Run, don’t walk — a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed pop-up eatery is open in downtown San Diego, inspired by the iconic, speedy SEGA character and his video game world.
Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe — a collaboration between SEGA + Secret Sauce Society — has taken over 910 J St., Space 2 (near Petco Park). It debuted during Comic-Con 2024 and is open daily through Sunday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
We jetted through the space, which is decorated with characters + images from the Sonic universe, including those iconic gold rings hanging from the ceiling. We spotted lots of Shadow the Hedgehog references, too.
The Sonic-themed fandom continues on the menu, which features fast food items in fun packaging like the Knuckles Sandwich, Fast Fries, Blue Blur blueberry slush, and Team Dark mocha milkshake. Secret Sauce Society’s Kevin Seo tells SDtoday the top-selling item is Sonic the Hedgehog’s Classic Chili Dog — and that tracks.
Sonic fans will also find Speed Cafe merchandise available for purchase behind the counter, some of which is exclusive to the SD location. Seo tells SDtoday that fans who purchase merch may also have a chance at fun giveaways on Wednesdays + weekends.
Fun fact: The pop-up first debuted in San Diego during Comic-Con 2023 and has since opened pop-ups in Katy, TX, and near Los Angeles — but something about SD keeps Sonic coming back. We get it.
