Sonic Drive-In

06/24/08

Great Food and Drink, but Not-So-Great Service by Deanna B. at InsiderPages

Contributor at Insider Pages

I just had a small snack from Sonic Drive-In on West Main Street today, and it was not a great experience.

First, I pulled into one of the areas where you park and push the red button to order. They bring your order out to you and you pay that person. You never need to leave your car. It's convenient... when they take your order at all. I kept pushing the red button and sat there for a good five minutes. Now, it was the middle of Tuesday, so there aren't many people there. If they were busy, I would understand. But, alas, no one offered to take my order and my money.

Next, I pulled out of the parking spot and went through the drive-thru. I ordered a regular Sonic Oreo Blast and a large Fries with Chili added on. He repeated back to me Tots with Chili. I corrected him and pulled forward. The Blast was correct and delicious, but I ended up getting what looked like a medium order of Fries with Cheese added on! It was tasteless American cheese, just a gob piled on the middle. No heavenly chili in sight.

Now, the food tastes amazing here, if you order the right stuff. I enjoy their conies and chili, and of course the beverages are to die for. The service, however, is atrocious. To make matters worse, there is NO WHERE to complain that I can find. You'd just have to call the location you went to. Compare this service to Starbucks, who makes it easy to give them feedback on your experiences. Plus, if you have a negative experience at Starbucks and let them know, they send you a couple of never expiring coupons for FREE DRINKS OF ANY SIZE. Sonic needs something like this for sure.

PROS: GREAT drinks and desserts, well priced. Happy hour from 2 pm to 4 pm gives you drinks at half price.

CONS: Sometimes you get lazy, bad service.

SUMMARY: The drinks and desserts are worth a try, but if you're looking for food or quality service, you'll want to look elsewhere. Dairy Queen,

Retro-outfitted servers deliver burgers, malts and sandwiches to your car at this '50s-style drive-in chain.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Founded in 1953 as a hamburger-and-root-beer stand, this nostalgic eatery is known for its intercom ordering system and roller-skating carhops. While servers rarely roller skate anymore, the famous made-to-order, all-beef burgers and thick malts are still menu favorites. Other signature items include Toaster sandwiches (made with thick Texas toast), extra-long chili and cheese hot dogs and hand-battered onion rings and tater tots. Desserts include chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes and fresh fruit slushes.