We stopped here on our way to Jacksonville. We thought the food was great! Love the energy of our server, Sherry. She was fabulous and happy to accommodate when we wanted the mustard bbq sauce. We loved smelling the smokiness of good food as we entered the restaurant. Very cool bbq vibe decor. We still recommend this location and appreciate the food is consistently good. We will continue to stop here each time we are on the road in this area. read more

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We came today for lunch and was happy to see they have the BBQ Bowls back for the summer. I ordered the Summer Brisket Bowl--delicious. We also had the protein plate, which is half a chicken and a side. Also we had the BBQ Chicken salad. The service was great and the food satisfying. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Summer Brisket Bowl - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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Never considered Sonny's for a burger, I was having a conversation with a friend and they said they always go to Sonny's for a Burger. I was driving past this location after work and decided to stop and try it. I ordered a medium burger with fries and a drink$16 The burger was overcooked, I slight less and it would've been great. It was fresh and good flavor. Service was fast and the waitress was friendly. Not sure I'd order a burger here again though, there are just too many great burger joints around. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Burger and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

This is a strange review to write. I was two hours into a four hour driving trip and stopped for lunch here. The hostess who greeted me was super polite and friendly! Sonny's usually have a fun vibe and neat decor so I was ready to enjoy my meal. Then, things fell apart a bit. I don't think there'll ever be a repeat so I am not going into it in detail. But, the food was delayed and not quite right at first. However, things finally got straightened out. The pulled pork sandwich and Cole slaw were very good. I was always treated well and in the end, though delayed, I got an extra cherry/peach-flavored iced tea so all ended okay. I would even stop again on my next trip back and forth to the Tampa area because they are conveniently located. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Main part of menu (lunch for me) - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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What a nice surprise this place was! :-) after trying several BBQ places in the area I find one that actually serves real barbecue. It was so delicious. I can't wait to go back. Cool building with great aesthetics and very comfortable. Restroom was clean. My waitress was amazing. I ordered the two meat platter with brisket, baby back ribs, baked beans, and tater tots . Iced tea was also delicious. The brisket was tender and had a fat cap and the ribs or fall off the bone delicious. I didn't know tater tots could be so good and the beans were decent. I will be back ! read more

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This has got to be the worst Sonny's i have ever been to. My server, who was the best part of the experience, had 3 orders go back to the kitchen that I could hear. The lady next to me said her fries were frozen inside. My ribs were so overdone and puny that they were not edible. She was able to bring me sliced pork but that wasn't really the goal. Sonnys is usually pretty consistent but this one is bag. read more

Sonny's BBQ - P - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Just absolutely frustrating. They clearly are having staffing issues here. As I write this, I'm watching the same 2 people walk past me at the order pick up window and neither have acknowledged me and I've been standing here going on 12 minutes. I can see into the kitchen and they seem frazzled and I don't understand why. It's now 24 minutes after my order is supposed to have been ready to pick up and no one has even come out or said anything. I see orders have piling up on a counter, yet no one has gone over to check on them. Absolutely disappointed at this experience and do not recommend coming here if you're looking for prompt service. Update: asked the server to help. She said there's only 2 people working and I just have to wait. I am now at 36 minutes of waiting. She said there's no bartender, no pick up person, and she's doing it all. While I understand her frustration, shame on management. My food (if it ever comes out?) is going to be cold and I'm beyond frustrated. There's no manager here to speak to and I'm ready to walk out and dispute the charge with my credit card company. Absolutely absurd. read more

Whether dining in or take out/delivery, Sonny's is always superb! Always great service, delicious food, great variety and choices, the staff is always super. Keep up the excellent work! read more

Went last night and forgot to take pics but the food was so good we came again today and had lunch here and although my Mac and cheese brisket was missing the cornbread it was still amazing. This place has become my new favorite BBQ spot. I just moved here from Miami and struggle to find corn fritters wherever I can, and the ones from here are scrumptious! I'll probably be heading over there after leaving this review specifically to pick up some corn fritters (yes, they are that good) As far as service goes, everyone was very friendly and attentive. We got offered to go cups on our way out, we appreciated that with how hot it is here lately. There's plenty of parking, and lots of space inside. Overall I highly recommend this place and will definitely be coming back again to bring my mom :) read more

