SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q

The letter looks fine; the direction doesn't. SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q holds a B (89/100), but its inspections have been getting worse, not better.

Its most recent inspection on June 5, 2026 cited 1 intermediate and 8 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 40% of Orange County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.4 from 3,552 reviews.

Trend: declining · B (89/100)

Get directions Call (407) 859-7197

Restaurant details

Health grade
B (89/100)
Violations
9 total — 1 intermediate, 8 basic
Address
7423 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRL, Orlando, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
Barbecue restaurant, American restaurant, Bar & grill, Catering food and drink supplier, Family restaurant, Lunch restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.4 stars (3552 reviews)
Seats
180
Phone
(407) 859-7197
Website
Official website
Photo of SONNY'S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q
Photo: Sonny's BBQ

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.4 Community-sourced rating 3,552 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

48% of reviews here touch on service, more than any other theme. Service tends to be raised approvingly here, averaging 4.3 stars.

If you had to pick one number to represent this corpus it would be 5, the most frequently given rating (16 reviews). Newer reviews score better than older ones (4.4 recent against 3.9 earlier), so direction is worth weighing alongside the average. One subject never comes up here: freshness.

The inspection lands in between as well: DBPR graded this kitchen a B (89/100), citing 1 intermediate and 8 basic violations. DBPR last walked in on June 5, 2026. The trend across inspections is decline. Ranked against Orange County, it is safer than 40% of the restaurants we score. The citations behind that grade include employee health knowledge and wiping cloths.

Both measures agree, which is the least complicated version of this page. Read the originals below and judge the pattern yourself.

Our own analysis of 21 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 28, 2026

    Sonny's is consistently good. I always like their pulled pork & fried okra and always have enough to bring home

  • June 19, 2026

    The food is better than most Sonnys, however the difference is the incredible service

  • June 15, 2026

    Brisket & ribs was really good but the sides were trash honestly. Mac and cheese was bland with cheap no pull cheese some salt and pepper may have did it justice & Cole slaw bland, KFC coleslaw is way better btw. If the place can put more thought into the sides

  • June 10, 2026

    It's been 8 years since I was close enough to go to a Sonny's. When I discovered one close to where I was staying for a few days, I carved out time in the schedule to eat there. I was not disappointed. The design of both the outside and inside of the building were updated. The server was friendly and helpful. The bbq was just as I had remembered. And the sauces... fantastic. If you like BBQ, I recommend Sonny's.

  • June 9, 2026

    Picked up food from Take Out. Trinity was very friendly and efficient getting order perfect. Brian the GM was very personable and we had a great conversation. The pork sandwiches with beans were great as usual.

  • June 8, 2026

    Manager Shauna is Awesome. She cares about the customers & make sure Excellent Customer Service is rendered. Excellent Location. Also, Server Shawn delivered great customer service.

  • June 6, 2026

    We enjoy coming to Sonny's Ms.Crissy always makes it pleasurable visit she's pleasant and sweet. We love her !❤️❤️

  • May 29, 2026

    Awesome food and atmosphere. Give Jennifer a raise!

  • May 29, 2026

    It was great we had the BEST waitress Jennifer!

  • May 29, 2026

    Jennifer was amazing made us feel like family.

  • May 29, 2026

    Amazing food our waitress Jennifer was such a big personality the whole table loved her! 10 outta 10

  • May 26, 2026

    Jalen was amazing and the food was so yummy!!!

  • May 20, 2026

    Food always delicious !!!

  • May 19, 2026

    Jennifer M was absolutely perfect, it was our first time in the restaurant and she help us to choose the plate. The food is amazing and with this kind of attention is even better. My suggestion, try all the sauces...

  • May 19, 2026

    Good bbq. Easy menu and good service.

  • May 17, 2026

    Food was exceptional this time. Service was quick although I ordered through the app. The atmosphere is good but because of a darker environment sometimes it feels like things are kept clean and sanitary. Overall, a great place to eat.

  • May 14, 2026

    Went there yesterday for lunch terrible service her name was Cnrishaundra it wasn't even busy had to ask for lemons 3 times ,she put a pitcher if tea inside high chairs kept filling up people's glasses with it and she had a dirty wet towel hanging on high chair that she was cleaning the tables with beside the pitcher of tea.She kept piling dishes up on tables beside me instead of cleaning them she standing at the bar talking to other servers instead of cleaning and serving her guests terrible server.

  • May 12, 2026

    Beautiful place to eat services excellent good food portion, managerBryan is very kind with customers thumb up victor Manuel City of Orlando Recreation staff

  • May 11, 2026

    We ordered boxed lunches and drinks for a meeting at work. Holly Cornock is the Catering Specialist, and she is amazing. Everything turned out perfectly and tasted delicious!

  • May 7, 2026

    Great

  • May 4, 2026

    Second time we have been here the meat has been all dried out, even sent it back and that came out the same way. NO MORE SONNIES. Fries were good though.

Overall Score

63 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 30/40
    Grade B
  • Dietary transparency 13/20
    4 options listed
  • Community rating 18/20
    4.4★ 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
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. June 5, 2026 · Complaint Full

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 11 — Employee health knowledge; no ill/symptomatic employee present
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention (×2)
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×4)
    • 50 — Current license, properly displayed
  2. January 28, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 4 basic

    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings
  3. September 24, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 10 — In-use food dispensing utensils properly stored
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×2)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained
    • 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:

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: June 5, 2026