Maybe you’re used to rollin’ through Sonic Drive-In for a slush, but there’s no way the thought of a snack doesn’t cross your mind. Sonic’s value menu (formerly called the “Under $2 and $3 Craves” menu) legitimately features a good mix of options, depending on your cravings.
Should you lean towards chicken on the Sonic dollar menu? What about dessert? Did you even know Sonic had hot dogs?
I tried everything (except Sonic’s breakfast) and ranked them based on taste and value. Here’s what to go for on Sonic’s “Under $2/$3/$4” menu.
This was story was updated in September 2023. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Best: Vanilla Cone
$1.59
Do I really need to explain this one to you? You know exactly what you’re getting here. It’s vanilla soft serve in a cake cone, and it’s rich, creamy, cold, and delicious.
Let’s be honest: Sonic’s soft serve is probably the best thing they have (next to its nugget ice), so for just under two bucks, this is still a major steal.
2. Fritos Chili Cheese Jr. Wrap (Seasonal)
$1.49
Unfortunately, this is only available during the summer, but it’s the type of weird B.S. that I want more of from Sonic. This is just Fritos, chili, and melted cheddar in a flour tortilla. Get wild. Get loose. Sonic’s under-two-dollar menu should be celebrating this type of innovation more often.
Eat this thing immediately so the Fritos don’t get soft.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
$1.99
On your marks … get set … EAT! The window of time in which this grilled cheese goes from a melty delight to a solid block of gross cheddar is very narrow. You better race through this thing, and be sure you’ve got some sort of condiment on hand. (Tomato soup is a condiment, right?)
That said, while in that window, this thing is good. It ain’t rocket science. It’s melted cheese and bread, people.
4. Hot Fudge Sundae
$2.99
How did this lose to a wrap stuffed with Fritos? Personal preference, as always. Chocolate sauce and hot fudge are gross to me — just unnecessarily decadent, ya know? I understand this isn’t the norm, but I don’t know what to say. It’s better off as a plain cone.
This is pretty customizable though, and Oreos are heaven’s little miracle. You can add them to your sundae, along with strawberries, caramel sauce, peanut butter, M&M’s, or Reese’s cups (for additional charges).
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5. Jr. Cheeseburger
$2.79
These types of tiny value menu burgers are all doing the same thing — they’re trying to emulate the McDonald’s cheeseburger. It’s a shame that they’re trying so hard, because nobody can do it. That thing is an entirely different food, and Sonic really just give up on making a competitor. Not with the oh-so-weird burger meat that America’s drive-in is dishing out.
Related: What’s the Most Popular Fast Food in Your State?
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6. Chili Cheese Coney
$2.99
When it comes to a fast-food hot dog, the last thing that I would expect is for the dog to be the worst part. What we have here is a beef hot dog topped with warm chili and melted cheddar cheese. It’s OK, but the melted cheese and chili are the best part.
There’s something a little chewy about this dog, something that makes the whole experience a little worse for the wear. And I shouldn’t need to tell you that adding diced onions is a must.
Related: The Best Fast-Food Chocolate Milkshakes
7. Chicken Slinger
$3.29
As I mentioned when I ran through all the Sonic chicken dishes, the Chicken Slinger is unfortunately a disappointment. Sonic’s chicken menu overall leaves a lot to be desired. The Slinger is too small to be worth anything, and since it’s served on a warm, brioche bun, that’s all you can taste. Brioche is a real ball hog.
8. All-American Dog
$2.99
This is the same weird dog you’re getting in the Coney, but with less of a chili-cheese disguise. You need that chili-cheese disguise. The ketchupy-mustardy-relishy mix just creates a burst of aggressive sweetness that doesn’t help anything.
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9. Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
$3.49
Don’t get too cocky with how much burger meat you’re gonna consume here. Sonic’s beef is just too odd. The Jr. Cheeseburger is plenty; you don’t need two patties. Not when the better burger is a buck cheaper, at least.
