Buddy’s BBQ has been serving up smoky goodness since its humble beginnings in Knoxville, Tennessee, when founder Buddy Smothers opened the first location in 1972. What started as a small, family-run spot quickly grew into a community favorite, expanding across East Tennessee as word spread about its authentic Southern barbecue. The restaurant built its reputation on hearty plates of slow-smoked meats, friendly service, and the kind of flavors that remind people of backyard cookouts and family gatherings.
Over time, Buddy’s BBQ menu has evolved to include crowd-pleasing staples like pulled pork, smoked chicken, and tender ribs, while introducing fresh sides and seasonal specials. Many fans don’t realize there’s also a “secret menu” filled with off-the-beaten-path combos and unique twists that keep regulars coming back for more. Still, the restaurant’s original classic—its signature hickory-smoked pork sandwich—remains the dish that started it all and continues to be loved today.
Buddy’s BBQ (menu with prices 2026)
DINNERS
Item
Note
Price
Served with hushpuppies and your choice of 2 sides (add bun 50¢)
Pork (pulled)
$10.49
Half Chicken
$11.99
Chicken (pulled)
$12.99
Ribs
$15.99
Wings (6)
$13.99
Beef Brisket
$15.99
Ham or Turkey
$11.49
Buddy’s Trio (Pork, Chicken & Ribs)
$15.99
Substitute for beef
$2.00
HAWG BACKS
Item
Note
Price
Large Baked Potato or Stack of French Fries
Pork (pulled)
$7.99
Chicken (pulled)
$8.99
Chili & Cheese
$8.49
Butter & Sour Cream
$5.99
Beef Brisket
$10.99
Ham or Turkey
$8.49
COMBO MEALS
Item
Note
Price
Served with a Regular Side Item & a Regular Fountain Drink
#1 Pork Sandwich Combo
$9.49
Sandwich Only (Reg)
$4.99
Sandwich Only (Lrg)
$6.49
#2 Chicken Sandwich Combo
$10.49
Sandwich Only (Reg)
$5.99
Sandwich Only (Lrg)
$6.99
#3 Beef Brisket Sandwich Combo
$12.99
Sandwich Only (Reg)
$8.99
Sandwich Only (Lrg)
$10.49
#4 Ham or Turkey Sandwich Combo
$9.99
Sandwich Only (Reg)
$5.49
Sandwich Only (Lrg)
$6.19
#5 Smoky Wings (6) Combo
$12.99
4 Wings Only
$6.49
8 Wings Only
$12.99
16 Wings Only
$23.99
24 Wings Only
$34.99
#6 Smoky Dawg Combo
Hawg Dawg
$8.49
Dawg Only
$3.99
Upgrade Any Combo
(Large Sandwich & Large Drink)
$1.00
SIDES
Item
Note
Price
Slaw
$2.79
Baked Beans
$2.79
Green Beans
$2.79
Potato Salad
$2.79
Chips
$2.79
Regular Fries
$2.79
Hushpuppies
$2.79
Large Fries
$2.99
Large Hushpuppies
$2.99
Corn on the Cob
$2.99
Mac & Cheese
$2.99
KIDS MEALS
Item
Note
Price
Pork or Hotdog
$6.99
Chicken Tenders
$8.49
Pulled Chicken, Ham, or Turkey
$7.49
DRINKS
Item
Note
Price
Soft Drinks, Lemonade, Ice Tea (Medium)
$2.59
Soft Drinks, Lemonade, Ice Tea (Large)
$2.69
IBC Root Beer (bottle)
$2.59
Coffee
$2.49
Bottle Water
$1.49
Tea (Half Gal/Gal)
$2.99 / $5.99
Lemonade (Half Gal/Gal)
$3.99 / $6.99
Old-Fashioned Milkshake (Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry)
