Sonny’s Bar-B-Q in Atlanta: What to Expect and Where to Go for Classic Southern BBQ

If you’re craving smoked meats, laid-back vibes, and classic Southern sides in Atlanta, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q is one of the better-known BBQ chains you’ll come across. While Atlanta has plenty of independent barbecue spots, Sonny’s appeals to people who want something familiar, consistent, and family-friendly.

This guide breaks down what Sonny’s Bar-B-Q offers in and around Atlanta, what’s typically on the menu, how it compares to the broader Atlanta BBQ scene, and tips for visiting if you live here or you’re just in town.

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q in the Atlanta Area

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q is a regional barbecue chain with locations across the Southeast. Around metro Atlanta, locations are generally found in suburban areas and along major highways, making them convenient for:

• Families looking for a casual sit-down BBQ meal
• Travelers stopping along the interstate
• Groups that need predictable menus and easy parking

While exact locations can change over time, Sonny’s restaurants near Atlanta are typically in or around:

• Suburban corridors around I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285
• Areas with big-box shopping centers, hotels, or travel plazas

If you’re staying downtown or in midtown Atlanta, you may need to drive 20–40 minutes to reach the nearest Sonny’s, depending on traffic and which side of town you’re on. Locals often check a maps app and search for “Sonny’s Bar-B-Q near Atlanta” to see the closest current locations and hours.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Sonny’s aims for a casual, family-style barbecue experience. If you’re deciding whether it fits your plans, here’s what you can usually expect:

Dining Style

• Sit-down service with servers taking your order at the table
• Booths and tables suited for families and groups
• Relaxed, informal feel—T-shirt and jeans are standard
• Often sports on TV, country or classic rock playing in the background

Many Atlanta-area visitors use Sonny’s as a low-stress group option after youth sports games, on road trips, or when feeding a mixed crowd that wants simple, recognizable dishes.

Takeout and Family Meals

Most Sonny’s locations around Atlanta offer:

• Call-ahead takeout
• Online ordering (where available)
• Family packs or bulk meats by the pound for gatherings

This can be handy if you’re hosting a casual get-together at home or a rental in Atlanta and want a ready-made BBQ spread without cooking.

What’s on the Menu at Sonny’s Bar-B-Q

Menus can vary slightly by location, but Atlanta-area Sonny’s restaurants typically focus on classic smoked meats and Southern-style sides. Portions are generally designed to be filling rather than gourmet or experimental.

Core BBQ Meats

You’ll typically see:

• Pulled pork – a staple at Sonny’s, often served on plates or sandwiches
• Sliced or chopped brisket – Texas-style influence, though prepared in a chain format
• Ribs – usually baby back or St. Louis–style, ordered as half or full racks
• Smoked chicken – often available as plates, sandwiches, or salads
• Smoked turkey – another leaner option common on the menu
• Sausage – sometimes available in combo plates or as an add-on

Most meats come with your choice of sauce at the table—typically a range from sweet and mild to tangy or spicy.

Southern Sides

Sides are part of the appeal for many Atlanta diners. Common options include:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• French fries
• Green beans or collard-style greens (depending on location)
• Potato salad
• Cornbread or garlic toast

You can often upgrade to premium sides at some locations, so it’s worth scanning the menu if you want something a bit different.

Sandwiches, Salads, and Combos

Beyond plates, Sonny’s usually offers:

• Pulled pork or brisket sandwiches
• BBQ chicken sandwiches or wraps
• BBQ salads topped with smoked meat
• Combo plates that let you choose 2–3 meats plus sides

These options work well if you’re trying Sonny’s for the first time and want to sample multiple meats without ordering separate full plates.

Kids’ Options

Most Atlanta-area Sonny’s restaurants provide kids’ menus, which may include:

• Smaller portions of pulled pork or chicken
• Chicken tenders
• Burgers or simple sandwiches
• Kid-sized drinks and sides

That makes Sonny’s a practical choice for families visiting Atlanta who want something straightforward that most children recognize and will eat.

How Sonny’s Fits into Atlanta’s BBQ Scene

Atlanta is known for a mix of BBQ styles—you’ll find Georgia-style pulled pork, Texas-style brisket, Carolinas influence, and specialty smokehouses throughout the metro area.

Here’s how Sonny’s generally fits in:

Chain vs. Local BBQ

• Sonny’s Bar-B-Q is a regional chain, so it focuses on consistency and familiarity rather than chef-driven, experimental barbecue.
• Many Atlanta locals turn to independent smokehouses (like neighborhood BBQ joints and food trucks) when they want a more unique, local flavor or wood-specific smoking styles.
• Sonny’s tends to attract:
  • Travelers unfamiliar with Atlanta who recognize the brand
  • Locals who grew up with Sonny’s in the Southeast
  • Groups who prioritize easy parking, seating, and clear pricing

When Sonny’s Makes Sense in Atlanta

Sonny’s can be a good match if:

• You’re staying outside the downtown core and want something easy nearby
• You’re traveling with people who prefer familiar menus over local-only spots
• You want a predictable BBQ experience rather than searching through multiple neighborhood options

If you’re a BBQ enthusiast looking to explore Atlanta’s deeper BBQ culture, you might use Sonny’s as a baseline and also add local spots in Grant Park, Westside, Decatur, or the suburbs to your food itinerary.

