Sonic Drive-In — Restaurant in Bakersfield

My partner and to this location frequently, at minimum once per week. We usually have great service, which is why we come regularly.

Recently that has changed, we visited this location on at roughly 10:30 PM on 8/28/2024 to pickup our order that we placed using the mobile ordering system. We checked in using the mobile app upon arrival and were happy to see that our order was ready and would be out soon -- well that didn't happen. Instead our order was not brought out and shortly thereafter an employee turned off all of the exterior lights, it felt like this was done deliberately as a deterrent to keep guests from ordering. They did flick the lights back on after a very brief period at which point I pressed the red button and kindly asked about the status of my order. An employee then brought out our drinks and pretzels and apologized for the inconvenience. I was satisfied with the apology and I appreciate the staffs hard work, no big deal that it took longer than usual to receive our order.

Fast forward to last night, 9/4 -- We placed an order at 8:35 PM, our order wasn't large by any means: 2 small shakes, 1 medium slush, 1 route 44 fountain drink and a small order of buffalo chicken dip bites. We allowed ample time for the staff to prepare our order. and arrived approximately at 8:43 PM (the mobile app stated that the order would be ready at 8:40 PM). I proceeded to check in with the app and we patiently waited for our food. About 15 minutes pass and no food in sight. The restaurant was not very busy as we observed a few customers come and go through the drive thru but we weren't quite as lucky. Finally fed up with waiting 20 minutes for 4 drinks, I press the red button and kindly inquire on the status of my order -- I was then rudely told that it would "be be out when it's ready" to which I replied okay, "I've been waiting more than 15 minutes". The employee then brings out our order (the same as the employee as the previous week), she didn't offer an apology, didn't bring a drink carrier for our four drinks (which felt very passive aggressive) and rudely walked away without so much as a thank you. That made me feel like I made a bad choice when I opted in to tip the staff when I placed the order.

This seems to be pattern now with this particular employee which is really disappointing as this is our go-to spot for a tasty beverage or a late night snack. I'm not sure what is going on with this employee but for the time being I think we will take our business elsewhere.

The rest of the staff has been very courteous to us so I would like to send a big thank you to Diana,...

Update 12-28-19 Service always seems so rushed when ordering. I get that they need to pass cars through, but I always leave cutting my order short due to the, " will that be all" question at the end of every item I get. A touchscreen ordering method to order at the stalls and then submit your entire order would really help them make more money per order. Plus it frees up the "order taker" to help those in the drive through. After being shut down for cockroaches, you'd think this location would work on customer service.

Updated 8-7-18 Now Speaker is now fixed. Sounds great. Ordering is easier. The menu board at the drive through needs light as it's 8:57pm and dark. However, it is much improved. Thanks for stepping it up Sonic.

Older 2 stars review Wow. They really need to update their speaker and sound system. You'd have a better chance of using smoke signals to place an order. Their touch screen ordering system also doesn't work yet. It's been in the "not yet but soon" stage for months. I like Sonic when it comes to shakes and it's OK with food, but the hassle of ordering, customer service, and dirty building and grounds, really put a damper on experience. I wish I could help donate something to help them repair or update the speakers, buy window cleaners, and train employees to...

Worst customer service ever. I pulled up to the menu board and was harassed by the employee because I needed more than 1/2 a second to pick something..........

Edit: My Carhop was named Balinda

I pulled into the drive through, heard the standard greating and said "I need a second to look at the menu". From that point on it went south. I was yelled at through the intercom and asked multiple times "are you done yet?". I tried to ask what was in the #11 since my friend has severe dietary restrictions from recent dental surgeries and vision problems from recent corneal surgeries. Her response was, "it's a chicken basket, there's a picture right there!" A picture doesn't work very well for my friend who just had eye surgery. Not to beat this any further into the ground but I also ordered fries instead of tots, but that didn't happen, you can clearly on the reciept. I also ordered a coke zero. There was visibly something wrong with it when I saw it. It looked more like sprite. On the first and only sip, I realized it was just C02. There might have been one or two drops of syrup in there not enough to add color or flavor.

I will say that the food itself was cooked fine. I always enjoy the meal, but I'm so disappointed with...