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Birmingham, AL

North America

United States

# Overview
Sonic Drive-In, a popular fast-food restaurant, is located at 30 Meadowview Dr, Birmingham, AL. Known for its unique drive-in experience, Sonic offers a variety of classic American fast food, including burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream treats. With its vibrant atmosphere and nostalgic carhop service, it appeals to families and individuals looking for a quick meal or snack. Sonic Drive-In stands out in Birmingham for its extensive menu and affordable prices, making it a go-to spot for many locals and visitors alike.

## History
Sonic Drive-In has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple root beer stand to a nationwide chain known for its drive-in service model. Key milestones include:
- **1953**: Sonic is founded by Troy Smith.
- **1960s**: Expansion begins, introducing the carhop service.
- **1980s**: Sonic introduces its famous slushes and expands its menu.
- **1990s**: The brand goes public and continues to grow across the United States.
- **2000s**: Sonic becomes known for its innovative marketing and menu items.

Culturally, Sonic has influenced American fast food by emphasizing convenience and a fun dining experience. The brand has become synonymous with nostalgic Americana, appealing to multiple generations.

## Community
Sonic Drive-In actively engages with the Birmingham community through various initiatives and partnerships. The restaurant often collaborates with local schools and organizations to support events and fundraisers. Notable community involvement includes:
- **Local Partnerships**: Collaborations with schools for fundraisers.
- **Events**: Participation in community events, offering discounts and promotions.
- **Sustainability Efforts**: Initiatives focused on reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Voices from the community highlight Sonic's role as a gathering place, where families and friends come together to enjoy meals and create memories. Customers appreciate the friendly service and the opportunity to connect with others in a casual setting.

## Offerings
Sonic Drive-In offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes and preferences. Key offerings include:
- **Dining Options**: Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and breakfast items.
- **Ice Cream Treats**: A wide range of shakes, sundaes, and slushes.
- **Customization**: Customers can personalize their orders with various toppings and sauces.
- **Facilities**: Drive-thru service, outdoor seating, and carhop service.

Sonic also provides special events and packages, such as happy hour deals on drinks and seasonal menu items. The restaurant encourages customers to explore its extensive menu and try new items.

## Pros and Cons
Sonic Drive-In has garnered mixed reviews from customers, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses:
- **Strengths**: 
  - Affordable prices and value meals.
  - Unique drive-in experience with carhop service.
  - Variety of menu options catering to different tastes.
- **Weaknesses**: 
  - Inconsistent service and food quality reported by some customers.
  - Slow service during peak hours.
  - Occasional issues with order accuracy.

Overall, Sonic Drive-In is appreciated for its nostalgic charm and diverse menu, though some customers express concerns about service efficiency and food preparation.

## Location & Nearby
Sonic Drive-In is situated in Birmingham, AL, specifically in the Meadowview neighborhood. The address is 30 Meadowview Dr, Birmingham, 35242. This area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to various shopping and entertainment options. Local cultural insights highlight Birmingham's rich history and vibrant community, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

## Visit Sonic Drive-In Today
If you're in Birmingham, AL, Sonic Drive-In is a must-visit for a quick and satisfying meal. With its extensive menu, unique drive-in experience, and community involvement, Sonic offers something for everyone. Whether you're craving a classic burger, a refreshing slush, or a late-night snack, Sonic Drive-In has you covered. Check out the latest offerings and enjoy a meal in a fun and nostalgic setting. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this iconic fast-food destination!

10f1ccf3-cc2c-482f-8326-c71f5543a1e5

There we were driving through Birmingham, and my love goes, "Sonic!!!!!" We both love the cherry limeade. Also ordered tater tots + grilled cheese for the vegetarian (me) All for this under $10. What a deal!! Thank you, Claudia, for being our carhop!

788e02e2-da5a-46d8-8f20-242feb653e99

The last couple of trips to this sonic have been so upsetting. This time I picked it up, and they put my French toast sticks upside down and somehow the syrup busted all over the bag before they even handed it to me. It was all over every item of food. They said they would remake it and just put a new bag of French toast sticks in there and left everything else so now everything has maple syrup on it. I also got a cherry limeade to drink and it just tastes like sprite. There are no limes in it.

