Updated February 2023! If you’re looking for real Southern barbecue without the fuss, then Sonny’s BBQ might be a good option. As you might expect, they offer quite a few dairy-free meats that are slow-smoked, fire-grilled, or both. Most can be enjoyed as a meal, with dairy-free sides, or in a simple sandwich. But we have even more details about Sonny’s BBQ below.
Dairy-Free Menu Guide for Sonny’s BBQ
This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by sauces. Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses () next to the menu items, and see the Heads Up notes to help fill in the blanks.
Fryer Note: We have been told that they do use shared fryers for their fried items at Sonny’s BBQ. If you are concerned about potential cross contamination, be aware that certain fried items, like the chicken tenders, do contain milk.
Other Allergen & Dietary Notes: Sonny’s BBQ does not appear to use any peanuts or tree nuts in their food. All non-dairy items listed below are also made without egg, gluten, and ‘allergenic’ soy ingredients, unless otherwise clear in the name or noted in parentheses. For vegan options, see the Vegan Menu Guide at the bottom of this post.
Appetizers
- Chicken Wings with Bar-B-Q Sauce
- Fried Okra (contains gluten)
- Fried Pickles (contains gluten) (limited availability)
- Loaded Tots (no queso)
Heads Up! The BBQ Pork Egg Rolls and Corn Nuggets do contain milk. According to Sonny’s, their Crispy Onion Straws, on the Tots, are made without milk, but they are fried.
Entrees (without sides)
- Baby Back Ribs
- BBQ Chicken
- Beef Brisket, Chopped and Sliced
- Pulled Chicken
- Pulled Pork
- Sliced Pork
- Smoked Turkey
- St. Louis Ribs – Sweet & Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed
Heads Up! The Chicken Tenders at Sonny’s BBQ do contain milk.
Pit Master Plates
These combo plates can be ordered with the meat options above, and dairy-free sides below. They also come with toast. Be sure to ask for the dairy-free bread options, and specify no butter. We’ve been told that most locations of Sonny’s BBQ do have dairy-free bread options, but they are often locally sourced, so they can vary by location.
Burgers & Sandwiches (without sides)
- Beef Brisket Sandwich (no butter)
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no butter)
- Pulled Chicken Sandwich (no butter)
- Pulled Pork Sandwich (sub dairy-free bun, no butter)
- Sonny’s Cuban Sandwich (sub dairy-free bun, no butter, no cheese)
- Sonny’s Steakburger (no cheese)
Heads Up! According to Sonny’s BBQ, their White Texas Toast Bread and Hamburger Buns are made without milk, but you must request no butter. Their Corn Bread and Garlic Bread contain milk.
Salad
- BBQ Cobb (no cheese, sub dairy-free dressing) (contains egg)
- BBQ Salad (no cheese, sub dairy-free dressing, no butter on corn)
- Side Salad (no croutons, choose dairy-free dressing)
- Salad Bar (dairy-free items, choose from dressings below)
Heads Up! The Croutons at Sonny’s BBQ do contain milk.
Dairy-Free Salad Dressings: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Italian, French, Thousand Island (contains egg), Honey Mustard (contains egg)
Kids Menu
- Hot Dog (contains gluten)
- Kids Ribs (verify dairy-free bread or sub dairy-free side)
Heads Up! The Chicken Tenders at Sonny’s BBQ do contain milk.
Sides
- Baked Potato
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Broccoli
- Corn on the Cob
- Crinkle-Cut Fries
- Original BBQ Beans
- Potato Salad (contains egg)
- Tater Tots
Heads Up! The side options might vary by location. The Coleslaw, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, and Corn Bread at Sonny’s BBQ do contain milk. Make sure your vegetables are served without butter.
Sauces & Condiments
- Cinnamon Margarine
- Mayonnaise (contains egg)
- Sonny’s Mild BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Smokin’ BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Sweet BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Sizzlin’ Sweet BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Mustard Sauce
- Sonny’s Original Sauce
- Sonny’s Signature Carolina Sauce
- Sonny’s Sweet Mustard Sauce
Heads Up! The Smokey Ranch Dip at Sonny’s BBQ does contain milk.
Desserts
Heads Up! Unfortunately, Sonny’s BBQ does not offer any dairy-free desserts.
Vegan Menu Guide
- Fried Okra
- Fried Pickles
- Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Italian, or French Dressing (no croutons)
- Baked Potato
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Broccoli
- Corn on the Cob
- Crinkle-Cut Fries
- Tater Tots
Vegan Condiments & Sauces
- Cinnamon Margarine
- Sonny’s Mild BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Smokin’ BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Sweet BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Sizzlin’ Sweet BBQ Sauce
- Sonny’s Mustard Sauce
- Sonny’s Original Sauce
- Sonny’s Signature Carolina Sauce
- Sonny’s Sweet Mustard Sauce
Heads Up! The items above do not contain dairy, egg, meat, or fish. But verify in store if you are concerned about honey or any other non-vegan ingredients.
This Post is for Informational Purposes Only
Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, food sourcing, and restaurant protocols are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure they can accommodate your situation. This post is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice.
There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.
Each location of a chain restaurant has different management and staff, and some might have different owners. This means differences in processes, ingredients used, menu options, and food sourcing can occur. Always verify the safety of your order for your needs at your current location.
Where to Find Sonny’s BBQ
Sonny’s BBQ has locations dotted all across Florida, but they also have locations in other Southeastern states. See their website below for addresses, hours, and contact information.
Website: www.sonnysbbq.com
Thank you Go Dairy Free
With the use of my common since this site has made going out to eat so much better. I can eat things I wouldn’t have tried before. Thank you
Mention your dairy free
Alfa’s come with cheese and ranch was the only salad dressing option when we ordered through drive through but only found out after waiting in the pickup parking spot for quite a while. I didn’t think to ask about cheese on the salad since it was listed as dairy free at the restaurant- my mistake, but wanted to warn others. We can go back through to order a different side and it isn’t their mistake to fix so I’ll go without. Just wanted to prevent others from making the same mistake if in a hurry like us.
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