Yes, this place is all about meat. It's sort of scary for me, because I don't eat a whole lot of meat anymore. But no regrets. It was good. I ordered the 1/2-2 meat plate and the two I selected were roast beef and ham. Before I even mention the food, I want to say that those guys behind the counter work fast! Once they hear your order, it's off to the races in slicing the meat and if you were ordering a sandwich, slapping mustard and mayo on the buns. So when the guy heard the two meats I wanted, the meat went immediately off to get sliced in the machine, put on the plate and next on stage was the huge scoop of mashed potatoes and ladle of gravy. The food looked tasty even before I had a chance to eat it! So back to the food. Yup, I got a plate of meat. Both the ham and roast beef were juicy and flavorful. Excellent. The mashed potatoes and gravy were superb. I didn't dare to try and finish my plate because I was already stuffed three-quarters of the way in. I definitely like this place, but eating so much meat was somewhat overwhelming for little petite me. Next time, I think I'll stick to a sandwich, at least there will be some veggies in it! read more

Two words: FOOD COMA!!!!! I just got back to work and am having a hard time facing my pending legal research, so instead I am writing this review. -_- When you go in, the line might be long but don't let that deter you. It actually moves pretty fast at this cafeteria-style joint. You get in line, order your sandwich or meat, order a side if you want, grab your own drink, pay, and find a seat. Expect to pay about $10 for a sandwich, side, and fountain drink. My boss had the Big Bud's (choose two meats) with pastrami and roast beef with fries. That beast was scary. I only got through half of my pastrami sandwich and my mac salad. What else is cool? The meat is cut fresh on the spot, the bread is soft and squishy, and they even pile on the veggies (don't worry, the veggies will not take away from the meat and bread aspect, really). read more

Meat-a-licious! The line looks crazy long but it goes fast! I usually get a half roast beef sandwich with provolone cheese. The pastrami is really good too and I'm usually not a pastrami fan. The meat is not processed, and it's fresh which makes the sandwich so much better! It's really a simple sandwich with delicious meat! It's only open around lunch time so get going. read more

Bring a buddy because your belly is going to burst if you eat the entire sandwich yourself. The sandwiches are stuffed with so much steaming hot meat that the to-go boxes won't close! Parking can be a big pain, though. I suggest parking in the Downtown Plaza parking structure and getting a Jamba Juice to validate your parking. read more

Typical sandwich place but nothing for vegetarians. The good: line was long but it moved quickly. Bad: Sandwich bread nothing special (might as well have gone to Subway for a lot cheaper price); sandwich tasted bland; unattractive cafeteria style dining room. read more

Best sandwiches hands down. No contest. I grew up loving this place because my parents took me when I was younger but when I moved away from Sacramento for college, every time I come back home, this place is a must go. The pastrami sandwich haunts me in my dreams. It haunts my dreams. (See: Regis Philbin's reaction to burger in How I Met Your Mother Season 4 Episode 2). The pastrami sandwich is very tender and juicy! Make sure to get the rolls dipped with a side of au jus! This applies even if you didn't get a pastrami sandwich...it applies to any! The mashed potatoes are heavenly as well! I am drooling just thinking of this place right now. This place is a fan favorite for state workers, so the store usually runs its hours to mirror the schedule of the state. The interior isn't the most appealing but the friendly staff and big portions make up for it. read more

This place is incredible. I was in Sacramento for a few days, and this was the best meal I had. The ingredients were fresh, and the sandwich bun was perfect for the sandwich (not too dense or soggy, and did not fall apart). Although it was fairly busy at lunchtime, the line moved pretty quickly, and the restaurant was spacious with plenty of tables. read more

Bud's Buffet - Grilled chicken breast sandwich (comes with two breast halves) - Halal Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Buds is cafeteria style goodness. Excellent Roast Beef Dip. Old school style carved sandwiches. with no processed deli meat to be found. Pros: Home roasted meats carved to order. Good flavors Great prices Cafeteria style ordering so u can get in and out quick Cons: Tables could have been bussed a little faster and the biggest problem with this place is that it just is open long enough. I would love to be able to get dinner here or even pop in on the weekend read more

Great sandwiches with fresh sliced meats. Several choices of sandwiches with a good variety of sides. The fries were thin, crunchy and yummy!! I am a fan of thin fries and was please with how they prepared them. They have standard toppings for their sandwiches (lettuce, pickles, onion, tomato, etc). Soda is coke (a plus for me). I had a Ruben which was good. Sauerkraut was your basic sauerkraut. The only reason I did not give 5stars is because the rye bread ended up being a little "mushy". Maybe due to the liquid in the kraut or perhaps the amount of mustard (they went a little high on mustard). Bread is important to me on sandwiches so I felt I needed to dock a star. Overall this is a great place for lunch. Service was fast. You walk through a line to place your order Of meats, then toppings and sides (similar to subway). I will definitely be back! read more

