Dining at Sonic Drive-In is unlike other fast-food chains, thanks to its ordering bays and servers on skates. Even though the chain has the feel of the 1950s, the prices are not quite the same as in that bygone era. However, you can still find big savings because of frequent Sonic specials and discounts.
The chain, which has more than 3,500 locations in 47 U.S. states, serves up the American favorites you’d expect to find at a 1950s drive-in – burgers, fries and shakes.
The popular Sonic shakes are much better than you’d expect from your typical fast-food restaurant – each topped with whipped cream and a cherry!
Frugal foodies know to look out for Sonic’s one-day-only deals and Happy Hour specials for tasty savings.
Dining at Sonic Drive-In offers a fun experience for families, thanks to the unique ordering and delivery process. Read on to learn how bargain hunters can save money with ongoing Sonic deals and specials.
Photo: Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s Current Deals
- How to enjoy 99-cent corn dogs at Sonic Drive-In — Available Nov. 20
- Sonic Drive-In offers $1.99 value menu with many popular items
- Best deals at Sonic Drive-In
- Sonic Drive-In: Enjoy 50% off cheeseburgers every Tuesday night
- Sonic Drive-In’s Happy Hour: Sip on half-price drinks and slushes every day
Sonic Happy Hour
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Sonic offers a daily happy hour with 50% off drinks and slushes from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The deal is the chain’s longest-running offer and covers all drinks, including soft drinks, iced teas and slushes.
Even better, you can sip on half-price beverages all day, if you order through the Sonic app.
Sonic’s happy hour deals can be combined with whatever other offers are currently available. That means you can double-dip and enjoy a meal or snack with a drink for just a few bucks.
Note: The Happy Hour offer does not include shakes or Sonic Blasts.
Photo: Sonic Drive-In
Corn Dogs Special at Sonic
One of Sonic’s most popular menu items is the corn dog. The restaurant regularly offers discounted corn dogs throughout the year. However, they are usually one-day-only offers, so you have to be quick to jump on the deal.
Your best bet for cheap corn dogs is to sign up for the chain’s text updates for when they offer the mustard-laden discount.
Photo: Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Tuesday Night Special: Half-Price Cheeseburgers
Frugal families know that Tuesday night is the time to head to Sonic Drive-In to feed everyone on the cheap.
Customers can get 50% off single-patty cheeseburgers every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to closing, when you order online or via the Sonic app.
Sonic Coupons
The restaurant is not known for offering any coupons, paper or electronic. However, fans can find exclusive deals via Sonic’s app.
Text DRIVEIN to 876642 to sign up for alerts and text offers. Enjoy a bonus offer for signing up for text alerts.
Many Sonic specials require a promo code for redemption, so be sure to read the details.
Best Deals and One-Day-Only Specials
Sonic regularly offers one-day-only specials, such as 50% off cheeseburgers, discounted corn dogs, half-price treats and more. The deals are usually open to all customers. However, they may also be exclusive to app users.
The deals tend to be offered on holidays or other days of note, such as first day of summer, Halloween, etc.
Sign-up for e-mail updates or text updates to stay on top of the chain’s most current deals and discounts.
NOTE: Offers may vary by location. It’s always wise to check ahead for verification in your area. Living on the Cheap strives to keep up with limited-time offers, but deals may end without notice.
Photo: Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s Value Menu
Sonic occasionally offers a limited-time value menu with 2fer deals — usually 2 for $6 or 2 for $7. Buy two select items and get them at a discounted price.
Value menu items (when available) can be found here.
Loyalty Club
The restaurant does not offer a loyalty club or rewards program at this time. However, much like a loyalty club, you can still find exclusive deals via Sonic’s app.
We will update the post with any details, if Sonic launches a loyalty program in the future.
Delivery and Online Orders
While Sonic does not offer an in-house delivery service, you can order food from Sonic Drive-In from most third-party delivery services, including DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats – just expect to pay additional fees.
Does Sonic offer mobile ordering? Yes! If you’re in a hurry, you can order food online for pickup via Sonic’s site or app.
You can even schedule a pick-up time anytime during business hours. Place your order and just let them know you’re there to pick up a mobile order.
Sonic App
Just like every other restaurant chain, Sonic Drive-In has an app for customer convenience. With the app, you can review the menu, access “app rewards” and order ahead.
“App rewards” are exclusive Sonic deals for customers who download the app. The specials often include BOGOs, 50% off select menu items and more.
Plus, best of all, app users enjoy half-price drinks all day – every time you order ahead.
You can pay with Apple Pay, a credit card or Sonic gift card via the app.
Photo: Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Menu
What can you get to eat at Sonic? Sonic’s menu features American classics, such as burgers, fries and shakes. However, they also serve hot dogs, corn dogs, chili dogs and a variety of chicken items (from tenders to sandwiches.)
Sonic also serves up fries, tater tots, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and jalapeño poppers. For your sweet tooth, they offer shakes, sundaes and Sonic Blasts.
The chain is well-known for its large selection of beverages. Choose from soft drinks, slushes, iced teas, lemonades and limeades. (Yes, they also serve coffee.) Customers can easily customize a beverage to their liking with Sonic’s wide variety of flavors and mix-ins, everything from sweet to sour.
And the most popular treat on the menu is the Classic Shake. The chain offers the standard flavors — vanilla, chocolate and strawberry — but also banana, caramel, hot fudge and peanut butter. In addition to these Classic Shakes, Sonic also serves Master Shakes with premium ingredients mixed in. (The latter are a little more expensive.)
In addition, Sonic offers its signature Sonic Blasts — creamy vanilla soft serve with a variety of mix-ins (including candy, fudge, cookies and more.)
The Sonic menu also features a limited breakfast menu – namely Breakfast Toaster sandwiches and breakfast burritos. Unlike other fast-food chains, Sonic Drive-In serves its entire menu all day long. That means you can grab a breakfast burrito for dinner!
Sonic prices vary by location, but most main entrée items range in price from $4 to $6. Shake prices ranges from $2 to $5.
Hours vary by location, but most locations are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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