][1]The last year or so has seen Glasgow go loco for upmarket street food. Burgers, dogs and pulled pork have become the hot picks on all the most fashionable menus and, on blogs such as the fine James Vs Burger, the relevant qualities of each restaurant’s offering is pored over in minute detail.
Runaway success
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited opening of the year is Buddy’s Bar Diner Grill, the new venture from Chris May which launched this week. Chris opened Buddy’s BBQ and Burgers on Skirving Street in November 2012 and the takeaway quickly became a runaway success.
Partially fuelled by a social media meltdown but mainly because their burgers and wings are very good, the place soon had customers queuing out of the door. It could be argued that of all the catering ventures to open in Glasgow in 2012, Buddy’s was possibly the most talked about.
Classic American diner
The new sit-in restaurant on Pollokshaws Road looks to capitalise on that demand. Done out like a classic American diner, complete with jukebox, Buddy’s Bar Diner Grill is aiming for ‘real American BBQ, burgers, steaks and a whole lot more’.
As yet unlicensed, the new venture is BYOB. When they do get their liquor licence (the plan is to have it in place before Christmas), American craft beers are promised.
BBQ lovers
Buddy’s Bar Diner Grill isn’t taking bookings but is operating a first come, first served policy. It’s a move which is already sparking much red-faced comment on their Facebook page.
It’s also a tactic which is likely to pique the interest of BBQ-lovers who want to be among the first to say that they have eaten at the new Buddy’s. Perceived scarcity usually boosts demand.
Of course, there is always the option of trying the Buddy’s bites menu at Kokomo in the city centre.
Word has it that the Pollokshaws Road venue will start serving takeaway as well as sit-in within the next few days.
The original Skirving Street operation was a finalist in the Takeaway category of the Scottish Restaurant Awards earlier this year and then, in October, it won the hard fought Glasgow’s Best Burger competition.
If Buddy’s Bar Diner Grill does anywhere near as well as the first then Mr May seems likely to have a hit on his hands. We wish him all the best.
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