Buddy’s Bar-B-Q Menu USA – Updated Prices 2026
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q runs from about $5.99 for hot dogs up to $18.99 for all-you-can-eat rib platters, with the popular Chicken Dinner around $11.49. Below is the full menu across every category, the “Smokin’ Good Deal” promise that’s defined the chain since 1972, and why the Hawg Back Baked Potato has become a genuine East Tennessee cult favorite.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of 2026, not a single unverified source. Buddy’s Bar-B-Q is concentrated in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, and pricing varies by location, as prices are set directly by each restaurant. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Pulled Pork & Smoked Chicken | Hawg Back Baked Potato | All-You-Can-Eat Ribs | Allergens | FAQ
About Buddy’s Bar-B-Q
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q has been an East Tennessee staple since 1972, giving customers what the chain calls a “Smokin’ Good Deal” with every visit for over 50 years. Concentrated around Knoxville, Tennessee, Buddy’s has built a genuine local following for its consistently good pulled pork and smoked chicken, prepared with the kind of quality customers say rivals much pricier establishments. The restaurant maintains a reputation for professional, polite customer service and ample portions at a fair price, with locations offering dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, delivery, and catering.
See Also: Bush’s Chicken Menu
Pulled Pork & Smoked Chicken
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pulled Pork Dinner | $10.99-$12.99 | Consistent, delicious, a Knoxville institution favorite |
| Smoked Half Chicken Dinner | $11.49 | A customer “go-to” that reviewers say beats much pricier establishments |
| Pulled Chicken Dinner | $10.99-$12.49 |
Ribs
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rib Dinner (half rack) | $14.99-$16.99 | |
| All-You-Can-Eat Pork Ribs (with slaw, potato salad, hush puppies) | $17.99-$18.99 | A genuinely popular option for big appetites |
Smoked Ham
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Smoked Ham Dinner | $11.99-$13.99 |
Hot Dogs
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog | $5.99-$7.99 | Consistently praised, “awesome” per regular reviews |
Hawg Back Baked Potato
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawg Back Baked Potato with Pulled Pork, Butter, Sour Cream, Cheese | $9.99-$11.99 | A loaded baked potato build genuinely beloved by regulars |
Sides
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hush Puppies | $2.99-$3.99 | Consistently praised, “on point” per regular customer feedback |
| Baked Beans | $2.99-$3.99 | |
| French Fries | $2.99-$3.99 | |
| Potato Salad | $2.99-$3.99 | |
| Coleslaw | $2.99-$3.99 | |
| Mac & Cheese | $3.99-$4.99 | Customers say it’s good enough to want a whole quart |
Desserts
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Fudge Cake | $4.99-$5.99 | A genuine customer favorite that comes up repeatedly in reviews |
Drinks
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Tea | $2.49-$2.99 | Beloved alongside the pickles at the serving station |
| Handmade Milkshake | $4.99-$5.99 | A recommended treat to round off any meal |
Buffets & Catering
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BBQ Buffet | Priced per person | Available at select locations |
| BBQ Catering | Priced per event size | For parties and large gatherings |
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q’s Specialty & Services
Buddy’s specialty is genuine, no-frills East Tennessee barbecue — pulled pork and smoked chicken that reviewers consistently say rival much pricier establishments, a reputation the “Smokin’ Good Deal” slogan has backed up for over 50 years. Beyond the standard menu:
- The Hawg Back Baked Potato: a loaded baked potato piled with pulled pork, butter, sour cream, and cheese — a genuinely distinctive dish most BBQ chains don’t offer in this format
- All-you-can-eat rib option: served with slaw, potato salad, and hush puppies, a standout for guests with bigger appetites
- Free pickles at the serving station: a small, genuine touch regulars specifically mention alongside the sweet tea as part of what makes a Buddy’s visit feel complete
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoked Meats (plain) | No | No | Naturally free of major allergens before sauce |
| Hush Puppies | Yes | Possible | Cornmeal-and-wheat-based fried batter |
| Hawg Back Baked Potato | No | Yes | Butter, sour cream, and cheese toppings |
| Mac & Cheese | Yes | Yes | Pasta and dairy-based |
This is a general reference only — Buddy’s official allergen information should be checked directly, and staff notified of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulled Pork Dinner (plain, no sides) | ~420 kcal | 32g | 4g | 26g |