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Quick review: Gross. Full review for those who like details: We were so excited when we randomly pulled off the highway and saw a Sonny's. The one in our hometown closed years ago, and it left a BBQ-shaped hole in our hearts. So, this felt like fate and we didn't even think to check Yelp first. Honestly, we probably wouldn't have cared anyway. That's how much we used to love Sonny's. But... something is seriously off with this location. To start with the positive: the restaurant looked clean and orderly when we walked in. We were greeted fairly quickly and seated right away. Our server was nice enough, just not very focused. For example, someone asked him to turn off the fan. He tugged on the chain a few times, ended up putting it on high, and then just walked away. We asked for our refill in a to-go cup, and he brought a regular one. Small things, I know, but they added up. We were craving brisket, but our server told us it was "96'd." Not sure if he misspoke or really thinks that's the term (we had to laugh), but either way, running out of brisket by 5:00 p.m. on a Tuesday just screams of poor planning. After a very long wait, our food finally came out... and wow, it was bad. The sliced pork was fatty and had an odd, undercooked texture. The ribs were dry and crusty on the outside but feathery on the inside. The mac and cheese was a mushy mess, and the garlic bread was basically a crouton. The only reason this isn't a one-star review is because the cheese curds and ranch were decent, and the new peach wings were at least edible. We wanted this to be a nostalgic, feel-good stop. Instead, it was just disappointing. Not sure what's going on at this location, but it's definitely not the Sonny's we remember. read more

People are friendly. Team works well together. Definitely will return. Food was amazing the meat comes right off the bone.

Food is always so greasy, cold and tough to eat. Why is it every time I have ordered SLICED brisket here, I get chopped? Will not be returning. Don't waste your money. read more

Sonny's BBQ - "Sliced" brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

What's the point in tipping to be nice when they lie in your face and not to make a scene or to make that person look incompetent . I set my Oder for curbside pick up and it not being busy I waited 20 minutes more and said wtf is my food and I tipped very well to go inside for my order the girl at the asked me which is your truck because I'm horrible with car makes and states she had her coworker look . I was the only truck in curbside pick up and only vehicle in curbside pick up. Whatever I brushed it off and to get even more disappointment I didn't get what I ordered. Now that really put me in a mood to never do business with Sonny's bbq and the sad thing is I live 4 minutes away. read more

After a very fun horseback ride with my friend at Florida Horse Park, I was looking for a restaurant nearby before heading back to Orlando. The closest full service one I could find in that road was Sonney's. I went in about 8pm on a Saturday and there was a small wait because they were finding some empty tables. About 5 minutes later, a friendly hostess seated me in the dining area. My server asked me what I wanted to drink and I settled for half sweetened ice tea (3.50). They were getting out of many items, but I was able to order the pulled chicken with a double side of corn(16 dollars). The pulled chicken looked pretty small, and when I tasted it, I found it to be dry and chewy. The sauce added was fine, but after adding some more smoky bbq sauce, it got a bit more moist and tasted better. The corn and iced tea were fine. My server was friendly and helpful, but I wished they had more items available. They ran out of the bone in chicken, pulled pork, banana pudding, only having limited options. That was a bit surprising at 8pm. However they mentioned they had lots of customers earlier and there were quite a few events as well. The bathroom could have been cleaner as I did see some toilet paper on the floor and a toilet left unflushed. The atmosphere was very casual with white lighting, but a bit dim. The dining area was ample in space, and there was a small bar. It was pretty filled up when I was there, but it wasn't too loud and the county rock music was in the background. The paper towels and bbq sauce were in each table. I can still recommend Sonny's for a place to pit stop if you are having a long drive and looking for a bbq joint. The food is fair, but the pitmasters need to cook more meat and make sure they are tender if they want to make more people feel good. They also should make sure the bathrooms are cleaner as well. If you have time to research other restaurants, there should be better local bbq options in that area. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Pulled chicken with double corn and iced tea. Just under 20 bucks. - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Food was great, and very nicely plated, didn't take very long to come to the table after being ordered either! Service was great, and the ambiance has me thinking I would def come back!! read more

