Sonny's BBQ — Restaurant in Ocala

What happened to Sonny's? Check your to-go order before you leave!

I have been going to Sonny's BBQ in Florida since 1994. Around 2015 I stopped going to Sonny's as I felt the quality of the BBQ had severely diminished. The food did not taste or look home cooked anymore, the food looked and tasted more commercialized. The quality fell to the level of Golden Coral buffet food. Then I discovered Southern Pig & Cattle Co. on Maricamp in 2020, and I was again, back to tasting wonderful BBQ food. Recently I decided to give Sonny's another go to compare the two. I noticed in recent years the Sonny's franchise has revamped their restaurants, their logo and branding etc.

Is it possible I have caught the Sonny's restaurant on a bad night? The food was sub-standard. It was a Sat night 9pm and they close at 9:30pm. Let me begin with what I ordered. Baby back rib dinner with fries and coleslaw, dry texas toast. Chicken tender dinner with fries and bbq beans, dry texas toast. Big deal sliced pork on a bun with mac n cheese, and a large sweet tea.

Ordered and paid using the drive thru, Silver Springs BLVD Ocala FL. I was never asked what sauce I wanted. So I asked for an assortment including the mustard sauce.

So when I arrive home. No coleslaw. The chicken tenders were extremely dry as if they were deep-fried twice, or sitting under a heat lamp for hours. Texas toast is now a slice of thin french bread? No assortment of sauce, I only got sweet sauce. The ribs were not tender at all. The ribs were tough as if they were not cooked very long. I know this sounds hard to believe but they were very hard to pull the ribs apart. The ribs were not basted and wet in sauce, at all. (See the photo of the ribs)

I called and spoke to Lauren about my missing coleslaw and she said to come in the next time I visit to get my coleslaw. She said they are closing for the night as it was 9:30pm.

I almost want to return the un-eaten food tomorrow. Let them see the ribs, they are tough and like rubber. the last issue is why does take-out food always skimp on the french fries? 10 french fries for each order? Really?

The price may be high, but it's expected as gas is $5 a gallon now too. So inflation, I get it and I am okay with it. But what about getting what I paid for?

I am in no way affiliated with the Southern Pig & Cattle Co., I certainly think you should give them a try, and compare them to Sonny's yourself.

*update June 14th 2022 The next day I visited the restaurant and spoke to Chris the manager. I explained my experience and returned with the uneaten food to show him the rubber baby back ribs and dry chicken tenders. Chris went above and beyond to correct the situation and I commend him for it. He refunded my money and remade the food to show he wanted a second chance at my patronage. He also apologized my family dinner that night was ruined. I did not expect such a response, I was a bit overwhelmed. I thanked Chris, and I retuned home with the new food for my kids and it was very good. The customer service response was amazing. To be completely honest, for me personally, the BBQ food at Southern Pig & Cattle is still better. Everyone has their own opinion and taste preference. I encourage anyone to try them both and come to your own conclusion which you prefer. A sincere thank you to Chris the manager at Sonny's.

My original post was 1 star for the experience, and I changed it to 3 stars for the customer service effort...

Nestled in the heart of Ocala, Sonny's is a barbecue haven that promises an authentic taste of the South. From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked meats and the comforting ambiance of a true barbecue joint.

As we settled into our seats, it became clear that Sonny's was more than just a restaurant – it was a sanctuary for barbecue aficionados. The rustic decor and laid-back atmosphere set the stage for what would be a mouthwatering journey through the flavors of the South.

Our adventure truly began when we had the pleasure of meeting Coy, the GM. From the outset, Coy radiated a genuine passion for barbecue that was infectious. He took the time to personally welcome us, sharing stories of the restaurant's heritage and offering recommendations that showcased the best of what Sonny's had to offer.

Coy's expertise in all things barbecue was evident as he guided us through the menu, highlighting signature dishes and sharing insider tips on the best flavor combinations. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it only served to enhance our anticipation for the feast ahead.

The barbecue spread that graced our table was nothing short of spectacular. From the tender ribs to the smoky pulled pork, each dish was a testament to the skill and dedication of Sonny's kitchen team. Every bite was a symphony of flavors, expertly crafted to capture the essence of traditional Southern barbecue.

But what truly set our experience apart was Coy's unwavering commitment to ensuring our satisfaction. Throughout the meal, he made visits to our table, checking in on us and ensuring that every need was met. His attention to detail was unmatched, and it was clear that he took immense pride in his work.

In a moment that epitomized Coy's dedication to excellence and heroism, a sudden inclement weather struck the area, causing a power outage in the restaurant. Despite the unforeseen circumstances, Coy remained composed and quickly organized a makeshift outdoor barbecue experience for all the guests. With the help of his team, he lit up the grill, fired up the smokers, and ensured that everyone continued to enjoy their meal under the starry sky. His resourcefulness and leadership not only salvaged the evening but also turned it into a memorable and unforgettable experience for everyone present.

As the meal drew to a close, we left Sonny's with full bellies and satisfied smiles, grateful for the unforgettable experience that Coy and his team had provided. From the mouthwatering barbecue to the unparalleled hospitality, every aspect of our dining experience had been nothing short of exceptional.

Sonny's is more than just a barbecue joint – it's a culinary destination where passion, tradition, and heroism converge to create an experience that is truly unforgettable. And at the heart of it all is Coy, a hero in his own right whose dedication and commitment set the standard for hospitality. We can't wait to return to Sonny's and embark on another barbecue adventure with Coy...

I used the drive through for two pick of the pit combos and after driving back home (35 mins) both of the rib dinners were dry and overcooked. The other parts of the meal was okay but I saved what I couldn't eat of the ribs to take back in to show the manager. The manager, Tanya, initially apologized for what was served and said that she would replace the two meals at any time that would be convenient for me. I thought it was a nice gesture and was satisfied. I came back in about a week later and was seated only to be told by Tanya that they had run out of chicken, pulled chicken was available but not bone-in smoked wings. I was a bit disappointed but understood and stated that I would come back again when they had their full menu available. Nevertheless it was still an inconvenience but it does happen sometimes. So, I came back again and there were no issues at first. The food was brought out but the side was incorrect. Plus, a portion of the ribs and a wing was once again pretty overcooked but I wasn't hung up on this because overall the food was very good and nothing can be perfect. I made no other complaints. I ordered a drink and assumed that EVERYTHING would be taken care of out of a courtesy for all the inconvenience so far. To my surprise a ticket edited by Tanya herself was brought out for the drink. Yes, I could have just paid but the more I thought about it, I didn't agree with being charged (first order mishap, no chicken the second time, wrong side brought out - yes I was told I could keep the additional side item but still had to wait for what I actually wanted). I politely requested to speak to Tanya and her face and body language said it all that she did not want to be bothered talking to me anymore about anything. She had the biggest attitude, snatched the receipt from the table, declared she'd "take care of it" and literally stormed off. I was left embarrassed mid-sentence and was extremely uncomfortable. Why would you even attempt to charge for the drink, do you need the money that badly? And why the clear/major attitude? If you're that overwhelmed maybe you, as a manager, should consider another career choice. I will NEVER be back to support this...