SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR B Q

Watch the trajectory here. SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR B Q grades a C at 74/100 today, yet its recent DBPR record has been moving the wrong way.

Its most recent inspection on March 17, 2026 cited 1 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 15 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 23% of Lake County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.2 from 2,821 reviews.

Trend: declining · C (74/100)

Get directions Call (352) 589-6888

Restaurant details

Health grade
C (74/100)
Violations
17 total — 1 high-priority, 1 intermediate, 15 basic
Address
15800 HWY 441, Eustis, 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 (2821 reviews)
Seats
180
Phone
(352) 589-6888
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 2,821 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

4.8 stars from 25 reviews, with the reasoning pulling in different directions. The staff tends to be raised approvingly here, averaging 4.9 stars.

24 of 25 rated reviews are four stars or higher; 0 are two or lower. More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 22 of 25.

The inspection lands in between as well: DBPR graded this kitchen a C (74/100), citing 1 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 15 basic violations. That result dates from March 17, 2026. Its inspection trajectory is downward over the records we hold. That puts it ahead of 23% of graded kitchens in Lake County. What the inspector actually wrote up: cross-contamination.

This is a listing where the two measures each tell half the story. Full reviews follow below in the order they were left.

Our own analysis of 25 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 30, 2026

    Sonny's is always great the brisket melts in your mouth service is quick and friendly.

  • June 29, 2026

    It was delicious and the service was great!

  • June 26, 2026

    This Sonny’s is outstanding. Our waiter Noah is very attentive to detail and is very good at how he waits on his customers. Excellent service. We will be back!!!

  • June 25, 2026

    Best beef brisket ever

  • June 23, 2026

    Paid thirty dollars for one person and I was not happy with the brisket sandwich , dry , had a bit of unchewable fat and small , eco-friendly size but price not so friendly.

  • June 22, 2026

    Excellent food and service as always.

  • June 22, 2026

    Love this place!

  • June 20, 2026

    Turkey sandwich was very good.

  • June 20, 2026

    Good, tasty, brisket was a little dry tho

  • June 18, 2026

    Good food good people

  • June 15, 2026

    Very very nice 👌

  • June 10, 2026

    Great atmosphere, love their food and menu, great value!

  • June 10, 2026

    One waiter waited on almost my entire group of 59 people. He rocked it

  • June 10, 2026

    The place is very clean. Excellent service. The employees are very friendly and they greet you at the door and also when you leave. Food is awesome

  • June 8, 2026

    I messed up my order and they fixed it immediately with no hassle in the middle of lunch rush. Not to often am I surprised with efficiency anymore but this was fast.

  • June 7, 2026

    Sonny's barbecue in eustis is awesome

  • June 6, 2026

    Awesome experience!!!! Iskander was AWESOME…food delish….host was great!!! Will return for sure hopefully when Iskander is available!!!!

  • June 3, 2026

    Amazing as usual. Love Sonny’s BBQ.

  • June 2, 2026

    Good ordered through the drive thru is almost always poor quality. Which you're stuck with when you get home. Stopped in for lunch but they didn't have lunch menus. We had to ask for the prices on anything lunch portion. Felt like we couldn't decide without the correct information. Not interested in going back

  • June 2, 2026

    I tried the cuban & was blown away by how delicious it was. It will be on rotation for the next visit!

  • June 1, 2026

    always great food and great service

  • May 31, 2026

    Our meal was awesome, the food was hot, fresh, and extremely flavorful. Service was impeccable. Miracle was/is an exceptional waitress. I highly recommend stopping here to eat. I'll be back!

  • May 30, 2026

    Oaky, our server isky was exemplary. The minute we walked in the place, he smiled and greeted us. He was vey accommodating and so helpful. I feel like he was related to me by the time we finished our order. I would come back any time if he was my server. I would give him a 10 plus for perfection❤️❤️❤️✍️

  • May 28, 2026

    Hat and hats on these in a long time and was ready for some baby back ribs, I ordered a side salad with them and oh my goodness the salad was huge and delicious and it ended up bringing the baby back home.

  • May 27, 2026

    I eat from the Sonny’s Eusts location two-four times every week. I’m always completely satisfied with all aspects!!!

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 17, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    1 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 15 basic

    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×3)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 25 — Single-service and single-use items
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×5)
  2. September 10, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 10 basic

    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 12 — Handwashing; employee eating/drinking/smoking practices
    • 13 — Clean clothes; hair restraints; jewelry; fingernails
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×2)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×2)

Safer options nearby

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

  • HUNGRY HOWIES

    3.9★ 0.3 mi away

  • IHOP #36-220

    4.6★ 0.3 mi away

  • SNAYTHAI RESTAURANT

    4.4★ 0.3 mi away

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 17, 2026