DTW - Onion Rings

[RedTop]

2009 was my quest year for Coneys in metro Detroit. Honestly, I ate scores more than I should have. And, I can truly say, I didn't have a bad one in the bunch. Some sublime, all okay.

So...this year the search is on for metro Detroit's best restaurant onion rings. Started with lunches at two of my favorite local diners Monday and today. Onion rings served at both were food service quality and quite forgettable.

Please tell me where I gotta go to have the best onion ring platter in Wayne/Oakland/Macomb.

[coney with everything]

I liked the onion rings from Hoggers in Berkley. Very obviously hand cut and battered, came with a chipotle ranch dip. Light and crispy!

[RedTop]

Next week at Hoggers for sure, coney.

Saturday, four of us are going to celebrate a b'day at Jon's Goodtime Bar. I'm going to eat too many burgers, and try Jon's onion rings!

[RedTop]

Well...Jon's Goodtime Burgers were as tasty as the last time we visited. Onion rings? Meah. Too bad.

[JanPrimus]

You talking about the place on Cherry Hill?

[RedTop]

Yep.

[JanPrimus]

Damn...I have lived near it for years and never knew...gonna be out there soon, when I can get away from the kids (That might take a month or two).

[RedTop]

Hope you like the burger when you get a chance to sample one (or more).
I hold it in high esteem.

[MrBacaon]

If you are casting a wide net, the rings at Casey's Tavern in Ann Arbor are very good. A little spicey if I remeber correctly.

[charlesbois]

Willing to expand your search to include Washtenaw Co.? If so, try Chick Inn drive-in in Ypsi on Prospect. Fantastic O-rings, hot and crispy. Excellent with a pineapple shake.

[boagman]

One of these days, on the rare occasion that I make it out to A-Squared, I'm going to remember to stop in at this joint. It really sounds cool, and with such a long-standing history, they must be doing *something* right. I take it the chicken is good, too?

[freddyeats]

I agree that Red Coat and Chick Inn have good onion rings. Chick Inn's rings can be inconsistent. However, definitely go to the Chick Inn. My Mom has been going there since she was in college (1950's), and I've been going since the 1970's. Really, the best thing to order, besides onion rings, is the Paul Bunyan Burger. Personally, I'd stay away from everything else. The cheesesteak hoagie used to be great, but now they oversteam the bun, and it comes way to hot, and almost gooey. I've got to tell them not do that the next time, I am there. It is at 501 Holmes Road in Ypsilanti. The place hasn't changed much since the 1950s, but don't let that scare you. It's a drive-in that still has the speakers that you have to press a button, for the waitresses to take your order. Hmm, maybe I'll go for lunch today.

[Jim M]

Agreed ... the food, including the onion rings, is variable, but the place is a lot of fun. For a cheesesteak there is no reason to go to Chick Inn where there are really good ones available a couple miles away at Gabriel's on East Michigan.

[RedTop]

Unfortunately, Washtenaw County can't be on my near future radar. I'm saddened, because Chick Inn sounds like my kinda place, charles.

[tmartinsbox]

Try Chel's in Dearborn - not Detroit

[boagman]

Dear sweet merciful heaven...by "Chel's", I *sincerely* hope that you don't mean "Cheli's Chili Bar", because I guaran-stinking-tee you that this would be the very first post, comment, or praise of *any* kind for the food there.

Cheli's *sucks* for food. At best, it's SYSCO or GFS functional...and that's at its very best. Go there to drink, maybe, but never to eat.

[tmartinsbox]

Overall the food there is nothing noteworthy except the o rings. If you haven't tried them then don't knock them. If you have then you are entitled to your opinion

[boagman]

My first two recs would be at Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips in Redford. I just had some today. Outstanding. As well, Redcoat Tavern in Royal Oak are extremely good as well. You won't want to tackle a serving at the Redcoat by yourself...there's just too many of them.

I'm pretty darned picky about my onion rings, so these are the only places I'll really order them from.

Good luck in your search!

[JanPrimus]

Yep....Scotty Simpsons! My little 2 year old stole about 3 of my rings and has since been put into the dog cage until he repents! On a Side note....God I hope you people are good with Sarcasm.

[SaraPA]

I agree with the RedCoat Tavern suggestion! It's the only place I have EVER boxed up onion rings to take home and carefully heated them up in the oven the next day.
Dylan's in Grosse Pointe also has pretty good ones. Parmesan crusted.