Terrible service. Zero manners. Dry food (chicken). Waiter forced us to have chopped instead of sliced brisket. Orders incorrect l. Zero apology. Literally threw food on table. Told waiter we didn't want bread, but he gave us bread anyway. Tables around us got wrong order too. Had to ask for check several times. DO NOT GO HERE! read more

Food is decent in a pinch. Service is chaotic. Very roomy and comfortable in the dining area. read more

Visited family in Ocala and we stopped in for dinner food was mediocre and it took forever to get our food staff was not very friendly would not go here ever again read more

Friends stopped for lunch at Sonnys BBQ after a round of golf. The food was good, yet a little overpriced. I was the only one who ordered a beer. The Bud Light came in the smallest mug I have ever seen and everyone at the table commented on the size. One said a small A&W root beer mug was larger! Turns out it was a 10-ounce beer and the charge was $5.00. Beyond ridiculous for a TINY domestic DRAFT beer. NEVER AGAIN. read more

had another great lunch at Sonny's on SR40 today! The pulled pork and brisket were both delicious, service was friendly and prompt and the sweet tea was refreshing as always. I'm already looking forward to my next visit! ;-) read more

We stopped at this restaurant during our drive home along interstate 75. Turns out it was a good choice. We were quickly seated, and our waitress then quickly took our order. The food also came out pretty quickly. I had the pulled pork plate with BBQ beans, Cole slaw and garlic bread. My husband had a pulled chicken sandwich and a baked sweet potato with cinnamon butter. He loved that cinammon butter. Our server, Alissa, was great and even offered us sweet teas to go. The restaurant also had a bar area and a takeout area. Pricing was good too, with each meal costing about 15 dollars. read more

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Our 1st time at a Sonny's. Walked in Saturday 12:30p and no wait. They were running a bbq bowl special and it seemed like a great way to try their foods. The bowl gave you several option from different categories do you can make numerous combinations. 2 bottoms, 1 meat, 2 sauces and 2 toppers. One of us chose tots & beans, pork, Smokey ranch (on side), coleslaw & bacon, the other had Mac & cheese & beans, pulled chicken, no sauce and coleslaw & onion strings. Both meals came out in relative swiftness from kitchen Plenty of food in the bowls, and when you mixed everything, was a delightful concoction. We both enjoyed our meals and decided in the future we'd probably split our meal. Waitress T was very pleasant and helped our overall experience good read more

Sonny's BBQ - Shredded chicken Build Your Own BBQ Bowl - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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My Gramz used to live in Marion Oaks and she would always bring us to Sonny's for a meal when we came down to visit. My partner and I were visiting from Virginia, and I wanted to go for old times sake (it's been since at least 2005 since I've been), and I liked it WAY more now than I did as a child. We were down visiting my Gramz' final resting place. We sat and immediately ordered sangrias and fried okra for an appetizer when Brooklyn came over. She kinda rushed us every time she came by, and they weren't super busy (that's the 4 stars instead of 5). It was every single time she came over we felt rushed. She walked by our table rushed. It took forever to get the check and then it took forever to get it paid. Other than that, she was great. We then both ordered the bowls they have now. I got the Kickin' Chicken bowl (that was so yummy!!), and it was great, but I didn't love their Mac & cheese. My partner got a make your own bowl with pulled pork, and they loved it. We then got the donut holes for dessert, and our bill came to around $45(ish), and that was the cheapest meal we've had this entire trip- an appetizer, meal, drinks, and dessert- what a deal! We would definitely return if this was closer to us. read more

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came and visited with family and honestly I'll never come back some of the people where straight rude and the food was trash,

