12 Michigan Chains Serving Golden And Perfect Onion Rings Every Time
Few things hit the spot like the golden crunch of onion rings alongside a juicy burger or stacked sandwich.
Michigan is home to plenty of chains that have turned this crispy comfort into an art form, blending local favorites with national names that have long been part of the state’s dining tradition.
Thick-cut rings with bold dipping sauces or delicate, melt-in-your-mouth strips – no matter your preference, these spots know how to keep the quality consistent bite after bite.
1. Culver’s
Wisconsin’s favorite burger joint has conquered Michigan with locations spanning the entire state, and their Classic Onion Rings deserve every bit of praise they receive.
Each ring features a perfectly balanced combination of sweet, tender onion wrapped in crisp, golden breading that maintains its crunch from first bite to last.
Consistency remains Culver’s strongest selling point – whether you visit their Lansing location or venture up to Traverse City, expect the same high-quality rings every single time. The secret lies in their commitment to battered, made-to-order preparation.
Pro tip: pair these beauties with their Wisconsin cheddar dipping sauce when available for an extra layer of creamy indulgence.
2. A&W Restaurants
Step back in time at A&W locations scattered from Almont to Iron Mountain, where hand-breaded onion rings transport you straight to the golden age of drive-in dining.
These rings aren’t just a side dish – they’re a signature menu item that perfectly captures the nostalgic spirit of classic American fast food.
The retro drive-in atmosphere makes every visit feel like a special occasion, complete with carhops and that unmistakable A&W charm.
Their hand-breading process ensures each ring maintains the perfect texture contrast between crispy exterior and sweet, tender onion inside.
Keep in mind that some menu items vary by individual store, so it’s worth checking your local location’s offerings before making the trip.
3. Leo’s Coney Island
Southeast Michigan’s go-to destination for round-the-clock comfort food, Leo’s has perfected the art of reliable onion rings that complement their famous chili dogs and coney creations.
These rings serve as the ideal munchie or side dish, especially during those late-night cravings when nothing else will satisfy.
What sets Leo’s apart is their unwavering consistency across multiple locations – you can count on the same quality whether you’re in Detroit proper or the surrounding suburbs. The rings pair exceptionally well with their signature chili sauce for an unexpectedly delicious combination.
Bonus points for transparency: Leo’s posts calorie counts and pricing directly on their official menu, making it easy to plan your indulgent meal accordingly.
4. National Coney Island
Born and raised in Detroit, National Coney Island serves up thick-cut onion rings that embody the generous spirit of Motor City dining. These aren’t your average thin-sliced rings – expect substantial portions that practically demand to be shared with your dining companions.
Last summer, I watched a family of four struggle to finish a single order of these massive rings while waiting for my own meal. The father kept joking about needing a forklift, but nobody stopped eating because the flavor was simply too good to waste.
Multiple locations across Royal Oak, Southfield, and beyond ensure you’re never too far from these Detroit classics. Just remember to bring your appetite – or a friend to help tackle these generously portioned beauties.
5. Halo Burger
Michigan’s homegrown treasure, Halo Burger, has been serving the Flint area and southeast Michigan since 1923, and their onion rings have become legendary companions to their famous Olive Burger. Available in medium or large sizes, these rings showcase the perfect balance of crispy coating and sweet onion flavor.
The beauty of Halo Burger lies in its Michigan roots – this isn’t some corporate chain trying to understand local tastes. They’ve been perfecting their recipe for nearly a century, and it shows in every golden, crunchy bite.
Locations in Flint, Fenton, Grand Blanc, and beyond make it easy to experience this Michigan original. Just note that prices and sizes may vary slightly depending on whether you order in-store or through delivery apps.
6. Big Boy
Southeast and mid-Michigan families have gathered at Big Boy locations for generations, making memories over comfort food classics like their Original Crispy Onion Rings.
These rings come with a zesty dipping sauce that elevates each bite from simply good to absolutely memorable.
Big Boy’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for introducing kids to the joy of properly made onion rings. The crispy coating provides that satisfying crunch kids love, while the sweet onion interior offers a more sophisticated flavor that grows on them over time.
Since Big Boy operates through different franchise owners across Michigan, menus can vary slightly between locations.