This place is a peace of heaven. I love their pastrami sandwich! The staff is so friendly, the environment is great and the food is just so gooood! read more

Bud's buffet is absolutely delicious but its not for everyone. It is a straight up cafeteria inside which means it has long tables that you share with strangers. Don't be frightened, its totally worth it! I've had their roast beef sandwich about 4 times and its really tasty and fresh. Its also not fatty, which I appreciate tremendously. I've learned that a half of a roast beef sandwich will keep me satisfied from lunch through the afternoon. Try the side of mashed potatoes or the potato salad, it you won't be disappointed. Be advised its really busy from 11:45- 12:15. Anytime after that seems to be ok. Also, they are only open until 3pm or something like that and are closed on the weekends and holidays so you'll have to find a weekday afternoon to come downtown if you want to try it. read more

OMG! YUMMMMM!!! My co-workers and I always stop for Bud's whenever we have celebrations at work. Their Roast Beef French Dip is to die for!!!! Eat in or order pick up, the food is always hot, flavorful, mouth watering, and scrumptious! All their ingredients are fresh, the meat is tender, the bread is light, and the dipping sauce is perfect. I always order the Roast Beef French Dip with everything on it except onion and I always eat it in one sitting. Right after, I go into some serious food coma! Recommend this place? ABSOLUTELY! read more

This place is absolutely amazing. Open only for lunch and they do it right! Go in hungry because you'll need the room for all the meat they pile on. Great meat, too! All full of flavor. But don't expect to bring a date. The place is no sight for sore eyes! Come for the food. read more

For sandwiches, this place comes second to none. People which have "strangely" never been there have always ask me what's good. For ushering noobs into true greatness as well as seasoned goers like myself, the Roast Beef is the best. No matter what you choose, they throw on a ton of meat and it always feels like you ate a while cow. I have noticed from years ago when I first came to Buds, from then to now they have "slightly" skimped on the amount of meat but is still none-the-less good. Also another thing to note, they have the best French Dip. Ask for that to dip with our sandwich and your in meat heaven! read more

Bud's Buffet - Half Roast Beef half Pastrami with French Dip. - Halal Near Me - Sacramento, California

Au jus is not the thin sauce i prefer. Its a thicker almost gravy consistency. We ordered a french dip & turkey club. Both served on soft white rolls. French dip was dipped in their gravy. Since I didn't care for their Au jus I liked my sandwich better without dipping and that's usually my favorite part of a french dip. Both sandwiches had lots of meat. The turkey club had a lot of lettuce. Overall portions are generous. Breads good. Fillings are decent. The gravy was too salty and greasy. I would try something else if I came back. Their daily specials looked awesome. read more

Bud's Buffet - French dip with swiss. Turkey club. - Halal Near Me - Sacramento, California

If you're downtown for lunch and have a big stomach, this is a great place to grab a sandwich. I must emphasize "big stomach" because the meat portions are very generous. But you'll have no problem finishing your meal because the quality of the freshly-carved meat is superb. The fixings are well-sliced and crisp, and compliment the large hunk of meat. If you don't know what to order, I'd recommend trying the French Dip w/ Au Jus or the Pastrami. Bud's is tough to spot if you are from out of town, as currently, there's no signage out front. Look for a red canvas awning and a packed crowd. The inside is pretty run-down, the seats date to late-70s wedding functions, but that's okay...the food is worth it. Wouldn't it be awesome if these guys were open until 2 am and delivered? read more

I was wrong in my original review - the sauce that they make the meatball with actually is a tomato sauce, just a very thin one. Since leaving that review I've gotten a better idea of what's good here. In my opinion the whole wheat rolls are way better than the white. The roast beef is really, really good, which it ought to be given their focus is clearly on their deli meats. I'm also fond of the buffalo chicken sandwich although it's nothing but grilled chicken in a buffalo sauce, with lettuce, tomato, mayo. Their club sandwiches still aren't club sandwiches though. read more

You may wait in line during a lunch rush, but it's worth it. My chicken sandwich was delicious! Prices were reasonable and service was fast and friendly. read more

One of my favorite dives in downtown Sac. I used to meet friends here for lunch on a regular basis. Long lines but you get through fast and the staff is pretty darn quick. Freshly carved meats, right off the bone onto your sandwich! Everything I tried is good and my favorite is the hot pastrami with lots of pickles and mustard! The only thing is the tables fill up fast. We've always mangaged to find one but BARELY! Like a cafeteria but has food like a good Hof Brau! I miss Buds! read more

