Sonic Drive-In
Order through a speaker from your car and a carhop brings the burger.
About Sonic Drive-In
Troy Smith opened a root beer stand called the Top Hat Drive-In in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1953. After seeing a restaurant in Louisiana where customers ordered through speakers, he wired up intercoms at every parking stall, and sales tripled. In 1959 he renamed it Sonic, promising “service with the speed of sound”.
Sonic is still one of the last big chains where you do not go inside at all: you park, press a button, order through the speaker, and a carhop brings the food to your window, sometimes on roller skates. The drinks and slushes get most of the attention, but the burgers are a real part of the ritual.
Around 3,500 drive-ins across the United States, most densely in the South.
Burger menu
Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.Where to find Sonic Drive-In
2,895 locations on the map in 4 countries. Tap a pin for directions.Loading the map…
- United States 2,881
- Italy 1
- Fiji 1
- Mexico 1
Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Sonic Drive-In on YouTube
Copycats, taste tests and challenges from the channels in the encyclopedia.
If you like Sonic Drive-In
Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.- Jack's (United States, since 1960). Alabama’s home-grown fast-food chain, where biscuits share the menu with the Big Jack. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
- Wayback Burgers (United States, since 1991). A Delaware burger stand that grew into a franchise from Buenos Aires to Tokyo. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
- Spangles (United States, since 1978). Wichita’s 1950s-themed steakburger chain, famous in Kansas for its odd TV adverts and a six-patty burger called The Beast. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
- Burger Street (United States, since 1985). A Texas double drive-thru burger chain from the man who created Taco Bueno and Casa Bonita. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
Not affiliated with Sonic Drive-In. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information.