CJ's BBQ Pit Stop with Sonny's BBQ

CJ will travel around Central Florida getting the secrets to Sonny's BBQ's most popular dishes!

Sonny's BBQ has been a staple in central Florida for years dating back to 1968 when the first location opened in Gainesville by Floyd "Sonny" Tillman. Mr Tillman then went on to open more locations eventually opening locations in the Ocala area where I'm from!

I enjoyed Sonny's BBQ for years as a child and still love it to this day! My favorite dishes are the smoked turkey lunch plate or the BBQ pulled pork sandwich both with fries and baked beans (I love dipping my fries in the beans.)

I'm so excited to tour around to the different Sonny's BBQ locations around the Orlando area and get the low-down on some of my favorite dishes and perhaps, the pitmasters will share some secret menu items!

Pit Stop #1 - Sonny's BBQ Ocala

I was so excited to learn my first pit stop would be at the Sonny's BBQ on SW College Rd in Ocala! This is the location I grew up eating at and to be back and learn from the pitmaster himself, Jesse Carter about how Sonny's slow smokes their famous St. Louis baby back ribs was a real treat! I also found out my dad comes in a few times a week to eat so naturally I had to harass him a little too!

Pit Stop #2 - Tailgating with Sonny's BBQ

Talk about the perfect combo! Sonny's BBQ Pitmaster Shannon helped me figure out the best way to kick of your next tailgate or football party! Have Sonny's cater it! Whether it be platters of smoked BBQ pork or their insanely delicious smoked wings, there's something for everyone on the menu! And you have to try their DIY Raspberry Peach Sweet Tea Sangria! It hits the spot and pairs very nicely with all of their dishes!

Get the recipe for Raspberry Peach Sweet Tea Sangria here!

Pit Stop #3 - Sonny's BBQ Eusits

This morning we made the trek to Eustis in Lake County and had a great time with pitmaster Brian Anderson! He showed us all about their Labor Day Meal Deals, how they smoke their chicken, and of course, Sonny's famous sides like their baked beans, mac n' cheese, and potato salad! You can get it dine-in or take it to go! The Eustis location has been totally remodeled and even has a bar! If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and tell Brian CJ sent ya!

Pit Stop #4 - Sonny's BBQ Merritt Island

Since I live in Orlando, visiting Merritt Island means one of 3 things... I'm going on a cruise, I'm going to the beach, or I'm going to Sonny's BBQ! Just in time for busy school season when you'll be shuttling kids here and there, Sonny's makes it so easy to have dinner handled! Try their Pick 2 or Pick 3 meals! You can combnine any meats for your ultimate dinner! Ribs, chicken, pulled pork, hot links sausages, plus so many more! Don't take my word for it, take Pitmaster Dave's! He broke it down for me and obviously, I stole some cornbread.

Pit Stop #5 - Sonny's Tier 2 Catering

When you think Sonny's BBQ, you most likely think of their delicious smoked meats and famous St Louis BBQ ribs and delicious sides, but did you know they have amazing catering options? We're talking like, full on wedding catering! How about smoked salmon and prime rib? Mashed potato bar. Mac n' cheese bar. Or build your own taco bar?! Seriously. It was all delicious and I am still craving those tacos! Pitmaster Karl Lynch walks us through their options and explains how they get their meats to that perfect smoked flavor.

Pit Stop #6 - Sonny's BBQ Titusville

This morning my eyes were opened to a new favorite dish at Sonny's BBQ! Pitmaster Gavin showed me how he prepares one of their delicious beef briskets! Not only do they create their dry rub in house, they also season the meant PERFECTLY to ensure every bite has flavor and that perfect smoked taste! The briskets smoke overnight for 12 hours before being served one of two ways...sliced or chopped. Sliced ensures a more lean cut where as a chopped serving will get more of the moist fatty portion of the brisket. (BOTH are delicious!)

Central Florida Sonny's BBQ Locations

Alafaya Trail

Apopka

Belleview (Abshire/441/310)

Ocala (County Road 484)

Bushnell

Clermont

Cocoa Beach

Eustis

Melbourne

Merritt Island

Ocala (College Road)

Ocala (Silver Springs Blvd)

Orange City

Orlando (OBT)

Oviedo

Palm Bay

Palm Coast

Sanford

St. Cloud

Titusville

Winter Park

The Villages (Lake Sumter Landing)

Port Orange

Lee Vista