Buddy's BBQ Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Buddy’s bar-b-q has been a beloved East Tennessee staple since 1972, famous for its hickory-smoked meats, welcoming atmosphere, and "Always Fresh" philosophy. Whether you are a local visiting the original Knoxville locations or stopping by in Sevierville or Athens, understanding the Buddy's BBQ menu with prices helps you plan the perfect Southern meal. This comprehensive guide provides a breakdown of the current menu, including signature pulled pork sandwiches, smoky wet ribs dinner plates, the legendary "Hawg Back" loaded potatoes, and their high-value family packs.
In addition to menu prices, we cover essential nutritional information, calorie context, and allergen notes to help you make informed ordering choices. We also highlight the highly popular Tuesday and Sunday specials that have made Buddy’s a top destination for value-conscious BBQ lovers. If you are exploring different regional barbecue styles-perhaps checking out the Mabel's BBQ menu for a different flavor profile-you will find Buddy's East Tennessee style distinctly sweet, smoky, and satisfying. Please note that while we strive for accuracy, prices and item availability vary by location and delivery platform. Always check your local Buddy’s bar-b-q or their official ordering app for exact, real-time pricing.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Buddy's BBQ Menu Prices
While metropolitan chains often covered in our Dallas BBQ menu guide focus on massive combo platters, Buddy’s bar-b-q is celebrated for simple, high-quality, perfectly smoked meats served with classic Southern sides. The prices below are estimates based on regional averages across East Tennessee locations.
Sandwiches & Baskets
Baskets include your choice of French fries and Cole slaw. Sandwiches can also be ordered à la carte.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork Sandwich (Regular) | Sandwich | $5.49 - $6.29 | 350 - 400 | Quick lunch | Hickory smoked signature item |
| Pork Sandwich Basket | Basket | $8.99 - $9.49 | 850 - 1100 | Standard meal | Includes fries and slaw |
| Beef Brisket Sandwich | Sandwich | $7.49 - $7.99 | 400 - 450 | Beef lovers | Premium sliced brisket |
| Beef Brisket Basket | Basket | $10.99 - $11.49 | 900 - 1200 | Hearty lunch | Includes fries and slaw |
| Smoky Wing Basket (6pc) | Basket | $10.49 - $10.99 | 1100+ | Wing fans | Available wet or dry |
| Chicken Finger Basket | Basket | $9.49 - $9.99 | 900 - 1000 | Kids or picky eaters | Includes dipping sauce |
BBQ Dinners
All dinner plates include two classic sides (choose from BBQ beans, cole slaw, french fries, or potato salad) and an order of signature hushpuppies.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork Dinner | Dinner Plate | $10.99 - $11.99 | 900 - 1200 | The classic experience | Generous portion of pulled pork |
| Beef Brisket Dinner | Dinner Plate | $12.99 - $14.49 | 1000 - 1300 | Premium BBQ flavor | Priced slightly higher due to beef market |
| Smoky Wet Rib Dinner | Dinner Plate | $13.99 - $15.99 | 1100 - 1400 | Large appetites | Fall-off-the-bone tender |
| Half Smoked Chicken Dinner | Dinner Plate | $11.49 - $12.49 | 850 - 1150 | A lighter meat option | Includes white and dark meat |
| Sampler Dinner | Dinner Plate | $16.99 - $18.99 | 1500+ | Trying everything | Pork, Beef, Ribs, and Chicken |
Signature Specialties
Buddy's has a few unique regional items that set it apart from standard national chains.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawg Back (Pork) | Specialty | $8.99 - $9.99 | 800 - 1000 | Filling comfort food | Huge loaded baked potato with pork |
| Hawg Back (Beef) | Specialty | $9.99 - $10.99 | 850 - 1050 | Brisket lovers | Topped with sliced smoked beef |
| Smoky Wings (6pc) | Appetizer/Side | $8.49 - $8.99 | 600+ | Sharing | Wings only (no sides included) |
| Hushpuppies (10pc) | Side | $3.99 - $4.49 | 500 - 600 | A classic Southern side | Deep fried cornmeal batter |
Popular Menu Items
If you are visiting for the first time, these are the staple items that have kept Buddy's in business for over 50 years.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hawg Back | It’s a massive meal in one item. The baked potato acts as a perfect vessel for butter, sour cream, cheese, and hickory-smoked pork. | Usually under $10.00 | High calorie (800+ depending on toppings) |
| Smoky Wet Ribs | These ribs are slow-smoked and heavily basted in Buddy’s signature mild, sweet BBQ sauce. | Premium priced ($14-$16) | Very high calorie with sides |
| Pork Sandwich Combo | The quintessential Buddy's meal. Simple, smoky, and usually topped with their signature slaw. | Best value on Tuesdays/Sundays | Moderate (varies by side choice) |
| Chocolate Meringue Pie | A legendary Southern dessert featuring a rich chocolate filling and a sky-high toasted meringue peak. | Around $3.49 per slice | Check official nutrition source |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, regional popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Pork Dinner Plate
This provides the complete East Tennessee BBQ experience. You get a generous pile of hickory-smoked pork, two classic sides, and their legendary hushpuppies.
