Uncle Buddy’s Smokehouse and Grill

We went on a nice Friday night to enjoy a nice meal… after 30 minutes we asked about our meal and was told it would be right out… then the waitress comes over after another 30 minutes to tell us the order never went through… don’t you think after we asked the first time she would have checked… did not offer us anything other than she would put our order in now… I am really pissed… that is NOT GOOD customer service… I will not be back… and neither will my friends or family… it’s their loss… this really makes me unhappy.

My daughter ordered food to go for a bridal shower dinner party WELL in advance (days) and the food was supposed to be ready at 4:45 pm. I got there at 4:45 and the food was not ready. I did get «food» at 5:10 but it was the wrong order. Her order had apparently not been put together yet. I waited until 5:20 pm and was given the right order and an apology. Food barely made it there on time for the party. We’ve eaten there a couple times… food is pretty good but service has been slow. For parties or large gatherings, I’d recommend the Meat Market at Shepherd and Fowler.

went there with my brother and dad. We had the tri tip sandwich i think it was, not bad. It was pretty good actually. Not the best in the world but friendly staff and a clean environment. My brother said that the ribs are da bomb.

Love the food and the atmosphere. The wait staff is also great. My husband is going to do the wing challenge next time we go in!

had a great time hanging out with friends enjoying the good BBQ here, I bookmarked this place a while ago bcuz of the positive reviews i had read, everything I ordered was delicious from the brisket, links, cornbread, beans & the mac & cheese.
uncle buddys has some of the best BBQ in town (fresno/​clovis) and their prices are shockingly reasonable, their BBQ sauce is awesome too I soaked everything in it lol I need to call the gang again so we can meet up here for round 2

They had me at «fried okra.»
Uncle Buddy’s is located in Old Town Clovis, a part of Fresno that I never really frequent when I’m in town. My brother, who loves BBQ as much as I do (so I figured he should know good BBQ), took us here for lunch. As soon as we pulled in the parking lot, I saw both of the big barrel smokers in use, so I knew we’d come to the right place! It wasn’t busy inside and a little too awkwardly quiet. The female servers were all very nice and no-​nonsense. Me and my boyfriend split a half slab of ribs ($ 14), with a side of waffle fries (for him) and a side of fried okra (for me). It also comes with your choice of garlic bread or cornbread. The garlic bread was tasty, lightly buttered and grilled. I ate the whole cup of crispy fried okra. The waffle fries were huge and perfectly fried. I tasted the mac n cheese, which reminded me of Kraft and since I’m weird like that, I actually loved it. Both of the BBQ sauces had great flavor and consistency, although I didn’t think the spicy was spicy at all. They were available for purchase by the pint for about $ 5. The St. Louis-​style ribs were fall-​off-​the-​bone tender. My only complaint was that it wasn’t served hot. I like my hot food hot, cold food cold, so I knocked off a star. My boyfriend loved the ribs. I think he smokes the best ribs, so if he likes it, it’s got to be good!
When you leave, there’s a pig bell by the door you can ring if you liked the food. All 3 of us rang it.

Visited this place the other week. Overall impression is the place is well taken care of. You can tell it has a family feel to it. There were a lot of people there but not where we had to wait for a table. We ended up waiting for a table because that’s how long it took for someone to notice we were standing there even though waitresses were walking by multiple times. The food overall was mediocre. The brisket was tough but the fries were good. I am not a fan of their bbq sauces. There was hardly any flavor and the regular seemed watered down. People are picky about sauces though. The bread the sandwiches are served on werent that great either. It was also hard to receive refills on our drinks. It seemed like once our food went down that was the end of the interaction. Had to ask another tables waitress for our check because ours seemingly ignored our table every time she walked by.
I got the impression that everyone that worked there knew someone personally based on the interaction. I guess in order to get decent service you have to know someone there. Regardless, all customers should be treated equally and while socializing adds to customer service, don’t leave others behind that’s not what you are there for.
It’s nice to see another local bbq joint in Clovis but I doubt I will be back. I left with neither a great or bad impression. Hence my three star review.

