Rude and inept. Ordered 3 bbq dinners through GrubHub and all I got was some garlic bread and ears of corn. Called the restaurant and spoke to a very rude manager who blew me off telling me she personally bagged the order so she doesn't know what to tell me but call the driver. (Which I already did). The receipt on the bag was correct but a box of bread and corn doesn't amount to $60/ 3 bbq dinners. Bad enough I didn't get my food but not even so much as an apology. So the Sonny's manager thinks the driver drove to a different Sonny's between there and my house (which doesn't exist) bought corn and bread to give me and kept my food? And then she admitted the drover only picked up one order (mine). read more

Sonny's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

See all

My husband is the president of the men's golf league in River Isles! They used Sonny's for a catered lunch event. All the golfers loved it! Thank you for the wonderful experience. Men just love their Bar-B-Que . read more

Have really seen a decline at this location in food quality & service. Had a combo platter with St. Louis ribs & brisket, both were not the quality we've had in the past. The ribs were basically bones with NO MEAT! Brisket was very dried out. My food was also served cold, guess waitress took her time serving us as we saw her several times conversing with a customer that seemed to be a friend. The others at my table had ribs & wings covered combo. Ribs had absolutely NO MEAT, was like we were served bones. The wings were also burnt and all their food wasn't hot. Only thing that was served hot out appetizer. So basically feel like I was robbed for a $100 bucks. Very disappointed, might not ever come back. read more

Love the sliced and pulled pork. The sauces make the plate or sandwich, I love the Sweet sauce. Sometimes I order by the pound and prepare my own concoctions. You can't go wrong with Sonny's! read more

First time here since they remodeled and the place looks great. We ordered several items... started with the red neck eggrolls and wings. Both delicious and the sauces complete them Whatever is in the egg roll sauce is super tasty and I liked the buffalo sauce on my wings. I had the pulled pork sandwich on garlic bread for the first time and definitely recommend it. They added a new bar area thats looks great. I am posting some pics as well including the salad bad which I had on a previous visit.. definitely fresh. If you want good BBQ this the place! read more

See all

Very good BBQ! We stopped here while on vacation on our way to the beach. We have a child who has a peanut and treenut allergy and all of their items are free of those things. We also have a child who is gluten free and there were plenty of options for her as well. There were 10 of us and they were able to accommodate us just fine. I didn't take any pictures but the food was great! read more

An excellent visit Sonny's was busy when I pulled in for dinner about 6:30 this evening, so busy I had trouble finding a parking space. They have lots of parking, so I steeled myself for a long wait for a table. Sonny's is also a large restaurant, so I was quite happy to be shown to a table when I walked it. By the time I left there were a few people waiting to be seated so they stayed busy. Popular places are often good places. Service was outstanding. As soon as I sat down my personable server was there taking my drink order. I wonder sometimes when service is so friendly and attentive, did she see me checking into Yelp and made an extra effort? For whatever the reason, and that reason may have been she was that good, I liked it. I understand parking and service, but not so much barbeque. My position is there is no such thing as bad barbeque, and my dinner tonight was very good. Other people can talk about smoke rings or fat to meat ratios, I just like barbeque. My meal was a pulled pork and ribs basket and I included something called a redneck egg roll. My side was BBQ beans. The food took just under 15 minutes to arrive, a bit slow for barbeque, but worth the wait. There was no sauce on the food but there were four types on the table. I found the ribs were good without sauce, meaty, perhaps a little dry. I used sauce on my ample pile of pulled pork. The beans were much better than average and having cinnamon butter for my corn bread was quite enjoyable. My redneck egg roll? Clever and outstanding. This Sonny's is just off I-75 at exit 220-B. Head west on SR64 and turn right at the first light, the curving road passes restaurants and hotels. I read the other reviews before I headed to Sonny's and realize my visit was better than others have experienced, even recently. I was pleasantly surprised and happy to share my good story. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Pulled Pork and Ribs Basket - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

