Central Florida BBQ Restaraunt Guide
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Sonny's BBQ

Updated 2026-08-26 · 5,770 reviewed · 176 listed · Scored from 3,439 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.0(3439) 73 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified moderate
Traditional Smokehouse BBQTexas-Style BBQCarolina-Style BBQRib House / Ribs SpecialistBBQ CateringBBQ Buffet
Sonny's BBQ
Price
moderate
Services
Traditional Smokehouse BBQ, Texas-Style BBQ, Carolina-Style BBQ
Reviews
3439

What recent reviews say

Sonny's BBQ draws regulars with tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket at fair prices. Staff like Tiffany and Lee earn praise for genuine care and attentiveness, though the Lakeland North location sometimes struggles with understaffing and long waits during peak hours.

The all-you-can-eat platters and founder's special rib-and-pork combo appeal to families. Dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and catering keep customers coming back after decades of operation across Central Florida.

Praised for
  • friendly and attentive staff
  • high-quality ribs and pulled pork
  • reasonable prices
  • fresh food, well-prepared
tender-meatfall-off-the-bonefriendly-stafffair-pricingfamily-friendlygood-sides
Best for: Families seeking all-you-can-eat ribs and smoked meats in a casual setting.

Strengths

  • 50 years of family operation
  • named staff known for care and refills
  • all-you-can-eat platters
  • founder's special rib-and-pork combo

Worth knowing

  • Staff members Tiffany, Brittany, PJ, Lee, and Lilly specifically praised for attentiveness and customer care
  • All-you-can-eat platters available
  • Founder's special rib and pork combo mentioned as a popular deal
  • Power plate with turkey noted as customer favorite

How it compares

  • Rated 4 against a 4.48 average across the 139 traditional smokehouse bbq businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 91% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Score
Star rating 34
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 64
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
1863
4
734
3
334
2
162
1
346

Opening hours

Monday
11:00-21:00
Tuesday
11:00-21:00
Wednesday
11:00-21:00
Thursday
11:00-21:00
Friday
11:00-21:30
Saturday
11:00-21:30
Sunday
11:00-21:00

As listed on Google.

From their website

Services listed
Dine-in BBQTakeoutDeliveryCurbside pickupCateringBBQ SandwichesSmoked meats (brisket, ribs, pulled pork)Smoked wings

Operating:50 Years of Tradition

As published by the business on its own website; not independently verified.

Common questions

Does Sonny's offer all-you-can-eat?
Yes. Reviewers mention all-you-can-eat platters as a popular option, including the all-you-can-eat rib platters.
What services are available besides dine-in?
Takeout, curbside pickup, delivery, and catering are all available according to their website.
Is there a specific combo deal worth trying?
The founder's special rib and pork combo is praised by reviewers as an excellent value.

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BubbaQue's BBQ - Lakeland North
79

BubbaQue's BBQ - Lakeland North

4.4(774)✓ Google-verified

Most visits land well: diners praise the sauces, clean space, and warm service. Portions satisfy many. A real pattern emerges on the downside, though. Some meats arrive dry, especially chicken. To-go orders sometimes skip sauce packets entirely, and add-on fees for basics (paper plates at $1 each) have burned customers. Price-to-portion ratio divides opinion.

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Jimbos Pit Bar BQ
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Jimbos Pit Bar BQ

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Customers keep returning for ribs that shred easily and a famously spiced apple pie served with cider, backed by BBQ sauce and sides (hush puppies, mac and cheese, baked beans) reviewers call phenomenal. Staff often deliver quick, friendly service, though some report sudden order cancellations and sporadic lapses in attentiveness. The business has served Lakeland and Tampa for over 60 years and operates multiple ordering windows, making it convenient for families and bulk orders. A few note the dining room runs loud, and one reviewer raised concerns about kitchen staffing balance.

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Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits
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Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits

4.5(2330)✓ Google-verified

Reviewers consistently praise Mojo's smoked meats, burnt ends, and sides as among the best in Central Florida, with many returning frequently. Staff members earn frequent mention by name for attentiveness and warmth, and the restored bank building's atmosphere enhances the experience.

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Last updated 2026-08-26