SONNY'S BBQ

Does SONNY'S BBQ keep a clean kitchen? Yes — an A grade, 100/100, at its most recent inspection on April 16, 2026. Inspectors cited no violations.

Its most recent inspection on April 16, 2026 cited no violations at all. That puts it among the cleanest kitchens in Seminole County. Menus here flag options for dairy-free, keto, paleo, and nut-aware diners.

A · 100/100 · no violations cited · top of Seminole County

Get directions Call (407) 321-9295

Restaurant details

Health grade
A (100/100)
Violations
None recorded
Address
3506 S ORLANDO AVE, Sanford, FL
Cuisine
American
Categories
Barbecue restaurant, American restaurant, Bar & grill, Catering food and drink supplier, Chicken restaurant, Family restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.6 stars (4780 reviews)
Seats
180
Phone
(407) 321-9295
Website
Official website
Photo of SONNY'S BBQ
Photo: Sonny's BBQ

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.6 Community-sourced rating 4,780 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

How guests are treated dominates the conversation here — it comes up in 57% of the 28 reviews. Where how guests are treated comes up, the rating that follows averages 5.0, so it reads as a strength. Speed of service is the next most common subject, in 21% of reviews (averaging 5.0).

5 stars is the modal score, given by 27 of the 28 reviewers who rated. Conspicuously absent: cleanliness, which no reviewer brings up. Of the 28 rated reviews, 27 sit at four stars or better and 0 at two or below.

The health record runs ahead of the reviews. The last DBPR inspection returned an A (100/100) and no violations cited. That inspection was on April 16, 2026. The trend across inspections is improvement. Ranked against Seminole County, it is safer than 100% of the restaurants we score. No violations were recorded at that visit, which is the cleanest result available.

Nothing here pulls in opposite directions — an unusually clean read. Read the originals below and judge the pattern yourself.

Our own analysis of 28 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 30, 2026

    We’ve never been a huge fan of bbq because of past experiences but Sonny’s BBQ in sanford really turned that around for us. We had ordered a Pulled chicken with our sides and sweet carolina. These both tasted amazing. We had 2 servers I believe one was in training it was Braden and Kira and they were both phenomenal. They went above and beyond with service, what they recommended, food came out fast and hot, were super quick with refills and had positive attitudes and smiles. We will be back this was great! Thank you.

  • June 28, 2026

    Awesome service and Braeden was awesome… gentle and kind and got our orders down swiftly 💪 the baby back ribs were awesome !

  • June 25, 2026

    It was quick and very delicious. I would order the sandwich again, and the beans were excellent on the side. We had the corn tots, which were also very hot. And our server, Shane was extremely helpful. Appreciate having a good meal when you cook every night. Thank you😎

  • June 23, 2026

    Jillian was amazing! She was very nice and was quick with giving me my food! I would totally eat back here again just for her!

  • June 22, 2026

    Jillian was amazing…quick, super courteous, accurate and phenomenal at remembering what everyone at our table was drinking. The meal was well prepared and tasty. Try the Prime Rib sandwich. You won’t be disappointed. Do be aware that the Premium Sides are a little more expensive. Don’t be surprised.

  • June 21, 2026

    Gillian was great. We are entertaining friends from England and she was very informative and efficient.

  • June 21, 2026

    Jillian was attentive and the BBQ was delicious!

  • June 21, 2026

    The food is always great here. The service is fast and Callie was a wonderful server.

  • June 21, 2026

    Food and service was great.

  • June 21, 2026

    Jillian was so very friendly, attentive, and the best part of our meal. We are glad that we were able to spend our time breaking bread together in such a wonderful environment.

  • June 20, 2026

    Jillian was a great server. Very attentive and pleasant, and cool pink hair!

  • June 20, 2026

    jillian was awesome and food was great!

  • June 20, 2026

    Jillian J, you are the BEST!!!!!

  • June 20, 2026

    service was absolutely awesome. Jenny did a superb job!!!

  • June 19, 2026

    Great Carolina sandwich. Braden was awesome.

  • June 19, 2026

    Great place and great food! The staff is really nice too!

  • June 19, 2026

    Everything was very good and Callie was amazing!!

  • June 19, 2026

    Jillian was great! Very sweet and quick with our order

  • June 19, 2026

    Braeden was great waitress

  • June 19, 2026

    Jillian was awesome and service was great as well as food

  • June 19, 2026

    Great food great service. Thank you Jillian.

  • June 19, 2026

    Sandwich was ok very little light on meat! Fries were soggy! Wasn't worth $15 dollars

  • June 18, 2026

    The food was delicious, the restaurant smells really good and Shane has to be by far the best waiter I’ve ever met and he really has an amazing costumer service. So if you ever see him give the man a really good tip for making the customer feel welcome.

  • June 17, 2026

    Jillien was our servicer and she was so great . Super patient and kind , def will be coming back again for her

  • June 17, 2026

    Great service from Braeden and Great food

  • June 17, 2026

    Braden was awsome.

  • June 17, 2026

    Great service and food! The waiter Braeden M is great and attentive!

  • June 16, 2026

    I love the loaded tots and the smoked turkey! Ju-li was a sweetheart and helped us order, will be back maybe tomorrow

Overall Score

78 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 40/40
    Grade A
  • Dietary transparency 13/20
    4 options listed
  • Community rating 18/20
    4.6★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 7/10
    Improving, 33% 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. April 16, 2026 · Complaint Partial

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 0 basic

    No violations cited.

  2. January 26, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 3 basic

    • 13 — Clean clothes; hair restraints; jewelry; fingernails
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
  3. September 3, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    1 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 2 basic

    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation

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: April 16, 2026