• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Genuine Kentucky

Kentucky Pictures, Events, Restaurants

  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Facts About Kentucky
      • Kentucky Geography 101: Where is Kentucky?!
      • Kentucky’s Lakes (Listed Alphabetically)
    • Famous Kentuckians
    • Kentucky Birds
      • Joys of Bird Watching
      • Bird Watching: Keeping a Journal
      • Backyard Birds Love Water!
      • Create a Backyard Bird Watching Haven
      • How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
    • Kentucky Food
    • Kentucky History
    • Sitemap
  • Pictures
  • Restaurants
    • Best Catfish Restaurants
    • Best Pizza in Ky
    • Best BBQ in Ky
    • Bowling Green Restaurants
    • Gluten Free in Kentucky
    • Kentucky Lake Restaurants
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Owensboro, Gluten Free
    • Owensboro Restaurants
    • Where to Eat Lunch in Owensboro
  • KY State Parks
    • Carter Caves State Resort Park
    • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
    • Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    • Kenlake State Resort Park
    • Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
    • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
    • Rough River Dam State Resort Park
    • Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
    • Pine Mountain State Resort Park
    • John James Audubon State Park
    • Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
    • More Kentucky State Parks
  • Things to Do
    • Grand Rivers Variety
    • Kentucky State Parks
    • Kentucky Lake
      • Kentucky Lake Pictures
    • Land Between the Lakes
      • Elk & Bison Prairie
      • Golden Pond Planetarium
      • The Homeplace
      • The Nature Station
      • LBL Pictures
        • Elk and Bison Prairie Pictures
    • Windy Hollow Campground and Speedway
    • Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
    • Smothers Park and Owensboro’s Riverfront
    • The Hitching Post
  • Events
You are here: Home / Restaurant Reviews / BBQ / Sonny’s BBQ in Somerset: Some of the Best BBQ in Kentucky

Sonny’s BBQ in Somerset: Some of the Best BBQ in Kentucky

May 27, 2012 by Joi Sigers

Sonny BBQ in Somerset Kentucky

When it comes to BBQ, the friendly folks in Somerset, Kentucky don’t just have it good, they have it gooooooood. Sonny’s BBQ is out-of-this-world.

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending Friday at Dale Hollow State Resort Park. He shot the beautiful golf course with a set of clubs, I shot it with a Cannon. We knew that, at the end of the day, we wanted BBQ for supper. We’d initially planned on eating at an old favorite, but I asked if we could go someplace I’ve never been, so I could write a new restaurant review.  I’ve heard him talk about Sonny’s BBQ before (with lots of oooohs and ahhhhs), so I dropped the hint (right on his golf shoes) where I’d like to go.  I’m not sure if it was to make me happy, or to make his belly happy, but we did, in fact, go to Sonny’s BBQ after the round of golf.

I’d never been to Somerset, Kentucky before, but I fell in love right off the bat. So many UK Wildcats t-shirts and signs! I had nothing but love for all the fellow Cat lovers.  I noticed that their McDonald’s even had something they called a “Wildcat Breakfast,” with blueberries in the oatmeal.  If I didn’t love Owensboro so madly, I’d have campaigned to MOVE to Somerset.

Holy cats, I love the way they think!

Sonny’s BBQ is a beautiful restaurant – much bigger than I’d expected.  The parking lot reminded me of Moonlite’s BBQ here in Owensboro, as did the intoxicating aroma of goodness that leads you to the front doors.

My husband knew what he wanted right off the bat. The man’s a professional when it comes to BBQ. He got an all you can eat plate with pulled pork and ribs. For sides (you get two with the all you can eat deal), he got coleslaw and baked beans.  For bread, he went with cornbread. An excellent choice as it turned out.

Being a newbie, I was a little overwhelmed by the menu and the aroma at first.

What did I want? Well, everything.

Sonny's BBQ Somerset Kentucky Sliced Pork

Sonny’s BBQ in Somerset Kentucky knows a thing or gazillion about BBQ. Their sliced pork is delicious!

