Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. But what about onion rings? This crispy, golden side dish is often overlooked in the Windy City's food scene.
However, there are plenty of hidden gems throughout the city that serve up some of the best onion rings you will ever taste.
Whether you prefer thick-cut, beer-battered, or extra crispy, there is a variety of onion rings to suit every taste bud. From upscale restaurants to dive bars, Chicago has it all.
Some places even add unique twists to this classic dish, such as adding Parmesan cheese, jalapenos, or barbecue sauce.
Onion rings are the perfect complement to any meal, and they can even stand alone as a snack or appetizer. They are a great alternative to French fries and can satisfy any craving for something crunchy and savory.
So, whether you are a local or visiting Chicago for the first time, be sure to check out some of the best places for onion rings in the city. You won't be disappointed.
1. Jim's Original
Jim's Original is a 24/7 hotdog stand that has been around since 1939 and is a true Chicago staple.
Their onion rings are crispy, golden-brown, and deliciously savory.
They're the perfect complement to any of Jim's Original's classic hotdogs, pork chop sandwiches, or beef sausages.
2. Billy Goat Tavern
Billy Goat Tavern is a classic Chicago burger joint that serves up some of the best onion rings in town.
The rings are crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, making them the perfect side dish to their famous cheeseburgers.
The tavern itself is a no-frills establishment with a vintage charm that adds to the overall experience.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, which makes for a pleasant dining experience. If you're in the mood for some delicious onion rings, Billy Goat Tavern is the place to go.
3. Flub A Dub Chub's
Flub A Dub Chub's is a great spot for onion rings. The service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
Their onion rings are crispy and flavorful, and definitely worth trying.
In addition to the onion rings, they have a variety of other menu items, including hot dogs, burgers, and fries. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
If you're looking for a casual, laid-back place to enjoy some delicious onion rings, Flub A Dub Chub's is definitely worth checking out.
4. Palace Grill Restaurant
Palace Grill Restaurant is a hidden gem for onion ring lovers. The handmade onion rings are crispy and flavorful, making them a must-try dish.
The restaurant's old-school Chicago atmosphere, complete with Blackhawks memorabilia, adds to the experience.
The friendly staff and quick service make for a pleasant dining experience.
Palace Grill Restaurant is a great place to satisfy your onion ring cravings.
5. Lawn Craft Hamburger
Lawn Craft Hamburger is a must-visit for onion ring enthusiasts. The onion rings are crispy and golden, with just the right amount of seasoning.
The burgers are also delicious, with juicy patties and fresh toppings.
The outdoor seating area is a great place to enjoy your meal and soak up the atmosphere. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some classic comfort food, Lawn Craft Hamburger is the place to go.
6. Hangry's
Hangry's is a low-key restaurant that serves up some of the best onion rings in town.
Along with their finger foods, they offer hearty burgers, wings, salads, and refreshing drinks like horchata and milkshakes.
The service is friendly, and the food is consistently delicious.
The parking lot may be small, but it's definitely worth the visit for their crispy and flavorful onion rings.
7. Lola's Coney Island
Lola's Coney Island is a casual counter-service restaurant that is known for its hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes.
However, their onion rings are a must-try. They are crispy, golden brown, and perfectly seasoned.
These onion rings are so good that they could easily be a meal on their own. The friendly staff and clean interior make the dining experience at Lola's Coney Island very enjoyable.
If you're in the mood for some delicious onion rings, Lola's Coney Island is the place to be.
8. Butch McGuire's
Butch McGuire's is an iconic Irish pub in Chicago.
While it's not known for its food, the onion rings are a must-try. They're perfectly crispy and flavorful.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with friendly staff and great drinks.
It's a great spot to hang out with friends and enjoy some classic pub fare.
9. Martin's Corner
Martin's Corner is a neighborhood bar that offers more than just drinks. Their onion rings are a must-try for anyone who loves this classic snack.
The rings are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.
The friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere make Martin's Corner a great spot to relax and enjoy a good meal.
Don't miss out on their onion rings if you're ever in the area!
10. Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky is a high-end steakhouse chain that serves prime, dry-aged steaks, seafood, and wine.
The restaurant is perfect for power-dining or a special occasion. While the restaurant's menu has a lot to offer, their onion rings are a standout dish.
The rings are crispy, golden-brown, and perfectly seasoned. They are served hot and fresh, making them a great appetizer to share or a side dish to complement your meal.
If you are looking for some of the best onion rings in town, Smith & Wollensky is definitely worth a visit.
11. Bianca's Burgers
Looking for the best onion rings in town, look no further than Bianca's Burgers. This place has gained a reputation for having the crispiest onion rings around.
But that's not all, their burgers are also top-notch. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cheeseburger or something more adventurous like their BBQ burger, you won't be disappointed.
The meat is juicy and flavorful, and the buns are soft and fresh. And if you're looking for a side to go with your burger and onion rings, try their garlic fries.
They're a perfect match. Bianca's Burgers is a must-try for any burger and onion ring lover.
12. Miller's Pub
Miller's Pub is a Chicago institution that has been serving up traditional American grub since 1935.
While there are plenty of menu items to choose from, the onion rings are a standout. These crispy, golden rings are perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with low lighting and stained glass dividers between booths.
The service is attentive and the prices are reasonable. If you're looking for some of the best onion rings in town, Miller's Pub is the place to go.
13. Maxwell's
Maxwell's is a 24-hour burger joint that serves up some of the best onion rings in town.
The batter is crispy, and the onions are perfectly cooked, making for a delicious snack or side dish. The service is fast, and the staff is friendly, making for a great experience overall.
While the menu is limited, the burgers and hot dogs are also worth trying. Just be sure to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
If you're looking for a late-night bite or a quick meal, Maxwell's is definitely worth checking out.
14. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is a great spot for onion rings. The crispy batter and perfectly cooked onions make for a delicious snack or side dish.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with plenty of TVs to catch the game.
The staff is friendly and attentive, providing great service. The menu offers a variety of other tasty options, but the onion rings are definitely a standout.
If you're in the mood for some delicious fried goodness, be sure to check out Jake Melnick's Corner Tap.
15. Little Toasted
Little Toasted is a gastropub and whiskey bar that serves up some delicious onion rings.
The menu may be limited, but the food is satisfying and the drinks are fantastic.
The service is attentive and the atmosphere is comfortable.
If you're in the mood for some crispy onion rings and a good drink, Little Toasted is definitely worth checking out.
16. Restaurant Holiday Inn
Restaurant Holiday Inn offers delicious onion rings that are worth trying. The modern atmosphere and quick service make for an enjoyable dining experience.
The classic burger with caramelized onions and the Cobb salad are also recommended.
The attentive and friendly server, Lila, adds to the overall positive experience.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service. Give this place a try if you're in the area!
17. The Region
The Region is a tiny, Indiana-style burger joint that serves up some seriously delicious onion rings.
The rings are thickly breaded and fresh, and are a meal in themselves. The owner takes pride in making everything in-house, which is evident in the quality of the food.
The seating inside is limited, but the friendly staff and quick service make up for it.
If you're in the mood for some top-notch onion rings, The Region is definitely worth a visit.
