13 Best Barbeque Restaurants in Gainesville

“The food was so good, and I don't even like barbecue. We had been seeing them on the corner of 13th street for ages before finally succumbing to the delicious, tantalizing smells. We had the ribs with original barbecue and two sides (rice and macncheese), a chicken sandwich with jerk sauce, and a Pineapple Lemonade. Again, coming from someone that doesn't like barbecue typically because of the smoked aspect, they are doing something damn right with the way they smoke their meats. The meat is still tender, juicy, and flavorful. The Pineapple Lemonade tastes like pineapple upside down cake in liquid form - it's gold, but if you're looking for something more tart and lemony, it probably wouldn't be your style because it's SWEET. Tangy, but very, very sweet. The only setbacks were the fact that I could've used a little bit more seasoning on the rice and macncheese - the meat had flavor, but the sides seemed to lack a little. However I will say that the sides had the best textures I have ever had for macncheese and rice. Along with that, I wish we saw some different bread, like maybe some Texas style toast for the chicken sandwich. Regardless, this was an absolutely A+ meal and we look forward to trying more menu items and frequenting their truck!“

“There is NO better BBQ this side of Central Florida. Period! My family has been going to Adams since they were by the university and we stop in every time we visit the area. It's my favorite BBQ place ever! Food is hot, fast, consistent, you can see the smokers going outback..There ain't nothing like Adam's! Hope they're around another 20 years plus!“

“O!M!G!!!!! I am SO glad we found this place! We were in town for the drag race, but there was a rain delay....Jimmy was our server. He was EXCELLENT!! He gave recommendations and even brought a sample of the Brunswick stew for me. (WHICH WAS FANTASTIC!!) The sweet tea is REAL sweet tea, not the watered-down version you mostly get down here. I haven't found Brunswick stew down here, and when I saw it on the menu, I had to have it! It was SO GOOD!!! The cornbread....is TOO good. My husband got the 3 item combo. The brisket was amazing! The pulled pork....SO GOOD!! And the chicken...good grief. We left the restaurant SO full that we almost had to take a NAP before we went back! ?? I'm telling you, THIS place is an ABSOLUTE MUST TRY if you're in the area!!!“

“Embraced by the warmth of fleeting voices and welcoming assistance. As a nostalgic flavor reaches into my stomach. Grasping for the time I could come so close to perfection, as they do here. Will I ever know a time or place where I could come so near? Thoughts reach me to the farthest ends. Appreciation in all its greatest value, as it should when bittersweetness enters as I leave the threshold.Had an existential crisis. 10/10“

“We had given up on Sonny's because the one in Alachua, FL had gone downhill in all ways. One day, around St. Patrick's day, we decided to try the Sonny's on 39th Street in Gainesville. Well, we now have our preferred Sonny's! We had a great server, Patricia. I asked to speak with the manager to praise Patricia. Ethan approached with a huge smile and I expressed my opinion on how great Patricia was. We talked quite a while and he truly made a connection. After a very enjoyable conversation, Ethan invited me to let him know the next time we were at the restaurant. Fast forward to April 15, 2024. We were greeted by Zach with a pleasant smile and great personality. I asked him if Ethan was working, which he was. I also asked if he could let Ethan know that I was there. Not long after we were sat, Ethan comes walking around the corner and when he saw me, his face lit up!!! He remembered everything about our last visit and even commented about my husband wearing a plaid shirt again. Another GREAT conversation and when our server, Elise, brought the food out, Ethan came out to check on us. Elise was also very kind, with a great smile. I noticed that all of the servers were smiling - at all times. What a great environment. A few days after our visit, I called to speak with the General Manager, Charles. Well, now I understand why the staff at Sonny's on 39th Street in Gainesville is so happy! Charles was an absolute delight to speak with and I expressed that his restaurant is our go-to Sonny's even though we have to travel further than our local Sonny's location. This is turning out to be a novel; however, it is important to me to always give praise where it is deserved. Kudos to Charles, Ethan and the associates at this Sonny's location!!“

“We couldn't decide what we wanted so we got the Adam's sampler. Pulled pork, brisket, 1/2 a chicken, 6 ribs (BIG ribs), collards, fries, Mac and cheese, plus garlic bread. For $47.00 it was a huge amount of food. The chicken was my favorite part. It is really easy when smoking chicken to end up with dry meat. This bird was juicy and delicious. The collards needed a little bit of the vinegar pepper sauce to punch them up a bit, but overall everything was excellent.“

“We stopped in for dinner after a day at the NHRA track. We were so impressed with the management and servers. Crazy busy, but everyone was so polite . The staff hustled, and the managers were chipping in! The sign of a well run business. The food? Excellent. We had the sirloin w/asparagus and salmon w/Brussel sprouts.“

“Visited Florida for the first time with my girlfriend who grew up here and swore up and down that k had to try this place, and I'm so glad we made time to do so. I'm drawing a blank on her name, but our waitress was so friendly and attentive to anything and everything we needed. The food is incredible. I tried to Sonny's Sampler which is basically a BBQ charcuterie board featuring a magnificent combination of all their BBQ meats, cooked to absolute perfection and I chose the Mac & Cheese and the french fries as my sides which were both fantastic.Parking: Huge parking that wraps two sides of the building. There were a few trucks with boats and other trailer and still had plenty of parking. May vary throughout the day.Wheelchair accessibility: I don't use a wheelchair but main entrances have ramps at an easy Incline, and the interior is very open between tables.“

“So it had been a while since our first time here, and I was concerned with the reviews about the change of menu. However, people really like to complain!! The food was amazing! We did the A menu (All you can eat). They bring out 3 meats at a time, after your done, they come back with another 3 (you always get to chose which ones you want next).The flavor was delicious, the beef menu excellent. I feel like the service is much organized now. We would recommend this place 100%“

“So I had the 1x2 platter with the brisket, fried ocra, and bread pudding.Brisket: So I've never had brisket before, but I found it to be very tender and easy to cut with a plastic knife however it was extremely bland. It didn't really have any flavor, not even the seared bits.Ocra: really good!! I love fried ocra and the breading on this is very flavorful and just perfectPudding: tasty and I didn't even mind the raisins which I absolutely detest normally. Not too sweet but not bland either, really good balance“

“Being that it was my first time eating from David's BBQ, the food was great!! The only thing was that the rib pieces were really huge. When I eat ribs I like smaller pieces that I can chew. Other than that the experience was amazing and the young lady at counter was amazing as well. Her smile would make anyone's day. Definitely will be going back.“

“Bobby & his team are true experts!! The food they prepare is EXCELLENT- beef tenderloin cooked to perfection, crafty appetizers and very refreshing winter greens. The service they provide is unbelievable!! Bobby does not miss a single detail- from hosting a champagne welcome station for our guests, elegant place settings and BUILDING a sign for decor.. he does it all. Thank you Bobby & team for making our day truly something special!! Wish I had pics of the food but truly you must try it for yourself!! Amazing!!“

“Started with the potato skins they were awesome, just wished they would add scallions. I had the 12oz ribeye combo with shrimp, cooked perfectly. Hubby had the 14 oz prime rib and added shrimp. He did have to send back just to warm it up a little. But the taste was delicious. They don't have cocktail sauce, but our our wonderful waitress made us a batch. And the rolls are to die for. Needless to say, we had leftovers and our dogs loved them.“