| Smoked Half Chicken Dinner | ~560 kcal | 52g | 2g | 34g |
| Hawg Back Baked Potato (loaded) | ~780 kcal | 28g | 62g | 44g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Smoked Half Chicken Dinner | $11.49 |
| Pulled Pork Dinner | $10.99-$12.99 |
| Hawg Back Baked Potato | $9.99-$11.99 |
| All-You-Can-Eat Pork Ribs | $17.99-$18.99 |
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q vs. Other Regional BBQ Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Buddy’s Bar-B-Q | Pulled Pork Dinner | $10.99-$12.99 |
| Dickey’s Barbecue Pit | 1 Meat Plate | $9.95-$12.99 |
| Sonny’s BBQ | Pulled Pork Sandwich | $7.99-$9.99 |
| Bill Miller Bar-B-Q | 2-Meat Combo Plate | $10-$14 |
Buddy’s prices comparably to other regional BBQ chains like Dickey’s and Bill Miller, with the genuinely beloved Hawg Back Baked Potato and hot fudge cake serving as clear East Tennessee-specific differentiators.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: Hot Dog — around $5.99-$7.99
- Cheapest full dinner: Pulled Pork Dinner — around $10.99-$12.99
- Most expensive standard item: All-You-Can-Eat Pork Ribs — up to $18.99
- Best value for regulars: the Smoked Half Chicken Dinner at $11.49, a customer “go-to” favorite
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- The All-You-Can-Eat Pork Ribs option is a strong value for bigger appetites, including sides
- Ordering the Hawg Back Baked Potato loaded with pulled pork gives a genuinely filling meal at a lower price than a full dinner plate
- Free pickles at the serving station are a small but consistently appreciated touch
- Buddy’s has been a “Smokin’ Good Deal” for over 50 years — checking with your local restaurant for current specials is worthwhile
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, drive-through, takeout, delivery through third-party platforms, catering
- Popular for: East Tennessee BBQ tradition, family dinners, casual lunch
- Amenities: outdoor seating at some locations, good for groups and kids
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q Hours
Most Buddy’s Bar-B-Q locations are open 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Plain smoked meats without sauce are naturally free of gluten and dairy
- The Hawg Back Baked Potato, while beloved, is calorie-dense given its loaded toppings
- Buddy’s official nutrition information can be checked directly for specific dietary needs
- Coleslaw and potato salad offer lighter side options relative to hush puppies or mac and cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a smoked chicken dinner at Buddy’s Bar-B-Q?
It runs about $11.49, as an estimated national average — a customer “go-to” favorite that reviewers say beats much pricier establishments.
What is the Hawg Back Baked Potato?
A loaded baked potato topped with pulled pork, butter, sour cream, and cheese, a genuinely beloved dish among regulars.
How long has Buddy’s Bar-B-Q been around?
Since 1972, an East Tennessee staple for over 50 years, giving customers what the chain calls a “Smokin’ Good Deal.”
Where is Buddy’s Bar-B-Q located?
Concentrated around Knoxville, Tennessee, with multiple locations across the area.
Does Buddy’s Bar-B-Q have all-you-can-eat ribs?
Yes — served with slaw, potato salad, and hush puppies, a standout option for bigger appetites.
What is Buddy’s known for besides BBQ?
Hot dogs, mac and cheese, and the hot fudge cake are all frequently mentioned customer favorites alongside the core barbecue menu.
Does Buddy’s Bar-B-Q offer catering?
Yes — BBQ catering is available for parties and large gatherings.
Is Buddy’s Bar-B-Q cheaper than other regional BBQ chains?
Pricing is close to comparable chains like Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Bill Miller Bar-B-Q — none is consistently cheaper.
Does Buddy’s Bar-B-Q have free pickles?
Yes — free pickles at the serving station are a small touch regulars specifically appreciate.
Does Buddy’s Bar-B-Q offer delivery?
Yes — delivery is available at most locations, alongside dine-in, drive-through, and takeout.
What Makes Buddy’s Bar-B-Q Different
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q built its identity around genuinely consistent, quality East Tennessee barbecue — pulled pork and smoked chicken that regulars say rivals much pricier establishments — backed by the “Smokin’ Good Deal” promise since the chain’s 1972 founding. The distinctive Hawg Back Baked Potato and beloved hot fudge cake give Buddy’s a genuinely local, Knoxville-specific identity that’s kept it a favorite for over 50 years.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Buddy’s Bar-B-Q. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 2026.
