Best Onion Rings?

[Blue455]

Yes, a strange request for Chowhounds. However, I'm bringing a good friend to Vegas at the end of June. She's never been and has requested we indulge in great onion rings at least once during our trip. I've been many times and do not recall any memorable onion rings.

So chowhounds, can you help us out?

And no worries, I'm taking her to some fabulous foodie spots. We're staying at Palazzo and Main St Station and prefer the lighter battered onion rings, if that helps any.

Thanks!

[QAW]

Here is why Chowhounds are not rushing with options – there simply are not that many, for whatever reason. And the strange thing is that two of the places you are staying would seem like they would present the ideal candidates for onion rings, like First Grill and Bar or Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo, and the Triple Seven Brewery at Main Street Station. But they do not have them, despite posting many similar menu items. It might be an interesting idea to call First and see if they will do them on request, since they have all of the ingredients on hand, and would seemingly do them well.

From the Palazzo, your closest good option would probably be BLT Burger at the Mirage (Vidalia onions, and good quality control under the Laurent Tourondel umbrella). If you are strolling downtown they are on the menu at Hennessey’s Tavern, but never having tried them we can not vouch for the quality (f you are going to some fabulous foodie spots on the trip, Hennessey’s would be a significant step down; but if rings are the thing…). And a strong second for Charlie Palmer Steak – theirs are done with a buttermilk batter that adds a nice touch.

[Honeychan]

At one time, waaaaaayyy back when it was still operational, Quark's Bar at the Star Trek Experience did great onion rings. I miss them sooo much!

I adore onion rings, but have yet to find stellar ones in LV. Buffalo Wild Wings is my go-to place for them in town these days. I'm also waiting with baited breath to hear from others what they think LV has to offer on them!

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Buffalo Wild Wings
7430 Las Vegas Blvd S Ste 120, Las Vegas, NV 89123

[Honeychan]

A quick note: I tried the "new" steakhouse onion rings from Arby's. They were HORRIBLE. Too thick, greasy, and just unappealing. Ate one, threw the rest out. The search continues.....

[Blue455]

I've ordered the rings at Triple 7 a couple of times and their okay but not great. I thought that with all of the food options in Vegas, surely someone would have great onion rings. Since we're staying at Palazzo, we'll likely try First Food as it sounds like an interesting place even sans onion rings. We likely won't make it to Charlie Palmer's but may give Todd English PUB a shot. I'll report back when we return.

Side note: with all of this research on rings, I had a craving for them today and can say that one can pass on them (along with the rest of the food) at McCovey's in Walnut Creek, CA ; pretty greasy even though the batter was light. The search continues...

[laekker]

I know this is after the fact but I figured I might as well include it.

I've only had them once but the onion rings at Nine Fine Irishmen at the New York, New York were hands down the best onions rings I've ever had. The beer batter was extremely delicate and light, which provided for a different texture than what I am used to with bread crumb batters.

My complaint with onion rings is that the onion often will slide right out when you take the first bite leaving you with fried batter, and while that is delicious, it's missing the point. I was surprised when I took my first bite and the onion stayed inside the batter, completely intact.

I haven't had them since so I don't if it was a one-off or my obsession was fueled solely by a long day traveling to Vegas. I'll be there again this week and I should be able to provide a followup.

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Nine Fine Irishmen
3790 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

[Dave Feldman]

Thanks for the tip! And I'd love a report to see if the rings have held up in quality/

[vegasmike]

Fat burger has good ones.

[Dave Feldman]

Why are you apologizing for this request? It's a great question and one I don't ever remember being addressed in reference to Las Vegas. If you go to the search engine and type in "onion rings," you'll see several hits. In the last year or so, most of the mentions will be about the onion rings served as sides at the upscale Strip burger and steak houses. But I don't remember offhand anyone ever raving about the rings anywhere. And I've never had great ones in LV, either.

So Chowhounds, help Blue & I out!

[janetofreno]

lol...I just had a flashback to a long-ago boyfriend who had a thing for onion rings (and taught me to love them as well!). When he moved from Berkeley to the East Coast he sent me postcards along the way, rating the rings at every stop...

But I digress. This is going to sound weird, but the best onion rings I remember having recently in Vegas was at Charlie Palmer's steak. Not a place I would think to go to for onion rings, but they were good. And at least if you go there, you know the rest of the food will be good and everyone will enjoy their meal....