Unearth The Voyage
Golden, crispy, and perfectly fried—onion rings are one of those side dishes that can steal the spotlight from any burger or sandwich. Illinois is home to dozens of restaurant chains that take their onion rings seriously, offering everything from thick-cut jumbo rings to hand-battered beauties. Whether you’re a fan of sweet onion flavor or crave that satisfying crunch, the Prairie State has plenty of spots to satisfy your onion ring cravings. Let’s explore some of the best chains serving up these irresistible fried treats across Illinois.
Portillo’s
A Chicago legend for hot dogs and Italian beef, Portillo’s also happens to fry up some seriously impressive onion rings. Their jumbo rings are thick-cut and boast a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, sweet onion inside. Many regulars swear by dipping them in the restaurant’s famous cheese sauce, which adds a rich, creamy contrast to the crunchy coating.
What makes Portillo’s rings stand out is their size and consistency. Each ring is substantial enough to feel like a treat, not just a side. The batter holds up well even after a few minutes, maintaining that satisfying crunch locals have come to expect from this beloved Chicago-area chain.
Culver’s
Culver’s built its reputation on ButterBurgers and frozen custard, but their onion rings deserve equal applause. Made from whole white onions, each ring is thick-cut and battered with a light, subtly spiced coating that doesn’t overpower the natural sweetness of the onion. They’re fried to a perfect golden hue and salted immediately, locking in flavor and texture.
What’s refreshing about Culver’s approach is the restraint—the batter doesn’t dominate. Instead, you taste the onion first, followed by that delightful crunch. It’s a balanced bite that proves sometimes less really is more when it comes to frying techniques.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
At Freddy’s, the onion rings take a different route—thinly sliced and hand-battered for maximum crispiness. Fans of this chain rave about the crunchy texture that stays intact bite after bite, paired with a sweet onion flavor that balances the savory batter. They’re an ideal companion to Freddy’s signature steakburgers and creamy frozen custard.
Unlike thicker rings that can sometimes feel heavy, Freddy’s version is light and addictive. The thin slices mean more surface area gets that golden, crispy treatment, making each piece a satisfying crunch-fest. With multiple Illinois locations, it’s easy to grab a basket whenever the craving hits.
Brown’s Chicken
Born in Chicago, Brown’s Chicken has been serving fried favorites for decades, and their onion rings carry that nostalgic, old-school charm. Longtime patrons describe them as having a homestyle quality—thick breading with a satisfying crunch and that unmistakable fried goodness you remember from childhood. They’re not fancy or trendy, just straightforward and delicious.
Brown’s rings pair perfectly with their famous fried chicken, making them a go-to side for anyone seeking comfort food done right. The breading has a slightly seasoned flavor that complements without overwhelming. If you’re hunting for onion rings with authentic Chicago roots, Brown’s delivers that classic taste worth seeking out.
Sonic Drive-In
Known for its drive-in nostalgia and endless drink combinations, Sonic also earns praise for its hand-breaded onion rings. Each ring is coated fresh and fried until crispy, offering a satisfying crunch that holds up well even during a car picnic. The breading has a slightly peppery kick that keeps things interesting bite after bite.
Sonic’s rings are often mentioned in top onion ring lists because they deliver consistent quality across locations. They’re thick enough to feel substantial but not so heavy that they weigh you down. Paired with one of Sonic’s signature sauces or enjoyed plain, they’re a solid choice for onion ring enthusiasts across Illinois.
A&W Restaurants
A&W brings back memories of classic American drive-ins, complete with frosty mugs of root beer and baskets of hand-battered onion rings. Their rings are made fresh daily, featuring a crispy exterior that gives way to tender onion inside. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about pairing these rings with an ice-cold root beer float—it’s pure Americana on a tray.
What sets A&W apart is their commitment to hand-battering each ring, which creates an irregular, homemade texture rather than a uniform coating. This gives every bite a slightly different experience, making the meal feel more authentic and less mass-produced than typical fast-food fare.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Famous for wings and game-day atmosphere, Buffalo Wild Wings also serves up onion rings that reviewers call “big, bold, and perfect for sharing.” Their rings are generously sized with a thick, crunchy batter that stands up to the restaurant’s many dipping sauces. Whether you go classic ranch or try something spicier, these rings can handle it.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ rings work well as a group appetizer or a hearty side to your main meal. The coating has a slightly seasoned flavor that complements the sweet onion without competing with whatever sauce you choose. Illinois branches carry these crowd-pleasers, making them a reliable option for your next sports-watching gathering.
