Some side dishes aren’t just sides. People talk about them. Onion rings fall into that rare category—crunchy and unexpectedly memorable. At certain spots, the rings don’t simply complement the meal; they steal the spotlight. Maybe it’s the batter or its texture that lands exactly right. These chains? They’ve turned that crispy circle into something worth showing up for.
Red Robin
Red Robin turns onion rings into a showpiece with its 13-ring “Towering Onion Rings” appetizer. These thick-cut, golden-fried rings are seasoned just right—crispy, never greasy—and served with smoky Campfire Mayo and classic Ranch. Bold in flavor and stacked high, it’s comfort food with undeniable flair.
The Habit Burger Grill
Craving rings with crunch that really hits? The Habit delivers. Each one is hand-breaded daily, creating that rare balance between shatteringly crispy coating and tender onion inside. While their burgers get the spotlight, these onion rings quietly steal the show with their peppery batter.
A&W Restaurants
Long before onion rings went gourmet, A&W was frying them right. These are thick and covered in a satisfyingly crunchy batter that has been a drive-in favorite since the 1960s. Paired with a frosty root beer float, they taste like retro perfection.
Culver’s
Here, it’s a regional delicacy. Culver’s cuts thick slices of sweet yellow onion, dips them in a signature breadcrumb batter, and flash-fries them to a deep golden brown. They’re slightly sweet and a staple for Midwestern fast-food fanatics for good reason.
Whataburger
Available all day, this crispy favorite has developed a cult following across Texas and beyond. The batter is light yet flavorful, clinging perfectly to the soft onions without slipping. Served piping hot every time, the side easily becomes a go-to swap for fries or even a star snack on its own.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen might be famous for frozen treats, but the savory side of the menu deserves a closer look. The rings come out hot with a thick, crunchy coating that holds them together through every bite. Their slightly peppery flavor makes them a reliable pick alongside burgers or chicken baskets.
Ruby Tuesday
Served as a shareable appetizer or a side, Ruby Tuesday’s onion rings are thick-cut, double-battered, and fried fresh. The seasoning is bolder than expected, with a slight Cajun kick. Add the house-made ranch for dipping, and they stand out even against the chain’s burgers and ribs.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s takes a different route with its sides. This shoestring-style option is sliced super fine and fried to a delicate crispness. The flavor leans buttery rather than spicy, making it wildly addictive, especially when layered into steakburgers or munched by the handful between custard bites.
Jack In The Box
Consistency is king here. Jack in the Box’s onion rings are generally round and always salted just right, though some rings vary slightly in shape and size. Great for dipping, these rings hold their crunch longer than most fast-food versions.
Sonic Drive-In
Do you ever wonder who still makes onion rings the old-fashioned way? Sonic does. Each ring is sliced, battered, and coated in-store, not from a freezer. They even add a hint of sweetness to the batter using vanilla, giving them a unique savory twist.
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