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
Community Rating
Reviews via GoogleWhat 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 →
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Sean was a great server
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Great food
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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.
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Food hot
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Great service by Christine and good food!
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Our waitress was wonderful ❤️ food was good portions for the price.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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I had a great experience with Aaron in the drive-thru. He was very professional, courteous and prompt.
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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.
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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.
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The people working the takeout counter seem lost. The banana pudding serving size is way too small, its pudding not cheesecake.
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Great price
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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.
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Ate so much I'm done for the day. Very good service also
Overall Score
52 / 100
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.
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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
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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:
- TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
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