This actually adds to the charm – each restaurant maintains its own personality while delivering consistently delicious rings throughout the region.
7. Red Robin
Prepare for the spectacle that is Red Robin’s Towering Onion Rings – an impressive 13-ring stack that arrives at your table looking like edible architecture.
These panko-crusted beauties come with not one but two different dipping sauces, because why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?
Located in Novi, Flint, and other Michigan cities, Red Robin transforms the simple onion ring into an event. The panko breading creates an exceptionally light, crispy texture that somehow manages to stay crunchy even as you work your way through the towering stack.
Fair warning: prices and availability can vary by location, so call ahead if you’re specifically craving these architectural marvels.
Trust me, the disappointment of arriving to find them unavailable isn’t worth the risk.
8. White Castle
Southeast Michigan’s late-night hero, White Castle, serves onion rings that perfectly complement their famous sliders for the ultimate comfort food combination.
With dozens of locations across the Detroit area, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Howell, these rings have become synonymous with satisfying midnight munchies.
The genius of White Castle’s onion rings lies in their simplicity – they don’t try to reinvent the wheel, just deliver consistent quality that hits the spot when you need it most. Whether you call them onion chips or onion rings varies by location, but the crispy satisfaction remains constant.
Many locations operate 24 hours, making them a reliable option when other restaurants have long since closed their doors.
Just check your local store hours before making that late-night pilgrimage.
9. SONIC Drive-In
SONIC’s Hand-Made Onion Rings bring drive-in nostalgia to approximately 16 Michigan locations, from Dearborn to Comstock Park.
The sweet onion batter creates a distinctive flavor profile that sets these rings apart from the competition – they taste like summer afternoons and simpler times.
Rolling up to a SONIC stall feels like stepping into an American Graffiti scene, complete with carhops on roller skates and that unmistakable drive-in atmosphere.
The hand-made preparation ensures each ring maintains its unique character rather than the uniform perfection of machine-made alternatives.
Since hours and specific menu items can vary between locations, it’s smart to confirm availability before you roll in. Nothing ruins the drive-in experience quite like discovering your craved item isn’t available at that particular spot.
10. Ram’s Horn
Metro Detroit’s beloved family diner chain, Ram’s Horn, serves old-school comfort food, including onion rings that transport you straight back to the golden age of American diners.
With over a dozen suburban locations, these rings represent everything great about traditional diner fare—simple, satisfying, and served with genuine hospitality.
During a recent visit to their Rochester location, I watched our server recommend the onion rings to a first-time customer with such enthusiasm that half the restaurant ended up ordering them. That’s the kind of authentic pride in their food that makes Ram’s Horn special.
Each location maintains its own webpage and operating hours, giving individual restaurants the flexibility to serve their communities while maintaining the consistent quality that keeps families coming back generation after generation.
11. Kerby’s Coney Island
Scattered across metro Detroit’s suburbs, Kerby’s Coney Island brings a Greek-leaning twist to traditional coney fare, with onion rings that frequently appear as combo sides alongside their signature dishes.
Locations in Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and other upscale suburbs serve these rings to discerning diners who appreciate quality.
The beauty of Kerby’s lies in their attention to detail – these aren’t afterthought rings thrown on the menu to fill space. They’re carefully prepared sides that complement the restaurant’s overall commitment to elevated comfort food in a casual setting.
Keep in mind that prices and side options can differ between individual locations, as each restaurant adapts to serve its specific community.
This flexibility allows each Kerby’s to maintain its neighborhood character while delivering consistently delicious food across all locations.
12. HopCat
Michigan’s craft-focused pub chain, HopCat, elevates the humble onion ring from simple bar snack to genuine comfort food worth ordering.
With locations in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Royal Oak, Holland, and Kalamazoo, these rings prove that pub food doesn’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.
What surprises most first-time visitors is how genuinely crisp these rings remain throughout your meal – no soggy disappointments here.
The kitchen’s attention to proper frying techniques and timing ensures each ring maintains its crunch from first bite to last, even when you’re taking your time with conversation.
Since HopCat locations can customize their menus to reflect local preferences, it’s worth checking your specific store’s offerings online. This local flexibility keeps the brand fresh while maintaining the quality standards that made them a Michigan favorite.