Hello Ocala! I am moving my family to Ocala and during my first visit with my wife we stopped in for a bite to eat after half a day of house hunting. We were seated immediately and greeted by a friendly waitress. Our drinks were delivered quickly and we ordered our food. I ordered their burger a fries and my wife ordered BBQ chicken with baked beans and slaw. The food was good and service was friendly! I'm giving 4 stars as their menu is limited but they do it well! 8 out of 10 would recommend! TTFN read more

The best thing about our dinner was the server Brittney. She was kind and knew the menu well. I ordered the St. Louis ribs with the dry rub and they were very good, I think I would like the baby backs better. My husband ordered the chicken and the skin was dry and the chicken was moist. He wasn't crazy about the skin. The beans and Cole slaw were good. It was inexpensive and a good meal out. read more

When I walked in they had a sign showing a combo special starting at $11.99. Interesting... I was a single, sat right away and a server came up almost immediately. At the hostess stand there was an ad for combos starting at $11.99 which interested me. There were combos on the menu, but starting at, I believe $15.99. Inquired about it with the server, same combo choices,but on sale. I wish there was a flyer or something noting this for those who didn't see the poster at the hostess stand. I ordered 1/4 chicken, and had the choice of white or dark, pulled pork, coleslaw, baked sweet potato and cornbread. I ate 1/2 the potato, cooked perfectly, half the pork, I'm not crazy about the crisp parrots, but most was tender and flavorful, the cornbread muffin, and half the coleslaw! Way too much food for me. All very well prepared. Never tried the chicken but it looked moist... supper tomorrow Server was pleasant, followed up several times without the need to be a friend, bill was prepared when I asked and was correct. All in all pleasant experience read more

My wife and I had dinner here this evening. The food was very good and plentiful. Our server was courteous and friendly. We always enjoy eating at Sonny's. Highly recommend read more

Dirty Food: HUMAN HAIRS ON RIBS. AGGRESSIVE AND Disrespectful WAITER January 30, 2025 Sonny's BBQ 1794 SW Highway 484, Ocala, FL 34473 Bad service and terrible attitude of waiter. As nothing was her fault or responsibility. I spoke directly with the manager and she replaced the tainted food however 1 minute later thy waiter came back and could not resist telling us it was not her fault and that somehow that family sitting for a birthday celebration was at fault. First they brought the wrong and incomplete order leaving some members of the party awkwardly watching others eat. When finally missing items arrived they had visibly human hairs stuck to the rib sey rub. Instead of taking and replacing all the tainted ribs she argue that one rib with hairs given to her. as an example only. No others Needed replacing. She did not even bother to check the rest of the tainted ribs nor the fact that the customer feel unease eating them as compromised with human hairs It was apparently difficult for the waiter to conceive the customer would not want to eat the remaining hair soiled ribs on the plate. Waiter then continued aggressively to state she did nothing wrong which forced me to ask in an elevated tone "to walk away and leave our party alone" I had already discussed the matter with her manager and don't appreciate waiter volatile behavior (attacking me) being injected after the fact. Waiter displays a "chip-on-shoulder behavior " where nothing is her fault. That attitude and aggression should not be dealing directly with public. Recommend more sensitivity and anger management training /coaching Rgds Randolph Cruz Retired Engineer You can find me on LinkedIn read more

Excellent service by Kimberly and we took advantage of the $10 pork Big Deal special. Generous serving of pork. read more

Stopped in the drive thru to grab only 3 items: 1 brisket sandwich, I turkey sandwich and a side of coleslaw. It was around 7:30, and there was only 3 cars in the parking lot. No one in the drive thru in front of us. I was surprised that when I used my debit card, they actually handed me a clipboard with my card and a receipt requiring a signature, and asking for gratuity. Okay, I waited tables and bartended for decades, so I understand the tipping culture. I went ahead and left $2 on $25.44. First I was shocked that 2 sandwiches and a coleslaw was that much to begin with. So for a total of $27.44, we waited in a "to go" parking space for 25 minutes. At that 25 minute mark, my husband was ticked and got out of the car and headed inside. He was met in the parking lot by an employee with our food. When we arrived home, we opened the bag to find the sandwiches and slaw. No napkins, no silverware, and no barbecue sauce. They for some strange reason included 2 cups of ranch we didn't ask for. The brisket sandwich was about 75% chunks of fat and gristle. The turkey sandwich was dry as a bone. The best part of the meal was the coleslaw. My husband picked what little meat there was off of his brisket sandwich and threw the rest in the trash. Sonnys has always been a staple in our household, but never again. In today's economy I can make way better use of $27 worth of garbage food. Do better Sonnys. read more

