The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (2024)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (1)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (2)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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 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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (10)

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)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (12)

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)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (14)

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)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (16)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (21)

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?

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (22)

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)

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 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)

Onion rings add an element of fun and sophistication to the presentation of a dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The Takeaway

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (26)

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)

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

The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (28)

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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The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Onion Rings: These 18 Restaurants Have Perfected Them! - FODMAP Everyday (2024)

FAQs

Are onion rings low in fodmap? ›

If you're on the Low FODMAP diet and want to reintroduce fructan - onion back into your diet, here's a fun and simple recipe for onion rings. These onion rings are Low FODMAP except for the onion, of course.

Are onion rings bad for you? ›

Fried foods

Topping our list are foods that are fried, which means they're cooked in oils full of saturated fat. French fries, onion rings, and the like contain difficult-to-digest fats and can lead to problems with diarrhea and bloating. Fried foods also can encourage harmful gut bacteria.

What is healthier, onion rings or fries? ›

Actually, French Fries are still healthier than Onion Rings. French Fries have relatively lower calories, higher fiber, lower sugar, and lower fat. French Fries also have more vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, Onion Rings are very high in calories and fat.

Are onion rings an American food? ›

Onion rings (also called French-fried onion rings) is a form of appetizer or side dish in British and American cuisine. They generally consist of a cross-sectional "ring" of onion dipped in batter or bread crumbs and then deep fried; a variant is made with onion paste.

Why do onions trigger IBS? ›

Garlic and onions can add flavor to food, but they contain fructans, an oligosaccharide, which can be difficult for your intestines to break down. This may cause gas. Painful gas and cramping can result from raw garlic and onions. Even cooked versions of these foods can be triggers for some people with IBS.

What foods are surprisingly low FODMAP? ›

10 Low FODMAP Foods you Didn't Know you Could Eat
  • Fruit. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Greek yoghurt. ...
  • Strawberry jam. ...
  • Beer and wine. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Dark chocolate. ...
  • Sugar (sucrose)
Nov 1, 2018

Do onion rings make you gassy? ›

Onions are another common foodstuff that can cause gas. Onions contain fructan, which is difficult for the small intestine to absorb. When these sugars pass into the large intestine, they come into contact with gut bacteria and ferment – causing gas as a byproduct.

Do onion rings cause inflammation? ›

Fried Foods

On top of that, plenty of fried products are battered in white flour – a processed carbohydrate – making them a double whammy of inflammation. Nix the fries, onion rings, fried dough, or generally anything battered and fried if you want to slash your inflammation.

What happens if you eat too much onion rings? ›

Eating onions, especially raw onions, can have a few side effects, including: Gas and bloating. The same substances in onions that feed the healthy bacteria in your gut can be hard for some people to tolerate. Onions are among foods that sometimes cause trouble for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Why does Mcdonalds not sell onion rings? ›

Haracz also explained that if McDonald's even introduced onion rings as a limited-time offer, fewer people may order its French fries — which are “over the top profitable” for the chain. “[With onion rings] they would be selling a much less efficient, much less profitable item for them,” he said.

Which is healthier, French fries or mashed potatoes? ›

One-half cup of mashed potatoes with milk and butter contains about 110 calories and 4 ounces (a medium order) of French fries has close to 400 calories.

Are onion rings better than French fries for diabetics? ›

Avoid Fried Foods Like French Fries and Chicken Nuggets

Rather than eating breaded and fried favorites like chicken nuggets, shrimp, okra, and onion rings, Randall suggests roasting or baking these foods without the breadcrumbs.

What countries do not eat onions? ›

The Buddhist "pure vegan" diet is also practiced by Mahayana Buddhist monastics in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. In India, practitioners of Jainism and Hinduism may also abstain from garlic and onions, as well as other plants which are associated with impurity.

What culture eats the most onions? ›

World Consumption

Libya has the highest consumption of onions with an astounding average per capita consumption of 66.8 pounds.

Why do some cultures not eat onions? ›

Some believe that garlic and onion possess strong and pungent qualities that can stimulate passion, increase anger, and excite the senses.

Can you eat onions on a low FODMAP diet? ›

While different varieties of onions contain different amounts of FODMAPs, all onions are considered high FODMAP. Suggested low FODMAP swaps: chives. green tops of onions and scallions (not the bulb, which is high in FODMAPs)

Is fried onion high FODMAP? ›

Both onion and garlic are high in the FODMAP subgroup 'fructans' (one of the oligosaccharides). Although onion and garlic are packed full of wonderful nutrients and prebiotic fibre(2) some people with IBS and FODMAP sensitivities react poorly to these fructans.

Can I eat onion rings with gastritis? ›

Eat lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein. Use healthy oils, such as olive oil. Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.

Can FODMAP eat garlic? ›

When embarking on a low FODMAP diet, it is important to avoid garlic and foods that contain garlic during the initial phases. Garlic can be tested to assess for individual tolerance during the challenge phase.

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