This is location is horrible! Carryout is never correct, last time I actually completed the survey, manager called said would send a card for free appetizer and never did. You're better off sitting at the bar and ordering than waiting for a table. read more

I grew up loving Sonny's and have visited countless times. I visited in September and felt they had the right precautions and practices in place during this pandemic. I visited today around 7pm and that is the complete opposite case now!! I watched multiple large party families come and go not wearing masks. I looked further to find kitchen staff wearing their masks incorrectly not covering their nose. Staff at the togo counter not wearing masks at all and finally servers coming in and out of there kitchen putting their masks up and down as they came and went out of public view. I waited about 10 minutes before deciding to leave as I felt they could care less about their patrons health or concerns of what is taking place. I highly recommend avoiding unless you don't care about your health or well being during a global pandemic. read more

If you stop here, be prepared to be ignored. When speaking up, be ready for the excuses from the server. When you ask for the manager, be ready to be told not to yell at him. Best to drive on by. There are restaurants that still subscribed to good customer service. Number 1 - say hi to them and give them a glass of water. Number 2 - DON'T make excuses. A customer that has seen you walk by 6 times serving the neighboring table without so much as a hi, we'll be right with you, isn't interested that your off the clock. Why are you still on the floor breaking labor laws? Number 3 - Manager, if a customer has been made angry enough to ask for you, DON'T lecture them. This Sonny's does not get that a customer has made a choice to spend their time and money at your restaurant. The choice the customer has made in your favor deserves respect in the form of friendly efficient service. UPDATE: I was contacted by the owners of this establishment wanting me to send an email referencing this review. I am not one looking for free stuff. I was genuinely treated badly and there is no making that right. read more

The meats are awesome. Add garlic bread, corn on the cob and cornbread and you got the idea.

Quick service, delicious food. Great option for BBQ casual dining. The sweet tea always tastes like home

The ribs were delicious!! The cornbread was excellent!! The banana pudding was yummy but the whipped cream wasn't necessary read more

They are under new management and still their Manager is yet to come out and greet guests. Just went there and gave up, sat up front for 5-10 minutes and finally someone comes out and says 10 minutes plus. They simply do not seem to care. A real shame they are so bad. I love bbq. read more

We ordered carry out and timing for pick up was great. We didn't check our order before leaving the carry out spot. When we got home we noticed they gave us a side dish instead of our appetizer. They did however gI've us the appetizer condiments. I called to inform them of the mistake and they offered to remake the item and go we could back and pick up or refund us. We elected to go back and pick up because it was what we really wanted. They replaced what they missed but on our dime. (Gas) Coming from the hospitality industry myself with the current events of the hurricane and lack of gas you would think a company would have done more for the local and loyal customers. I understand we are all going through tough times especially businesses. I normally do not write reviews and definitely thought about not writing this one and just calling and talking to someone. But what I've learned is these reviews sometimes get more attention. read more

I don't know why these people move their South Florida, and I sure did miss the taste of Sonny's barbecue sauce and ribs. Today all I had was the shredded pork topped with Sonny's barbecue sauce as an appetizer we had fried pickles. I really enjoyed the pork sandwich especially mixed with the sauce as a side I had french fries maybe one day they'll open up in South Florida again although we do have some really good barbecue places in the area. I will pay them a visit again read more

Sonny's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

We did an online order with curbside pickup. Order was perfect. Totally enjoyed the Arnold Palmer Sweet tea. Was delicious. We tried the Fried Green Tomato BLT and again it was delicious, We also picked a 3 combo with pulled pork, chicken and sliced brisket. Everything had the best flavor and for sure we had left overs, The lady who delivered our order was friendly and went the extra mile. This was our first visit and for sure we will be going back, read more

