Uncovering the Truth: Does Sonny’s BBQ Offer a Boozy Twist?

AvatarByErick Benitez BBQ Info And Recipe

When it comes to enjoying delicious BBQ, many individuals may be wondering, “Does Sonny’s BBQ serve alcohol?” This question has been a hot topic for some time now, as more and more restaurants are adding alcoholic beverages to their menus. For those who love a good cocktail or beer with their meal, this inquiry is crucial. Well, the answer is yes – Sonny’s BBQ does serve alcohol, but there is much more to it than a simple yes or no. Here, we will dive into the details of Sonny’s alcohol offering and explore the exciting world of pairing BBQ with your drink of choice. So grab your favorite beverage and let’s dig in!

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular American barbecue restaurant chain that was founded in Gainesville, Florida in 1968. Known for their slow-smoked meats and signature BBQ sauce, Sonny’s has over 100 locations throughout the Southeastern United States. However, one question that often comes to mind for those considering dining at Sonny’s is: Does Sonny’s BBQ serve alcohol? In this article, we will delve into this topic and provide you with all the information you need to know about alcohol being served at Sonny’s BBQ.

The History of Alcohol at Sonny’s BBQ

Alcohol has not always been a part of the Sonny’s experience. When the restaurant first opened its doors in 1968, it did not serve any sort of alcoholic beverages. This was in line with the values of its founder, Floyd “Sonny” Tillman Sr., who was a devout Christian and did not believe in consuming or serving alcohol.

However, in 1976, after receiving multiple requests from customers, Sonny Tillman decided to start offering beer and wine at select locations. This decision was met with some backlash from loyal customers who disagreed with serving alcohol at a family-friendly restaurant. As a compromise, Tillman implemented a policy where alcohol could only be consumed on designated outdoor patios or screened-in areas to separate it from the main dining room.

As the years went by and new ownership took over in 1991, Sonny’s slowly started to expand its alcoholic beverage options. It wasn’t until 2013 that they began offering full liquor bars at some of their locations.

The Menu Options

So what kind of alcoholic beverages can you find at Sonny’s BBQ? The answer may vary depending on which location you visit. While all restaurants have a selection of beer and wine on their menus, only a handful serve liquor as well. If you’re looking for some tasty cocktails to pair with your barbecue meal, it’s best to call ahead and check if they are available at your chosen location.

The beer selection at Sonny’s is usually quite extensive, with options ranging from domestic staples like Budweiser and Coors, to craft beers from local breweries. For wine lovers, Sonny’s offers a variety of red and white wines, including their famous sangria.

When it comes to liquor, Sonny’s has a full bar with a diverse selection of spirits – from whiskey and vodka to tequila and rum. Some locations also offer signature cocktails, such as their “Sonny’s Swine Wine” made with bourbon, peach schnapps, ginger ale, and lemon juice.

Alcohol Policy

While Sonny’s has come a long way since its early days of not serving alcohol at all, there are still strict policies in place regarding its consumption on the premises. To ensure the safety of its guests and maintain the family-friendly atmosphere they are known for, Sonny’s has a few rules in place regarding alcohol:

  • Alcoholic beverages can only be purchased by guests aged 21 or older.
  • Proper identification must be shown before ordering any alcoholic drinks.
  • Alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas (such as outdoor patios or screened-in areas) and cannot be brought into the main dining room.
  • No more than two alcoholic beverages can be purchased at once per person.
  • Sonny’s reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.

Catering Options

Aside from dining in at one of their locations, Sonny’s BBQ also offers catering services for events and parties. This includes options for serving alcohol, although it is limited to beer and wine only and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. The catering team will also handle the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance required for serving alcohol at the event.

So, does Sonny’s BBQ serve alcohol? Yes, they do! While it wasn’t always a part of their menu, alcohol has become a popular addition to the Sonny’s experience. With a variety of options available at select locations, you can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine with your delicious barbecue meal. However, Sonny’s also maintains strict policies to ensure the safety and comfort of all their guests. So next time you visit Sonny’s BBQ, raise a glass to their rich history and delicious food!

Welcome to Sonny’s BBQ, where we are dedicated to serving delicious, high-quality BBQ to our valued customers. Here at Sonny’s, we pride ourselves on our traditional pit-cooked BBQ and our commitment to providing exceptional service. One question that we often receive is, “Does Sonny’s BBQ serve alcohol?” The answer is yes – and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.

