I’ve tried many onion rings in this town, and in my humble opinion, absolutely no ring of onion compares to Smith Burger Co‘s onion rings. Fresh from the fryer, the onions come battered in a super crispy exterior that serves a salty, gritty crunch. That light batter is real good about staying with the onion, so every bite has both crunchy deliciousness and soft, hot onion. An order of Smith Burger’s appetizer onion rings ($10) have so many in the basket, but truly, it is never enough. Usually, I split these golden rings with someone, but I just sit there wishing I didn’t have to share because I want them all for myself.
Both the food truck and the outpost inside Collective Pour sell this Smith Burger Co app. The rings come with housemade Western sauce, but because I’m one of those people who are freaks about ranch, I add a side of ranch, too, since Smith Burger’s ranch is awesome. If a whole basket of onion rings is too much (I cannot relate), the menu does offer a smaller size at half the price.
Is there an onion ring better than these? I honestly don’t think so, but if you know of a better onion rings in Champaign-Urbana — if it’s even possible, I want to know. Tell us your favorite via email or in the comments on our socials.
Smith Burger Co
inside Collective Pour
340 N Neil St
Champaign
T-Sa 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
