Sonic Drive-In — Restaurant in Alcoa

This Sonic drive in was a real surprise. I was in this part of town because I had went to the AMC theatre in Maryville to see Inside Out 2 in Big D. I still don't know what Big D means or why they didn't run the name past one thirteen year old, but this isn't a review of the charming but ultimately fomulaic by the numbers affair that was Inside Out 2, but of Sonic.The Sonic in my neighborhood operates like a normal drive in restaurant but this Sonic is different. A real gem. My food experience began as I pulled in while placing my order on the app. It was Tuesday and that meant half priced cheeseburgers in the app! I checked in at my stall and then eagerly waited in my car for my food. I caught some pokemon, listened to dark wave music, fiddled with my console, envied the squirrels and birds and their lack of corrupt political machines and mechanisms of stealing labor from the proletariat...all of the things you do while waiting for your food to come out. After about ten or twelve minutes of waiting I checked the app. It told me to check in at the stall to let the team member know I was there. I hit the button. The voice told me they were doing drive thru only. I informed them that I was here to pick up for Patrick. I mean, uh...Mr. ANNOYNMOUS. They then informed me in a very angry shout that I could pull around and get it in the drive thru. Which goes against the very concept of what a drive in is. Avant garde! Also, I guess this is one of those fun theme restaurants where the staff is rude to you (how fun!). I then sat in line for the drive thru for another ten to fifteen minutes. I saw one employee in a Lamb of God shirt come out and sit on the curb and talk on his cell phone for about five minutes. I thought, wow. In another life where I was mad at my stepparent and dressed like an idiot we might have been good friends. And I saw another employee come out with an unlit cigarette in her mouth and stand around. And I thought, wow. She looks like she doesn't put up with any tomfoolery. In another life I might have pulled up and started telling her the half remembered specs on my engine and asked if she wanted me pop the hood, but I am chalk full of tomfoolery and she would not put up with it. I guess the razzing extends from the customers to the employees because they all seemed to be as angry at each other as they were at the customers. I don't know why they needed two employees in the middle of the parking lot. Perhaps they were protecting us all from an unseen groundhog with a thirst for Groovy Fries. Eventually I got to the window and told the lady there that I was here to pick up for pa- I mean, MR. ANNOYMOUS. She retrieved a bag off of a shelf that had been sitting there for who knows how long. "Here you go, Patrick!" I mean uh, -Mr. ANNOYNMOUS. I then pulled around and ate my food. Back in the stall where I originally placed the order. Part of me thought about hitting the button and saying I was here to pick up for Patrick. Just to see if they were mixed up enough to make another dinner for me. But you can't always let the intrusive thoughts win and no one man needs four hamburger sandwiches. Except for maybe one of those competitve food eating athletes. But I'm past my atheletic prime and not quite old enough for a midlife crisis sports dream. So I just sat there eating my burgers in contentment. Death will come soon, and with it freedom.

Oh, and I didn't mean that stuff I said about you, Lamb of God shirt guy. I was funin'. We...

So I am in no way a fan of the burgers however, this particular location has superb service. People were kind and friendly, and the milkshakes were reasonably priced for the amount that you get I ended up going twice. The ice cream I can review and would get five stars the rest of the food not so much.

Ambiance: Sonic Drive-In offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy your meal in your car or at their outdoor seating areas. The iconic drive-in setup with carhop service gives it a nostalgic charm. The vibrant menu boards and retro-style decor add to the overall ambiance.

Service: The carhop service at Sonic is a standout feature. Friendly and efficient, the carhops deliver your orders right to your car, and you can place your order using the intercom system. The service is typically quick, making it a convenient option for those on the go.

Menu: Sonic Drive-In boasts an extensive menu with a wide range of options. From classic American fast-food items like burgers, hot dogs, and fries to unique drinks like their famous slushes and milkshakes, there's plenty to choose from. They also offer a variety of flavor combinations to customize your drinks and snacks.

Food Quality: The quality of food at Sonic is generally good. The burgers are juicy, the hot dogs are flavorful, and the fries are crispy. Their specialty drinks, like the Cherry Limeade or Ocean Water, are refreshing and perfect for quenching your thirst. The variety of sauces and toppings allow for customization to suit your taste.

Price: Sonic Drive-In offers reasonable prices for fast food. It's an affordable option for a quick and satisfying meal, making it popular among families and individuals alike.

Overall Experience: Sonic Drive-In provides a fun and convenient dining experience. It's a great place to satisfy your fast-food cravings while enjoying the novelty of dining in your car. The diverse menu and friendly service make it a go-to spot for those looking for a quick...

DONT GO THERE!!!! I HOPE CORPORATE SEES THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE KILLING THE BUSINESS!!! We went there tonight for 1/2 priced shakes after 8. There was sign on the drive thru speaker that said the drive thru was closed. We pulled into slot 16 and pushed the red button. We sat there for 5 minutes with no one answering the call. Also, the screen did not work so we assumed that stall was dead and moved to slot 10. After about 10 minutes of waiting in slot 10 and sonic worker walked up to the car to let us know they didnt have any strawberry flavor. My husband told they guy we hadn't placed an order and asked how long it was going to take to have someone take our order. He explained that there were only 3 workers there working the whole store and walked away. At that time I started noticing that there were cars parked in slots with no one in them and no one was sitting outside to eat. My husband and I decided to leave and a women finally came across the intercom to take our order. My husband asked if we ordered what out wait time would be. She informed us that she was the manager and she had only 3 other people working and they were all new employees and the wait would be 16 minutes. At that point we decided to take our business elsewhere. It's a total disaster and a disgrace to the sonic corporation!! It would seem like corporate would step in and appoint a...