10 Best Spots for Onion Rings
Onion rings are not all created equal. Some unfortunate people have only been served over-cooked rings with bitter-batter in oil that’s had more birthdays than the 205 bridge. But those of us who have once experienced the ideal savory circular rings, layered one upon another forming a mound of deliciousness, are always on the lookout for the eateries that excel in the art of onion rings. These are the 10 best spots for onion rings in VanPort.
1. RingSide Steakhouse
Portland – DowntownThis veteran Portland steakhouse is obviously most famous for its meat, but every discussion of onion rings has people claiming Ringside is the undisputed champ. Some are happy just to belly up to the bar, sip on a nice adult beverage and enjoy an order of rings. Regardless of if you think they’re the best or not, everyone agrees they’re pretty fantastic.
2. The Highland Stillhouse
Portland – Oregon City
A wise man once said, “It’s Scottish or it’s CRAP!” I won’t argue if that’s true or not, but I will say the Black & Tan onion rings at The Highland Stillhouse are superb. These aren’t just an out of the bag frozen variety. They’re dipped in a stout and amber beer batter. They even have a gluten free version. You can make a meal of just a side of these circular delights.
3. Billy Blues Bar and Grill
Vancouver – Hazel Dell
Cool road house style bar & grill with live music. The comfort food served at Billy Blues is impressive. So are their onion rings. But they only tease you with a few. Perhaps if you just order them as a side they’d bless you with more.
4. Tulip Shop Tavern
Portland – Humboldt
Tulip Shop Tavern has one of our absolute favorite smash burgers in VanPort. But their onion rings are equally as good. In fact they’re intimidating. Some have compared them to donuts. I find their burgers are so filling I’m not able to finish the onion rings too. Yet it would be a crime to not order this “side”. But that’s what to-go boxes are for.
5. Portland Burger
Portland – Downtown
Epic rock-‘n’-roll burger joint with a massive flying V guitar shaped table, Marshall cabs and drum light fixtures. The attitude of burgers are as loud as the decor. Ordinary onion rings would be puny next to such handhelds. But Portland Burger’s rings more than hold their own. They make a perfect duet with their burgers.
6. Stack 571 Burger & Whiskey Bar
Vancouver – Waterfront
This eatery has undergone a lot of change since COVID. The menu has fluxed big time and the bar is a shadow of its former self. Fortunately, the burgers are still great. But the real standout are their fantastic onion rings cooked in a beer/tempura type batter. This gives them a lighter taste/texture. The dipping sauces are a nice touch.
7. Crave Grille
Vancouver – East
Crave does a lot of things well. That includes their onion rings. The beer batter is light and tasty. Some place’s rings you only can only eat 2 or 3 and then you’ve had enough of that taste (think eggnog). But Crave’s are so good you could make a meal of them.
8. Washougal Times
Vancouver – Washougal
Washougal Times used to be a dive bar that I had a low opinion of, but the new owners have transformed this long time eatery. It’s shockingly better than its former self . One thing that didn’t need a makeover are their onion rings. They’re fab and have a moist, flavorful batter. The have live music some nights. Ample parking.
9. Killer Burger
Vancouver – East
Killer is our favorite Burger Chain. Plus they have delicious french fries. Their onion rings are a more recent addition and many people aren’t aware of the addition. It’s a tough choice between their fries or rings. But just about every place has fries. We do find they’re not consistent, though. Sometimes they’re wonderful. Sometimes they’re just ok.
10. Franks A Lot
Portland – Laurelhurst
Franks-A-Lot is a drive-thru/walkup hot dog kiosk. Most hot dog joints offer one or possibly two different wieners. Franks has about a dozen dogs to choose from. That’s legit! But they also have some of the best onion rings in VanPort.
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