Not all fast-food sides are fries. Onion rings bring bold flavor, crunchy texture, and golden-fried goodness to the table.
Some are sweet and tender inside, others come extra crispy and seasoned just right.
This list rounds up 20 chains that know how to serve onion rings right—from classic diners to burger joints.
1. Sonic Drive-In
Hand-breaded with a whisper of sweetness, these rings stand out for their rustic charm and unmistakable crunch. Each bite offers a tender onion center hugged by a lightly crisp shell.
The breading feels like it came from a fairground stand, delivering comfort and nostalgia in golden spirals of fried delight.
2. Burger King
Consistent, snackable, and satisfyingly salty, these rings offer a clean crunch thanks to their breadcrumb coating. The flavor leans savory with just a touch of onion sweetness.
Though machine-perfect in size, they win hearts with their classic fast-food appeal and easy dipping potential.
3. Dairy Queen
Thick and carnival-style, the golden batter on these rings makes them feel like a treat, not just a side. The onion inside stays soft and sweet.
A touch of grease adds indulgence, making them a favorite pairing with burgers or Blizzards alike.
4. Jack In The Box
These rings bring a punch of seasoning and a light, shattering crunch. Their thin batter gives way to a soft, flavorful onion.
A bit of spice lingers in the coating, offering a bold contrast to creamy sauces or milkshakes on the side.
5. Carl’s Jr.
Battered to a thick, craggy finish, these rings are bold in both size and seasoning. The coating clings tightly to every curve.
They deliver a hearty bite and plenty of salt, ideal for anyone who prefers their sides big, crunchy, and filling.
6. A&W
Crisp and golden with a just-irregular-enough edge, these rings have a handmade vibe that makes them feel special. The onion slices are thick and juicy.
Paired with root beer or burgers, their balance of flavor and texture brings old-school diner energy to fast food.
7. Hardee’s
Lightly seasoned and golden-brown, these rings strike a pleasing balance between crunch and tenderness. Their no-frills approach delivers dependable flavor.
They hold their own when tucked into a sandwich or served on their own with a creamy dipping sauce.
8. Fatburger
Oversized and beer-battered, these rings arrive with a loud, satisfying crunch and a rich, slightly malty flavor. The onions remain soft and bright inside.
Each one feels like a statement piece—hefty, flavorful, and worthy of main-event status.
9. Culver’s
Battered in a light, buttery crust, these rings are subtle and smooth. The onion stays intact and sweet, not soggy or overwhelmed.
They lean refined rather than rugged, offering clean, balanced bites that play well with any ButterBurger.
10. White Castle
Smaller and thinner, these rings offer maximum crunch with a hit of salt. The light batter clings close to the onion.
Perfect alongside sliders, they’re a crispy, bite-sized option that’s easy to love and hard to stop eating.
11. Whataburger
With a straightforward coating and sweet onion inside, these rings feel classic and well-crafted. The batter is crisp without being greasy.
Their mild flavor makes them adaptable—great with a spicy burger, tangy ketchup, or even eaten solo.
12. Smashburger
Thick-cut with a coarse breading, these rings offer deep flavor and serious crunch. The texture is substantial without being heavy.
A touch of seasoning in the crust enhances the onion’s natural sweetness, creating a complex, craveable bite.
13. Steak ’N Shake
Delicate and lacy, these rings are thinner than most, with a whisper-light coating. The onion delivers a soft pop of flavor.
They’re ideal for stacking or layering, adding elegant crunch without overwhelming the rest of the plate.
14. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Lightly battered and evenly fried, these rings bring harmony to every bite. The sweet onion flavor shines through the golden shell.
They feel clean and well-balanced, delivering just the right amount of indulgence alongside creamy custard or a steakburger.
15. Wienerschnitzel
Crunchy and rich with a dark golden hue, these rings bring big diner energy. The onion is tender, never overcooked.
That extra-fried exterior adds depth and makes them perfect for pairing with chili dogs or milkshakes.
16. Checkers/Rally’s
Seasoned and deeply fried, these rings bring major flavor. The crispy exterior has attitude, packed with spices and salt.
Their boldness cuts through even the heaviest burger, making them a memorable, full-throttle side.
17. Johnny Rockets
Old-fashioned and indulgent, these rings feature thick-cut onions in a sturdy, crunchy crust. They’re served fresh, warm, and comforting.
A slight greasiness adds charm, and the rustic texture recalls diners and drive-ins from decades past.
18. The Habit Burger Grill
Clean and crisp, these rings are coated in a thin, golden batter that lets the onion shine. They’re light without being flimsy.
The flavor is sweet and natural, and the texture makes them a graceful match for char-grilled burgers.
19. Shake Shack
Dense, hand-breaded, and deeply golden, these rings feel like a splurge. The crust crunches hard, but the onion stays buttery inside.
That contrast of textures creates a rich, satisfying experience—simple ingredients elevated to something special.
20. Five Guys
Rare and unadvertised, these rings pop up occasionally—and they’re worth the wait. Huge, juicy onions are tucked in a rugged, savory shell.
Every bite hits hard with heat and crunch, capturing the no-nonsense, flavor-forward vibe that defines the brand.