SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR B Q

Health grade
C · 74/100
Lake County rank
Safer than 23%
Diner rating
4.2 ★ · 2,160 reviews
Violations
1 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 12 basic
Last inspected
Mar 2026

Its most recent inspection on March 20, 2026 cited 1 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 12 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 23% of Lake County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.2 from 2,160 reviews.

Trend: declining · C (74/100)

Get directions Call (352) 243-6422

Restaurant details

Health grade
C (74/100)
Violations
15 total — 1 high-priority, 2 intermediate, 12 basic
Address
1500 E HWY 50, Clermont, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
Barbecue restaurant, American restaurant, Bar & grill, Catering food and drink supplier, Family restaurant, Lunch restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.2 stars (2160 reviews)
Seats
180
Phone
(352) 243-6422
Website
Official website
Photo of SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR B Q
Photo: Sonny's BBQ

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.2 Community-sourced rating 2,160 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

An average is a poor summary when the underlying reviews look like this. Opinion on front-of-house is split — those reviews land at 3.8 on average. Wait times is the next most common subject, in 25% of reviews (averaging 3.4).

Value for money shows up in 15% of reviews as well, averaging 3.3. 16 of 20 rated reviews are four stars or higher; 3 are two or lower. The single most common rating left here is 5 stars (14 of 20).

The inspection lands in between as well: DBPR graded this kitchen a C (74/100), citing 1 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 12 basic violations. The visit behind that grade was March 20, 2026. Across its inspection history the kitchen is declining, which argues for reading the older reviews with caution. That puts it ahead of 23% of graded kitchens in Lake County. For specifics, the last inspection cited food from approved source and clean clothes.

Neither signal is decisive on its own here, which is why both are shown. The reviews themselves follow, unedited and newest first.

Our own analysis of 20 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 29, 2026

    Sean was a great server

  • June 28, 2026

    Great food

  • June 28, 2026

    My family loves Sonny's BBQ so we visit this location anytime we're in the area. Servers are friendly, food is good and decent pricing.

  • June 23, 2026

    Food hot

  • June 23, 2026

    My waiter Abby was the thing that made me time at Sonny’s the most memorable. She kept me entertained during my 40 min wait time! She brought me tons of cornbread to keep me happy. I recommend her as a server!

  • June 21, 2026

    Order ribs and a dinner bowl. Took 45 minutes to get some of the food. The ribs were just 4 bones. The bowl for $12 was no bigger than a cereal bowl. The additional ribs that were brought to the table took 15 more minutes and were the wrong ribs. No follow through from server no manager to explain our problems it took so long that the table across from us was seated 2 1/2 times before we received all of our food. On Father's day you can expect to have alot of people and be prepared. Not so. Very Very disappointed.

  • June 18, 2026

    Missing at least 5 items from our delivery order and all the Mgr “John” could do was offer a credit to either the store or to our card. We had not gone to Sonny’s since May of last year as we had the same experience. I guess we shouldn’t give 2nd chances. We will never order from Sonny’s again. Not worth the headache, additionally their prices are 10-15% higher than our last order. You would think paying over $170 including delivery fees and 3rd party tip you would get better service and quality.

  • June 17, 2026

    Great service by Christine and good food!

  • June 15, 2026

    Our waitress was wonderful ❤️ food was good portions for the price.

  • June 14, 2026

    The pulled pork is my dish and its the best- we order by the pound .The takeout staff is amazing . Extremely hospitable, professional, and always moving with a purpose. We love dining in as well.

  • June 13, 2026

    The take out people are so sweet and genuine, the young lady with the black hair helped me so much and they were very efficient.

  • June 3, 2026

    I love Sonny’s going on 25+ years!! The sliced pork on garlic bread with mild (aka the old original) sauce is the perfect sandwich!

  • June 3, 2026

    Ribs are so tender and a lot of meat I am not a rib person but these were delicious, everything we ordered was great. The banana pudding is soo good.

  • June 1, 2026

    I had a great experience with Aaron in the drive-thru. He was very professional, courteous and prompt.

  • May 28, 2026

    Today was one of my favorites. Smoked turkey sandwich with fries. Others at the table had briskit with green beans it looked great, and pulled pork with tots and Mac & cheese. All good food the restaurant was very clean and Sean provided great service.

  • May 28, 2026

    Amanda S was our server. She was fantastic, the place was packed. She waited on us like we were the only people there even though I could see her zooming around everybody and taking care as many people as were assigned to her. The Barbeque was spot on great smoke ring great flavor. The ribs were fantastic juicy, pulled off the bone with just a little bit of tug.

  • May 24, 2026

    The people working the takeout counter seem lost. The banana pudding serving size is way too small, its pudding not cheesecake.

  • May 24, 2026

    Great price

  • May 18, 2026

    Went in and waited long to be seated, then waited long to order, waited 25 minutes for our appetizer, and it was cold and soggy. Waited long for our food it was cold and very dried out Was not able to eat it. We sent back our very old baked potatos Waitress we had to waive our arms in the air to get her back to our table. She never came and checked on us. And don't bother asking me to reach out to you for more info. We will go somewhere else. To everyone else don't waste your money.

  • May 14, 2026

    Ate so much I'm done for the day. Very good service also

Overall Score

52 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 20/40
    Grade C
  • Dietary transparency 13/20
    4 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.2★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 2/10
    Declining, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
10:45 AM to 9:35 PM
Tuesday
10:45 AM to 9:35 PM
Wednesday
10:45 AM to 9:35 PM
Thursday
10:45 AM to 9:35 PM
Friday
10:45 AM to 10:05 PM
Saturday
10:45 AM to 10:05 PM
Sunday
10:45 AM to 9:35 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. March 20, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    1 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 12 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 13 — Clean clothes; hair restraints; jewelry; fingernails
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings
  2. October 13, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    2 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating) (×2)
    • 06 — Potentially hazardous foods properly thawed
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
    • 41 — Chemicals / toxic substances properly stored & used

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR B Q, by Florida DBPR grade:

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: March 20, 2026