Music critic Stewart Mason of AllMusic described it as McCartney's homage to Buddy Holly, and Stephen Thomas Erlewine, also of Allmusic, described it as "a rollicking, winking sex song." In a contemporary review for "RAM", Jon Landau of "Rolling Stone" described "Eat at Home" as one of two only good songs he enjoyed on the album, also comparing it to Buddy Holly. "Goldmine" contributor John Borack rated "Eat at Home" among his top 10 McCartney solo songs, praising its melody, its "slightly country-influence guitar pickin’" and Denny Seiwell's "pounding" drums.