Why Locals Love Sonic Drive-In
Located at 224 W 23rd St in Panama City, FL, Sonic Drive-In effortlessly blends the charm of classic American fast food with a lively, nostalgic dining atmosphere. Specializing in a diverse menu that spans fast food restaurant favorites—including juicy hamburgers, crispy chicken options, refreshing ice cream treats, and more—this Sonic is a go-to destination for those craving satisfying comfort food with a twist.
Step into Sonic Drive-In and you’ll be greeted by the inviting aroma of fresh fries sizzling to golden perfection and the unmistakable scent of hand-battered onion rings frying crisp and hot. Among their popular offerings, the Hearty Chili Bowl stands out, brimming with signature chili flavor and savory toppings served in a convenient cup—perfect for a quick yet fulfilling meal. For breakfast enthusiasts, the Regular Breakfast Bowl provides a hearty and wholesome start to the day, packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Side dishes here are not just afterthoughts, but true companions to your meal. The NaturalCut Fries deliver a delightful crunch with their skin-on russet potatoes, creating a richer, earthy flavor that complements the main courses beautifully. Don’t miss the Hand Made Onion Rings, crispy on the outside and tender within, a classic indulgence expertly crafted to keep you coming back. For a cheesy delight, the Mozzarella Sticks ooze melty, real mozzarella that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.
Beverage options elevate the experience with a range of refreshingly vibrant slushes, like the POWERADE® Mountain Berry Blast® Slush or the tangy, green apple and cherry slush flavors. These icy beverages provide the perfect cool-down companion to the hearty fare and are especially popular during warm Panama City days.
What truly sets this Sonic Drive-In apart is its quintessential carhop service, where friendly, attentive staff deliver your order right to your vehicle or table with a smile. Customers frequently praise the quick service and fresh food, capturing the essence of Sonic's reliable quality. While one reviewer noted occasional overcooked fries, the overall consensus highlights consistently delicious meals and welcoming interactions offered by the cheerful team.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a relaxing drive-in dinner, or a sweet ice cream treat, Sonic Drive-In on 23rd Street delivers a flavorful experience that feels both familiar and satisfying, making it a beloved staple in Panama City’s fast food scene.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Breakfast
- Seating
- Toilet
- Casual
- Groups
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Parking
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 23, 2026
Over cooks the fries alot but everything else was great
- Mar 22, 2026
I really enjoy this sonic in particular. They are always fast and my food comes fresh.
- Mar 3, 2026
The car hops always provide good customer service and are very friendly. It is as expected. Delicious!
- Feb 5, 2026
This Sonic has a high turnover of employees as I'm sure any fast food establishment does. But this place has never given me bad food or service. I am happy with Sonic on 23rd street
- Feb 4, 2026
For Panama City, it was easy to get in and out of. They were kind slow when we went. We had four in our group and the food came out fairly quick.
- Feb 3, 2026
This location has been on point lately, . Two recent visits at dinner time really stood out because whomever is cooking knows their craft. Food is great quality, handled with care & tastes perfect. Only tip I’d give the servers is to come out to the cars prepared with condiments so that you aren’t leaving food with your customers to go back and retrieve what’s necessary. I was in a situation where I had to leave soon & couldn’t wait for them to go all the way back in and come out with 1 or 2 packets. Their app limits condiments (more strenuous than most) so I couldn’t add ketchup because I already had 2 packets of mustard in my order. Otherwise, the servers are nice and friendly & quality of meal is phenomenal for a quick stop meal!
- Dec 28, 2025
Food was great hot and fresh. The carhop missed out on a pretty nice tip though, he handed me my food and was gone so quick, I even hollered "here ya go bud" and he was already far enough away that he didn't hear me..
- Dec 21, 2025
This place used to be fast. Now it's kind of a wait when you order. The staff is always nice tho. Food is always great. If you are in a hurry I wouldn't stop here tho.