I decided on the sliced pork plate and chose a baked potato and baked beans. For my bread, I ordered garlic toast (two fat toasted Texas Toast beauties – fortunately there wasn’t much of a garlic flavor, I didn’t want it trying to upstage the BBQ). We ordered a bowl of fried okra for our appetizer.  I noticed that they had quite a few cool appetizers and sides to choose from – always a good thing.

The okra was good.  My husband loved it as much as any okra he’s ever gotten out.

Sonny’s BBQ Okra was just a tiny bit tough – a sign that the okra was left on the plant too long.  I promise you, this is only something someone who has grown and cooked okra half their life would notice.  The seasoning and coating were spot on.

I was pleasantly surprised by how fast we were served (and seated, for that matter). After a long day in the sun, I was also pleasantly surprised by how large (and outstanding!) my glass of sweet tea was. Heaven on ice.

My sliced pork was outstanding! Sonny’s has a variety of BBQ sauces on the table for you to choose from.  Let me just stop there and shout, “Well done!” I hate when a restaurant asks you which of their sauces you want… then proceeds to name about 6.. and you’re sitting there thinking, “I don’t know what any of them taste like, how do I know which one I want?!” Sonny’s BBQ waxed brilliant – place them all in marked bottles on the table and allow your guests to sample each.  My husband and I both kept using and reusing the Mild and the Sweet.  They were just outstanding.  They were thick, beautiful, and very flavorful.  I HATE BBQ sauce that’s so thin and pale that it looks like it’s 50% water. Instant turn off.  Sonny’s sauces were perfection – delicious perfection.

The potato and baked beans were good. I sampled Michael’s coleslaw and it was really, really good.  The pulled pork was fantastic, it would have made a BBQ pork sandwich to remember through the ages!  The BBQ Ribs also fit this description.  These ribs were so good, all I could do was shake my head.  Whether you are currently a ribs fanatic, or you’d like to become one – order the BBQ ribs at Sonny’s. They’re scrumptious, with such a Heavenly smokey flavor that time stands still.

The same thing happened when we ordered dessert – time stood still.  We got the home style banana pudding, because it’s apparently the dessert Sonny’s is known for.  Let me just say I can see why this is the case! One bite in and I was transported back to my grandma’s kitchen. My mom’s mom was an adorable, beautiful, all around lovely woman who died much, much too young.  She had a stroke which left her paralyzed on one side. However, she still cooked.  She’d turn up Lawrence Welk and cook away. The only dessert she ever made was Banana Pudding, and it was extraordinary. To this day, it’s a dessert I seldom order or even make because it’s like, “Why even try, it’ll never be like MeMe’s!”

Sonny’s BBQ’s Banana Pudding conjured up memories of her banana pudding.  I just sat kind of mystified and transported in time. Then I had to snap out of it or Michael would finish the dessert off all by himself. I’ll be darned if I’ll let that happen. When you go to Sonny’s BBQ, and I highly recommend that you do, don’t even look at the other desserts, order the banana pudding, then hang on tight.

Sonny BBQ in Somerset,  Kentucky

Coleslaw and Fried Okra

Everything was very, very good at Sonny’s BBQ, but the food that stood out were:

  • Wonderful Iced Tea (I’m pretty particular when it comes to tea, so if I mention it, know that it was perfect)
  • BBQ Ribs to die for.  Smokey, flavorful… I wish I had a stack of them right now.
  • Cornbread! It was so beautiful and delicious – sweet, just like I love my cornbread.
  • Coleslaw. I’m hesitant to order coleslaw simply because bad coleslaw crushes my spirit. If all coleslaw tasted like this, I’d order it each and every time.
  • Pulled Pork. Wonderful! Just like you want pulled pork to taste before you take a bite. Dead on great!
  • Sliced Pork. YUM!
  • Banana Pudding. Do I even have to tell you again how extraordinary their home-style banana pudding is??? It’s spectacular. It’ll take you back to your own grandma’s kitchen. IF she made excellent banana pudding, that is!
  • Baked potato with butter and sour cream… perfect. Simply perfect.
  • Although I didn’t order them, I noticed on a platter that passed right by me that their fries at Sonny’s BBQ are crinkle fries. I’ve got a real thing for crinkle fries!

