The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word CAFETERIAS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "eateries" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case eateries = cafeterias.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CAFETERIAS mean?
CAFETERIAS noun- A restaurant in which customers select their food at a counter then carry it on a tray to a table to eat
- A dining area in an institution where meals may be purchased (as above), provided, or brought in from elsewhere
- A restaurant in which customers select their food at a counter then carry it on a tray to a table to eat
- A dining area in an institution where meals may be purchased (as above), provided, or brought in from elsewhere