The History of Alcohol at Sonny’s BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ has been a staple in the barbecue industry since our humble beginnings in 1968. From our original location in Gainesville, Florida to over 100 locations across the United States today, we have always been dedicated to providing a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic Southern BBQ. When it comes to alcohol, our history is just as rich. In the early years of Sonny’s, alcohol was not served at any of our locations. However, as times changed and customer preferences evolved, we saw an opportunity to expand our beverage options and provide a more comprehensive dining experience.

What Type of Alcohol is Served?

At Sonny’s BBQ, we offer a variety of beer and wine options for our guests. Our beer selection features popular domestic and imported options including Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Corona. We also offer several craft beer selections from local breweries near each of our individual locations. For wine lovers, we have a diverse wine list featuring reds and whites from California vineyards like Beringer Vineyards and Kendall-Jackson Winery.

The Benefits of Serving Alcohol

While some may question serving alcohol at a family-friendly restaurant like Sonny’s BBQ, there are several benefits that come with offering these options. First and foremost, it allows us to cater to the preferences of all of our guests – whether they prefer a refreshing beer or a glass of wine with their BBQ. It also adds another layer to our dining experience, making it more enjoyable for our customers. Lastly, offering alcohol can also help increase revenue, which helps us continue providing top-quality BBQ to our loyal customers.

Responsible Serving Practices

At Sonny’s BBQ, we take responsible serving practices very seriously. We ensure that all of our staff members are properly trained and certified in responsible alcohol service. This means closely monitoring guest consumption and ensuring that we do not serve underage or visibly intoxicated individuals. We also have strict policies in place to prevent any incidents from occurring on our premises.

Alcohol Specials at Sonny’s BBQ

To make things even more enticing for our customers, we offer several alcohol specials throughout the week. Our “Happier Hour” features discounted beer and wine specials from 3-6pm every Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, we offer bottomless mimosas during brunch hours at select locations.

Closing Thoughts

At Sonny’s BBQ, we are proud to offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages to enhance your dining experience with us. From beer and wine options to special offers like “Happier Hour” and bottomless mimosas, we aim to provide something for everyone. Rest assured that we take responsible serving practices seriously and prioritize the safety of our guests above all else. We hope you will join us for some delicious pit-cooked BBQ and an ice-cold drink soon!

1) Does Sonny’s BBQ serve alcohol?
Yes, Sonny’s BBQ does serve a variety of alcoholic beverages including beer and wine at most of their locations.

2) What types of alcohol does Sonny’s BBQ offer?
At Sonny’s BBQ, you can expect a selection of domestic and craft beers, as well as various wines to pair with your meal.

3) Is there a bar at Sonny’s BBQ where I can order drinks?
While not all locations have a designated bar area, you can still order alcoholic beverages from your server at any table in the restaurant.

4) Can I bring my own alcohol to enjoy with my meal at Sonny’s BBQ?
No, outside alcohol is not permitted to be consumed on the premises of any Sonny’s BBQ location.

5) I have dietary restrictions – does Sonny’s BBQ offer any non-alcoholic options?
Yes, in addition to their alcoholic offerings, Sonny’s BBQ also has a variety of non-alcoholic beverages including soda, iced tea, and lemonade.

6) Are there any special deals or promotions for alcoholic drinks at Sonny’s BBQ?
Specials may vary by location, but many Sonny’s BBQ locations offer happy hour specials or discounts on drinks during certain days or times. It is best to check with your local restaurant for specific details.

In conclusion, Sonny’s BBQ does serve alcohol at select locations. While the majority of their restaurants do not offer alcoholic beverages, approximately 20% of their locations have a full bar available. This decision to serve alcohol varies by state and local liquor laws. Furthermore, Sonny’s BBQ takes responsible serving practices seriously and has implemented policies to ensure the safety of their customers.

Throughout this discussion, it has been established that Sonny’s BBQ is primarily known for its slow-smoked meats and family-friendly atmosphere. However, the option to also enjoy a beer or cocktail with your meal is available at some locations for those who wish to partake.

Despite the limited availability of alcohol at Sonny’s BBQ, it is clear that there are valid arguments for both allowing and prohibiting its presence in restaurants. While some may argue that serving alcohol can enhance the dining experience and increase profits, others may see it as a potential risk to customer safety and well-being.

In light of these considerations, Sonny’s BBQ has taken a thoughtful approach to serving alcohol by carefully considering the laws and regulations in each location where they choose to offer it. This shows their commitment to being responsible business owners while still offering options for those who want them.

Overall, the presence of alcohol at Sonny’s BBQ

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.