First & last time ever to Sonic. GROSS. They lost our order. Waited forever and when we got home we discovered what we ordered wasn't what we got. The food was cold. The hotdogs were under cooked. The french fries were nasty and the onions rings tasted like they'd been dipped in sugar. read more

Nothing fast about this place. And evidently adding pickles to a grilled cheese is too complicated to get right. Lousy teenagers.

Worst customer service ever!!!!! Waited 20 minutes for our shake. Car next to us got their shake less than 2 minutes after ordering. Then, they got the shake WRONG! read more

Foods good. I looooooove the Cherry Limeades. This has got to be the slooooooooooowest Sonic in the history of Sonic. Maybe it's because it's staffed entirely by teenagers, I don't know, but it takes a good 20 just to get a drink. Almost every time I go. read more

My first experience with Sonic was back in Oklahoma and I wanted it all the time, so when I found out they were building one here I was ecstatic!!How quickly I was disappointed, I still love their slushie and tater tots and happy hour is great, but that's it. Their food here is still disappointing and over priced for what you get. EVERYTIME I go to this location our order is prepared wrong, even after it's repeated back correctly. I go for a slushie occasionally and maybe tots and that's it :( read more

I live in Southbay and I go to Sonic often enough to cost me a arm and a third leg on my toll road charges. I love this place for the sheer fact u don't have to get out of the car. The food is a three out of five but when I order I order the Amazeball items such as the jalepeno poppers and chili cheese tots and bacon chedder toaster. I have to admit I go for the lime aide which will be my last beverage on my death bed and the grape cream slush dessert shake. The employees are amazing. Josh is fucking crazy funny. They have a few cute employees I have to add which makes enjoying my tasty frosty beverage so much more amazing. The place is clean and service is great but has anyone else noticed that the trash can in the back parking lot is always throwing up garbage on the floor and the fucking street u can only make a right turn out of? Fucking annoying but I still do it. This place is great for a hot date after dinner shnogging session while feeding eachother whip cream or when u smoke a bowl and need some munchies. And you can bring the family too cause its the all American treat. Amen !!! read more

Stay away from here, I came to grab some lunch one day and I pushed the button to give my order and after a couple of minutes it stopped flashing and I waited to hear someone and all I heard was laughing and it hung up. It literally went off like they had finished with me. I was ticked off. I drove the heck away from that dump. What the hell kind of employees do you have working here? It's ridiculous! Rest assure I'll never return to this sonic again. I'll give another sonic my business. Please give customer service training to your employees who take the orders. read more

Seriously this place has been hyped up. Before Santee opened, stories of people traveling to Anaheim or even El Centro to get their fix? For what?? I just don't get what is so great about their food. I'll admit their cold drink/shake choices are tasty and creative. But other than that, there really isn't anything going for it. 2 stars because "choice" is good and Ocean Water is refreshing. read more

i remember watching sonic commercials for like two years until they opened up in santee. once it opened up i had to get my grubby hands on those burgers and tots, after biting into it i realized one thing, why didn't i drive down the street and have some sweet in n out burger? sonic is just meh. The real saving grace of this place is the slushies these drinks blow a Slurpee out of the water. if you want to take a walk on the wild side have a Frito burrito, but be warned you might get mudd butt read more

I LOVE Sonic.....I have never made the almost two hour trek to go to the other ones here in Cali. I hit the one of Anaheim area once a few years back by mistake with friends but have been reduced to only dreamin of sonic the rest of the time, Whenever I go to Vegas I eat there or Texas or Oklahoma....they dont what the big deal is because they have a million of them in the mid west and all over the country.....Im very excited about this one, have eaten here 4x now and still love it. I HATE the stupid staging area and the long wait if u go at the busier times, but if u go later night or early morning your gold. Good drinks, hundreds of drinks combo options, good food, Love the Coney and tots! Good ice cream, you cant go wrong here, LOVE SONIC! :) read more

