atmosphere, warm service. Ukrainian food is very tasty and healthy. Not spicy at all. Prices are very reasonable. I would highly recommend
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Tish K.

Yelp
I think we may have came on an off day or something. My husband's extended family are Ukrainians, and my husband grew up in Russia. He's had this food all his life. I have personally been to the region three times. To make a long story short, the food at this restaurant today simply wasn't as good. Not nearly as good as the food I've had in Ukraine. Not even close. I simply can't understand all the hype about this place on Yelp. We feel mislead. My parents have never had Ukrainian food, and we were looking forward to introducing Ukrainian food to them while we were in town. We found ourselves apologizing to my parents for such a tasteless, overcooked meal. Several things were missing from the buffet, and it never got refilled while we were there. Perhaps the things that were missing were the tasty items? The cabbage rolls had a really odd flavor, and the texture was like mush. That was perhaps the biggest disappointment. The borscht took forever to come out of the kitchen. We waited about 20 minutes AFTER we were finished eating before they finally brought it out. And they were supposed to bring out four bowls because we ordered four buffets, but they only had three bowls left. So, my mom and I shared a bowl. I was excited to try the borscht, but again, I was underwhelmed. (My Russian Ukrainian husband said the borscht I cook actually tastes better.) I'm giving this restaurant two stars because the server was very pleasant and polite. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't want to give it any stars. Perhaps it was an off day? Perhaps their regular cook was out? I don't know, but it was bad. Sadly, my parents still don't know how delicious Ukrainian food can be.
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Lena O.

Yelp
Gets kind of a bad rep in the Ukrainian circles but I don't know why. Perhaps because it's not very fancy? I guess that's my type of place. You walk in there and you're transported into old Ukraine like coming home to your Ukrainian grandma for a nice warm meal. It's simple: yummy home cooked meals in a buffet style and a daily selection of fresh soups. Some of the best Borscht you will find in Chicago! This place is small, cozy and welcoming. Food is always on point and you can find something for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters or those who are trying Ukrainian cuisine for the first time.
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a. m.

Yelp
Something has changed. My spouse works nearby, and is Russian, so we were regulars for years, but in the last year we have noticed a dramatic change in the quality and selection of the food, as well as the general service in the restaurant. They now run out of food and sometimes close 2 hours early or have very little on the buffet. Just last week they only had 5 cutleta available 3 hours before close and they were half the size as they used to be. Very little meat is included on the buffet selection now.... and they raised their prices. We would be happy to pay more for the Old Lviv from before....But whoever has taken over running this place has not made it worth it.....even if they lower their prices. It makes us sad.
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David A.

Yelp
This restaurant is a nice change from US restaurant chains. Really good food prepared just like in western Ukraine. When my wife was pregnant I used to get carry out - it's that good. Note: it used to be open every day, now it's more staggered, Tuesday, Saturday for sure. Not on Thursday - trust me on this one.
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Matt J.

Yelp
I've never had borscht before and wanted to try an authentic version. And it was terrific. It's a small place on an absurdly long block. My concern was that a big old redneck -- me -- might get a cold shoulder at a place like this. I've had it happen at times in other places that were enclaves of culture for some particular population or another, Ukrainian in this case. They could not have been nicer. The waiter sat me down and politely explained how it works, which is a buffet (small) that you serve from while they bring you borscht from the kitchen. I'd always heard that good borscht is a treat, and it was. And cheap!
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Nick M.

Yelp
I so happy to visit this place. Food is testy and fresh, and very good service.the best Borsh ever!!
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Twist N.

Yelp
What to even say about this place, holy mackerel. To get things started I must say how cultural this place is, truly fantastic; the music in the background especially. Each Ukranian folk tune was resonating throughout every inch of me as I munched upon the delectable home cooked delights from the buffet line (hovering just under 14 bucks to take part in the all you can eat experience). If you come here hungry you will surely leave full and there is something I'd say for everyone to enjoy within the line. I don't know the names of each foods on the line but I tried just about everything; 95% of what I ate was enjoyable. There was one round tube that comes over a bed of pink sauce that made up that 5% I didn't enjoy, it's not that it was bad it's just that it wasn't tasty, the thing mostly consisted of rice. Ratings: mashed potatoes (Kartoshichka) (9.3), shredded carrot salad (8.9), potatoe salad (9.4), Chicken (kiaf) & Mushrooms (8.7), Beef Patty (Gulyash) 8.2. Those were just some food items I remembered. The guy serving us was a very cool dude & super accommodating.

Vinson T.

Yelp
So I'm from the south and wanted to try some Ukrainian food. Well the place was awesome!!! In the south we eat potatoes several different ways so you'll love how that prepare them. We also eat a lot of cabbage, and I was amazed at how my southern taste buds felt right at home. Every bite was familiar and felt like comfort food. Again, in the south we try to pickle everything and so do the Ukrainians. We eat a lot of slaw and this place has several versions They have fired pork cutlets, potato pancakes, 6 different versions of mashed or baked potatoes, 4 different chicken dishes, ... and you must order the Borscht soup... this place is family owned and worth the visit. So all you southerners out there that want to expand your culinary horizons - this is a winner. Your taste buds will recognize every bite and you'll become a new fan of Ukrainian food.
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Jen L.

Yelp
Good Yelp find! It is a good find when you can't read the menu. You can't really beat a buffet for $12. Blood sausage, stuffed cabbage, and Pelmeny are all on the menu. Ukrainian beer is also available. Having a Ukrainian friend with us to point us in the right direction was definitely helpful. Great place for cheap and good authentic good
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Andriy G.

Yelp
One of the only places in the city to get Ukrainian food. Nice selection of food at the buffet at a VERY reasonable price. All the stuff is prepared fresh (by a Ukrainian grandma) and tastes great. Me and my friends,who are born and raised in Ukraine, all think this is as close to home cooked meals as it gets.
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Aya C.

Yelp
(0 min) It is a quiet, rainy, Tuesday night. We enter the restaurant. No one is in the seating area although I hear some sounds from the separate kitchen area far back in the restaurant. (2 min) While we are being overwhelmed and starting to feel uncomfortable, a girl enters the restaurant from the front door and rushes into the back door screaming something. Moments later a babushka with an apron and a chef hairnet and a lady, probably her daughter, open the back door and look at us. Babushka goes right back in the kitchen and the lady quietly starts wiping the table in front of us. One done...ok slowly moves to the next table...then next... (6 min) My boyfriend whispers me that we should leave, but I convince him that we are eating here. "But....but Yelp says it's good!" works like a magic. It always shuts him up when he is in doubt about new restaurants. Oops!...I did it again... (9 min) Without knowing if she is recognizing us as customers, we quietly grab plates from the buffet line and pick up food. AWKWARD. (10 min) Bf brakes the silence and asks the lady about the soup. She speaks to us for the first time. She explains us there are two kinds, and she mixes up words in Ukrainian/English. He tells her he is Russian. Now the whole conversation is in Russian/Ukrainian. We both order borscht and sit at a table. (13 min) He orders a hot tea. She decides (what?) that a glass of apple juice is what I want. Well this is part my man's fault for not taking care of his girlfriend that is lost in translation. (15 min) Drinks and soup arrive. Tea = hot water in a cup and a tea bag on the side. Borscht is good. (27 min) I make a conclusion that food here is half good, half questionable. All is dried out maybe because we picked a quiet night. Did my boyfriend like the food? As a 20-something guy who is born and grew up in the USSR region, the answer was "are you kidding?". I have been to many foreign-rooted restaurants that are far from being fancy and I usually love them. But this restaurant is the one I will not return. They gave me a good story to tell though!