Came here for dinner with a group of friends after half of them had already eaten here and recommended it. The place looked nice inside and was decorated and themed appropriately for a BBQ restaurant. I ordered a Dinner Plate. You can chose between 1, 2, or 3 different types of meat. Each dinner plate comes with 2 sides and your choice of garlic or corn bread. I ordered a Dinner Plate with turkey, fried okra, potato salad and corn bread. The turkey is smoked, moist, and comes thickly sliced. For my 1 item plate I got 3 slices. The tables have two different BBQ sauces; one spicy and one mild. I dipped my turkey in the spicy one which I found to be the more flavorful of the two. A good mix of sweet and spicy. My 1 item plate had more than enough food and I ate until it hurt while still having food leftover. Everything in my meal tasted good. The potato salad was about your average restaurant quality potato salad, but it was good. The fried okra batter was crisp on the outside, but the okra inside was nice and tender. The corn bread was pretty good, but I felt like it was a touch too dry because it was kind of crumbly and falling apart on itself when spreading their honey butter on it or taking a bite out of it.
I do love coleslaw, but I opted to not get it do to multiple friends speaking against it for its overpowering use of vinegar and it’s overall funky, off putting taste. Maybe in the future I will try it if I’m feeling brave or can send it back if it’s as bad as I hear.
Someone at our table ordered the brisket nachos, and while I don’t eat red meat, I did try some of the nachos sans meat. They were a total DIY type of nachos the average person would make at home. Except maybe, or hopefully, the average person would use real cheese. The nachos came in a good sized metal bowl filled with store bought tortilla chips (not even the good restaurant style store bought chips) and topped it with cheese sauce, meat, and drizzled sour cream and BBQ sauce on top. The problem we all agreed on was the lack of nacho topping distribution through out the nachos. Only the top half of the chips got anything on them, which left us with a half filled bowl of tortilla chips. It would be better if the nachos came on a plate or even one of their platter/​baking sheet style trays they serve the dinner plates on. Obviously you don’t come to a BBQ place and expect stellar nachos, and we did not get stellar nachos. You know what would make the nachos better? If they just nixed the store bought chips and used their waffle fries instead. Asada fries or even fries topped with some type of meat are very popular nowadays and it would taste better and fit in more with their menu. I think it would be a better fusion between their American BBQ and Mexican food. Since they already sell fries and I don’t believe they use the chips for anything else it would also cut that cost.
The service was pretty good. They were nice, but we did have to ask for refills a couple of times. The floor under the table where I sat was sticky which was pretty annoying because my feet kept getting stuck and the tackiness of whatever had spilled there transferred onto my shoes making them sticky too. Overall I did enjoy my meal. Not eating red meat, my options are a bit limited. I think my only options were chicken or turkey and the pictures of their ¼ chicken didn’t appeal to me.

I give the place 3−½ stars. Unilocal should have a ½ star option. Decided to stop in around 11:15 after my auto service at Firestone. I honestly thought the place was closed… no open sign, no cars out front or in the side lot and I noticed a white piece of paper taped on the front entrance. I decided to stop and read the note… noticed lights on inside and checked the door… they were open. I was seated, ordered some water and looked over the menu deciding on a brisket and smoked sausage 2 way, garlic bread and two sides… Cole slaw and bbq beans.
The order came out pretty quick because I was their first customer… but more customers came in while I was eating. The sausage wasn’t home made but it was tasty, the beans were OK… average and nothing special but the Cole slaw was very tasty. The brisket had a nice smoke ring with good flavor but… it was undercooked and tough. Probably needed another 45 — 60 minutes to get it more tender. For a BBQ joint that is a no no. The place was clean, the staff friendly and the décor fitting. All in all it was pretty decent and I’ll definitely go back at some point and try the brisket again.