We had written this location off in the past but decided to give it one more try. It was 7:30 on a Saturday evening and the place was almost deserted. The first indicator was they were out of pulled pork. How does a barbeque restaurant run out os such a key item that is the easiest to make? The food was mediocre at best. I had the sweet and smoky St. Louis ribs as did my wife and they were almost tasteless and obviously not "fresh", the sides were good and French fries were crunchy. I do have a problem when the staff, one hour before closing time is sweeping under tables, filling on table sauce squirt bottles and stacking chairs on the tables while guests are still ordering and eating. It made us feel as though they were only interested in getting out of there. Having patronized Sonny's since the beginning in Gainesville, Florida all those years ago it's sad to see where it has come to. Sonny Tillman would not be smiling about this location. read more

the food was ok the service is why i gave you a one i didnt appreciate getting the incorrect change thinking that she was entitled to keep the change. i will not be back read more

Went to sonny's off rt. 64 in bradenton food was good but when ordering one of there beer's it says 16 oz is 2.99 but when they brought my glass of beer it was a 12 oz waitress said its the only glass they have so she brought me another half a glass they are changing people 2.99 for a 12 oz when it should be a 16 oz..so next time you order one of there beers pay attention just saying that is a little bit of price gouging..and the need new glasses for there beer read more

Sonny's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Just spent over 40 dollars for the worst bbq my family has ever had. First for 40 dollars they gave us two very small ribs. Next 4 slices of sliced pork. Last garlic bread that was hard as a rock. Oh by the way we ordered french fries and was charged for them and never received them. And if that all was not bad enough we were told order would be ready at 6:12 pm. Nope try 7:00 pm NEVER AGAIN! read more

This place is the worst the worst waitress the worst restraunt I've ever been to this place is chopped (which means bad) the food is very dry it's nasty we had to ask several times for food and it's very slow. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

We visited Sonny's opening time on. Sunday and received superb service. The server took the time to help us understand options and went out of her way to explain ways to save money. She was tentative and kept our waters full. The food was super tastey and came out quickly. I loved the cornbread and ribs! This Sonny's was a great experience. read more

I go there only because my husband likes the meats- too dry for me. Every time we go, the salad bar looks like a train wreck. The celery ends are so wilted and shriveled they appear rotten- I even took them up to the counter once and asked for fresh/ girls took the rotten container right back and slipped it in the ice. Grimy tables- choose elsewhere. read more

I had the Baby Back Ribs and they were vile crap really tough and just flat out disgusting! My soda was flat, glass of water really bad! The service was so bad my server smelled! The Ambiance was really bad a couple near me were very loud and when I tried to ask them to tone it down they spit at me! I will not go back! read more

Not only does this Sonny's offer the same great-tasting food you can get at most other Sonny's BBQ, but their staff is wonderful. I went by yesterday for my free birthday sandwich and enjoyed a wonderful lunch with my husband. The staff was warm, helpful and honestly glad to serve us. The next day when I woke up I realized I had misplaced my wallet. I had a mental meltdown and my brain exploded. Feeling totally helpless, I called the next afternoon and, beyond my wildest dreams, they had found it and placed it in the manager's office for sale keeping! I can't say enough positive things about Sonny's in general, but this particular restaurant should be very proud of their staff. The food was wonderful, the help was great, and what could've been a sad story turned out very well. Thanks to the entire staff for your honesty, good service, and great food! I'm glad to see your salad bar hasn't changed and everything is still fresh, fully stocked and delicious! read more

We visit this location 1-2 times a month. It is always great. The employees are extremely nice. We do carry out and dine in about half and half. Try the sliced brisket. It's awesome. Also due to covid the salad bar is gone for now but they do have a great salad as a side. Try it. read more

The RV parking is great! Food is yummy! And the 2-for-1 beers on Sunday are really nice definitely recommend this place

Very pleased with our first time at Sonny's. I had the brisket sandwich with coleslaw and hubby had the pork three ways with beans and slaw. The beans were awesome and the rest of the meals were very good. We would definitely return. Our wait person was Pam and she couldn't have been nicer! Great customer attentiveness and warm personality. read more

Great BBQ and the pice makes it that much better! The Brisket and Burger are Amazing

