Fast food restaurants

Sonic Drive-In

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

224 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405, United States $1–10
3.8
1,630 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

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.

03 Notes from regulars

1,630 notes — the real pulse of the room.

3.8
Based on 1,630 verified notes
5 730
4 380
3 216
2 101
1 238
All
Tiffany Ramos.
2 month ago
Over cooks the fries alot but everything else was great
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Jasmine Bush.
2 month ago
I really enjoy this sonic in particular. They are always fast and my food comes fresh.
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Letisia Maloney.
3 month ago
The car hops always provide good customer service and are very friendly. It is as expected. Delicious!
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Chris Bass.
4 month ago
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
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Craig.
4 month ago
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.
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Kim Anderson.
4 month ago
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!
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Codie Russell.
5 month ago
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..
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Megan Rowsey.
5 month ago
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.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 07:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Friday 07:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Sunday 08:00 AM - 01:00 AM
Finding the door

224 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • No Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Coffee
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Crowd
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed
  • Dogs allowed outside
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