12 Illinois Restaurant Chains That Take Onion Rings Seriously
Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, onion rings are the unsung heroes of the fast-food world.
While fries usually steal the spotlight, true fans know that a truly great onion ring can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one.
Illinois restaurant chains take this crunchy side seriously, serving everything from thick-cut beauties wrapped in crunchy batter to delicate, sweet rings that practically melt in your mouth.
Whether you like them beer-battered, boldly seasoned, or stacked sky-high, these twelve restaurants have mastered the art of the onion ring.
Get ready to discover where the Land of Lincoln serves up the most seriously delicious rings around!
1. Portillo’s – Chicago
Nothing says Chicago comfort food quite like Portillo’s, and their onion rings are absolute showstoppers. Located at 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654, this iconic spot has been serving up craveable classics since 1963.
Their onion rings feature thick-cut slices coated in a golden, crispy batter that delivers the perfect crunch with every bite.
What sets Portillo’s rings apart is their commitment to quality—each ring is fried fresh to order and cooked to perfection. The sweet onion flavor shines through the savory coating, creating a harmony that keeps customers coming back for more.
Pair them with their famous Chicago-style hot dogs or Italian beef sandwiches for the ultimate Windy City feast.
The batter stays incredibly crispy even as the rings cool down, which is a testament to their superior preparation technique. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a hearty dinner, these rings are an absolute must-try.
Portillo’s proves that when you take onion rings seriously, magic happens on the plate!
2. Buona – Berwyn
Family-owned and family-loved, Buona has been a Chicagoland treasure since 1981. Their Berwyn location at 6745 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402, serves up some of the most addictive onion rings you’ll ever taste.
These beauties are breaded and cooked to order, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor in every golden circle.
Buona’s onion rings boast a light, airy batter that somehow manages to be both delicate and incredibly crunchy. The onions themselves are perfectly sweet and tender, never overpowering the dish.
It’s this careful balance that makes them stand out from the competition.
What really seals the deal is how well these rings complement Buona’s famous Italian beef sandwiches and other menu favorites. The seasoning is spot-on—not too salty, with just enough savory goodness to keep you reaching for more.
Many locals swear these are the best onion rings in the western suburbs, and after one bite, you’ll understand why the hype is real!
3. Steak ‘n Shake – Bloomington
Classic American dining gets a serious upgrade at Steak ‘n Shake in Bloomington, located at 2107 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701. While they’re famous for their steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, their onion rings deserve equal billing.
These rings feature a signature thin, crispy coating that shatters satisfyingly with each bite.
The secret lies in their unique preparation method that creates an ultra-crunchy exterior while keeping the onion inside perfectly tender. Steak ‘n Shake doesn’t skimp on portion sizes either—their onion ring orders are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to.
The rings maintain their crispiness remarkably well, even when paired with their famous fry sauce.
What makes this location special is the consistent quality and friendly service that keeps Central Illinois residents coming back week after week. The nostalgic diner atmosphere adds to the experience, making every visit feel like a trip down memory lane.
These onion rings prove that sometimes the classics really are the best!
4. White Castle – Chicago
Sliders may be their claim to fame, but White Castle’s onion rings are legendary in their own right. The Chicago location at 2358 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608, serves up these circular delights with the same dedication they bring to their famous mini burgers.
In the Chicago area, their onion rings feature a distinctive breading that’s both crispy and slightly sweet.
What makes White Castle’s version unique is the size—these are smaller, more delicate rings that are perfect for snacking. The breading has a subtle sweetness that complements the onion’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.
They’re fried to a beautiful golden-brown that’s visually appealing and texturally perfect.
These rings are ideal for pairing with a Crave Case of sliders or enjoying on their own as a late-night snack. The portion sizes are reasonable, and the price point makes them accessible for anyone craving quality comfort food.
White Castle proves you don’t need to be fancy to be fantastic—sometimes simple done right is all you need!
5. Culver’s – Schaumburg
Wisconsin’s favorite export to Illinois, Culver’s brings Midwest hospitality to every meal. Their Schaumburg location at 131 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195, takes onion rings as seriously as they take their famous frozen custard.
These rings are beer-battered to perfection, creating a coating that’s both substantial and incredibly flavorful.
The batter has a slight tanginess that elevates the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a flavor profile that’s absolutely crave-worthy. Each ring is thick-cut, ensuring you get plenty of tender onion in every bite.
Culver’s commitment to freshness means these rings are cooked to order at most locations and served hot and crispy.
What really sets them apart is how well they pair with Culver’s signature ButterBurgers and cheese curds for the ultimate Midwest feast. The seasoning is perfectly balanced, with just enough salt to enhance without overpowering.
Locals know that ordering the onion rings here is non-negotiable—they’re simply too good to skip!
6. SONIC Drive-In – Joliet
Cruising into SONIC Drive-In in Joliet feels like stepping back into the golden age of American drive-ins. Located at 2300 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, this location serves up onion rings that are seriously addictive.
Their rings feature a thick, crunchy batter with a bold, well-seasoned coating that helps them stand out from the crowd.
SONIC’s onion rings are generously sized, with sweet, tender onions that practically melt in your mouth. The breading stays remarkably crispy, even when you’re enjoying them in your car during a classic drive-in experience.
They’re the perfect companion to SONIC’s famous cherry limeades and burgers.
What makes these rings special is the attention to texture—each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the sweet onion payoff. The seasoning blend includes hints of garlic and onion powder that amplify the natural flavors.