Great family style cafeteria! Roast beef was juicy and the mashed potatoes tasted right off the thanksgiving table, warm and full of lumps! Desserts were also Very good and tasted like something mom would make! read more

I (heart) Bud's Buffet. It's one of the few places Downtown where you will find political hacks, government bureaucrats, construction workers, cops, and random folks off the street dining together. Their sandwiches are ginormous! Folks with smaller appetites can get away with a 1/2 sandwich. My favorite is the pastrami and provolone. Better get there early (by 11:30) because the line can be long. read more

Best carved sandwiches in town, quick service, cheap. I've never been disappointed by bud's. No-frills, great meat sandwiches with solid, classic sides. Enough said. Even if the line is out the door, it moves surprisingly quickly. Get there before 11:30 and you'll be in and out in minutes. My only qualm is the impersonal service, but that is probably necessary to keep the line moving as quickly as they do. read more

HUGE SANDWHICHES... its a hole in the wall, but the sandwhiches are freaking huge and good. Always a line out the door. Make sure you get a lot of napkins hahaha. I really like their roast beef. Its a good read more

Bud's Buffet (which isn't really a buffet is it?) offers huge portions of juicy meat piled high. I find the best bet at Bud's is to order whatever is the special of the day- I've never gone wrong yet. The portions are big and tasty and there are plenty of sides to choose from. I've never had a bad meal here. The ambiance leaves a lot to be desire- it's like cafeteria eating at it's best and at lunch times it will be completely packed. If you are in the mood for a big meaty lunch fix Bud's is your place. Vegetarians need not apply. read more

If you go a little earlier than noon, it won't be as packed. The place has enough space to sit there and eat (but I can't guarantee you that around noon :) ) I don't remember the particular sandwich I've ordered but it was good! Customer service was great also! I would definitely go back there again and again! read more

HELL YEAH! This is what I'm talking about. My dad asked me if I wanted to eat lunch with him at a place on 10th and J and I thought, cool, Fog Mtn cafe is a good rated place that I wanted to try out. Turns out the place was actually Bud's Buffet at which my heart dropped because lunch buffets usually suck. However taking one peek into the messy cafe/diner warmed my little heart when I saw a ton of grown men eating sandwhiches the way God intended it to be. The meat was fresh, sliced to order, and piled higher than any other sandwhich shop. Very much like Sam's Hoff Brau on El Camino and Watt, but sliced thinner and in my opinion quite better. Now on to the eats....I ordered the Pastrami and was quite suprised by how good it was, not to mention the fresh bread. I ate at Dad's earlier this week and was sadden by my Reuben, however, I saw a Reuben go by in front of me and a tear dropped from my eye as I thought this what New Yorkers get. My new favorite place in Sac for no-nonsense good food. read more

This place has an old school feeling and has been around the block. We really love the cafeteria style seating and enjoying a relaxed lunch here. The french dip is definitely a special sandwich, although it's not really a traditional version of it. Instead of au jus the sandwich is served with gravy. Roast beef is really delicious and cut just right. It's a pretty messy meal but worth it, seriously good. My guy also really likes the pastrami here. read more

If you are into diners and hole in the walls that serve ridiculous food, this is the place. If you are into really nice restaurants that serve you, this is not the place. This place reminds me of places i went to in NYC all the time. It is good hearty food. Food coma type of lunch. French dip, pastrami, potato salads.... you get the idea. Oh, yeah, if you are on a diet, I would recommend to go somewhere else. You will probably get your weekly calories here in one meal. Dont come expecting really high-end food for a decent price. It is hearty food at a good price. If you come for lunch, come early or you will be getting some fresh air in line. read more

Hadn't been here in almost 10 years since I worked downtown. They still have the best monstrous sandwiches around. Easily a 2-mealer. Ham/Pastrami/Corned Beef/Roast Beef/Turkey---all good. The only downside is the line you sometimes have to wait in at lunch, but hardly worth a negative review. Definitely a must eat place if you call yourself "starving". read more

Frickin' hole in the wall place that I've totally ignored... not purposely but because I would have never figured to step foot inside the place that looks like a throwback to my high school cafeteria days. That all changed one day when a friend convinced me to actually try the place. Luncheon meats are sliced fresh on a meat slicer when you order and generously heaped on a roll and toppings of your choice. They clearly don't scrimp on the ingredients! My roast beef and pastrami sandwich was excellent! Pictures don't do it justice. It does get crowded during lunch but the line moves quickly. Overlooked the ambiance of the place, go directly to the sandwiches and you won't be disappointed! read more

