Barbecue Restaurant

Sonny's BBQ Ocala

Authentic slow-smoked barbecue since 1968. Award-winning ribs, pulled pork, and signature sweet sauce in a family-friendly Southern atmosphere.

Slow-Smoked Meats

Pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken & turkey

Signature Sauce

Sweet BBQ sauce perfected since 1968

Family-Friendly

Casual Southern atmosphere for all ages

Generous Portions

Combo platters & satisfying sides

About Sonny's BBQ Ocala

Sonny's BBQ has been a Southern institution since its founding in Gainesville, Florida in 1968. For over five decades, this beloved barbecue chain has been perfecting the art of slow-smoking meats and creating an authentic BBQ experience that keeps customers coming back generation after generation. The Ocala location on Waldo Road brings this same tradition and quality to Marion County residents and visitors.

At Sonny's BBQ Ocala, the commitment to quality begins with the smoking process itself. Each meat is carefully selected and slow-smoked using traditional methods that develop deep, rich flavors impossible to achieve through quick cooking. Whether you're craving tender pulled pork that falls apart with just a fork, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are cooked to perfection, or succulent brisket that melts in your mouth, Sonny's delivers the authentic BBQ experience that Southern barbecue enthusiasts demand.

What truly sets Sonny's apart is their signature sweet BBQ sauce. This distinctive blend has been refined over decades and complements their slow-smoked meats beautifully. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness, adding a finishing touch that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural flavors of the meat. It's this attention to detail that has made Sonny's a trusted name across Florida.

The menu offers something for everyone. Beyond the smoked meats, Sonny's offers an impressive selection of sides that elevate the BBQ experience. Classic coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch, baked beans bring traditional BBQ comfort, corn on the cob offers natural sweetness, and creamy mac and cheese rounds out the plate perfectly. Generous combo platters let you sample multiple meats and sides in one meal, making it easy to experience the full Sonny's BBQ tradition.

The Ocala location maintains the casual, Southern-style atmosphere that defines Sonny's locations throughout Florida. The family-friendly environment welcomes everyone from young children to grandparents, making it perfect for casual family dinners, celebrations, or simply satisfying a serious BBQ craving. The welcoming staff and no-frills approach to service let the food be the star, which is exactly how authentic barbecue restaurants should operate.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Sonny's or discovering this Southern BBQ gem for the first time, the Ocala location on Waldo Road delivers authentic slow-smoked barbecue that honors the tradition and quality standards that have made Sonny's a Florida favorite since 1968. Come experience why generations of Floridians have trusted Sonny's for their BBQ needs.

Location & Contact Information

Address

Sonny's BBQ
Waldo Road
Ocala, FL 34475

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Dining Style

Casual, Family-Friendly Barbecue

Services

Dine-in, Takeout, Catering Available

Waldo Road, Ocala

Located on Waldo Road in Ocala, easily accessible to Marion County residents and visitors

View on Map

Menu Highlights

Slow-Smoked Meats

  • • Pulled Pork
  • • Baby Back Ribs
  • • Brisket
  • • Smoked Chicken
  • • Smoked Turkey

Signature Sides

  • • Creamy Coleslaw
  • • Baked Beans
  • • Corn on the Cob
  • • Mac & Cheese
  • • Sweet BBQ Sauce

Combo Platters

  • • Mixed Meat Platters
  • • Generous Portions
  • • Multiple Sides Included
  • • Perfect for Sharing
  • • Family Meals Available

Why Choose Sonny's BBQ

55+ Years of Tradition

Founded in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida. Decades of perfected recipes and BBQ expertise.

Signature Sweet Sauce

Distinctive signature BBQ sauce perfected over decades. The perfect complement to slow-smoked meats.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Casual Southern setting perfect for families, groups, and anyone with a serious BBQ appetite.

Authentic Slow-Smoking

Traditional smoking methods develop rich, complex flavors that quick cooking cannot achieve.

Generous Portions

Satisfying combo platters and sides that deliver authentic Southern BBQ hospitality.

Catering Services

Perfect for events, parties, and celebrations. Contact for catering menu and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sonny's BBQ hours of operation?
Sonny's BBQ Ocala is typically open Monday-Thursday 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Please call ahead to confirm current hours as they may vary seasonally.
What is Sonny's BBQ signature sauce?
Sonny's is known for its distinctive sweet BBQ sauce that complements their slow-smoked meats perfectly. This signature sauce has been a staple of the Sonny's experience since the chain's founding in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida.
Do they offer catering services?
Yes, Sonny's BBQ typically offers catering services for events, parties, and business functions. Contact the Ocala location directly at the phone number provided for catering inquiries, pricing, and menu options.
Are there vegetarian options at Sonny's BBQ?
While Sonny's specializes in slow-smoked meats, they offer side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and mac & cheese that can be enjoyed as vegetarian meals or sides.
Is Sonny's BBQ family-friendly?
Absolutely! Sonny's BBQ features a casual, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for dining with children. The generous portions and variety of menu options make it suitable for all ages.
What makes Sonny's BBQ different from other BBQ restaurants?
Sonny's has been smoking meats since 1968, bringing decades of BBQ tradition to Ocala. Their slow-smoking process, signature sauce, generous portions, and consistent quality have made them a beloved Southern barbecue destination across Florida.

Verification & Trust

Sonny's BBQ Ocala is a verified business location of the nationally recognized Sonny's BBQ chain, founded in 1968. Information verified through direct business contact and local community partnerships with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

✓ Established barbecue chain with 55+ years history

✓ Multiple locations throughout Florida

✓ Family-friendly dining since 1968

✓ Professional catering services available

Ready for Authentic BBQ?

Visit Sonny's BBQ Ocala on Waldo Road for slow-smoked meats and signature Southern barbecue. Call ahead or stop by today!