From chili cheese coney to tater tots, chefs name their five must-have orders.
Sonic Drive-In has long been one of America’s favorite fast food spots with a fun, retro twist. From crispy fries to cold drinks, the menu is full of indulgent options—but what are the real must-haves? Eat This, Not That! asked the chefs to weigh in, and share five must-have orders that showcase the best Sonic has to offer.
Chili Cheese Coney
The Chili Cheese Coney is filled with rich, hearty chili and melted cheese, creating a comforting, indulgent flavor. Melanie Portman, chef and recipe developer for Droolrecipes.com, says it’s “a sleepover option” and “goes back to their driving roots from 1953.” He explains, “What makes the chili work – it’s bean-free, specially made ground beef as a topping, not a stand-alone stew. Chef Melanie explains, “Its texture is smooth and sticky so it wraps around the dog instead of sliding into pieces.” He adds, “The flavor depends a little on the tomato paste base, which is the equivalent of a whole salty hot dog and some sharp shredded cheddar. Three parts, each with a distinct role, none superior to the other. Simple, well done.”
Ched’ R’ Peppers
Sonic’s Ched’R’ Peppers (loaf-sized jalapeños topped with melted cheese) always hit the spot. They are crunchy, soft on the inside and have just the right amount of kick. “Crispy on the outside with a creamy cheddar center, Sonic’s Ched’R’ Peppers deliver a satisfying balance of heat and indulgence,” says Dennis Littley, Chef and Nutritionist at Ask Chef Dennis. “They’re edible, unfussy, and hit all the right notes for comfort food.”
Tater Tots
Tater tots are loved the world over for their crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior, creating a great bite every time. And Sonic’s tater tots are the gold standard, according to Ryan Allen, home chef, food content creator, recipe developer and founder of Slow Cooker Meals. “Fried to order, these heifers are crisp and tender, wonderfully seasoned and not greasy,” he says. “I’ve done a lot of blind taste tests on families all over the country, and eight times out of ten, everyone chose the toys over the fries,” he explains. “Sonic’s is also the only chain that delivers the same toys at noon and midnight.”
SuperSonic Breakfast Burrito
The SuperSonic Breakfast Burrito is a filling, flavorful breakfast that hits all the right notes. “The SuperSonic Breakfast Burrito is an absolute legend,” says Chef Andrew Owens, a Michelin-trained independent chef in California. “It’s bursting with sausage (or bacon), green eggs, gooey cheddar, and then BAM, it’s got crispy toppings, fresh diced tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and onions all wrapped up to meet the heart-pounding heat in every bite.”
Grilled Cheese
While Sonic is best known for its hot dogs, burgers and fries, the grilled cheese is also a must-try, says Chef Andrew. Discover the five must-have orders at Sonic Drive-In, as recommended by the chefs, including classic comfort food and breakfast favorites.” I just love that Sonic’s makes their grilled cheese with Texas toast and a simple slice of American cheese; this is very easy,” he said. “The outside of the grilled cheese is always very crispy and crunchy in the middle. I always add bacon for that extra crunch, and it adds a salty depth that can sometimes be needed.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has twenty years of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
