This place rocks! Service was outstanding! Our waitress recommended food to try that was more local to the area, and it was phenomenal! Atmosphere was great and humorous! Then even offer free meals if money is tight which says a lot about the establishment If I lived in this area, I'd eat here everyday read more

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This plate hits like the Milwaukee Brewers in their 14-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day, March 26th, 2025. Food and service was fantastic and highly recommend. read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - BRISKET SANDWICH - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

My friends and I stopped here while traveling from Wisconsin to Missouri after spotting it on the map, and we're so glad we did. It absolutely exceeded our expectations. From the moment we walked in, the customer service was outstanding, and the atmosphere made the experience even better. You can truly tell this place is something special. The food was PHENOMENAL. read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - Buddys meat sampler - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

We needed meat for a birthday party. I didn't call ahead but got there right when they opened. They didn't have enough of what we needed at that time but would have it later that day. Worked out perfectly for our party and then pulled pork and chicken were excellent. I'd definitely recommend this place. The lady working was really friendly too. Their online service is unbelievable. Better than most restaurants I've ordered online through. read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - the front of the building - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

As a guy that loves to cook BBQ and find new BBQ places to try i was very disappointed by this "BBQ" restaurant. I'll start off by saying the Corn bread was the best thang I got. I ordered the big buddy meat platter. None of the meat tasted seasoned. All was very bland and dry AF... The ribs very mushy, never thought I'd have to eat them with a fork but it was a must have, then they didn't even brush the bbq sauce on it or cook the bbq on top for a nice glaze... The pulled pork very dry and bland. The pulled chicken had a little seasoning taste to it but very dry. The brisket it was bland and it was lean cut instead of marble which is much more preferred.. I will say not even BBQ sauce could make the meat any better... The Mac n cheese tasted like just noodles.. The mashed potatoes where ok. But hard to mess up them... The baked beans were okay.. I won't be back unless you would like me to bring yall some good bbq that I'll cook for yall.. (Not Joking at all) or just sell me the place and I'll bring good bbq to the community $122 worth of terrible food, would rather eat Mcyuck down the road instead read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - Buddys meat platter - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

What a little gem! As soon as you walk-in you know it's going to be good - they have such a welcoming atmosphere and the woman at the counter was as friendly as can be. My husband had way too much fun with the BBQ "sauce udders" and of course had to order the Brisket Sundae, which he really enjoyed. I had the smoked chicken platter. We didn't absolutely love their in-house sauces, but they were still good (and they have other options). Everything was smoked really well - moist and fresh. If we are ever in the area, we will definitely return. read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - Smoked chicken and sides - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

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Here on business. Was very depressed reading reviews of every other place in town. Most were sketchy at best and we were tired of having bad food experiences on this road trip. Welcome to My Buddy's... holy smokes. Every previous review was spot the heck on. The smell slapped me into ecstasy the minute I walked through the door. Fairly packed. Lots of carry out traffic too. Family owned and run. Great food. Plenty to eat. We both had burnt end and they were tender and tasty. The slaw was nice and creamy. Mac and cheese was creamy. Green beans cooked in bacon. OMG. Left fat and sassy. Great meal. Nice folks owning the place. Eat here often! read more

This place was awesome. The brisket sandwich was good and tender. The brisket melt was very good. The sides were good portions. I should have took a picture before diving in. read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - This is what you will end up with after eating here. - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

Friendly service and tasty barbecue. A buddy had been here before and recommended it. Was passing through downstate on a road trip and it was about sinner time. Very extensive and diverse menu- something for everyone. read more

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Good food , excellent service, and good ambiance! I suggest if you have not tried My Buddy's BBQ you are really missing out on some good bbq! read more

My wife and I had lunch at Buddy's as Illinois has now allowed indoor dining. With the COVID restrictions you order at the counter and they bring you the food and drinks. We had great service and my turkey pony shoe was delicious. They were doing a fairly steady takeout business & by the time we left the place had filled up and there was a line to order food. read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - Turkey pony shoe - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

