Sonic Drive-In — Restaurant in Tazewell

I’ve visited the Sonic in Tazewell, Virginia, several times recently, and I’m extremely disappointed to see that they’ve completely removed their carhop service. The last few times I went, they were only operating via the drive-thru—no carhops at all. Honestly, this decision is diabolical. It feels like they’re actively working against the fun, community-driven experience that makes Sonic unique.

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about community. In Tazewell, Sonic has always been a place where people come to sit, hang out, and enjoy themselves. Now, that experience is being stripped away, and the result is a desolate, unwelcoming atmosphere. This shift isn’t just disappointing; it’s toxic and caustic to a business that should be fostering connections rather than driving customers away.

Sonic has never been about having the best food—it’s about the drive-in experience. If we wanted McDonald’s, we would have gone to McDonald’s. This shift completely defeats the point of their restaurant’s unique structure, and I can’t understand why they would choose to make their business more hostile to customers.

I don’t know if this was a management or corporate decision, but I hope they reconsider. If they don’t, I won’t be visiting again—because, at this rate, I don’t see this location lasting...

The staff could use some drive thru training but the food is decent.

The above review was from a different visit. Today I went through the drive thru again and ordered a bacon cheeseburger on toasted bread meal with a large coke, and a popcorn chicken meal with a large blue ocean. The employee in the window handed me two brown drinks. When I brought it to her attention she looked up at the screen and informed me she had put in two cokes instead. DIDN'T apologize, just looked at me like it was my fault. I said okay fine and just drove home.

When I got home they had given my sandwich a makeover. The cook had added an onion ring, bbq sauce, and grilled onions. Six or seven pieces of burnt crispy bacon. At least six pickles. They did manage to get the large tots correct. And popcorn chicken. The two drinks were not even two cokes. One was a Dr Pepper. But I will keep going back because, well we all know the popcorn chicken is amazing. Their customer service...

All Sonic's are not created the same. When people i know from the area was like sonic is the worse burger place, i know why they believe that. The location for this on seems horrible and it's traffic flow seems cumbersome or not well planned. Further, I have visited this particular drive thru with friends, and solo, at least 8 times. Of those times, once did everything come out satisfactory in temperature, look, and taste. These were 100% stick menu items. The last time I went I order a sausage breakfast sandwich. The sausage patty that was in it had been cooked smashed style and didn't cover 3/4 the bread. Then to top it off there was no cheese. Service here has been hit or miss so that's why I put it at the middle of the road in my ratings. If you happen to live near and you direct want Sonic, please report the craptastic service and food when it happens to you. If you aren't from the area.... then please go to...