Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill

787 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, United States
+1 530-541-7427
$$$ Barbecue restaurant
(2574 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, California. If you’re in search of mouth-watering barbecue that encapsulates the spirit of the South, this charming eatery should be at the top of your list. Located at 787 Emerald Bay Rd, Sonney's BBQ Shack is not just a restaurant—it's a haven for barbecue lovers.

Step into a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the sizzling sounds and aromatic scents of smoked meats beckon you in. Whether you choose to dine indoors or enjoy the enchanting outdoor patio, the setting is perfect for a casual meal with friends or a family gathering. The laid-back vibe is enhanced by friendly and attentive service, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

The menu at Sonney's BBQ Shack features an array of tantalizing dishes that showcase their dedication to authentic barbecue. Start your meal with their Spicy Corn Chowder, a creamy bowl filled with crispy bacon, jalapeños, and fresh corn paired beautifully with a cornbread muffin—an excellent way to kick off your culinary adventure. If you're craving something hearty, don't miss out on their Chile Verde, where tender chunks of slow-cooked pork shoulder are beautifully complemented by a roasted tomatillo and jalapeño sauce, served alongside their house-made red, white, and blue tortilla chips.

For the burger enthusiasts, the Build Your Burger option is a treat. Customize your creation with robust toppings like smoky bacon, creamy blue cheese, or a fried egg. Every bite bursts with flavor, and you can absolutely feel the quality of ingredients used in their offerings.

If you're looking to go big, opt for one of their delightful combo platters. With selections like half BBQ chicken with St. Louis ribs or a generous serving of brisket, you'll find it hard to resist the urge to share… but you might not want to! Customers rave about the incredible flavors and generous portions. Reviews highlight the unbelievably juicy ribs and the satisfying crunch of their hand-battered onion rings. And with fantastic appetizers like the famous Pig Wing, it's no wonder that patrons leave raving about their experience.

Feedback from guests shows that Sonney's BBQ Shack is making a favorable impression. Samantha Brown recalls a relaxed Saturday night filled with delicious food and friendly service, while Tania Weatherington's family enjoyed a spacious dining experience complete with polite staff handling their large group seamlessly. Other diners have shared their love for the outdoor seating and dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for not just humans but furry companions, too!

In a local landscape filled with tourists, Sonney's BBQ Shack stands out for its blend of quality food, welcoming ambiance, and community spirit. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed meal, your taste buds are in for a treat. Make sure to visit Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill during your next South Lake Tahoe adventure—you’ll leave with your belly full and a smile on your face! Call ahead at +1 530-541-7427, and ensure your place at this beloved barbecue stop!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

2574 Reviews
Samantha Brown

13 Sep 2025

Really great experience here! First off, the place was pretty calm for a Saturday night which I appreciated. Alexander, our waiter was super friendly and really just a chill guy. Also the food was great! I ordered a burger medium rare and it was perfect. I also love how dog friendly they are! I met Misty(dog) there who I hear is a regular around here and she really brought up the vibes. I also really liked the warm towels brought over after the meal to clean our hands off. Overall great spot and would highly recommend!

Tania Weatherington

16 Aug 2025

After driving by a few times, and checking the location for reviews, our family decided we wanted to check out the BBQ at Sonney’s! We were a big group of 9, and went for lunch without a reservation - but fortunately they were not busy and there were ample options for seating indoors and outdoors. Our server was very polite, and did a pretty good job at making sure that everyone’s orders were in and made correctly - but unfortunately my father-in-laws order was never put in. And after waiting over 30mins, we decided to cancel it (although I doubt the kitchen ever received it). For my order, I went for the “Pig Wings” and BBQ rib platter with the beef and pork ribs! Both were delicious - especially the unique spin on the pork shanks with the “Pork Wings”.

Jamey Moss

03 Aug 2025

This place has a nice large patio in addition to the inside seating. The service was great and the atmosphere was nice. We loved the tacos, especially the brisket and the pulled pork tacos. The cheese was grilled onto the tortillas and they were delicious. They come with only pico, but it would have been nice to have a salsa option or two. The brisket plate was ok. The cheese grits seemed to be the favorite side that we tried. They have several good craft beers on tap and others in cans.

Kayci Ann

28 Jul 2025

The overall dining experience was good. The waiter and service were great. However, the food was subpar. The brisket was dry and rather chewy. You shouldn’t need a knife for a brisket. I’m pretty sure the baked beans had liquid smoke in them as well.

An Pan

26 Jul 2025

A very Tahoe place friendly to dogs and humans. There is even a pool table and outside seating. Pulled pork sandwiches and sliders were so tasty. I added the other sauces on top of the sauce they can with. The sweet and smoky was the best. My friend was over the moon about the Turkey melt. Shrimp and grits were tasty too. Service was good. Food came fast.

Ron B

23 Jul 2025

Loved everything about. Fast service and I had some of the biggest and best baby back ribs I have ever tasted. No extra sauce required. Also some the best onion rings I have ever had. Thick batter and definitely made from scratch.

Natalie Gruendl

21 Jun 2025

Blown away! Such delicious bbq. You can smell the smoke as you’re getting out of the car. The Pig Wing is one of the most delicious appetizers we’ve ever gotten! Great atmosphere. Love the indoor/outdoor space. We got 2 platters so we could try a little of everything. Ribs and brisket were a 10/10! The smoked chicken was so great too! The potato salad and coleslaw were our favorite sides. We will definitely be back!

Shira Koizumi

08 Jun 2025

Potato salad was good 8/10 for me. Not to flavorful. Simple and good. I like the potato chunks. Onion Rings is 8/10. Well seasoned. Can be eaten without sauce. Corn bread 7/10. Not too dry. Butter 9/10. Sweet and creamy. Ribs is 6/10 for me. Plain by itself. Okay with sauce. Brisket is 5/10 for me. Alse plain by itself. Was not fall apart, dry. Okay with sauce. They had 4 sauce at each table. Only liked one of them. Keylime by is 6/10 for me. Very sour and sweet. You can really taste the condensed milk. Hot Pudding dessert is 8/10 for me. Not too sweet. Tasty warm dessert. Atmosphere: At 11am, the Atmosphere was peaceful and chill. Nice outdoor area. Potential for lively at night(pool table, bar area, TV). Staff: Our waitress was nice and attentive.

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