Typical Price Range and Value

Prices can shift over time and vary slightly by location, but Sonny’s generally falls into the moderate, family-friendly category.

You can typically expect:

• Individual plates with meat and sides: mid-range casual dining pricing
• Sandwiches: often lower than plated meals, especially for lunch
• Family meals or bulk orders: can offer better per-person value for groups

Locals often compare Sonny’s to other casual sit-down chains in terms of cost, rather than to fast-food BBQ stands or premium chef-led restaurants.

For budget-conscious visitors in Atlanta:

• Consider lunch specials if available at the location you visit
• Look at family packs to feed several people instead of ordering separately

Dietary Preferences and Practical Considerations

If you or someone in your group has particular dietary needs, here’s how Sonny’s usually lines up:

Pork, Beef, and Poultry

Most of the menu revolves around:

• Pork (pulled pork, ribs)
• Beef (brisket)
• Chicken and turkey

If you avoid pork, you can often choose chicken, turkey, or brisket. If you avoid red meat altogether, chicken and turkey are usually available as plate or salad options.

Lighter or Leaner Options

For those looking for lighter fare:

• Smoked turkey plates or salads
• Chicken plates or salads
• Choosing non-fried sides (like green beans, side salads, or certain vegetable sides)

Menus and preparation can evolve, so it’s usually best to:

• Ask your server how meats are seasoned and cooked
• Let them know about any food allergies or specific restrictions

Vegetarian Considerations

Sonny’s is not primarily vegetarian-focused, but vegetarians in a group may still find:

• Side salads
• Baked potatoes (where offered)
• Various sides like green beans, coleslaw, or fries

If you’re vegetarian or vegan and planning meals in Atlanta, you may want to treat Sonny’s as a fallback option only when necessary, and otherwise look for specialty vegetarian or plant-forward restaurants in neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Decatur.

Planning a Visit: Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

To make your visit smoother, especially in Atlanta’s sometimes unpredictable traffic, consider the following:

1. Check Location and Travel Time

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, particularly:

• Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.)
• Weekday evenings (4–7 p.m.)

If you’re driving from downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport to a suburban Sonny’s, build in extra time. Use a navigation app to:

• Confirm the closest Sonny’s Bar-B-Q location
• Check live traffic before you go
• Verify current hours, which can differ by day and by location

2. Call Ahead for Large Groups or Catering-Style Orders

If you’re planning to bring a group or need a lot of food for:

• A family reunion
• A sports team
• An office gathering

Consider:

• Calling the location directly to see if they take call-ahead seating or reservations for larger parties
• Asking about party platters, meats by the pound, or large sides

Most suburban Sonny’s locations are set up to handle larger dine-in groups more comfortably than urban lunch spots with limited seating.

3. Take Advantage of Nearby Amenities

Many Sonny’s restaurants near Atlanta are placed in areas with:

• Big retail centers
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Hotels and lodging

If you’re road-tripping through Atlanta or overnighting in the suburbs, Sonny’s can be a fairly straightforward one-stop meal with easy access to other necessities nearby.

How Sonny’s Compares to Other Atlanta Dining Choices

If you’re planning your Atlanta food lineup, it can help to see where Sonny’s fits among your options.

If you have time in your schedule, many visitors try both: a Sonny’s visit for convenience and one or two local barbecue spots for a deeper sense of Atlanta’s BBQ character.

Finding the Right Sonny’s Location for Your Plans

Because exact Sonny’s Bar-B-Q locations and phone numbers can change, the most practical approach from within Atlanta is to:

1. Open your preferred map or navigation app.
2. Search for “Sonny’s Bar-B-Q”.
3. Filter for distance from your current location.
4. Tap through to:
   • Confirm address and hours
   • Check estimated drive time
   • Call the restaurant if you:
     • Have a large party
     • Need takeout for a group
     • Have specific dietary questions

If you’re staying near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll likely be driving to a suburban Sonny’s, so it’s wise to check both distance and traffic before committing.

In and around Atlanta, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q serves as a reliable, no-frills option for classic smoked meats and familiar sides, especially if you’re already comfortable with the brand from elsewhere in the Southeast. Whether you’re a local looking for an easy family dinner or a visitor needing a straightforward BBQ stop off the interstate, knowing what to expect and how it fits into the broader Atlanta BBQ landscape can help you decide if Sonny’s belongs on your list.