SONNY'S BBQ

Health grade
C · 76/100
Orange County rank
Safer than 14%
Diner rating
4.5 ★ · 4,690 reviews
Violations
2 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 5 basic
Last inspected
Feb 2026

It currently ranks safer than 14% of Orange County restaurants we grade. The most recent report (February 9, 2026) still cited 2 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 5 basic violations, so there's room to climb. Diner rating: 4.5 from 4,690 reviews. Menus here flag options for dairy-free, keto, paleo, and nut-aware diners.

Trend: improving · C (76/100) · safer than 14% of Orange County restaurants we grade

Get directions Call (407) 992-8818

Restaurant details

Health grade
C (76/100)
Violations
8 total — 2 high-priority, 1 intermediate, 5 basic
Address
7055 SEMORAN BLVD, Orlando, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
Barbecue restaurant, American restaurant, Bar & grill, Catering food and drink supplier, Family restaurant, Lunch restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.5 stars (4690 reviews)
Neighborhood
Airport North
Seats
291
Phone
(407) 992-8818
Website
Official website
Photo of SONNY'S BBQ
Photo: Sonny's BBQ

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.5 Community-sourced rating 4,690 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

One subject runs through these 24 reviews more than any other: the staff. Front-of-house tends to be raised approvingly here, averaging 4.7 stars. Wait times is the next most common subject, in 29% of reviews (averaging 4.9).

The single most common rating left here is 5 stars (21 of 24). Of the 24 rated reviews, 22 sit at four stars or better and 1 at two or below.

The inspection lands in between as well: DBPR graded this kitchen a C (76/100), citing 2 high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 5 basic violations. The visit behind that grade was February 9, 2026. Its inspection trajectory is upward over the records we hold. Ranked against Orange County, it is safer than 14% of the restaurants we score. For specifics, the last inspection cited dishwashing facilities and food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized.

The honest summary is that the evidence is mixed on both sides. Full reviews follow below in the order they were left.

Our own analysis of 24 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 29, 2026

    Had the Sliced Pork Big Deal on garlic bread. Meat was so juicy and flavorful.

  • June 29, 2026

    Food is always great, plenty of options and never disappoints.

  • June 29, 2026

    Excellent 👌

  • June 29, 2026

    Had lunch with co worker at noon on a Monday. There was maybe 3 other people there. Server was very friendly and efficient. Food was served quickly and was good. My only negative comment is that the roof or AC seemed to be leaking/dripping near by and the table felt sticky.

  • June 26, 2026

    Was in walking distance from our hotel; a fine large chain place. Many ways to 'assemble' the meats and sides you'd like. And amazingly fast service (but nobody rushes you.)

  • June 22, 2026

    Spent $85 on a Father’s Day meal and it was just disappointing. We ordered four apple monkey bread things with sweet tea glaze and only received two. They were dried out, hard as bricks, and had no glaze The kids mac and cheese was barely half full,The ribs were another letdown, $25 for four tiny ribs. The fries were bland and flavorless, and the pulled chicken sandwich came with two large chunks of chicken instead of actual pulled chicken. Overall, the food quality has gone way downhill. Nothing about this meal felt worth the price, especially for a special occasion. The only positive thing I can say is that the delivery driver was friendly and arrived on time. Unfortunately, this will be the last time we order from here.

  • June 21, 2026

    Not sure why the airport restaurant location is not as good as the Ovido location when ordering all you can eat. The second plates are always the old stuff. Also the booths need to be redone.

  • June 20, 2026

    Food was amazing 👌 St Louis ribs were delicious, and Jeanette was a great server! Will definitely visit again when we are back in town.

  • June 20, 2026

    Janette was a great and friendly server. Will go back!

  • June 20, 2026

    Ordered quite a bit of dinner to be delivered by Uber tonight, app egg rolls, 2 pick 4's, 2 extra sides...yet had a bit of a mix-up with the items I received. Everything arrived fresh & tasted delicious! Instead of contacting Uber I called the restaurant directly, my past experiences with Uber customer service has not been successful. I spoke with Maddie & Jenna who were exceptional and displayed top tier customer service from the beginning. Thank you both for taking the time to listen and tend to my concerns. For these reasons I will be visiting again, without Uber!

  • June 18, 2026

    Great food

  • June 16, 2026

    Jeanette was awesome. Took great care of us .

  • June 16, 2026

    Jeanette was great thank you

  • June 13, 2026

    Jeanette is excellent, she was attentive, friendly and fast. Food was great

  • June 13, 2026

    Great food and it was fast. Jeanette was our waiter and she was amazing!

  • June 13, 2026

    Excellent food and service. Thank you Jeanette!

  • June 13, 2026

    Jeanette was wonderful!!! She was very accommodating and did an excellent job!!!

  • June 13, 2026

    Amazing experience. Jeanette, Thank you for the terrific service.

  • June 13, 2026

    Nice

  • June 13, 2026

    Jeanette was an amazing server snd the msc and cheese with the sizzling, sweet, and original sauce was heavenly 5 stars

  • June 12, 2026

    Our server, Jeannette, went above and beyond with awesome customer service. Very friendly, fast and knowledgeable about all the questions we asked! If you visit the Semoran location, ask for her table to get the best service!!

  • June 11, 2026

    Jeanette was so sweet and hospitable! Great experience!

  • June 11, 2026

    Jeanette was awesome! She was very attentive and made sure that we had everything that we needed. The food came out quickly and was very good

  • June 11, 2026

    Jeanette was awesome! Always love the experience here.

Overall Score

57 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 20/40
    Grade C
  • Dietary transparency 13/20
    4 options listed
  • Community rating 18/20
    4.5★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 6/10
    Improving, 0% clean

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

Opening hours

Monday
11 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday
11 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday
11 AM to 9 PM
Thursday
11 AM to 9 PM
Friday
11 AM to 9:30 PM
Saturday
11 AM to 9:30 PM
Sunday
11 AM to 9 PM

Inspection history

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

  1. February 9, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    2 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 5 basic

    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention (×3)
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
  2. August 7, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 10 basic

    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×2)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
    • 38 — Lighting provided; fixtures shielded or bulbs protected

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to SONNY'S BBQ, 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: February 9, 2026