Ok, I expected a wait at the staging area, so I was pleasantly surprised when it was only about 20 minutes. I figured that the long wait was over when we pulled up to the carport. Silly me! It took 20 minutes for anyone to answer the blinking red button to take our order. We waited about 35 minutes; still no food. We "buzzed" again and someone tried to get our order again! Seems they'd totally lost the original. Ok, we've been at the carport nearly an hour... We place our order again and we're STILL waiting 15 minutes. No way will I ever return; fast food should never take more than 15 minutes from ordering to eating! read more

the food does not live up to the hype whatsoever...the tots were good, the burger sucked, and the cheese sticks are like jack n the crack's; booty. they ran out of chocolate, so not only was i denied a chocolate coke, no one else was able to sample 3/4 of the dessert menu. -and they ran out of ranch dressing too. the setup is as bad as the san ysidro border wait. they had 2 clerks speaking through a lame ass intercom , while the foot line wait was 30 minutes just to order. the line for auto's stretched down a residential street and was conducted by high school kids. if i had lived on that street, i'd be ticked off at the q of minivans with impatient fat people in them. however, sonic does come correct with the drinks and desserts. slushes, shakes, ice cream, and flavored drinks are abundant and tasty. i had the limeade, and it was damn fine. all in all, the food made feel like s**t, and their setup was poorly run. sonic should restrict their menu to the tasty beverages & desserts. thanks for the 7 years of advertisement build up, all so i could wait in line for a 45 min and sit on the toilet for 45 min more....jerks. read more

Sitting in the drive thru with noone in line for 15 minutes to get our order produced. 2 (ice cream) master blasts. As we sit and wait we look through the drive thru window and see someone who isn't in a sonic uniform with his hands down his pants and scratching his back with his shirt half way up. I'm pretty sure the health department would love to hear about this. What a joke, such a profitable franchise with such horrible service and disgusting standards. read more

i wasn't given any napkins! and my order was togo! i waited in line behind another car for 15 minutes. the server was very apologetic and kept visiting my car.. which was thoughtful but the napkin situation was unacceptable. but the food is still really big and good. read more

went to sonic at 9:00 at night and order and was sitting eating and listening to music with my friends when the RUDEST coworker Haven came and told us to turn down the music for the people next to us.... but there was no one else in the parking lot. she then gave us attitude and told us to turn it down or else we would have to leave even though it really wasn't loud... overall not pleased with HAVEN but very good nerd drink i highly recommend that drink read more

I love the concept of Sonic and want so badly for it to be a fun destination, but usually have an issue. Today we ordered two hot dogs and, a root beer float, which could not be made because their ice cream machine was down, but they could make shakes, which I did not understand? I opted for a root beer slushy, but it was so gross because I think their slushy base must have sweet & sour in it. When we got our hotdogs, they were less than lukewarm, and given the condition of the floor when we got to the window, it was all flooded, and someone was taking dripping bags of something out of a dirty bus tub on the floor in the water, I did not trust the way the hot dogs may have been held, fearing getting sick, I would not eat mine, so basically ended up not eating or drinking anything I ordered. Another turnoff was the young kid skating through the kitchen with his long hair blowing all over. I hope someone who cares pays attention and does what it takes to ensure this fun concept succeeds. Maybe less money spent on TV commercials, fun as they are, and more $$ spent on taking care of business. read more

Waited for 28 minutes at the drive thru and when we finally got 3 shakes ($17.56 )they were melted. I ordered a Reeses, Oreo, and cookie dough shake that had very little of these ingredients. How sad....i would give you zero stars but yelp didn't give me that option. Disappointed customer. read more

Went on a Wed night around 9pm to get a shake. It seemed very busy but we managed to find a drive-in spot. Pushed the Order button many, many times for over 10 minutes without any response. This was my first and last visit to Sonic El Cajon. Pathetic read more

This place is the worst Sonic I have ever been to. Once the lady got on the speaker, it literally took 10 min to order two kids meals and one large drink. And then, the time it took to get out here was unbelievable. Yes they were busy but it doesn't take that long to take an order and the kids meals were the same too! read more

I love sonic but the people who work here are idiots. Never had so much trouble with a meal!!!!!! Literally had to send my meal back 3 times. Then they just refunded my money when I didn't even ask. All I wanted was my food. How hard is "no I didn't order the chicken tender combo, I ordered the chicken dinner basket."? Common sense would be you refund one and ring up the other and a difference is payed right? Or even a good business would wave the difference. Not here! If you don't know your own menu, then maybe you should write your corporate office and tell them to make it less confusing (clearly for you, not the customer). I was so excited to go here because I used to go all the time back home. But my blood pressure shouldn't rise 3xs it's normal level when getting a cranberry lime aid and a mother truckin chicken basket!!!!! I've never had a problem with sonic, so don't let this place make you write out sonic all together. They just need some new employees, ASAP! read more