Starve the pig, spoil the rib dinner. Ribs that lack meat aren't really ribs. Minimally seasoned, bland brisket. Overcooked. Load up on third rate starches. Overcooked max and cheese. Blech beans and STALE Texas toast? I'm putting the bare minimum lousy review in, because they put the bare minimum lousy attempt into my lunch. Pass on by. Waffle House is better than this joint. And Waffle House is a zero star eatery. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

I don't understand what's happened to this place. We've been eating here ever since it first open. The last several times have been very disappointing. Smaller portions for more money and the quality has gone down hill. There's a problem in the kitchen. I felt sorry for the waitress that had to bring that sad food out to the table. I asked one of the waitresses about it and she says this one of the worst Sonny's she's worked at. I won't be back for a while. I'll give them some times and maybe they can turn it around. read more

The chicken was a little dry and very small, the ribs as well. The staff were friendly. Clean bathrooms and dining area. Over priced for the low quality of meat. I did catch some great characters on "Pokémon Go" read more

First let me say our waitress Abbigal was great, but from the minute we walked in we could tell there was going to be issues , they were short staffed and unorganized, my burger came out great even though they forgot my onion straws My partner's burger came out wrong , he asked for med well and it came out pink, Abbigal was great in taking it back to the kitchen , we were told they would be making a new burger which would take 10-12 minutes , well 20 minutes later it was finally ready, at this time I had already finished my meal so we decided to just have his burger boxed for take out all in all not a great dining experience read more

Emily was our server she was a delight! The booths are spacious and music was an arrangement of all genres. Just a friendly place to have a fabulous meal. The food was amazing. I had the 1/4 chicken and chicken wings coleslaw n beans . My friend had pulled chicken n beans n coleslaw. 5 star all the way. We also had the corn nuggets with powered sugar n ranch and Banana pudding was dessert. Lemonade was fabulous and sweet tea was great . Like I said 5 star baby! read more

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Was not impressed with food actually no flavor for brisket (where's the flavor? The coleslaw tasted like water no seasoning only thing that had flavor was tea and baked beans. Won't go back ! read more

The manager, Jessica, is helpful, cheerful, and very willing to accommodate. I had a take out order for a special occasion and she took great care of us! read more

good bbq takeout. First timers. Thanks to Yelp. Driving up there in Ocala. We were glad we made that stop.

Should be a two. Rounded up for old times sake. Love me some Sonny's; we go back a long way. Anyone remember when the Big Deal was only $3.99? ...well, lets just say I've been a customer for a long time now and for awhile there, used to hit them up once or twice a week with colleagues. Anyway, this one impresses as less than okay. Hospitality was less than fair and the host seemed insulted when I refused his suggestion of sitting at the bar. Don't know why he was steering me there but whatever. Just seemed odd. Fries came out not hot and the burger was two or three shades overdone and I always order underdone to figure in carry over cooking time and residual heat. Soooo, it looks (and tasted) like my food had been sitting around awhile before coming out. And you should have seen the waitress gaff when I told her the fries were cold when she brought the check. "You should have said something", she said. To which I replied, "You should have asked" and she just gave me this look I'll never forget it. Actually had to look away and I'm not shy. She also forgot one of my sides which I would have told her about if she ever came around and checked on me. ...but no. She didn't. Lots of small issues with poor execution and an overall general lack of friendliness and competence. Other reviewers would have given them a one and been done but I Love Sonny's so much, just not this time. read more

Sonny's BBQ - Rx - Barbeque Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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