The Absolute Best Onion Rings in Chicago [Updated 2025]

Throughout my culinary adventures, I’ve sampled onion rings from a diverse range of establishments, each offering a unique twist on this classic comfort food.

After reviewing twelve different locations across the city, I can confidently say that there’s more to these crispy delights than meets the eye.

From the crunch of the batter to the sweetness of the onions, every detail matters in crafting the perfect onion ring.

Join me as I take you on a mouthwatering journey to discover where you can find the most delicious onion rings Chicago has to offer.

Odge's

Highlights
Cash only
Juicy cheeseburgers
Fluffy fries
Perfect pre-game bite
Unique atmosphere

Odge’s in Chicago is a hidden gem that serves up more than just your average pub fare, but let’s get straight to the star of the show: the onion rings. Upon walking in, I was greeted by a charming yet laid-back atmosphere that immediately invited me to relax and indulge. Now, let’s talk about those rings! Crispy on the outside with a wonderfully fluffy interior, each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor that made my taste buds do a little happy dance.

Being a cash-only establishment, I thought my wallet might take a hit, but those juicy cheeseburgers brought their own level of excitement to the table. The onion rings are perfect for sharing or devouring solo, especially as a pre-game bite before heading to a nearby event. I found myself savoring the unique breading that offered just the right amount of crunch without overpowering the sweet onion inside.

In short, if you’re on the quest for the best onion rings in Chicago, you must make your way to Odge's. You won’t regret treating yourself to this crunchy, savory delight!

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DMK Burger Bar

Highlights
Exceptional burgers
Laid-back atmosphere
Great beer and wine selection
Delicious side options
Connected to Fish Bar

At DMK Burger Bar, I found myself captivated by more than just their exceptional burgers. Nestled in a laid-back atmosphere, the real star of the show turned out to be their onion rings. These aren’t your average side dish; they’re crafted to perfection, sporting a crispy, golden exterior that whispers promises of crunch before you even take a bite.

As I sank my teeth into one, I was delighted by the buttery, sweet onion that seemed to dance within its crispy shell. It’s safe to say, these rings were a revelation, elevating my burger experience to a whole new level. The great beer and wine selection complemented the rings beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for an evening out with friends.

And there’s a cherry on top—the restaurant is cleverly connected to Fish Bar, giving you a chance to explore even more culinary delights on the same visit. If you haven’t indulged in these rings yet, you’re in for a treat. Swing by DMK Burger Bar for a mouth-watering experience that will leave you craving more of those irresistibly crispy onion rings!

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Dog Haus

Highlights
Unique ordering process
Good quality
Affordable prices
Tasty chili dog
Chicago style

First of all, the ordering process at Dog Haus is definitely unique. You get to order your food on an iPad and customize it to your liking. This makes the experience fun and interactive. Plus, it ensures that your order is accurate.

Now let's talk about the onion rings. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like how they're supposed to be. The quality was also impressive - you could tell they were made with fresh ingredients.

What I loved most about Dog Haus was their affordable prices. In Chicago, it's hard to find good quality food that won't break the bank, but Dog Haus offers tasty options that won't hurt your wallet.

I also tried their chili dog which was delicious and had a nice kick of spice to it. And since I was in Chicago, I couldn't resist trying their Chicago-style hot dog as well, which did not disappoint.

Overall, if you're looking for a place with good quality food, affordable prices, and a unique ordering process, then Dog Haus is definitely worth checking out. And don't forget to try their onion rings!

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Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

Highlights
Quick service
Chicago-style hot dog 🌭
Delicious chocolate cake
Cozy atmosphere
Lots of seating

First of all, I have to say that their onion rings are a game-changer. They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning. The batter wasn't too thick either, making for a perfect bite every time. I also appreciated that they weren't greasy, which is a common issue with onion rings at other places.

Aside from the onion rings, Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago had some other highlights as well. The quick service was impressive – my order was taken promptly and my food arrived in no time. The cozy atmosphere added to the overall experience; it felt like I was dining in someone's home rather than a restaurant.