Whether you’re ordering through the app or pressing that iconic red button, make sure onion rings are part of your SONIC experience. They’re absolutely ring-tastic!
7. Dairy Queen Grill & Chill – Naperville
Known primarily for their legendary Blizzards, Dairy Queen’s Grill & Chill concept proves they’re serious about savory food too. The Naperville location at 1155 E Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60563, serves onion rings that could easily steal the show from their frozen treats.
These rings feature a light, golden breading that delivers maximum crunch with minimal grease.
The onions are sliced to the perfect thickness, ensuring they stay tender and sweet while the exterior gets delightfully crispy. Dairy Queen’s seasoning blend is subtle but effective, letting the natural onion flavor shine through.
The rings are substantial enough to be satisfying but not so heavy that they weigh you down.
At Grill & Chill locations like this one, the staff takes pride in serving hot, freshly fried rings alongside burgers and sandwiches.
These rings prove that Dairy Queen isn’t just about ice cream; they’re about delivering happiness in every form, one crispy circle at a time!
8. A&W Restaurant – North Aurora
Few comfort food pairings are as timeless as onion rings and a classic fast-food meal, and A&W Restaurant in North Aurora, located at 113 S Lincolnway, North Aurora, IL 60542, has been serving up this crowd-pleasing favorite for decades.
Their onion rings are old-school classics, featuring a thick, crunchy batter that tastes like nostalgia in every bite.
The breading has a slightly sweet undertone that complements A&W’s menu perfectly, delivering a satisfying balance of flavor and crunch in every ring. These rings are cut thick, ensuring plenty of sweet, tender onion in every golden circle.
The frying technique creates an incredibly crispy exterior that maintains its crunch throughout your meal.
A&W’s long-standing brand traditions shine through at this North Aurora location, where the onion rings reflect preparation methods the chain has relied on for generations.
Local fans know that a trip to the North Aurora A&W isn’t complete without an order of these legendary rings, making them a must-have addition to any meal.
9. Burger King – Chicago
Sometimes the king knows best, and Burger King’s Chicago location at 2035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, proves it with their outstanding onion rings. These aren’t your average fast-food rings—they feature a unique breading that’s both crispy and slightly puffy, creating an interesting textural experience.
The coating has a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory elements.
Burger King’s onion rings are made from a seasoned onion-based mixture formed into ring shapes, then fried until golden and crisp. They are consistently sized and perfectly fried, ensuring quality in every order.
What’s particularly impressive is how well these rings hold up—they stay crispy even as they cool, making them perfect for takeout orders.
The value proposition here is excellent, with generous portions at reasonable prices. They pair beautifully with Burger King’s flame-grilled burgers and chicken sandwiches.
The Western Avenue location maintains high standards, delivering hot, fresh rings with every order. These rings prove that fast food can be seriously good when done right.
Long live the king of onion rings!
10. Buffalo Wild Wings – Peoria
Wings might be their specialty, but Buffalo Wild Wings in Peoria doesn’t sleep on their onion rings. Located at 5201 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL 61615, this sports bar destination serves up rings that are worthy of their own championship trophy.
Their breading is perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice that complements their famous sauces beautifully.
These rings are substantial and satisfying, with a crispy exterior that gives way to sweet, tender onion. The breading has a slightly peppery kick that makes them addictive without being overwhelming.
They’re the perfect shareable appetizer for game day or any day, really.
While availability can vary by location, the Peoria restaurant consistently offers onion rings that pair well with Buffalo Wild Wings’ extensive sauce lineup.
They’re proof that onion rings deserve a spot on the starting lineup of any great menu!
11. Red Robin – Orland Park
Gourmet burgers meet gourmet onion rings at Red Robin in Orland Park, located at 15155 S La Grange Rd, Orland Park, IL 60462. Their Onion Ring Tower is legendary among regulars—a towering stack of perfectly fried rings that’s almost too beautiful to eat.
Almost. The breading is light and crispy, with a subtle seasoning that enhances rather than masks the onion flavor.
Red Robin uses high-quality sweet onions that caramelize slightly during frying, creating layers of flavor in every bite. The rings are uniformly sized and cooked to perfection, ensuring consistency from top to bottom of that impressive tower.
They pair wonderfully with Red Robin’s signature fry sauce or ranch dressing.
What really impresses is the sheer volume you get—these towers are designed for sharing, though you might not want to. The rings stay crispy throughout your meal, never getting soggy or greasy.
The Orland Park location maintains the high standards Red Robin is known for, making every visit a delicious adventure. These rings are truly bottomless fun!
12. Fatburger – Chicago
California cool meets Chicago appetite at Fatburger’s downtown location at 32 S State St, Chicago, IL 60603. Their onion rings are West Coast-style perfection—thick-cut, generously battered, and fried to golden perfection.
The breading has a satisfying crunch that gives way to sweet, tender onion that’s never overcooked or rubbery.
Fatburger’s onion rings are made with thick-cut onions coated in a seasoned batter and fried to order for a hot, crispy finish.
The seasoning is perfectly balanced, with just enough salt and spices to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions.
These rings are the perfect complement to Fatburger’s massive, flavorful burgers and thick milkshakes. The State Street location brings that laid-back California vibe to the heart of Chicago, making every meal feel like a mini vacation.
The portions are generous, and the quality is consistently excellent. These rings prove that when you keep things simple and focus on quality, you create something truly fat-tastic!