There's a few pits in town but Sonny's has been a staple for years. And for good reason. There's no extreme flavors (unless you add some hot sauce), just good old smokey tender goodness. Plus they just redid the whole location inside and out. Check it out if you haven't been in a while. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

See all

AWFUL!!! We went there last night with friends -- a party of four. When our food arrived at our table, ALL FOUR DINNERS WERE COLD. We told the waitress, and she couldn't care less. She never offered to take them back, or any other solution. I wanted to speak to the Manager, but she never sent him over to our table, and I didn't want to make a scene in front of our friends. The only things we ate cold were the cole slaw and the bread. We had to take the rest home, and re-heat it in the microwave. If you run a restaurant you should be able to figure out how to serve the food hot!! read more

Reason why I rated this Sonny's BBQ location is because the food entry's wasn't cooked at all. My mother's Sandwich wasn't cooked very long like it should have done. My BBQ ribs that I ordered Sweet & Smoky should have been called Smoked and lets add BBQ sauce on it after serving it. The french fries were solid rock hard and over salted. We spoke to our waitress about the issue and she apologized cause also my mother's order wasn't never mentioned from the cooks in the back to the waitress about not having much for what my mother ordered. So the manager came over and quickly responded saying this location is different due to it is a Franchise location and not Corporate Sonny's BBQ. I replied with I understand you guys and ladies are a Franchise location but the food isn't that great my mother's food and my food wasn't cooked at all we had to wait forever to get served and the cooks waited for so long to tell the waitress they didn't have much chicken salad and the cooks decided to smoked my ribs and put BBQ sauce after putting them on the plate. The lady manager gave us a discount on our bill cause of the wait time, food wasn't prepared to our liking. read more

Like most Sonny's locations, the food is great and the service is quick. At this particular location, our server Trina was very helpful and friendly, and she knew the menu and options, making several suggestions. ! I will definitely ask for her again! read more

When we were seated it took several minutes for someone to come by and take our drink order. We ordered our food the same time, took that long for someone to come by. Good tool over 30 minutes to come out. We were not checked o for refills. Anytime we asked for anything the waitress quickly left without us finishing what we needed. After looking at my daughters chicken tender plate....the fries were not done and the tenders were hard as a rock. Spoke to the waitress then we had to wait for the manager to come and look at the food. He didn't want to hear what we had to say and insisted we had the best waitress. Well if that's the best I would hate to see the worst. He even left our table as we were still talking to him. Will not return to this location again. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Had a good meal today and Trina our waitress was great. It was our first time here and she made perfect recommendations.

What the hell happened? Always good food and decent service. I realize that it's not fine dining, but our waitress would of rather been any place else than at work yesterday. I tried to order the brisket, which is what I went there for, sold out at 6pm. My husband who ordered a combo with brisket was not told or offered to pick something else. When my dinner arrived, it was quickly thrown on the table and waitress left. 2 out of 3 sides were incorrect. She never came back. We flagged down another waitress who fixed my order for her team member. When bill came, she charged us for brisket. Lmao! So done and will not be back. Too bad, as food is decent. Lots of people want to work. Not this person. And, lots of BBQ places that have owners on premises that care. read more

Best part of my visit to Sonny's was my waitress Jamie. She was helpful, efficient and friendly. Food was typical Sonny's. Adequate BBQ but nothing special. I had the wings, ribs and pulled pork combo. The side of green beans was very good. Cooked and seasoned just right. read more

Their food is delicious, Love the Barbecue a, Ribs, and Prime Rib, all vegetables homemade as well as desserts

Just went to this location spent 60.00 for meals get home which is 10 miles away and order is not correct. We had a Pork three ways had ask for double sliced pork and ribs ask that pork be sliced thin fries and beans. Had pulled pork (size of fifty cent pice) and two and half slices of pork (sliced thick) beans were so dry had trouble even getting them out of container. Now will say this ribs were good. Other items ordered were ok but ver small portion of pulled pork on sampler plated we ordered ribs burnt on that plate Would have take back but two 20 mile trips not worth the trip This is second time have had problems with drive through. read more