The busyness of the holiday season can get out of hand quickly with all the shopping, gift-wrapping and visiting with family and friends. But the good news is that tasty food doesn't have to go by the wayside, especially when you stop in Buddy's Bar-b-q in East Ridge.
Buddy's has joined the Chattanooga community at Camp Jordan Parkway at Exit 1 off I-75, just behind Bass Pro Shop. A second location has opened in Cleveland, Tennessee, at Exit 27 off I-75, across from Publix on Paul Huff Parkway.
"We smoke our meat every day," said managing partner Deanne Dawes. "We're different from others in that we use hickory, and it has a wonderful light smoked flavor."
Imago Photography / Ice cream sundaes at Buddy's are $1.69 and hot fudge cake is $1.99. But Buddy's also has an Ice Cream Happy Hour special from 2 to 5 p.m. daily offering a 50-cent scoop in dish or cone.Paired with Buddy's own sweet/tangy sauce, it's a delightful match.
Buddy's menu also offers traditional pulled pork, chicken, ribs and thinly sliced brisket.
"I'd put our dry rub wings up against anyone in the business," Dawes said. "We smoke and then flash fry them for a minute and a half, and they're delicious."
BUDDY'S BAR-B-Q
* Locations: 619 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge; 678 Paul Huff Parkway in Cleveland* Hours: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. daily; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day* For takeout or catering: East Ridge 423-541-7400; Cleveland 423-458-1501
The sides at Buddy's Bar-b-q are also ones to note, especially the baked beans, which are marinated for three days before prep and serving. Buddy's has several great specials right now, too.
Saturdays feature all-you-can-eat ribs for $11.99 for dine-in customers. Tuesday dinners are just $7.49, including a drink. For added fun, ice cream happy hour is daily from 2 to 5 p.m., served in a dish or cone for just 50 cents.
"We're also serving eggnog milkshakes for the holiday season," Dawes added.
Imago Photography / Buddy's smokes its own meat every day using hickory wood.If dining in at Buddy's doesn't fit your schedule, the restaurant offers catering options that range from the tailgating football specials, such as the Feed 5/Feed 10 family packs, to the full Pig Out. The Pig Out includes pulled pork, pulled chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, all paper goods and even Buddy's famed ribs, nominated for Best of the Best in North Georgia.
Dawes also emphasized that delivery is available for catering packages, or families can order online then make a pickup through the drive-through.
To learn more or check for specials and menu options, visit Buddy's on Instagram or the Facebook page at buddysbarbqeastridge or buddysbarbqcleveland.