Buddy's Bar-b-q

Clean eating area, friendly staff. So no issues here. The meat was a little dry and the flavor mostly comes from the sauce. But the meat was tender, and the price is family friendly. The sauce isn't the best I have had, isn't the worst either. It could use more hickory flavor and a little more sweet. But it's good. The chili isn't the best and I probably won't get it again. The hush puppies were mediocre. They could use something to boost the flavor, but they are not horrible. I will get them again. I am picky and compare all BBQ to Memphis, so some may rate them higher than me. I find them to be pretty good for a fast food style restaurant. Pros: Price, fair BBQ, clean eating area, portions are not skimpy for the price. Cons: Meat lacks flavor, chili is lacking, the meat is a little greasy all while being just a tad dry.

Are you looking for delicious BBQ and yummy hot fudge cake sundaes, but could care less about pepper? If so, Knoxville-native Buddy’s BBQ is for you! On each table, you will find white and black plastic shakers filled with regular table salt and pepper. The pepper has minimal flavor. From the child: “P.S., the pepper won’t wanna be your BUDDY” Pepper aside, the ambience in this Buddy’s location is cozy and warm, down-home but down to clown, like your mamaw’s den. India was a friendly employee who made our fresh hot fudge cakes. Hidden gem: a one-sided booth can be found if you look far enough to where you’re blinded by the light. (Tired of feeling like you’re talking to the wall? Try having lunch with it instead.)

I don’t know why I keep frequenting this location expecting a different result. Every time I go I leave disappointed, but it’s so close to my office that I keep returning. I stopped getting the pulled pork sandwich because on numerous occasions it was more fat and gristle than meat. I got a hotdog today with mustard, chili, onions and slaw. When I took it out of the container everything that was supposed to be on it was in the container because it had been placed in the bag upside down. I’m not sure if this a management issue or what, but the only thing this location is consistent on is disappointment. I will say the girl at the drive through was friendly.