Battling the post-con depression of San Diego Comic Con 2023, we decided to high-“Tails” it over to the Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe pop up late Sunday night before heading home. It was one of the highlights and talk of the week, and we didn’t want to miss it! Restaurateur Kevin Seo (co-founder of Secret Sauce Society, the team who also had a hand in the Bleach collaboration at Matte Black Coffee) was on site to manage the festivities in celebration of Sonic’s 30th Anniversary and do some giveaways.
During the SDCC weekend, creative officer of Sonic The Hedgehog, Takashi Iizuka, made an appearance to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Producer of Sonic Symphony, Shota Nakama, also popped in to promote the new world tour (starting September 16, 2023). Evan Stanely, illustrator for Sonic the Hedgehog comics, came in one day to meet guests. And, of course, who could forget the speedster himself, Sonic, dropping by to grab his signature favorite bite!
A short walk from the convention center, nestled among other pop-up activations in the Gaslamp district, it was easy to spot the brick-walled cafe with a line going out the door throughout the weekend.
The space was decked out from top to bottom in blue checkers, clouds, neon lights, and grass turf, reminiscent of both the game and racing motifs. Iconic character cut-outs of Sonic, Miles, Knuckles, Amy, and Shadow were strategically placed throughout the restaurant for guests to take pictures with. Retro SEGA Sonic games were set up at two stations near the back for adults and kids alike to experience while waiting for their food. Even the restroom signage was branded! The atmosphere of the décor to guests who wondered in were filled with both appreciation and nostalgia.
We had a hankering for something filling and after musing over the menu for several minutes, finally settled on Knuckles Sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich with pickles and a special spicy house sauce on a toasted brioche bun, Gold Rings, crispy golden onion rings, and Blue Blur, Sonic-inspired blueberry slush. To our very happy surprise, even the containers were Sonic-branded! It was the perfect meal to end a memorable summer at Comic Con.
We couldn’t go home without a souvenir, so we picked up one of a few remaining limited edition t-shirts at the café. Merch and most sizes were low on stock from the hectic weekend.
But, don’t worry if you want to get in on this hype! Exclusive merchandise is also available at their official site until August 20th.
Here are their menu items:
HOT DOGS
- Sonic’s Classic Chilidog (Beef Chili Hot Dog) – $10
- South Island Hot Dog (All Beef Hot Dog) – $10
- The Perfect Eggdog (Egg Salad Topped Hot Dog) – $10
- Green Hill Vegan Chili Dog (Vegan Chili Hot Dog) – $12
- Have No Fear Vegan Hot Dog (Plain Vegan Hot Dog) – $12
SANDWICHES
- Knuckles Sandwich (Fried Chicken Sandwich) – $12
- The Evil Genius (Egg Salad Sandwich) – $12
SIDES
- Gold Rings (Golden Onion Rings) – $8
- Fast Fires (Golden Onion Rings) – $7
- Chao Down Combo (Frings / Fries & Onion Rings) – $10
- Piko Piko Tenders (Chicken Tenders) – $15
- Sonic’s Classic Chili Cup (All Beef Chili Cup) – $10
- Green HillVegan Chili Cup (Vegan Chili Cup) – $10
DRINKS
- Blue Blur (Sonic’s Blueberry Slush) – $6
- Smashing Echinda (Knuckle’s Cherry Slush) – $6
- Flying Fox (Tail’s Mango Slush) – $6
- Team Dark (Shadow’s Mocha Milkshake) – $7
- Sweet Amy (Amy’s Strawberry Milkshake) – $7
- Soda (Various) – $5
You’ll also notice some menu items in the new Sonic the Hedgehog: The Official Cookbook that will launch later in October 2023.
Catch these savory dishes before they’re gone on August 20th! Here are the de-“Tails”
Date: July 13, 2023 – August 20, 2023
Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Address:
910 J St. Space 2
San Diego, CA 92101
Sonic Speed Cafe Website: https://sonicspeedcafe.com/
Sonic Speed Cafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonicspeedcafe/
Sonic Speed Cafe Twitter: https://twitter.com/SonicSpeedCafe
Sonic the Hedgehog Website: https://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/
Sonic the Hedgehog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonicthehedgehog/
Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonic_hedgehog
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