Excellent! We tried Uncle Buddy’s Smokehouse tonight. We arrived about 5:30 and beat the rush because this place got busy!
As we walked in we were warmly greeted warmly. The woman who greeted us was very nice to our toddler and spoke to her nicely as we walked to our table. We were seated right away. By the time we left there were guests waiting for a table.
The place is decorated just right. Lots of great vintage and rustic décor. We liked the clean simple feel of the restaurant. The lighting is standard very bright fluorescent lighting. I’d prefer a more warm natural lighting, but the lighting was not a bother, it was just somewhat of an afterthought.
Our table was clean, close to the big screen TV and had a roll of paper towels that my daughter thought was just the best thing ever. On the table there was a six pack of condiments that included the house made barbecue sauces. One was sweet and spicy the other was more tangy. Both were delicious!
The service. I must say the servers did seem novice and stretched thin but they were on the hustle. The service was a little slow, but very friendly. The food came out quickly but we were not checked on for drinks during our meal. I’m sure this is just growing pains of a new business and will quickly resolve.
The food. Delicious. The food is of superior quality and taste. I ordered the tri tip sandwich. The meat was smokey tender and piled high. The bread was soft and tasty. I love that the bread was toasted on the grill and had a wonderful grilled flavor. My side of choice was potato salad. It was above average and tasty. I’m excited to try all the different sides. My husband ordered a single burger with blue cheese and bacon. My husband considers himself a burger expert and said everything about his burger was perfect. The bun was soft and crispy still from the grill, the meat was cooked through and the crisp bacon was thick. I ordered my toddler a side of Mac and cheese. She loved it. It was served at an appropriate temperate for a child and was topped with a bit of bacon.
We can’t wait to return and try something else from their extensive menu. It all looks delicious!

Everything was delicious! Big fan of the Buffalo fries under the appetizers. Even the water tasted amazing!

I was very much looking forward to checking this place out, after all, barbecue is one of my favorite things to eat. Unfortunately, After giving this place a shot, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
When you first walk into this place it’s pretty much what you would expect, rustic western décor with vinyl table cloths stapled to the tables. A roll of paper towels on the table and you’re choice of their 3 homemade barbecue sauces. They staff was prompt and pretty attentive throughout the meal, so that gives them at least 1 star in my book.
I ordered the Tri-​tip dinner. For about $ 13 I got a good amount of thinly sliced tri-​tip, a side of Mac and cheese, a side of rice pilaf, and a piece of cornbread. The tri-​tip was sliced nicely but was very over cooked and very dry. I’ve eaten a lot of tri-​tip in my life and I think most would agree, it becomes tough when overcooked. It did have a nice smokey flavor but was just too well done for me to really enjoy it. The mac and cheese is served in a small bowl and is made with a cheese sauce. It honestly tasted like Stouffer’s frozen Mac and cheese, It doesn’t taste homemade at all. The pilaf had good flavor but was dry, as if it had been sitting out all day. Then there was the corn bread. Now, I love cornbread but unfortunately the piece I had was so dry and hard it was difficult to eat. The only saving grace for the corn bread was the honey butter they served with it.
I give this place 3 stars because overall the food was eatable but I probably won’t be back. Mediocrity at best.

I went to this restaurant with my colleagues after passing in front many times. The restaurant is big and can accommodate large groups.
The menu is good… appetizers, sandwiches and of course the main smoked meats.
For appetizer we ordered the buffalo fries, they had the right spicy and they were not saggy because instead of using buffalo sauce, they used buffalo powder. We all order meat combinations, the smell of the plates were good so that was a good start. I can talk only about mine… chicken, tri tip and brisket. The chicken and the tri-​tip were not smoked enough for my taste but the brisket was really at point with a good bark. in general I enjoyed my meal but I think that next time I will order only the brisket. My friend told me that his pulled pork had too much fat for the amount served. One disappointment is that they don’t offer «sliced smoked pork».
Their barbecue sauces were good and distinctive.
The service was really good and friendly, the atmosphere is nice and a good place to hang out.
** They smoke their meat using oak.