The Tuesday Special
Buddy’s runs a long-standing special on Tuesdays featuring a significantly discounted Pork Sandwich combo. It is the cheapest way to get a full meal.
Feed 5 Family Pack
Includes 1.5 lbs of meat, two pints of sides, 10 hushpuppies, buns, and a gallon of tea. It takes the stress out of feeding a group for a flat rate.
Smoked Chicken (No Skin) with Green Beans
If you need to avoid heavy carbs and fried foods, the smoked half chicken pairs perfectly with a side of savory green beans.
Smoky Wet Ribs
Known for being tender enough to pull apart by hand, these ribs are basted in a sweet, sticky sauce that defines the region's BBQ profile.
The Hawg Back Potato
You control the toppings. You can ask for extra chives, hold the sour cream, switch from pork to beef, or even dump a side of BBQ beans right on top.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Barbecue can be expensive due to fluctuating meat prices, but Buddy's has built its reputation on remaining accessible.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday/Sunday Pork Special | Offers a full sandwich, side, and drink for a steep discount off the regular combo price. | Drive-thru lines can be exceptionally long on Tuesdays. | Order ahead on the Buddy's app or website to skip the line. |
| Gallon of Sweet Tea | At roughly $5.99, buying a gallon for the table is far cheaper than buying 4-5 individual fountain drinks. | High sugar content in the sweet tea. | You can ask for half-sweet/half-unsweet gallons. |
| 5pc Hushpuppies | For under $3.00, it’s a cheap, filling, and traditional way to add bulk to a lighter sandwich order. | They are deep-fried and calorie-dense. | Eat them fresh; they don't reheat well the next day. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
While Buddy's does not maintain a massive PDF chart of calories on their main website, you can view partial nutritional data when you build your order via their official online ordering system (powered by Toast).
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoked Meats | Pork, brisket, and chicken are high in protein. Avoid the bun to reduce simple carbs. | Keto or low-carb dieters | High |
| BBQ Sauces | Both Mild and Hot sauces contain added sugars/syrups. | Monitoring sugar intake | High |
| Southern Sides | Green beans are the lightest side. Potato salad, slaw, and fries are calorie-dense. | Calorie counting | Medium |
| The Hawg Back | Very high in carbohydrates and dairy fats (butter, cheese, sour cream). | High-energy meals | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Buddy's is generally transparent about allergens and provides an official Allergen Information guide on their website for diners with specific needs.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Smoked meats (without buns), BBQ beans, slaw, and green beans are generally GF. | Hushpuppies, pies, and buns contain gluten. Always specify no bun. |
| Celiac / Cross-Contact | Fried items. | Buddy's uses shared fryers. Fries and hushpuppies may have gluten or soy cross-contact. |
| Dairy Allergy | The Hawg Back and Desserts. | Smoked meats and fries are dairy-free, but baked potatoes and pies contain heavy dairy. |
Special Menu Sections
Catering and Bulk Family Meals
For readers who frequently order bulk meats, comparing costs with the Johnson Barbeque menu prices can help contextualize value. Buddy's dominates the local East Tennessee market for tailgating and family gatherings.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed 5 Family Pack | 1.5 lbs meat, 2 pints sides, 10 hushpuppies, buns, 1 gal tea. | Estimated $34.99 - $39.99 | Standard family dinner |
| Feed 10 Family Pack | 3 lbs meat, 4 pints sides, 20 hushpuppies, buns, 2 gal tea. | Estimated $69.99 - $79.99 | Game day or small parties |
| Bulk Meat by the Pound | A la carte pulled pork, sliced beef brisket, or whole smoked chicken. | Pork ~$14.99/lb; Beef ~$18.99/lb | Custom home catering |
Drinks and Desserts
No Southern BBQ meal is complete without sweet tea and a slice of pie.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meringue Pies | Chocolate or Lemon meringue pie by the slice. | Estimated $3.49 per slice | A traditional sweet finish |
| Hot Fudge Cake | Chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. | Estimated $4.99 | Sharing |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This Buddy's bar-b-q guide is designed to help:
- Locals and tourists checking prices before visiting locations in Knoxville, Sevierville, or Maryville.