The stars are mainly for the drinks, which are always delicious. The service could be a little better. The girl who took our order through the speaker was a bit slow, we had to repeat our order several times and she still got an item wrong. The car next to us had a speedy server who repeated their long order in 5 seconds flat. They brought us a wrong drink but we paid for it anyways and got in the drive-thru line to get the right one. They could work on communicating the total with customers because the price we got at the window was triple what we saw on the order screen. Oh well. I still recommend Sonics because of their fabulous drinks and friendly staff on roller-skates. read more

I usually try to give fast food places the benefit of the doubt because employees work minimum wage, and it's a lot of work and a stressful place for small pay. But I'm really not a fan of this sonic... My favorite sonic item is a peanut butter fudge shake. This location seems to always use as little peanut butter as possible and my most recent had no fudge... Just laziness amongst the people working here apparently because I was the only person in the drive thru the last time I came here. Like I said I try to give the benefit of the doubt but sonic is kind of pricey for fast food to not get what you ordered. read more

Took the kids here for the 4th time this summer. Each time the quality and service has gotten worse. Today was horrible! Got my order wrong (lemon slushee instead of a lemon cream) and then they wanted to see my receipt that they never gave me. They fixed my drink and charged me the extra $1.50 and then when I got home I realized it was just vanilla ice cream and NO LEMON! read more

I have always loved Sonics but it was too far from me, well I just learned that they will be opening one in kearney mesa, and yes I will be in attendance. read more

We go here every night to get a wondeful calorie loaded slushie!! We have been trying all sorts and mixing it up! So far...MINT CHOC CHIP is winning! :0) read more

Food just regular ordinary burger. This place is so busy that we have to wait the food fir a long time. Service just ok.

The drive thru is consistently very slow. Been there several times, different days of the week and times and always the same. Terrible. Deff not fast service. I have 2 stars only cause the burger is pretty good read more

I was very excited to have a Sonic come to Santee years ago because then I wouldnt have to make trips to LA to get my Sonic fix. Yes I loved Sonic that much I would go to LA just to get Sonic. So when I got the food, and mind you this was years ago when they first came to Santee it was sadly disappointing because the food was horrible. New business so I passed it off as they were just learning. Anyways, they still have awesome drinks and shakes so that kept me as a customer. I really enjoy the sweet tea! I came thru last night and ordered a extra large sweet tea and some chili cheese tots for my husband (he likes the food). As I put my straw in as I was driving away and took a big drink, BLAAAAAHHHHHHH it was unsweetened! So I pulled over into one of the parking spots and told the person that I ordered a sweet tea and got unsweetened. She apologized and had a carhop bring me a new one. ANOTHER UNSWEETENED TEA!!!!!! The carhop apologized and went back and brought me another tea, sweetened this time, and gave me a chip for a free medium cherry limeaid. I wasnt expecting anything for free so it was a nice jester. So here is my issue, I waited in drive thru for 20 mins for 2 items and didnt get what I ordered, and then an additional 10 mins for them to correct my order. This happens every time I come here. They really need to work on the speed of service, especially when they only have a few cars in the drive thru. Ill still come here for the sweet tea if I have to but if Im gonna be passing another Sonic in my travel path then Ill just go to another one. read more

I'm flabberghasted.... The milkshakes here... are. astounding. Quick, easy, delicious service.

So I hadn't been here in a while, but the family was craving burgers. So I pulled up, put in the incredibly complicated order because God forbid we have an easy order, and waited. The server who brought my food (I wish I could remember his name because he was so sweet) was very nice and made sure I had all my drinks and straws before I left. I got home, and it turns out they forgot to give me one of the burgers. So why the five stars if they messed up? Because they were so wonderfully accommodating. I called, and spoke to Julio, the manager. I asked if my sister, the person who the food was for, could swing by and grab it on the way home. He said yes as long as she had a picture of the receipt. She got there, and the staff was amazing. Julio himself made sure she got the right order, even throwing in a free drink for any trouble. I was so impressed with both the kindness and willingness to help us out. So thanks Sonic. We'll definitely be visiting more often! read more

Sonics is just okay. Not worth the wait. I went to get two drinks, and after waiting for 18 minutes without my drinks, I decided to leave. Don't get me wrong- their drinks are wonderful.. but so not worth the wait. The food is just okay. Nothing special. read more

I'd give this place 1/2 a star if it was an option, and that only for the slushies. I guess I should have read the reviews about the fries first, but that doesn't excuse it. Sonic should read the reviews and do something about it. I ordered the cheese fries--HUGE mistake! It was so cold when it arrived, the cheese had hardened and cemented the whole thing together. Also, they didn't bring all of our order and we had to ask 3 separate times for them to bring us the rest of our food. I know Sonic can do better than this, perhaps it was just this particular location. read more