The Chicago-style hot dog 🌭 was another must-try item on their menu. It was an explosion of flavors in my mouth – mustard, relish, onions, pickles – all perfectly balanced with each other. And let’s not forget about their delicious chocolate cake – it was heavenly!

Finally, there were plenty of seating options available both indoors and outdoors, so you can enjoy your meal comfortably no matter what time of day you visit.

Overall, if you're looking for top-notch onion rings (and other delicious food) in Chicago with a cozy atmosphere and quick service, then Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago should definitely be on your list!

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Lawn Craft Hamburger

Highlights
Cozy atmosphere with festive decor
Bold and bursting flavors in burgers
Nice location, staff, and atmosphere
Surprisingly fast turnaround time
Tangy and flavorful Flame Burger

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a cozy atmosphere and festive decor that set the tone for a great meal. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall experience.

When it comes to burgers, Lawn Craft Hamburger does not disappoint. The Flame Burger had an explosion of flavors that made my taste buds dance with joy. And the best part? The turnaround time was surprisingly fast! My burger arrived at my table in no time at all.

But let's get back to the main reason why I visited: onion rings! And boy, oh boy, were they delicious! These perfectly cooked rings had a crispy outer layer that gave way to a tender and juicy onion inside. Each bite left me wanting more.

Overall, Lawn Craft Hamburger is definitely worth visiting if you're looking for tasty food in a nice location with great staff and atmosphere. And don't forget to try their onion rings - they won't disappoint!

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The Region - Handcrafted Hamburgers

Highlights
Handcrafted
Lacey Edges
In-house made
Outdoor seating
Best Smashburger

First off, let's talk about the onion rings. To say they were handcrafted would be an understatement. These golden beauties had the perfect balance of crispy and tender with lacy edges that made every bite a delight. But what really impressed me was that the onion rings were in-house made. I could taste the freshness in every bite, and it was clear that they take pride in their craft.

But let's not forget about the burgers! The Region definitely lives up to its name as they serve some of the best smashburgers in Chicago. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and it paired perfectly with their signature sauce.

I also appreciated the option for outdoor seating, which allowed me to enjoy my meal while taking in the beautiful Chicago scenery.

Overall, The Region - Handcrafted Hamburgers exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a spot that serves up quality burgers and amazing onion rings, this is definitely a must-visit spot in Chicago!

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Firehouse Grill

Highlights
Quality meats
Efficient service
Freshly made food
Reasonable prices

Firstly, the ambiance was cozy and welcoming with its dim lights and wooden fixtures. The menu offered an array of options but I was there for one thing - the onion rings. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The outer layer was crispy and golden-brown, while the inside was soft and flavorful. The portion size was generous, making it a great value for your money.

But what made Firehouse Grill stand out to me were their quality meats. I ordered a burger as well and it was juicy and cooked to perfection. The efficient service also helped in making my visit enjoyable as my food arrived quickly and without any mistakes.

I appreciated that everything seemed freshly made, from the crispy fries to the hand-pattied burgers. Despite this freshness, prices were reasonable which is always a plus.

Overall, Firehouse Grill proved to be a hidden gem in Chicago with its delicious onion rings and quality meats. If you're looking for a casual dining experience with great food at affordable prices, this is definitely worth checking out!

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The Hat Chicago

Highlights
Late-night eats
Variety of menu items
Cozy atmosphere
Open late
Convenient parking

First of all, let me tell you that if you're craving some late-night eats, The Hat Chicago is the place to be! This cozy restaurant is open until the wee hours of the morning, making it a perfect spot for those midnight cravings.

But let's talk about their onion rings. The batter was perfectly crispy and not too oily. The onions were sliced thinly and cooked to perfection, not too soft nor too crunchy. They had a nice flavor with just the right amount of seasoning. I could have eaten them all night long!

