11 Best Sonic Menu Items to Eat & Drink

Sonic Drive-In, with its iconic retro-inspired carhops and innovative drive-thru dining experience, has been a beloved fixture in the American fast-food landscape for decades. Known for its eclectic menu and commitment to delivering tasty, made-to-order fare, Sonic has won the hearts and appetites of patrons across the nation. In this article, we’ll take you on a delectable journey through Sonic’s menu, highlighting the most popular and mouthwatering items that have made this drive-in chain a favorite destination for fast-food aficionados. From sizzling burgers and crispy tots to refreshing slushes and classic milkshakes, Sonic offers a wide array of options that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

The Cherry Limeade

Perhaps the most famous food item that Sonic Drive-In is famous for is the cherry limeade. Okay, in truth, this is a drink but it’s just so delicious, we couldn’t leave it off of our list. This cherry limeade is just one of Sonic’s seemingly unlimited supply of beverage options. You can choose drinks from sodas, teas, slushes, lemonades, limeades, and water with an almost endless list of mix-in options and varying flavors. However, out of all these drinks, the cherry limeade reigns supreme. This drink has the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. If you’re on a long summer’s drive and in need of the best possible refreshment, then this is the drink for you. To be honest, it’s ideal for any time of the year! Even Sonic’s official website describes the cherry limeade as “iconic.” And, it’s hard to argue. Made with freshly squeezed lime juice along with a cherry flavoring to satisfy any taste buds, this is then poured over Sonic’s famous nugget ice. Non-alcoholic, this is the perfect drink to drive along and keep you hydrated. There is also a diet version if you’re counting the calories.

Mozzarella Sticks

Okay, as we promised, let’s look at Sonic Drive-In’s food options. Our favorite, and many others too, is their mozzarella cheese sticks. More of a snack, these sticks are extremely delicious but they do come in a variety of sizes to suit your level of hunger. They also come with a packet of marinara sauce to add a little extra flavor as you dip your sticks in. You could opt for the ranch dressing, too. These are a great alternative to the marinara sauce but we recommend trying both separately to see which one you prefer. There is nothing magical about these mozzarella sticks. As Sonic’s menu states, these are “crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.” Just what you would expect from your standard mozzarella stick. However, we believe this is underselling the tasty sticks. Even MyRecipes rated Sonic Drive-In’s mozzarella sticks as the best around. MyRecipes claims “the cheese can stretch for miles (we exaggerate), but you’ll satisfy your cheese pull itch most certainly. You don’t even need the marinara sauce.” (But, we highly recommend getting the marinara sauce!) While there is an abundance of snacks to choose from at Sonic Drive-In, we suggest trying the mozzarella sticks first. We wouldn’t be surprised if you kept going back for more.

The Sonic Blast

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, then the Sonic Blast is a delicious option. You can choose from a variety of slushie flavor options as well as milkshakes, hot fudge sundaes, and vanilla cones. If you’re a dessert person, you will be in heaven at Sonic Drive-In with a huge variety to choose from. While there are a lot of options, the jewel in the crown has to be the Sonic Blasts. These are like the dairy Queen Blizzard but Sonic’s unique version. Rich and creamy vanilla ice cream are swirled magnificently with your personal choice of cookie or candy toppings to finish it off. Just head to Sonic’s review sections and you’ll see countless positive remarks on their desserts. One actually describes the Sonic Blast as “one of America’s favorite ice cream choices.” With every spoonful, you are likely to enjoy a bite of candy. And there is a large blend of candy to enjoy! Also, don’t be afraid to customize your Sonic Blast as you can try something different every time you head to Sonic Drive-In.

The Soft Pretzel Twist

Many of us live busy lives. It can be hard to find time in the day to sit down and enjoy a meal for a half-hour or so. If you’re too busy running errands for a large meal, then a snack will at least fill your belly for the time being. Luckily, Sonic Drive-In has your needs covered with an array of snacks that are perfect for on-the-go individuals. While you can try the classics such as corn dogs and tater tarts, we highly recommend trying Sonic’s Soft Pretzel Twist. Unsurprisingly, reviews online glorify this simple yet delectable snack. We all love a warm, soft pretzel, right? But, we bet you have never tried one like Sonic’s. They are the perfect size to satisfy your hunger and cravings but not fill you up completely. Furthermore, they are usually cooked to perfection with a soft, fluffy inside and a slightly crispy outer layer. Topped with large flakes of salt for an additional zing and tanginess, the magic happens when you dip the pretzel in the accompanying cheese sauce. If you ever want a simple but fulfilling snack, head to Sonic Drive-In and try these pretzels. You will not regret it.

Onion Rings

You can probably guess by now that Sonic Drive-In specializes in snacks rather than whole meals. But that’s not to say their snacks will not satisfy your cravings. It’s simply what Sonic does best – snacks and side dishes. Oh, and slushies. And, desserts. One snack they excel in is their onion rings. Whether you eat these as a standalone snack or add them to a main meal such as a hamburger, Sonic’s onion rings are perfect. But, what makes these humble onion rings so special? Well, former Sonic employees have reported that an employee will have a specific duty to slice fresh onions and hand-bread them in Sonic’s special batter. This means the onion rings are ultra-fresh and, of course, supremely delicious. This secret batter recipe includes a tinge of sweetness and vanilla. Why? Because the onion rings are simply dipped in vanilla ice cream. While this sounds very odd, it definitely works and it’s certainly making us hungry here at Restaurant Clicks.

