Buddy's Bar-b-q — Restaurant in Knoxville

First let me say, I love Buddy’s and this store is usually on point! Times are hard and while funds are low because of the Pandemic, we still try to support our local businesses close to where we live off Magnolia Avenue. On May 29, 2020, I ordered a specific order through the drive thru, my entire order fell way way short of a stellar experience ....so much that I had to mention it in a review. I ordered on the above date: a Pork Sandwich Meal with fries and beans, it was missing a bun and the fries were cold and almost like they were day old; a 8 pc Dry Wing order w/ Fries and Potato Salad, the wings were dry and over cooked wings w/o drummets and no side of fries, they were left off. Pretty much no ones meal was complete. I called the manager on duty, Wendy. She spoke consolingly. She had me get my receipt and go over everything on my order how it should have been. She told me that she would replace “our meals!” Not a portion of the items missing, she said “Our Meals!” When I came by the next day, to my surprise, Wendy wrote down that I would receive one meal and an extra order of fries. My problem is, with a lack of communication. Replacing “our meals” and a “portion of our meals” are two different things. Both meals were lacking but Wendy only chose to replace one meal in total! That’s wrong!! That is not what I was promised. They screwed up both meals and Wendy said she would replace “Our Meals,” and that’s what I was expecting. I’m disappointed with Buddy’s and Wendy’s choice to be less then honest and pretending to provide good service, knowing that she was only going to do the bare minimum! The Lesson, check your order well before pulling off in the drive-thru....no telling what you’ll end up with if you wait! The staff at Buddy’s have always been super nice and my order is always right with Harold at the Drive-thru Window. This night no normal people were there and three stars are for pass positive...

Very disappointing visit today on a Sunday. First, they were obviously short-staffed as we had to wait and wait to place an order while several others were waiting near counter to pickup orders. When he did return from the back to the counter, the order clerk was a very nice and polite young man as I've always found the clerks at this location to be. (Credit where credit is due). Half our order came out after a bit of time but not inordinate. However, the other half came out so far past the first half that it was eaten by then. In addition, one order included smoked turkey which we thought would be a nice change of pace from pork. Wrong! The turkey looked like thinly sliced luncheon meat you'd use on a sandwich. I expected it to be carved from a whole turkey and in fact have had it that way before. We did not eat it. Perhaps it's just hard to get employees now (similar experience at Archers a while back). Regardless, it's disappointing because those who do work hard want to feel the money spent was worth it. That did not happen today unfortunately at Buddy's BBQ Magnolia. Maybe you will or have had a better...

There are few barbecue places, not to mention fast food places, that have a quality and value comparable to Buddy's. For the price of a Burger King or McDonald's value meal, you can get a MUCH better combo at Buddy's. Easily, the best thing they have is all you can eat ribs (with two sides and hushpuppies) on Saturday, but the pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches are fantastic too. For sides I recommend the cole slaw, potato salad and fries. The baked potatoes and smoked half chickens are also amazing. Not only do they have the dine in quick service options, but they have catering too and a banquet hall. The weirdest thing is that they have the BEST HUSHPUPPIES EVER!!! Why isn't it a random fish and chips spot?!?! IDK, but the Buddy's hushpuppies are delicious and sometimes they even come around the dining room and offer extras. In a world of cost cutting and shrinkflation, they are really delivering a value almost anyone can afford while managing to maintain a level of customer service you simply can't find at this...