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Sonic Drive-In Has Great Commercials, But Where Can I Find One in Massachusetts?

Author Jeff Gorra

The good news is that the Sonic Drive-In commercials are either hilarious or display a delicious-looking item. The bad news is that I never come across Sonic Drive-In locations. So where can you find these Sonic Drive-In restaurants in Massachusetts?

Where I live, these commercials are on often. I’m talking about major national networks like ESPN or ABC running ads continuously. I’m a sucker for anything involving “chili-cheese tots.” Furthermore, these commercials are getting my kids’ full attention. Who wouldn’t want something called a “Wacky Pack Kids Meal?”

As much as I enjoy the kids not finishing their meal allowing me to indulge in their leftover nuggets, I often pass on dessert. I am not a fan of strawberry shortcake or ice cream floats. However, if you put them together and form something called a Strawberry Shortcake Snowball Slush Float, and it’s a 90-degree day, I am all in.

But where can I get one of these Sonic Drive-In concoctions? Although my county has plenty of strip malls and fast food options, I have yet to come across one of these cheerfully old-fashion looking Sonic Drive-In establishments on the south shore. But that changed recently. Driving to the north shore to a youth lacrosse tournament there, I saw my first Sonic.  A bunch of booths in a parking lot, it was almost like a gas station layout meets a drive-in movie. I loved it, and after doing a bit more research, I learned  there are in fact, four Sonic Drive-In locations in Massachusetts.

Sonic Numbers

ScrapeHero reports there are 3,547 Sonic Drive-Ins across 47 states in the U.S. And we only get four? Apparently, Texas has claimed most of them, with 958 locations (27%). There are 49 in San Antonio alone.

Perhaps we are slow adopters, but nonetheless, if you too are getting completely hooked by these Sonic Drive-In commercials, here is where you can find them in Massachusetts.

  • Peabody (55 Newbury Street)
  • Somerset (707 Grand Army Highway)
  • Springfield (1057 Boston Road)
  • Stoughton (630 Washington Street)

These Massachusetts Chains Actually Have Great Bagels

Okay, let me get right to the point. I’m from New Jersey and grew up about twenty miles from Manhattan. So, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect bagel ever since I moved to New England 12 years ago, and have been pleasantly surprised to find a few Massachusetts chain restaurants that actually have great bagels.

I’m also always on the run driving to various events or tournaments across the state. Regardless of what county I am in, a good bagel and coffee breakfast is something I am always looking for. Time is usually of the essence so my preference is typically a quick grab-and-go.

I’ve compiled a short list of bagel chains that really deliver. To clarify, this list excludes any local bakery or privately owned single bagel shop. Many of those remain among my favorite places to grab an everything, extra-toasted, and lightly buttered. In fact, this past weekend I even tripped across one that cooks a “New Jersey Pork Roll” bagel sandwich. The proper term is Taylor Ham, but back to the point.

Bagel-ology

The bagel restaurants selected here don’t have to be specific to Massachusetts only. They do, however have multiple locations throughout the state. So, If I’m en route to an early morning lacrosse tournament in Devens and stop in to grab breakfast at a Newton franchise, I can expect their other location in Milton will have a similar offering, when I’m there for a sunrise hockey game in the winter.

In full transparency, Dunkin’ Donuts is not on this list. With all due respect,  it’s called Dunkin “Donuts” for a reason. Throw a sausage, egg, and cheese on one of their bagels and I’m OK, but I’m still not going out of my way specifically for their bagels. However, if this were a coffee chain feature, Dunkin’ would be standing strong towards the top.

Without further ado, let’s hop in the car, roll down Route 3, 24, or take a sharp exit off 93, and pull into a few Massachusetts small chain restaurants that are cooking up some great bagels.

  • #4 Gunther Tooties

    There are five Gunther Tooties locations from Foxborough down to the South Shore. The owner of this chain worked in a New York bagel shop before taking over the first location in Pembroke. Moreover, a few of their spots offer drive-through. The “French Toast” bagel listed under the New York Style portion of the menu is always hard to resist.
    Assorted variety of different flavored freshly baked bagels in a full frame background on burlap

  • #3 The Bagel Dudes

    Sometimes known as “The Bagel Shop” (like their Chatham location), this is a family operated chain business that has a significant presence in eastern Massachusetts and in Florida. Everything is baked fresh onsite. If you’ve ever wondered what Chocolate Chip Cookie flavored Iced Coffee takes like, they have 22 different variations here. And it tastes as good as it sounds.

    Two everything bagels on a cutting board with butter.

    Getty Images

  • #2 Cafe Fresh Bagel

    There are five Cafe Fresh Bagel restaurants all within about 30 minutes of each other. This is my bagel breakfast sandwich spot. I  keep it simple when I go there, with a classic: bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel.

    A bacon, egg, and cheese cooked well on an everything bagel with a glass of orange juice

    Getty Images

  • #1 Bruegger's Bagels

    There are 14 Bruegger’s in Massachusetts. Each one is a combination of its own character and consistent taste. The menu is the same everywhere, which is a good thing because their bagels contiguously deliver an essential bagel flavor whether you are in a Bruegger’s on School St. in Boston or stopping in on your way to their Route 3a South Shore location on your way to the highway. Plus, their bagels are relatively small, so you can eat two.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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