We came here as group for lunch service today. For starters they have an excellent array of craft beers as well as an impressive draft selection. I have never seen a Stella dispenser like the one they have here as well so that was neat
Service was always attentive, pleasant and efficient although the place was just about ¹⁄₃ full. Around the table we had a sampling of just about all the meat options they had today. I personally had the full rack of St Louis ribs. We had a high expectations since some of us love to smoke meats ourselves and I was very pleased that we were not disappointed.
The ribs were cooked perfectly and had a gorgeous of rib of smoke of them… the kind that you can smell hours later even after washing your fingers! My one and only gripe is that they trimmed the rest of the cartilage off and that is frankly my fav part. It also takes a lot of extra care to cook it right so I was it disappointing there. I tried the sausage which was also outstanding with great depth of flavor, a nice crisp bite and smokiness. The sides were all great with one exception of the coleslaw which completely unpalatable for any of the four of us. The sour vinegar was overpowering and I do not remember the last time I never finished a coleslaw.
Last but definitely not least is the bbq sauce. I can be picky on it since we make great homemade sauce on our own and I very, very impressed. I usually do not add any sauce since I like to taste things as is but the homemade sauce here shows dedication and passion to get it done right and to keep it fresh. My fav was the spicy bbq, I would gladly have taken some home. Overall high recommended

Simply put, we will give it another shot, I am hoping we just caught them on a bad day. Sides, well, I would put a little more time and investment in this. Nothing worse when your sides at home are better. The potential is here just needs to maybe gather the troops. We love to see people succeed and we want the local guy or gal to make it.
By the way, spending time in Texas, I was expecting some good BBQ and mediocre at best.
Like I said we will return, we work on a three try.

Great local Bbq. Stopped in for lunch. Had the 2 meat combo. Brisket had a great smoke ring and very flavorful. Hot links were spicy and delicious. Sides were Mac n cheese and fried okra. Both perfect.
Support local businesses and give Uncle Buddy’s a try. Great food, service, and a menu with a lot of selections.

Good smoked bbq I had the tri tip & brisket dinner plate 13.99 reasonably priced and good size portion at that was sure filling the only reason they didn’t get the full five stars was the lack of flavor of side dishes. I had both cornbread, garlic mash and Mac and cheese the were are cooked so so not any real mouth — gasm flavors
Other then that nice place good size dining area and clean décor.

I Don’t know if I went on a bad day because I have friends who said it was good. That was not my experience. The Service was great but The food was less than great. I got the half slab with Mash and Mac-​n-​cheese. The ribs had a nice smokey flavor but they were really dry like they were either old or over cooked. The Garlic mashed potatoes tasted like garlic water mush. Kind of like when you boil your potatoes too long. Same problem with the Mac, seemed like the macaroni was just cooked too long and turned to flavorless mush.
I hope that I just came in on a bad day. I look forward to trying it again and hopefully be able to give a better review. But this trip was not great.

Uncle buddies food
God came down from heaven, he said «America, I’m going to give you a man, and this man is going to birth a recipe so delicious you’ll feel what my love is through your tastebuds.
In my life I’ve never tasted meat so delicious. 5 star quality without breaking your wallet.
If you loved your children, your mother, your father or anyone important in your life and you haven’t taken them to uncle buddies you must not love them that much.
Please do yourself the favor and get down there eat and tell your friends
Also The service there is outstanding, Yaya and lacey are beautiful people, super sweet! They make your experience enjoyable as you wait for heaven on a plate.
I can’t wait to go again. They deserve every penny. The love they put in there meals, you won’t find that at any restaurant.

Lets get the comparisons out of the way. This place is better than every other BBQ restaurant in town, period, full stop. I know the king of BBQ right now is probably Westwoods, and while its a nice restaurant, the BBQ leaves a lot to be desired, not to mention its too damn expensive.
Uncle Buddy’s has all of the kinds of BBQ a proper BBQ restaurant should have. Most places in town don’t have brisket because Fresno is crazy and prefers tri-​tip, but Uncle Buddy’s has it.
The restaurant itself is decorated fairly plainly, but the staff are friendly and efficient, the price is excellent for what you get, and most importantly the food is delicious. You can get a 2 meat combo that has two sides and bread for like $ 14 bucks, thats about what just a sandwich and fries would run you at Westwoods.
They also offer a few different BBQ sauces, in addition to your regular and spicy varients, they also have a vinegar based and (i think) a mustard based sauce, they are all delicious. I am really glad they have a vinegar variant because its not something you see a ton of in this area, and it makes the BBQ taste even more delicious.
I am confident and saying that this is the best BBQ restaurant in Fresno/​Clovis hands down.