Ranu's Reviews

Years of yearning were finally put to rest today as I finally dined on the unknown taste of the well-advertised, yet surprisingly absent fast-food establishment known as Sonic. Now you would think that another eatery opening in an already bloated Northern New Jersey would not be a big deal. I guess the years of adver-teasing paid off for the Oklahoma-based chain. This was definitely not planned on their part, but running commercials during sporting events for three years without having a restaurant in Northern NJ was pure genius. I thought they were giving away 100K jobs the way people were lined up in and out of their cars.

I foolishly went there the first day they opened and was greeted by some manboy that still lives in mommy's basement--he was holding a sign that said, "Lot Full. No Entry." I'm used to seeing this type of sign when I am trying to find a parking lot down the shore or in NYC, but not at a frigging fast food joint! I was determined to get in, but after three U-turns on Route 17--Arby's was looking better and better.

Being the stubborn guinea that I am, I decided after a long day of work that another try was in order. I called la familia on the way home and they were ready to roll as soon as my car hit the driveway. The traffic (and tension) was building as we got closer to our goal. It was only a few hundred feet in front of us when we came to a dead stop. I think every car in front of us was making a right turn into Sonic. Arby's wasn't going to cut it today. It was Sonic or bust. Visions of "Falling Down" were dancing through my head.

Finally, we're next!!! I thought I was pulling into prison. There was more of a police presence at Sonic than the entire town of Hasbrouck Heights. A cop car with flashing lights on 17 and three officers directing traffic. This is a burger joint, right?

Well we got in and there were no open bays. Oh the humanity!!! After a few minutes a spot opened and we were in. Let me tell you something--this Sonic is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Half of the bays are about 100 feet away from a railroad track and there is a huge drop after the curb. So, if you overshoot that curb--your ass is in a big ditch! (Update: I went back a week later and guess what? There is now a brand-new fence shielding you from the dangers of NJ Transit and the possibility of your automobile going vertical in a rocky trench.)  

The foot traffic is even worse then the real traffic. People are abandoning their cars and playing real-life Frogger across 17 just to get a taste of this place. They're even piling in the back of the joint. There had to be at least 20 people walking on the train tracks and then sliding down a rock wall to get in. Dinner and a show!

Now don't forget about the trains. Try placing your order over the intercom when a huge commuter train comes barreling through. After the first train roared past, I was wondering if getting into Sonic was really worth taking the chance of a train derailing in my lap. Then I took my first bite--what I was worried about again--Oh yeah, ketchup or something.

The burger was pretty damn good. But the best thing about this place--options! Some places have fries, some have fries and onion rings--this place has fries, onion rings and one of man's greatest deep-fried achievements--tater tots! Everybody loves tots! So simple, yet nobody has the tots to put it on their menu. And get this--they have chili-cheese tots! I kid you not!!!!

One thing about Sonic--you'll never go thirsty. They have everything: shakes, malts, smoothies, flavored ice teas, slushies, limeades, and more!! I had a banana cream pie milk shake. Yes, a banana cream pie milk shake. It was made with real bananas. Of course that is why I chose it because it had healthy fruit inside (have to cover myself in case my trainers are reading this).

Almost forgot--the service was awesome and ordering was easy! Everybody was very polite and helpful. There was even a condiment person that came around after we started eating and asked us if everything was OK. The food came out quick and it was a fun, family experience. If you can get in--I highly recommend it.