Buddy's Italian Restaurant, Pocatello ID

My family really loves their garlic salads. I hope they never close down in my lifetime anyway. The food is pretty good and probably the best Italian in town. However, they really don't have much competition.

I can't for the life of me figure out why people rave about this place. I've been here twice. Both times have been disappointing. The portions are large but the food is lackluster. I was told I have to try the garlic salad. It's basically a salad drenched in dressing. The flavor is okay, but the lettuce lacks any crunch from the overkill of dressing. My niece who loves all fettuccine alfredo said that the frozen one you get at the store tasted better than theirs. I had to agree, the sauce taste like it comes from a jar. Came here again on a date hoping that the experience the first time was a one off. Nope. Nasty food again. For the price, the food here is a joke. Learn to cook your own Italian or spend a couple of extra bucks and get amazing Italian food over at Cafe Tuscano. Two stars only because of portions and quick service.

You claim you're open until 945 on a Friday. Our hotel suggested this restaurant when we had to check in late. We went like our hotel suggested. Kitchen closed at 830. Bummer. You might want to update your times so your guests aren't misinformed.

Amazing food, small restaurant with great staff. I recommend getting the salad with the Italian dressing it's to die for!

We have been eating at Buddy's for 30 years. We like everything they serve. We moved away from Pocatello, but every time we are in the area we stop at buddy's. We have to have a buddy's salad and cheese bread as starters. My wife has the spaghetti and I have three meatballs. Top it off with some spumoni ice cream. Dang I want some Buddy's after writing this.

No. Just no. While we waited for our food, a kid with long hair and a beanie was walking back big bags of iceberg lettuce for their “salads” and bags of their “soft bread” which is really just glorified subway sandwich/hoagie buns to the kitchen. The food tastes like they opened cans of spaghetti sauce and poured it over some noodles. I give it two stars bc it was edible, but the prices for that kind of food— no, just no.

If you believe in the Easter Bunny or the tooth fairy then the food will be great. If you can handle reality, DON'T EAT HERE! Ravioli was NOT worth 25 mins. Chef Boy R D.can make it better. Plus, I was still charged for the rubber. Reviews that were positive LIE! Clearly they have never had Italian before! Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck. Gagamaggic.

I can't travel to Poky without going to my favorite place to eat. Great college memories with my fellow nursing were made there. Best meatball sandwich and Carmelo for dessert.

On all of the lists of places to visit, this place was always highly rated. The line out the door is a definite indicator of quality. The salad dressing is not over-hyped and the quality of food was excellent. Sauces are flavorful and the locally-baked Italian bread was fantastic. Makes me wish we had something like this in Salt Lake City. Will definitely be counting down to the next time I get to have some Buddy's.

We were passing through Pocatello and found this local gem. Delicious Italian sandwiches in a little place that has been there forever. Great service. Highly recommend and the prices are excellent!

I got take out maybe 30 minutes after they opened, not too busy yet. I ordered a grilled chicken salad which was supposed to have olives, mushrooms, tomatoes and I asked to add artichokes. I didn’t look at the food until I got home since they have such good reviews. When I opened my salad I found a couple pieces of chicken and nothing else. No olives, no mushrooms, no tomatoes and no artichokes. We also ordered a sandwich which had no marinara on the side and was plain as well. A huge waste of $20 I’m so disappointed and was left hungry.

Best salad and bread this side of the Mississippi. If you haven’t had a Buddy’s salad then you’re missing out. Take the time to go here and enjoy a piece of Heaven.

It is one of our favorite places to eat. We always seem to have the same thing and very seldom look at the menu. We split a half salad, I have a half chick special with meatballs and my husband has an Italian sausage sandwich with everything and a bowl of sauce. Finished with tirimisu and carmello for dessert.

Omg it was amazing, I was skeptical about a good Italian restaurant in Idaho lol but oh wow was I surprised. The house salad dressing was off the charts it was so good. The salad was so massive no way could ai even begin to eat it all. The fresh bread was just like my grandma’s and was so fresh and warm. Then came the pasta the ravioli was perfect, best meatballs I have ever had at a restaurant. And the gravy mama Mia so on point. Definitely worth the drive.

Surprisingly good food. Lots of variety. Constantly packed. Cheap. Not much decor. It's all in the food. Big-time takeout place. Lots of groups enjoying the sit down.

Was denied service an hour and 20 minutes to close. The elderly host gave us a runaround then ran the kitchen and came back saying kitchens closing up with an excuse "we've been here since 7. " restaurant had maybe 1/4 full seating area and we had a party of 2. Hopefully the owners are aware of employees closing early.

Not sure how it got such high ratings. Food was okay, but not 4.5 star worthy, in my opinion. If you are looking for an Italian meal with authenticity and attention to choosing high quality ingredients, I recommend you skip this restaurant. For example, the garlic cheese bread is made with the buns and sliced cheese they use for sandwiches. Tastes good, but not authentic Italian. Nothing wrong with Buddy's, just know what to expect when you go. We went for the lasagna and because it was rated 4.5 stars. The lasagna was sold out, so maybe that is their fabulous dish. Idk.

Nostalgic decor and yummy Italian. We drive from SLC to Pocatello just to eat there. Try the meatball sub and the house salad.