Haven't had the greatest of experiences our last two visits. We spoke to the manager after the first because we waited an hour for two milkshakes, yes, two milkshakes and got horrible service in the meantime. Because the shakes are so good we went back for shakes again. The first time they ran out of bananas for the Banana Cream Pie shake, so the second time I HAD to get one because the summer this Sonic opened I probably got one every couple weeks (I know, not the healthiest treat haha). However, I was COMPLETELY disappointed. I should have noticed from the start when they rang it up as a "Coconut Cream Pie Shake with banana"--the girl taking our order repeated it back correctly though so I didn't give it a second thought. However, the girl who handed it to us said it was how it was written and after correction said she would fix it. We went through the drive thru and didn't have any open cup holders so I didn't take a sip until we got home. Took a sip and was immediately disappointed--it was in fact a Coconut Cream Pie shake with VERY LITTLE banana flavor. Imagine a Pina Colada with a hint of banana--DISGUSTING when you are expecting Banana Cream. Well, I wanted that shake so we drove back only to be told 'the cream pie base is made with coconut". Well, maybe you should tell people that is how it is made and that you won't be able to taste ANYTHING other than the coconut. Ended up leaving with Peanut Butter Fudge which is disappointing compared to the Banana Cream Pie shake I used to love there... We have vouchers from our first terrible visit to use still,but who knows when we will brave the wait and food that you can't always count on being great. read more

My friends and I frequently visit sonic a few times a week for there amazing selection of shakes and slushies. Tonight we had opportunity to meet a gentleman named Josh. His positive upbeat attitude and excellent customer service was outstanding. He went above and beyond to make our experience memorable and we will be back just to see him. Thank you for hiring a great employee who seems to really enjoy his job. Thank you again Josh! Ps my dog loved you. read more

I frequent Sonic and this one disappoints me consistently. Each time I come here their service is mediocre and the food is subpar. Their corn dogs are always soggy and their tater tots are either too crispy and dry or undercooked. I almost always order a shake with no whipped cream and they either give it to me with whipped cream or they remember to leave off whipped cream but don't include the cherry and cookie topping. Their grilled cheese is always good, but that's about it. read more

i want your cheery limeade now yum yum yum yum

I grew up, primarily in the country, in the corn and soy bean states...Drive in Restaurants were the only REAL fast food, AND THE QUALITY WAS EXCEPTIONAL...Well, When I moved to CA, I was shocked to find that the "hometown", rollerskating, music blaring, carhop's service WAS a "thing of the past"...THEN....SONIC DRIVE IN , in Santee, CA had the tenacity and fortitude to hire fun-loving, courteous and friendly staff, serve GOOD FRESH FOOD, and they have a VARIETY of food. From Salads, to Jalapeno Poppers, to apples with Caramel dipping sauce...and lets not forget...the FOOT-LONG CONEY AND SHAKES AND MALTS. The Good Ol' Days are BACK!...As for pricing....If you are over 40....Just the memories and music and fresh food make it PRICELESS. For everyone else...It is very fairly priced. I have not had bad service there YET. Have been there more than 20 times now...and was only slightly disappointed ONCE. How many places can you say THAT about? I rate this location five stars. Thanks Sonic, for coming out to CA. read more

They messed up the order for a childs Cheese Burger, said they would replace it, 15 minutes, called back and they said they would replace it again. 15 minutes later, no burger....thats 30 minutes. went inside, said there machine sent them to a different car, twice, they had no problem delivering the original order....they thought the complaint was a hoax.......not going back to the Santee Sonic read more

Great food and service. Burgers are better than most in Santee. Also Sonic Drive-In in Santee donates THOUSANDS of dollars worth of bottled water to Santee Ravens Youth Football and Cheer Association every year! Thank you SOOOO much!!! read more

Today was the first time I've ever been to Sonic and I wish I went to Jacks or McDs. I went through drive thru so I can't rate the carhops, but staff at the window were very friendly. I wasn't impressed with the Sonic regular cheeseburger. I asked for no cheese or ketchup, but paid the extra for jalapeño. I didn't discover until I got home, it came with cheese, good thing it was cold (not heat then cold), so I was able to pull the cheese off. Didn't get the jalapeños I paid for and the bun was refrigerator type cold. The onion rings were excellent though and piping hot even after the drive home. If it wasn't so hot out and if I was only a few blocks away, I would brought the burger back. read more