I walked in the door and just knew from the delicious symphony of woodsmoke and spices it was gonna be a good experience! I was not wrong! Had the pork belly special with Cole slaw and possibly the best BBQ sauce I've had...I'm a straight up food snob and the meat was tender juicy flavorful and had that nice little bit of crisp on the edge that gives BBQ that added little extra. The slaw was obviously homemade and all the better for it a nice mild almost creamy pairing to go with the ribs...amazing..now let's talk service...this is a busy busy busy little place...it ain't fast food...but I have spent way more time at a McDonald's drive thru then I did in this place and the staff was not just friendly they answered all my stupid questions ..I almost feel bad for them cause I decided I'm going back tonight for ribs...I can't help myself...my diet will be there tomorrow! Come on corn bread!!! read more

My Buddy's BBQ & Catering - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Jacksonville, Illinois

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One of our favorite places for a quick bite... the low prices and selections make it ! For sure recommend the Mac and cheese wrap

Felt like the meat melted in my mouth and the combination of sauces and spices was really good and made me want to come again. I recommend buddy's bbq for all bbq lovers! Also a good decoration and great service. Perfect for catering and all special occasions. read more

Solid 4 star BBQ. Pulled pork was just right. Cornbread and baked beans were delicious. Carolina mustard sauce is very good. Would like to see more spicy sauce options. Nice touch with the BYOB. Already planning a return trip. read more

I was driving through town and just happened to look over and saw a smoker billowing and a stack of wood next to the building. I thought to myself, if it's smoking it's got to be good. So I obviously turned around and parked in front. I walked in and OMG did it smell like heaven. I ordered the burnt ends, 4 ribs, and the green beans. If this weren't a kid friendly site, I would say " holy shit" the food was delicious. The burnt ends melted in my mouth. The green beans were seasoned in some holy water as best described. The ribs were a little well done but who cares. Everything was so good and the restaurant was very clean and sanitary. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming. Well done put master....,, well done.. read more

This place fits the description when they say don't judge a book from its cover. From the outside and the location you might have second thoughts. But trust me you don't want to miss out on dining here. Warm and friendly service plus good food. Be sure to get the wood chips and cheese. read more

The owners are amazing .. great service and great food every time! Best bbq around!!

Came here for the first time on October 30th, 2020. This place is exactly what Jacksonville needed; clean, family oriented, incredibly friendly staff, and really good food. My kids each got the pulled pork nachos which were fantastic and my wife and I each had the brisket plate. It was priced fair and the portion sizes were great, we will definitely be back! read more

The BBQ that is served at Buddy's is wonderful! Anything made there is worth a try. The workers treat hi well, and the inside is set up for dining in or carry out. read more

Driving by, you might not stop in, but you might want to here. Feeling the urge for some BBQ, I ordered the Burnt ends plate. The meat is tender, good flavor, and not at all dried out. Beans and cornbread are great, coleslaw was so-so. The lady working the counter was very nice, and made me feel welcome. Stop in for a meal, overall a really good dinner for the price. read more

When to My Buddy's this week for the first time for a lunch special of pork steaks, two sides and a bread. Not good! I wanted it to be good and I'm wishing them success but they better figure something out fast. Let's start with the bread first. I went with cornbread and it was cold.... really cold as it came out a refrigerator. no melting butter here. Sides: Cole slaw... prepackaged and did not taste like anything. Baked beans.... tasted like they put a can of beans on the smoker. Wait when we left that is exactly what they did. Idea? maybe at least add seasoning. Lastly, the pork steak. We went there because of a Facebook ad we saw of this amazing pork steak. Mine not so... it was only a nugget of a steak could not be more than 4 oz. It was cut in half of a normal steak and really fatty. My Buddy.... take this review to heart and do something. Total cost of lunch $13.00 and that is a special! Too much read more

Super good food. The portions were very decent size too. If you don't come absolutely starving, you may be leaving with leftovers. It came out nice and hot too. The menu does have a bit of variety while staying true to its BBQ roots, which is really nice. Definitely would eat here again. It's well worth it. read more

The food is outstanding!! Burnt ends were amazing, so juicy and flavorful! The chips are crunchy and salty, just like they should be...dip them in cheese sauce....drool worthy!!! The sides of cole slaw and baked beans were delicious! We will definitely be back! read more

Every time I go here I leave with a smile and since it's usually take out, the full stomach comes a little later. Favorites are the burnt ends and tips. Wife likes the pulled pork and brisket. We usually get a sample order so we can have multiple meats. Don't forget the Buddy Sauce! I read more