- Families and party planners calculating the cost of Feed 5 and Feed 10 bulk meal packs.
- Value-seekers verifying the legendary Tuesday and Sunday special details.
- Diners with dietary needs who need official source confirmation on gluten-free options and cross-contamination risks.
- People ordering delivery who want to compare standard in-store prices against third-party app markups.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most out of your Buddy's visit with these practical ordering strategies.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices can vary by city, restaurant, and delivery platform.
- Compare combos with à la carte items. The Tuesday/Sunday specials are unbeatable, but on normal days, check if buying a sandwich and a side separately makes more sense if you don't want a fountain drink.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices and fees on DoorDash or UberEats may be notably higher than picking it up yourself in the drive-thru.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. This is especially important if cross-contact in fryers matters to you.
- Order bulk BBQ ahead of time. If you need multiple pounds of meat or whole pies for a weekend event, calling 24 hours in advance ensures they won't sell out.
- Ask for sauce on the side. If you want to control your sugar and calorie intake, ordering your ribs "dry" or your pork without sauce allows you to add it sparingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Buddy’s BBQ have a menu with prices available online?
Buddy’s does not list a static price PDF on their main website because prices vary by location. However, you can see exact local prices by clicking "Order Online," which directs you to their Toast-powered localized menu.
Does Buddy’s BBQ have a Tuesday special?
Yes, the Tuesday Special is a long-running East Tennessee tradition. It features a discounted Pork Sandwich basket or combo, making it one of the busiest days of the week for the chain.
How much is a Family Pack at Buddy's BBQ?
The "Feed 5" family pack typically costs between $34 and $39 depending on the specific location and whether you upgrade your meat selections to beef brisket.
Is Buddy’s BBQ gluten-free?
Buddy’s offers several gluten-free options, including their smoked meats (pork, beef, chicken) and certain sides like green beans. However, buns, hushpuppies, and pies contain gluten, and fried items are subject to cross-contamination.
Where can I find calories for Buddy's BBQ?
Calorie counts are not published on a standard menu board, but they are often partially available during the checkout process when you use their official online ordering platform.
What is a Hawg Back at Buddy's?
A Hawg Back is a signature specialty item consisting of a massive baked potato topped with your choice of BBQ meat (pork or beef), cheese, butter, and sour cream.
Does Buddy's BBQ deliver?
Buddy's offers delivery primarily through third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats at most locations. Keep in mind that prices on these apps are typically higher than the standard in-store prices.
What are the most popular sides at Buddy's?
The most popular sides ordered to complement their BBQ are the hushpuppies, BBQ beans, French fries, and potato salad.
Can I buy Buddy's BBQ sauce in bottles?
Yes, most Buddy's locations sell their signature Mild and Hot BBQ sauces in bottles near the register, perfect for home cooking.
Is Buddy's BBQ only in Knoxville?
No. While headquartered in Knoxville, Buddy’s has nearly 20 locations across East Tennessee, including popular spots in Maryville, Sevierville, Athens, and Cleveland.
Conclusion
Buddy’s bar-b-q remains a top choice for East Tennessee locals and visitors due to its consistent quality, hickory-smoked flavors, and value-driven menu. For the best experience and the lowest prices, visit on a Tuesday or Sunday to take advantage of their sandwich specials, or grab a Feed 5 Family Pack for an easy, cost-effective group dinner.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