But wait, there's more! This joint has a variety of menu items that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From burgers to hot dogs to sandwiches, they've got it all. And if you're worried about parking in Chicago, no need to worry here! They have convenient parking available for their customers.

Overall, my experience at The Hat Chicago was top-notch. Their onion rings were some of the best I've had in the city and their cozy atmosphere made me feel right at home. So next time you're in Chicago and craving some late-night eats or delicious onion rings, be sure to check out The Hat Chicago!

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Hangry's

Highlights
Friendly staff
Flavorful food
Yummy milkshakes
Kid-friendly
Variety of options

First off, the staff at Hangry's are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel like a VIP onion ring connoisseur from the moment I walked in.

Now, let's talk about the onion rings. Oh boy, they were on another level! The batter was crispy and flavorful with just the right amount of seasoning. Not to mention, the onions were cooked to perfection; not too raw and not too soggy. It was as if each onion ring was crafted with meticulous precision.

In addition to their spectacular onion rings, Hangry's has a variety of menu options for all types of eaters including vegetarians and kids. And let me tell you, their milkshakes are yummy! I could barely finish mine because it was so rich and creamy.

Overall, I highly recommend Hangry's for anyone looking for a fantastic meal with top-notch onion rings. The atmosphere is perfect for families or friends who want to grab a quick bite in between adventures around Chicago. Trust me when I say that it is worth it to stop by this restaurant and try their amazing food for yourself!

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SALT burgers + fries

Highlights
Great griddle burger
Fresh, flavorful meat
Salt fries are divine
Excellent customer service

First of all, can we just talk about their griddle burger? It was insanely delicious! The patty was made with fresh, flavorful meat that melted in my mouth. I also have to give a shout-out to the Salt fries which were cooked to perfection and seasoned just right.

Now let's talk onion rings. SALT burgers + fries did not disappoint. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like onion rings should be. The batter was well-seasoned and not too heavy, so you could really taste the onion flavor.

But what really stood out to me was the excellent customer service. The staff at SALT burgers + fries were friendly and attentive throughout my entire experience. From recommending menu items to checking in on our table, they truly went above and beyond.

Overall, I highly recommend SALT burgers + fries for anyone looking for a great burger joint with top-notch onion rings (and amazing fries!).

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Epic Burger

Highlights
Generous portions
Quick and friendly staff
Good happy hour deal
Delicious food
Dog-friendly outdoor seating

First of all, I have to say that their onion rings were absolutely delicious. The batter was crispy and flavorful, while the onions inside were cooked to perfection - not too crunchy, not too soft. They were also very generous with their portions, so you definitely won't leave this place feeling hungry.

What impressed me just as much as the onion rings was the quick and friendly staff. They made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in and they were happy to help me with any questions I had. Plus, they had a decent happy hour deal for those looking for a great bargain.

The atmosphere at Epic Burger was also quite enjoyable. They had a dog-friendly outdoor seating area where pets could hang out with their owners while enjoying their food – how cool is that!?

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best onion rings in Chicago, you should definitely give Epic Burger a try. Their delicious food combined with quick service and dog-friendly environment make it an epic place to visit!

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

Highlights
Great wings
Tasty sandwiches
Friendly staff

First and foremost, I have to say that their onion rings are truly exceptional. The batter is crispy, not too oily, and provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. The onions themselves are cooked perfectly, giving them a tender yet firm texture that's just right.

But what really makes Jake Melnick's Corner Tap stand out is the overall experience. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need. Plus, if you're in the mood for something other than onion rings (although I don't know why you would be), their wings and sandwiches are also top-notch.

One thing to note: this place can get pretty busy during peak hours, so be prepared to wait for a table. But trust me, it's worth it. And if you're lucky enough to snag a seat at the bar, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of their impressive selection of craft beers.

In summary, if you're looking for some of the best onion rings in Chicago (and let's be real here - who isn't?), then Jake Melnick's Corner Tap should definitely be on your list of places to visit.