57b7df44-47db-4493-8114-3122e72fbda1

Sonic has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I tried something new this time and it was the chili cheese dog. I placed the order online and set my pickup time so it would not get old. When I got there my order was brought out very quickly with a very nice worker. My only complaint is how the chili cheese dog was packaged, the sleeve that they put it in completely rubbed off the toppings and there were no napkins in my bag, which was not ideal as for the hot dog was very messy. It was very good though and tasted like it was just cooked. It has been a long time since I had a hot dog, and it was enjoyable. Probably won't be a go to order but it was still good.

b0cb64bd-92c3-4c19-8a19-df5dae07db88

The hot dogs offered at Sonic are ideally conceived for a very quick and gratifying snack, with finishes based on a very varied topping range to cater to all kinds of tastes. The All-American Dog-a definite customer favorite-is old school with its ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions, while the Chili Cheese Coney offers chunky chili and melted cheese for the hot dog that's a go-to heartier option. The buns are often extremely soft, as are the juicy beef hot dogs. But sometimes these qualities linger on the location, finding themselves undercooked or unappetizingly warm. Not gourmet by any means, they're fast and easy, inexpensive when paired with their famous tots or slushes for a complete fast-food meal.

2345a0f7-9a6d-4211-9478-27c0f0a7a0c2

The service is extremely slow. The last two times I have been there my order was wrong. Such a convenient location, but they need to step it up.

5c74afca-cf5f-4499-aa25-2f6abf091fe0

Ambience was awesome! Great music, decor, very clean! Sat down on the outside seating and ate. Service was great, good interaction and timely response, always responded when we needed something! Food was mid-tier, average for Sonic, but the tots were great.

d57d810f-01da-4ea2-95de-940950c22fe6

Horrible food experience. I asked for no pickles, I was served pickles. Fries tasted like cardboard and found hair in my drink. Whoever was working on 4/16/2024 at the drive through around 6pm needs to be fired as well as the cooks. Will never be coming here again. If you want to make this right, you can call me at 205-451-3799.

f4e7a02a-6c1e-46ef-9a10-a55c3908bc75

This is the brand new Sonic on highway 280 and I finally had a chance to check it out. I'm a big fan of Sonic, so I've been waiting for this new location to open! They have 2 drive thru lanes and about 15 stalls. I ordered at a stall and got a hotdog, tots, and french toast sticks. The wait time for the food was less than 10 minutes and the food was hot and good. The employee that took my order and brought me the food was very nice and positive. This and the cleanliness added to the ambiance. This location is built differently than other Sonics in Birmingham, with a modern and colorful look to the building. I didn't notice any social distancing protocols, but social distancing is easy to achieve at Sonic, with customers only being able to use the drive thrus and stalls to order.

ec5f7499-d686-4485-b4a7-d21f848ed841

Terrible food, have been coming here at least twice a week since soon after they opened. The service was slow, when I received my order and went home, 7 minutes later, cold hamburger and the fries were cold and stale, not one fry was soft, hard and stale. Went to do feedback and there is no store number on the receipt. I'm done with sonic. Wish there was a good burger place near me.

0ee99a68-7db4-42ba-aa85-8883ea2073e0

burger was not up to temperature, lettuce tasted rusty. exited car and when I got back in it smelled like garbage. then I bevame nauseated and am now in the bathroom at 3 am with severe G I upset.

Experience classic American fast food at Sonic Drive-In in Birmingham, AL. Savor tasty burgers and refreshing drinks in a fun drive-in atmosphere. Visit today!

Sonic Drive-In in Birmingham, AL | Classic American Fast Food

Birmingham

Sonic Drive-In

Alabama

Enjoy iconic burgers, shakes, and more at Sonic Drive-In in Birmingham, AL. Perfect for quick bites and family fun. Visit us today!

Sonic Drive-In Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Sonic Drive-In

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