Onion rings are a quintessentially American snack, beloved for their perfect blend of crispy batter and sweet, tender onions. From their humble beginnings to their current status as a staple at many top restaurant chains – and stand-alone restaurants – onion rings offer a delicious alternative to the usual side dishes. This guide takes a look at the history, preparation, and unique appeal of onion rings, highlighting the top seven restaurant chains that have perfected this favorite treat.
A Brief History of Onion Rings
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The concept of the onion ringdates back to 1802when a recipe for “Fried Onions with Parmesan Cheese” appeared in the cookbook “The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined”. The modern version, known for its crispy batter, began gaining popularity in the early 20th century. Today, whether accompanying a juicy burger or served as a standalone dish, onion rings are celebrated for their delightful crunch and flavor.
Top 7 Chains Serving the Best Onion Rings
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How many of these places have you visited?
1. A&W Restaurants
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (3) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AW-onion-rings.-Image-credit-melissamn-via-Shutterstock-1.jpg)
A pioneer inpopularizing onion ringsin fast food since the 1960s, A&W offers tangy white onions encased in a crunchy, golden-brown batter. Recommended pairing: Spicy Papa Dipping Sauce.
2. Red Robin
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (4) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Red-Robin.-Image-credit-refrina-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Famous for theirTowering Onion Rings, Red Robin serves them on a unique metal dowel, making them not just a dish but a visual spectacle, served with Campfire Mayo and ranch sauces.
3. Culver’s
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (5) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Culvers.-Image-credit-APN-Photography-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Culver’s rings are made from thick-cut white onions and a light batter that enhances the onion’s natural sweetness, earning high praise for their consistent quality and perfect seasoning.
4. Johnny Rockets
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (6) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Johnny-rockets.-Image-credit-Nelson-Charette-Photo-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
With a 1950s diner vibe, Johnny Rockets serves classic-style onion rings known for their crispy texture and robust flavor, complementing any burger and milkshake combo.
5. Buffalo Wild Wings
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (7) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Buffalo-wild-wings.-Image-credit-Jonathan-Weiss-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
These beer-battered rings are a favorite for their thick cut and robust flavor, served with a Southwestern Ranch dipping sauce that adds a spicy kick.
6. Shake Shack
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (8) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shake-Shack.-Image-credit-Tada-Images-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Shake Shack incorporates crispy onion rings into their burgers, notably in the ShackMeister Burger, featuring beer-marinated crispy shallots, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with their signature ShackSauce.
7. Outback Steakhouse
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (9) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bloomin-onion.-Image-credit-Brent-Hofacker-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
The iconic Bloomin’ Onion is a masterpiece of onion preparation, a massive, crispy delight that draws customers for both its taste and dramatic presentation.
Onion Rings Near You Now
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Here are some additional establishments, praised for their onion rings.
8. Stella’s Bar & Grill – Bellevue, Nebraska
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (11) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (11)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bellevue.-Image-credit-SevenMaps-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Stella’s Bar & Grill is not just known for making the best burger in Omaha;their onion rings are a crunchy, golden delight that locals rave about.
9. Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers – Leesburg, Virginia
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Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers adds a tasty twist to their onion rings by serving them with abalsamic glazethat has Yelpers coming back for more.
10. Full On Craft Eats & Drinks – Rockville, Maryland
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (13) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (13)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rockville-MD.-Image-credit-Regine-Poirier-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Full On Craft’s onion rings are a standout side, served with a horseradish mayonnaise that perfectly complements their crab grilled cheese sandwich.
11. BSF – Burgers Shakes & Fries – Greenwich, Connecticut
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BSF’s onion rings are a perfect match for their unique burgers that featuregrilled, buttered toast buns. They’re a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
12. Stock & Barrel – Knoxville, Tennessee
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (15) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (15)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Knoxville-TN.-Image-credit-Marcus-E-Jones-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Stock & Barrel may be known for its bourbon selection, but their onion rings are a popular choice for those looking for a crispy, savory snack.
13. Union Woodshop – Clarkston, Michigan
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Union Woodshop serves up oversized, hand-battered onion rings that are a perfect complement to their well-known barbecue.
14. GQue BBQ – Westminster, Colorado
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (17) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (17)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/COlorado.-Image-credit-Kit-Leong-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
GQue BBQ in Colorado offers onion rings that are a real treat, often paired with their Meltdown sandwich for an indulgent experience.
15. Hops Burger Bar – Greensboro, North Carolina
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (18) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (18)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NC.-Image-credit-Sean-Pavone-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Hops Burger Bar has a burger for everyone, and their onion rings are just as inclusive. They’re a popular side dish for both vegetarians and meat-eaters.
16. The Knack – Orleans, Massachusetts
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (19) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (19)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cape-Cod.-Image-credit-Jon-Bilous-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
If thinner onion rings are your preference, The Knack is the place to be. They’re known for their lobster rolls and chicken tenders, but the onion rings are a standout.
17. Island Ono Loa Grill – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (20) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (20)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/HI.-Image-credit-Bill-Morson-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Island Ono Loa Grill not only claims to have one of the best burgers in the US but also serves up funky and delicious onion rings that are a must-try.
18. Maui Brick Oven – Kihei, Hawaii
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Maui Brick Oven offers a completely gluten-free menu, attracting diners with dietary restrictions. Their crispy onion rings are a popular gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Why Choose Onion Rings Over Other Sides?
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When you have a choice of sides (French fries come to mind), why choose fried onion rings?
Unique Flavor Profile
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (23) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (23)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Onion-rings.-Image-credit-Brent-Hofacker-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Onion rings provide a savory sweetness that’s both satisfying and versatile, pairing well with a variety of dips and dishes.
Textural Contrast
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (24) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (24)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Crunchy-onion-rings.-Image-credit-vankad-via-DepositPhotos.jpg)
The crispy exterior juxtaposed with the soft, sweet onion interior offers a delightful eating experience that elevates any meal.
Visual Appeal
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (25) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (25)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Onion-rings.-Image-credit-Tatiana-Volgutova-via-Shutterstock.jpg)
Onion rings add an element of fun and sophistication to the presentation of a dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The Takeaway
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Onion rings are more than just a side dish; they are a culinary delight that has evolved significantly over the centuries. Whether you’re enjoying a stack of towering onion rings at Red Robin or savoring the unique Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse, these restaurants offer some of the best versions of this beloved dish. Next time you’re contemplating sides, consider the classic appeal and delicious taste of onion rings that these top chains serve up.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
![The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (27) The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (27)](https://i0.wp.com/www.fodmapeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sheetz-Store-1.jpg)
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hotdogs of indeterminate age, and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine, or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need. Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat. Read 6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
There Are No Bad Dogs: The Best Tasting Hot Dogs In America
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When it comes to quintessential American cuisine, the hot dog stands out as a beloved icon. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sunny shores of California, hot dogs are a staple at cookouts, ball games, and dining establishments across the nation. We have embarked on a flavorful journey to bring you the definitive list of the best tasting hot dogs in America, a guide that will take you through the top-tier franks of the country.
Read: There Are No Bad Dogs: The Best Tasting Hot Dogs In America
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