Sonic Drive-In

3.7
570 reviews

About

Fast Food RestaurantRestaurantAmerican RestaurantChicken RestaurantIce Cream ShopHot Dog RestaurantBreakfast RestaurantBurger JointRestaurant Delivery Service
For more than 60 years, SONIC, America’s Drive-In has built the ultimate dining experience with our drive-in restaurants and we proudly serve our guests in Hayden, AL. We did it by sticking to what made drive-ins so popular in the first place: made-to-order American classics, signature menu items, and speedy service from friendly Carhops full of fun and personality. Cruise on over to us at 15 Russell Avenue for the ultimate SONIC experience!

Location

Sonic Drive-In
15 Russell Avenue, Hayden, AL
35180, United States

Hours

Reviews

3.7
570 reviews
5 stars
237
4 stars
122
3 stars
81
2 stars
43
1 star
87

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Customer Service

Many customers praised the friendly and personable staff, highlighting specific employees for their exceptional service.

Order Accuracy

Frequent complaints about incorrect orders and missing items were noted, with several customers expressing frustration over repeated mistakes.

Wait Times

Customers reported long wait times in both drive-thru and dine-in, often exceeding 20 minutes, even with few cars present.

Food Quality

Mixed reviews on food quality; while some enjoyed the burgers and shakes, others criticized the fries and overall food preparation.

Cleanliness

Concerns were raised about cleanliness, particularly in the dining area and restrooms, with some noting it was well-maintained while others found it dirty.
  • TD
    Terri Dewald
    Dec 6, 2025
    5.0
    I rarely stop for a drink while driving. I traveled to Birmingham 5 times this week from North Alabama. The first time I stopped I ordered a cold coffee drink and the window attendant made me smile so the next evening I decided to stop there again. This stop was filled with laughter. I knew that I wanted to stop one more time before my trips back and forth to Birmingham ended on Friday. I learned the names of the two Sonic employees. I want to thank Christine and Brianna for making these long trips easier with their rich laughter and friendly customer service.
  • CK
    Chris Konecny
    Oct 6, 2025
    5.0
    Outstanding customer service and some of the nicest people we have meet on the open road. Nestled at 15 Russell Avenue in the heart of Warrior, Alabama—a quaint town in Blount County with roots tracing back to the early 20th century—Sonic Drive-In stands as a vibrant beacon of American fast-food nostalgia. This location, often listed under nearby Hayden due to postal quirks, buzzes with the classic drive-in charm that Sonic pioneered since 1953. Pull up to one of the striped stalls, and you’re transported to a simpler era: carhops on roller skates (or swift feet) deliver orders straight to your window, while upbeat tunes play overhead. Warrior, with its population hovering around 3,200, is a close-knit community of blue-collar families, railroad history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to nearby Smith Lake. Sonic fits right in, serving as the go-to spot for locals grabbing a quick breakfast burrito on the way to work at the nearby Kimberly-Clark plant or unwinding with cherry limeades after a high school football game at Hayden High. The restaurant’s brick facade, integrated into the Logan Station Valero complex, offers a rare indoor seating area alongside the traditional drive-thru—perfect for rainy Alabama afternoons. The menu? A symphony of indulgence: quarter-pound cheeseburgers slathered in tangy sauce, footlong Coney hot dogs piled with chili and onions, crispy tots dusted in Cajun seasoning, and those legendary hand-mixed shakes in flavors from strawberry to Superman blue. Don’t miss the Ocean Water, a coconut-lime slush that refreshes like a Gulf Coast breeze. Happy Hour from 2-5 p.m. slashes drink prices, drawing crowds for half-off blasts and iced teas. Reviews paint a mixed but passionate picture: a solid 3.7 stars on platforms like Restaurantji, praising generous portions and friendly staff—“The shakes were very good,” raves one patron—but docking points for occasional long waits or order mix-ups. “Manager hooked us up with free cheese sticks,” notes a forgiving reviewer. Yet, gripes about closing-time refusals echo the small-town gripes that make places like this endearing. In Warrior’s unhurried rhythm, Sonic isn’t just fast food; it’s a ritual. Families pile into trucks for post-church Sundays, teens flirt over fries, and travelers off I-65 snag slushes en route to Birmingham. Amid Alabama’s rolling hills and iron-ore legacy, this Sonic pulses with flavor, fun, and that unmistakable red-roof allure—proving drive-ins endure where highways meet heart.
  • AH
    Andrew Hobbs
    Oct 1, 2025
    5.0
    Might be the best Sonic establishment I’ve been to. And I’ve been to a lot of Sonic’s. If you’re driving on i 65 and need to stop for food, this is the place to go.
  • JA
    Josh Aaron
    Sep 28, 2025
    1.0
    Burgers are good. Fries and tats is about like eating cardboard. They NEVER get the order correct. You have to repeat your self multiple times when ordering and they still don’t get it correct.
  • HM
    Hope Mann
    Sep 2, 2025
    5.0
    Service and food has always been good. Respectful employees that are always willing to fix anything missing.