16 Best Barbeque Restaurants near Bartow

“Just wanted to give a shout out to Emily and the Bartow catering team and managers at Sonny’s. They did a great job and we received numerous compliments on the food ordered for my brother’s Celebration of Life! Thank you all very much! Kat“

“Good service Great food Reasonable prices. I had fried spare ribs, coleslaw and fries, pork n beans it was a generous order and tasted great more than I could eat“

“Love the staff and food. Tried the restaurant after the renovation and the new items added to the menu are awesome. Everything is hot and fresh. Home made pickles are a tasty garnish. The French fries are lightly seasoned and thick crinkle cut. Golden texture is great and you don’t even need ketchup. The pulled bbq is our fav along with the Mac n cheese. Best out there. The owner comes around to Check on the tables and the staff are so friendly, you feel like part of the family. Can’t wait to go back. Breanna was our server tonight and she is sweet as the bbq sauce and took great care of us, great service.“

“Very good brisket & banana pudding.would definitely recommend & great customer service from Ashley Agnes keep up the great work that you do“

“All the food was delicious. Had 1/2 chicken, Mac & cheese, Corn Casserole and Strawberry Shortcake!“

“OMG this food is amazing. Perfect barbeque the food is so good and tender. This place will be added to our Lakeland Safe places to eat. grab and go or sit and eat. sits back in the corner in Town center. and the prices are fair.“

“My family frequently this location and have never had a bad meal or service. What the manager did this evening topped every experience I have ever had since ever going to sonny's for several decades now. I was having to place an order online to be picked up as we were not able to dine in, had a couple of issues with the app so figured I would just walk in and order. Saw both gm's and wanted to let them know the issues I was seeing with the app, issue was also happening when trying to order the same thing from a pc as well on their website. He immediately called corporate but being after hours I think he was only able to leave a voicemail. After listening to me he takes me over to the takeout counter and tells the cashier my order is on him for having a bad experience. I couldn't believe it as it was so generous of him. The food was superb and we will definitely be back as you don't find customer service like that everywhere you go anymore. They have showed they are not only serious about their bbq but also their commitment to outstanding customer service. Thank you for the great experience.“

“I ordered our Thanksgiving meal from 4 Rivers this year. Everything was ready to go when I arrived to pick it up, and they even loaded it in the car for me. The service was great, and the staff were friendly. The food was amazing! The reason I rated it a 4 instead of 5 is because of the way the food was packaged. I knew it would need to be re-heated, and they provided good instructions, but everything came in sealed plastic bags. I was expecting it to be in containers that could be placed directly in the oven, so at the last minute, I had to scrounge around & find 8 of my own Corning ware dishes, pots & pans for heating it all. Then I had to cut all the bags open & pour & squeeze the food out. It took a little more time & effort than I thought it would, but everyone enjoyed the food.“

“Best place to eat in Winter Haven. Been here a couple of times and they continue to out do themselves each time.“

“The manager Tyler was super nice to my party and made sure we had the best service!“

“Good food I love the ribs“

“10/10! The service was great and food was amazing, and the sauce is my favorite! Definitely recommend if you're looking for great quality BBQ.“

“Our waiter was fantastic. We never had to ask for anything he anticipated our requests before we could even make them creating a wonderful dinner experience for me and my wife. Service here is usually good but on our last visit it was fantastic. Next time we are in we will have to find that man's name to be put in his section of restaurant.“

“Hope was our server and she was an absolute pleasure, she was very understanding with our special needs daughter and very accommodating to her and her needs. Well done having her on your team.“

“Kathy was our server and she was phenomenal. We will be back just to see her. Service is a huge part of the dining out experience and she was amazing.“

“1st I will say typically we have had good experiences at this location. But we went there 12/31/25 New Years Eve.
Service was just ok, but they were busy. My problem was the ribeye steak.
It wasn't even a steak but rather a sliver of overcooked meat at $30. Everything else was fine. I may have to drive further next time for a good steak.“