Tater Tots

There’s no surprise that Sonic Drive-In’s Tater Tots makes an appearance on our list. While Sonic’s French fries are tasty but not the best around, you may think that the tater tots are not all that. But, they really are all that. Even a self-confessed tater-tot lover ranked Sonic’s tater tots as the best they have ever eaten in their lives. For someone whose life revolves around tater tots, that’s a pretty impressive feat to conquer. But, we are not surprised by such glowing reviews. Sonic’s tater tots are the perfect blend of salty, crunchiness on the inside with smooth, and soft goodness on the inside. And, whatever sauce you choose, they will go very well with it. You can order the tater tots with chili and cheese but they are just as good on their own. We suggest keeping the chili cheese (which is also excellent) back for French fries to give them that extra boost of flavor. After trying Sonic’s tater tots, you may swap French fries out for them when you order a hamburger or hot dog next. As a snack or a side dish, the tater tots at Sonic Drive-In are a dream come true.

Ched ‘R’ Peppers

As we mentioned, Sonic Drive-In is not famous for its French fries. However, it doesn’t need to be when they have so many other great snacks on their menu. One snack that will grab your attention is the Ched ‘R’ Peppers. Talk about a game-changing food item to take your breath away. Not all of us enjoy spicy snacks but we reckon you should try these out, at least once. You never know until you try! These peppers are half loaded with jalapeno and jam-packed with cheddar cheese. They are encompassed by a deep-fried crispy coating and are exquisite when dipped in ranch dressing. Yes, they are certainly not healthy (probably one of the unhealthiest items on Sonic Drive-In’s menu) but, when it comes to a sizzling taste, you can’t beat the Ched ‘R’ Peppers. And don’t be put off by the jalapenos. All of the seeds are removed by Sonic staff meaning they are virtually spiceless. What they lack in spice they make up for in flavor, however! Moreover, the Ched ‘R’ Peppers are one of the cheaper side dishes on the menu at Sonic Drive-In but can still fill you up nicely.

Corn Dog

Ah, the humble corn dog. We know many of you are corn dog lovers so we had to include Sonic’s delicious version on our list today. When you compare these corn dogs with others around, they are pretty hard to beat. Just reading the description of Sonic’s corn dogs on their website is enough to leave you drooling. “A delicious beef hot dog wrapped in sweet corn batter and fried to a crispy golden-brown.” Okay, we are hungry now! As with most things Sonic, their perfection often stems from simplicity. We mean, these are just your regular corn dogs but they are in another league. Furthermore, they are very cheap at most Sonic locations and many frequently have deals on offer where the corn dogs go for half price. But, what makes these corn dogs stand out from the rest? Well, we just need to read online reviews once again. One satisfied customer wrote that the corn dogs are “a heavenly union of deep-fried sweetcorn bread wrapped around a salty wiener.” If that doesn’t sell them to you, we don’t know what will. And, you don’t need mustard or ketchup with these corn dogs. They are simply perfect without.

Burgers

Where would a fast-food menu be without burgers? Well, it just wouldn’t be fast-food! Not many food items satisfy our cravings like a good, juicy burger. Whether you want a classic hamburger or something with more of a twist like a Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Sonic have you covered. The burgers here are surprisingly delicious and, even better, most come at a relatively low price. Some have even gone as far as to say that the burgers at Sonic Drive-Ins are superior to Burger King’s. And, yet again, we tend to agree. While the burgers may not be made from Wagyu beef or contain restaurant-quality additions such as truffles, etc, they are more than enough for their price. Most people are pretty surprised by how good Sonic’s burgers are. Even if you’re a burger connoisseur or just a big fan of burgers, you will enjoy Sonic’s options. They may not be gourmet but they are certainly filling and delicious. All you want and need from a fast-food burger.

Fresh Toast Sticks

Sonic Drive-In’s French Toast Sticks are just one of the yummy snacks on their robust breakfast menu. Delicious and filling, the French Toast Sticks are the go-to option when you’re craving something sweet. These toast sticks are exactly what you would expect. They come pleasingly hot with a packet of maple syrup to dip them in. And, when you dip them in, you will be in a whole new world of bliss. Sonic’s French Toast Sticks also come with a crispy coating that is actually thicker than your regular French toast. This makes them easier to hold and stronger to dip so no parts fall off into your syrup. Then there’s the satisfying crunch as you bite into them. It’s the best way to start any day. Whether you have these for breakfast or as a snack later on in the day, you will probably be asking for a few more for the road. You know, just in case.

Hot Dogs

Roll up, roll up! It’s hot dog time! As we get to the lower end of the best of the Sonic Drive-In menu, we reach some snacks that are not amazing but are certainly not bad. This is exactly where Sonic’s hot dogs land. On the whole, the hot dogs at Sonic Drive-In are pretty flavorful and some have even said that they are the best fast-food hot dogs out there. However, there isn’t much competition when we consider the hot dogs of other fast-food chains such as Five Guys, Dairy Queen, and Checkers. There is no doubt that the hot dogs at Sonic Drive-In are adequate or even better than that. They have a pretty good texture and, as we said, taste pretty good. The only reason we have them this low on our list is because of the extensive range of delicious foods on Sonic’s menu. The hot dogs just don’t match up. In other words, they are relatively basic but you can always opt for the Chilli Cheese Dog or All-American Dog to make Sonic’s hot dogs more exciting.