Their roast beef and mashed potatoes are amazing! The gravy is to die for! I want to try their sandwiches, but it's hard not to order the roast beef every time. Gets really busy during lunch, so get here before noon or around 1pm to avoid the lunch rush. read more

Portions are HUGE! This is man's food and man's portions. When I walk by I almost never see a man eating here under 200 pounds. Mostly police officers and construction workers eating their entire sandwhich + sides. How do they do that? You get what you pay for. Great food, has stayed in business because of the quality of their food and great/fast service. I eat here about 5 times a year and never had a complaint. read more

As other reviewers have mentioned, Bud's is not, in fact, a buffet. That's probably a good thing because I highly doubt a buffet could nail classic sandwiches as well as this cafeteria-style eatery does. Sure, the choices of bread and garnish are minimal and ultimately uninspired, but man oh man is that meat amazing! I have yet to taste a roast beef or pastrami sandwich that even comes close to rivaling those prepared at Bud's. This is definitely not a place for the vegetarian or vegan crowd! I can't offer much of an opinion on their sides, as the gargantuan sandwiches leave little room for them, but I had no complaints about the serving of mashed potatoes I once ate many moons ago. The only drawbacks to Bud's Buffet are their hours of operation, which are geared toward the downtown lunch rush, and the fact that the place can get ridiculously crowded around noon. read more

Extreme awesomeness on a roll! I take all my guests from out of town here if I get a chance. Killer french dip. read more

This place is a cultural icon in downtown Sacramento. It's hard to describe if you just talk about the wood-paneled walls and the peeling paint. It reminds me of the kinds of unconsciously dive-y places that you would find in rural east coast America - unconsciously so because they resemble just about every tavern and restaurant in rural east coast America. It reminds me of the sort of place that Jimmy Stewart 's characters would have gone with a bunch of other 50's-era, mid-level office men for lunch away from the office to discuss their work. And the hum that they would have produced would not be different from the constant energy of noise - since it is always filled with workers at lunch - today. Unfortunately, as other reviewers have indicated, it is a limited place for vegetarians. I have gone here twice, always with coworkers, and always for the view and for the experience (the nostalgia; it is exactly the sort of place I grew up around, the kind of place my grandfather loved), rather than for the food. Once I ate spaghetti so limp that it fell apart in my fork, and an iceberg lettuce salad, and another time I had a cheese sandwich - with about 14 pieces of American cheese stacked in the middle. I had to take more than half of it out for it to be remotely palatable. Every meat-etarian loves it, though, and the sandwiches here are caricatures of other meaty sandwiches, making them look limp and scant in comparison. Bud's is a legend - but as with many legendary dining establishments of old, vegetarians need not apply. read more

This place is awesome for grabbing lunch on your work break in midtown. I was working at one of the government buildings this past summer and my favorite place to head for lunch was Bud's. It's straight forward meat based sandwich deliciousness. Always got the french dip or roast beef or tri-tip (don't remember which) and it was amazing. Good prices too for how much food they give you! A side note-It's kind of a sausage fest. I was one of only two women in the entire place. Also, this really is a businessman place for lunch. Most people are there on break from work. read more

Good pastrami sandwich and good roast beef with gravy, not certain if you could really call it a French dip. read more

Bud's Buffet - Roast beef - Halal Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Located in downtown. This place is known from the surrounding business and employees (government). This shop doesn't look like much on the outside or inside. Can't judge for that. Clearly distinct are the aromas of sandwiches and sides made in house as soon you come through the door. Staff is friendly and prompt to make sandwiches. The long line encountered is forgotten by the time you reach the order counter. Sandwich meats include turkey, ham, roast beef, pastrami and the likes. Plenty of produce choices. Sides or chips also for purchase. Daily specials are offered. Aside from sandwich, entree offerings include various classics. Typically I visit for lunch. Order a full hot pastrami with all the produce on a nice roll. Meat and all are portioned well. Usually too much to eat in a sitting. Especially with a bag of chips. Cafeteria style bill is settled. Good: fast friendly, tasty food, Bad: nothing to date. Tip: to go or dine in prepare to the smell like the shop. I'm a return customer. read more

The worst French dip they put a thick gravy spicey no aujus the beef roast is good wish I didn't pay 10$ for something uneateable

Certainly the decor isn't what you come to Bud's for. But if you want the best roast beef sandwich in town, look no further. Get there a little before noon, or you'll be in a line out the door. I wish I had the metabolism to go here more than a couple of times a year. read more