Buddy's Bar-B-Q in Hixson: Banana Pudding and Pulled Pork Sides
Buddy's Bar-B-Q is a counter-service barbecue restaurant in the Hixson area that rounds out its smoked-meat menu with desserts, particularly banana pudding, making it a hybrid destination for those seeking both main course and sweet finish in one stop.
What Buddy's Bar-B-Q actually is
Buddy's operates as a traditional Tennessee-style barbecue joint centered on smoked pork, chicken, and ribs, but its dessert program distinguishes it within Chattanooga's barbecue landscape. The banana pudding arrives as a thick, custard-based dish with layered vanilla wafers and fresh banana, served warm and in substantial portions. This is not an afterthought plated in a ramekin; it is a primary draw for customers finishing a meal, particularly for groups or families where some diners prioritize sweets equally with entrees.
Menu, pricing, and dessert focus
Smoked meats cost between $12 and $18 per plate, with pulled pork sandwiches at the lower end and combination platters at the higher. Banana pudding runs approximately $4 to $6 per serving depending on portion size. Sides (coleslaw, beans, mac and cheese) are included with platters and cost $2 to $3 if ordered separately. Hours and current pricing should be confirmed by phone, as barbecue restaurants adjust based on meat availability and fuel costs.
The banana pudding stands apart from typical diner versions because Buddy's prepares it fresh rather than pre-portioning it. Texture remains stable when ordered at peak service times (lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., dinner between 5 and 7 p.m.) rather than late afternoon when custard can separate.
How Buddy's compares to other Chattanooga barbecue desserts
Most Chattanooga barbecue restaurants (including Terminal Barbecue and Fiery Pig) focus dessert offerings on pies or brownies purchased from external bakeries. Buddy's prepares its banana pudding in-house, giving it texture control and consistency unavailable through wholesale sourcing. If you want house-made warm dessert with barbecue, Buddy's is the primary Chattanooga option; if you prefer variety (pecan pie, chocolate cake, seasonal fruit options), a bakery-focused barbecue spot will serve you better.
The banana pudding is also significantly larger than side portions at competitors, making it suitable for sharing or for diners with substantial appetite. A single serving at Buddy's equals a dessert course; the equivalent at a chain restaurant would cost $7 to $9.
Who this suits and who it doesn't
Banana pudding devotees and families seeking a complete meal in one location will find value in eating here. Diners with texture preferences (those who dislike soft-set custards or prefer crispness) should ask about current preparation before ordering. People avoiding dairy or eggs need to verify ingredients, as the pudding contains both. Barbecue purists seeking only smoked meat with minimal dessert infrastructure may view the emphasis on banana pudding as unnecessary.
What the first visit involves
Order at the counter by pointing to meat selections (pulled pork, brisket, chicken, ribs) and choosing a plate or sandwich. Sides come with plates; ask about banana pudding availability while you wait for your order to be plated. Pick up at the counter, find a seat in the dining area, and eat immediately. Banana pudding is best consumed within 10 to 15 minutes of service.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Buddy's Bar-B-Q operates in Hixson, a neighborhood northeast of downtown Chattanooga. Parking is available in a dedicated lot; the restaurant accommodates walk-ins and groups. Current hours should be verified directly, as barbecue service windows depend on smoke availability and daily demand. The space is casual and not reserved for events; seating is first-come, first-served.
Buddy's fills a practical gap for Chattanooga diners who want to skip multiple stops for dinner and dessert, and its in-house banana pudding remains the strongest argument for choosing it over standard barbecue competition in the city.