Sonny's BBQ Somerset, Kentucky

The Banana Pudding at Sonny’s BBQ in Somerset, Kentucky is worth the trip all by itself!

Sonny’s BBQ is at 70 Sonny’s Way in Somerset, Kentucky.  According to the website, there are also locations in Corbin, Nicholasville, and Richmond in Kentucky and Knoxville, Tennessee. There are also other locations throughout the south, click here for all locations.

You can view the menu online – but prepare for your mouth to water.

Finally, I’m glad to report that they serve Heinz Ketchup at Sonny’s – you know it’s something I always look for. It’s part of my campaign to end nasty, off-brand ketchup in restaurants! It always makes me so unbelievably happy to see a bottle of Heinz setting on the table when I fling myself into the booth.

Sonny's BBQ in Somerset Kentucky

Whoot! HEINZ Ketchup = Bonus Points

Filed Under: BBQ, Restaurant Reviews, Somerset Tagged With: BBQ, Kentucky Restaurant reviews, Sonny's BBQ Somerset


Welcome to Genuine Kentucky!

Genuine Kentucky is a Kentucky Blog and online magazine celebrating the beautiful Bluegrass State. We shine the spotlight on Kentucky with pictures, restaurant reviews, news, tourism, Things to Do in Kentucky, and more.

We’re proud Kentuckians and the non-profit effort you see before you is a labor of love.

E-mail me anytime! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Blog Updates

The Pond Grilled Shrimp and Baked Potato.

Delicious Grilled Shrimp at The Pond in Aurora, Kentucky If you're anything like me, you LOVE to get out in all the hustle … [Read More...] about Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…

Beautiful Cardinal in Ice Covered Tree

Cardinal Riding Out the 2014 Ice Storm Can you believe it's been 8 years since the famous 2014 ice storm (well, it was … [Read More...] about Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty

The Pond Catfish and Baked Potato

Baked Potato and Grilled Catfish at The Pond One of my favorite Kentucky restaurants is The Pond in Aurora, Kentucky. I love … [Read More...] about The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine

Kentucky Lake - Winter at Lighthouse Landing

Lighthouse Landing at Kentucky Lake If you were a regular reader of Genuine Kentucky, you know all too well that we've been … [Read More...] about Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!

The Kentucky Legend Cafe

Photo Credit: The Owensboro Convention Center My youngest daughter, Stephany, often talk about squeezing as much joy out of … [Read More...] about Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)

Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Planetarium

The Golden Pond Visitor Center Planetarium and Observatory International Astronomy Day is Saturday, May 7, 2022 and The … [Read More...] about Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)

Smothers Park Owensboro

Some of the more popular posts we've done on Genuine Kentucky have been the ones under the category "Where to eat in … [Read More...] about Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky

Gorgeous owl at the Nature Station

Owl at Woodlands Nature Station As I said in my last post, everything is coming back to life around Kentucky... everything … [Read More...] about A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Follow Genuine Kentucky on Twitter!

Tweets by @GenuineKentucky


"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

Flowering Tree in Bowling Green
Fraley Music Festival
Maddox

Kentucky News and Events

  • Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…
  • Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty
  • The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine
  • Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!
  • Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Pictures

Kentucky Pictures
Check out the beautiful Pictures of Kentucky in our photo albums!

Advertising & Reviews

If you are interested in advertising on Genuine Kentucky, please contact us: e-mail Joi Sigers.

Also, if you have a resort, condo, golf course, restaurant, or even a cup of coffee (LOVE coffee!) you'd like for us to review, please contact us at joi@genuinekentucky.com.

Genuine Kentucky Disclaimer

We do not work for any Kentucky service or organization. We are simply proud to have been born and raised in the greatest state in the country and are thrilled to call it home. This site serves as our tribute to Kentucky and its warm and wonderful people. Our mission is to bring more travelers to Kentucky and keep more Kentuckians home! See our Privacy Policy.
Copyright Genuine Kentucky 2022