Sonny's BBQ Menu 2026: Full List, Platters & Signature Ribs

Sonny's BBQ is best known as "the place for ribs" — a tagline that has defined the brand since it opened in Gainesville, Florida in 1968. The chain's signature item is its slow-smoked pork ribs (both baby back and St. Louis style), pit-cooked with hickory smoke and served with Sonny's own BBQ sauce. Beyond ribs, the menu features pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw.

Sonny's BBQ operates primarily in the Southeast United States, with the heaviest concentration in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The chain was founded in Gainesville, Florida in 1968 and has grown to over 100 locations across the Southeast. Use the official store locator at sonnysbbq.com to find the nearest location.

Sonny's BBQ was founded in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida by Floyd 'Sonny' Tillman. That makes the chain more than 55 years old as of 2026. It remains one of the largest BBQ chains in the Southeast and one of the longest-running BBQ restaurant groups in the United States.

Yes. Sonny's BBQ offers both half-rack and full-rack options for both baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs. The full rack is the most generous portion and is typically the most-ordered option for groups or serious BBQ fans. Both racks come with your choice of two classic Southern sides.

Sonny's BBQ offers a range of classic Southern sides including baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, green beans, potato salad, and garlic bread. Most plated meals come with a choice of two sides. Side options can vary slightly by location.

Yes. Sonny's BBQ offers online ordering for pickup and delivery at participating locations through their official website and app. The chain also provides catering services with family packs and bulk meat options — ideal for events, parties, and gatherings. Visit sonnysbbq.com for catering inquiries at your local store.

Sonny's BBQ is a meat-centric BBQ chain, but several side dishes are vegetarian-friendly: baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, green beans, potato salad, and garlic bread are all meat-free as served (though cross-contact is possible in a BBQ kitchen). There are no certified vegetarian or vegan entrees on the standard menu. Confirm with your local store if you have dietary requirements.

Both styles are available at Sonny's BBQ. Baby back ribs are shorter, leaner, and come from the top of the rib cage near the spine — they are more tender and have a slightly milder flavor. St. Louis ribs are cut from the lower rib cage, are meatier and wider, with more fat marbling and a richer, deeper pork flavor. St. Louis ribs typically take longer to smoke and many BBQ purists prefer them for their extra meat per bone. At Sonny's, both are slow-smoked with the same technique.

Sonny's BBQ is most comparable to Famous Dave's, Mission BBQ, and City BBQ among national/regional chains, and to Texas Roadhouse for sit-down Southern comfort food. Sonny's distinguishes itself through its Southeast regional identity, hickory-smoke-forward pit style, and focus on ribs as the centerpiece rather than brisket (which dominates Texas-style chains). Sonny's also emphasizes classic Southern sides that reflect Florida and Georgia home cooking traditions.