Sonny's BBQ operates a chain of barbecue restaurants across Florida serving smoked meats, sides, and casual dining experiences. This page aggregates verified shopper ratings and reviews to help you understand what to expect from Sonny's BBQ locations, including insights into service quality, food preparation, and consistency across different restaurants.
Sonny’s BBQ Reviews
What Shoppers Say About Sonny’s BBQ
Sonny's BBQ earns strong marks for food quality and generous portions, with shoppers consistently praising tasty barbecue that arrives quickly and is packed exactly as requested. Service experiences at the better-performing locations (such as University, Highway 441 in Eustis, and Jacksonville) feature knowledgeable, friendly staff and clean dining areas that leave customers eager to return. However, reviews reveal significant inconsistency across locations. Several shoppers report poor service experiences including long waits to be seated, inattentive servers, and unfriendly hostesses, particularly at the Clinton and Titusville locations. The disparity suggests that location quality and staff training vary considerably within the Sonny's BBQ system.
Shoppers who encounter the chain at its best locations rate the experience highly and recommend it without reservation. Those who visit underperforming locations encounter frustration that overshadows otherwise satisfactory food. Consistency appears to be the primary challenge for the chain, as the same menu and concept produce dramatically different customer outcomes depending on which Sonny's location a shopper visits.
Customer Reviews (7)
Sorted by: Most recentThere's a huge difference between the two locations I've visited. The University spot is fantastic - Laura and her team provide excellent service and the portions are really generous for what you pay. I can't speak highly enough about that location. Unfortunately, the Apopka spot is the complete opposite. I've had multiple disappointing visits there and won't be going back. The servers seem checked out and just disappear into the back. On my last visit, the waitress was nowhere to be found, we didn't have utensils at the table, and when we needed an extra plate for our salad, I had to go hunting for someone. The place wasn't even busy - just two other tables - so there was no excuse. Eventually I had to track down staff just to pay my bill. The difference between these two locations is night and day, which is frustrating.
Sonny's really impressed me on multiple occasions. Every time I've ordered, the food has been tasty, comes out quickly, and is packed exactly how I want it. I've picked up in person once and had it delivered through a delivery app another time - both experiences resulted in perfectly prepared meals that arrived in great condition. I'm really happy with this place and would definitely tell anyone looking for quality barbecue to check them out.
Had a fantastic lunch with my son at the HWY 441 location in Eustis today. The dining area was spotless, the team members were knowledgeable and genuinely friendly, and the food tasted amazing. Everything about the service was top-notch. Thanks to Sonny's for making lunch something we'll remember.
We stopped by the Clinton location and had a rough experience from start to finish. Even though the restaurant was basically empty, it took 15 minutes before anyone seated us. That already set a concerning tone. Once we finally got a table, we sat there another 20 minutes without a server approaching us to take our order. I had to flag someone down myself to get things moving. The young server who eventually took our order was apologetic and sweet, but it took another 30 minutes before the food arrived. We almost left, but the amazing smells kept us there. Unfortunately, the food itself was really disappointing. The hash browns were bland and came with processed onions and just fatty meat. The competition wings were tough and chewy with basically no flavor. My husband said his BBQ burger wasn't even edible. My baby back ribs were burnt with hard, crystallized sauce that was the only thing with any taste. Everything felt like it was made without care.
Had an excellent experience at the Jacksonville location. Logan was working takeout and provided outstanding customer service that really made my visit great. He was genuinely pleasant and helpful the whole time.
The hostess who greeted us at the Titusville location wasn't friendly at all. When I said hello, she didn't respond and just asked how many people without any warmth. She dropped three menus on our table and disappeared pretty quickly, which felt really dismissive. The rest of the staff was nice enough and the food turned out okay, but that initial interaction left a bad taste. I'm hesitant to go back because of how we were treated at the door.
I've been going to Sonny's BBQ for quite some time now and they consistently impress me. Their combination of fantastic service, great-tasting food, and reasonable prices makes them a winner. If you're looking for an affordable option that the whole family will enjoy, this is definitely worth checking out. The Baby Back Ribs, Corn Fritters, and Loaded Sweet Potatoes are standouts on the menu. And don't sleep on dessert - their Cinnamon Donuts with cream cheese icing are amazing, plus their Banana Pudding is top-notch. I also appreciate their drive-through option since it makes picking up food super convenient.