Message from Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q
At Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q, you'll always enjoy authentic Southern barbecue at its best--always tender, always juicy. Over the years, Sonny's has added specialties, such as sweet and smoky barbecue ribs, hand-pulled pork and tender fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Sonny's barbecue is prepared the old-fashioned way with a hardwood smoker then served up fast and friendly just like the old days. But great barbecue isn't the only reason folks stop by. You'll also find a relaxed atmosphere and a warm smile every time you come in. We've been pleasing customers since 1968 and perhaps that's why we're America's largest barbecue chain with more than 150 restaurants operating in nine Southeastern states. Whether dining in, ordering takeout or letting us cater your next event, one thing's for sure--we're going to make you feel good!
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortOwner Sonny Tillman has been serving the same Southern barbecue and fixings since 1968. A common roadside stop, Sonny's offers low prices and barbecue; roomy booths, wagon-wheel chandeliers and homey craft art are the standard dining room decor. House barbecue sauce, available sweet, regular or hot, spices up large helpings of smoked beef, pork, chicken, turkey and ribs. Sides like fresh fried okra, onion rings and barbecue beans complement the entrees.
Key Points
- Smoked slow, served fast
- Takeout and Catering
- Order barbecue sauces
The Inside Scoop
- The Extras - Sides--especially the fresh fried okra, onion rings and barbecue beans--are inexpensive and well-prepared.
- Know Before You Go - Save room for the homemade banana pudding.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Avoid if possible
by pumasoccer
I think Smokey Bones isnt the best, but it isnt the worst. I youre looking for real BBQ food, then this is not the place. I find the ribs to have little meat, and the food cost way more than what its worth. This is a BBQ restaurant you should not eat when youre in Tampa, you have better choices.
Pros: All you can eat ribs (at times) and good BBQ sauce
Cons: Ribs have little meat
Posted 11/05/06
Not Authentic BBQ
by nj_mike
The BBQ tatsed like liquid smoke. If people are head over heals for this food, they may not have tried anything else. The combos are good. The selection is very good and convenient, but this is not a place for a harcore bbq food eater.
Pros: good combos
Cons: artificial taste
Posted 09/23/05
Service was a Joke
by TBBolts84
Food is good, but service is a joke. They stall for days on their all you can eat specials, leaving you sitting there with an empty plate and a rumbling belly after they serve you the sparse amounts that come with their all-you-can eat special. If you got about 3 hours for a meal, you should be able to get two plates of ribs on their all-you-can special.
Pros: Good food
Cons: Service is BAF
Posted 11/14/02
Sonny's makes my drive home worthwhile!
by matt_sasha_netzel
I was introduced to Sonny's about 3 years ago and since have joined the Army. Around here, there are no Sonny's to be found, but my drive home includes at least one stop at Sonny's. I am totally hooked on their BBQ Pork sandwhiches topped with sweet BBQ sauce on garlic toast with an order of fries and a side of ranch to dip them in!!! Now that's a good meal. Last time I went home I had my husband try Sonny's, now he too can't wait till were on the road to Florida again. The service is fast, so our pitt stop is only for about 10 minutes, and we eat on the road. Sony's is the best for true BBQ.
Posted 06/20/02