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Best Onion Rings On The Peninsula

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While commonly less revered than everyone's favorite burger side, the French fry, onion rings are nevertheless a delicious accompaniment when dining out. The process of battering and deep-frying thick slices of onion helps to tone down some of the vegetable's bite and bring out its natural sweetness. When combined with any type of burger from beef to veggie, onion rings are the perfect meal partner for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Here are five of the best places along the Peninsula for onion rings.

Jeffrey's Hamburgers
42 S. B St.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 348-8698
www.jeffreyshamburgers.com

Throwback burger joint Jeffrey's Hamburgers harkens back to the '50s and the era of soda fountains. The Jeffrey's menu dishes out fresh Angus beef burgers, thick milkshakes and other diner favorites like tuna melts and club sandwiches. Sides include regular, garlic, chili cheese and sweet potato fries, as well as onion rings. Onion rings are served piping hot and crispy and are available as an individual side or by the basket.

Rave Burger
144 E. 3rd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 342-6689
raveburger.com

Unlike regular burger spots that solely serve beef patties, San Mateo's Rave Burger offers a wider variety of veggie, beef, turkey and chicken options. Located in downtown San Mateo, Rave Burger not only dishes out plates of meaty goodness, but also has a decent selection of beer and wine. Crispy fried onions are available in a couple of renditions. Customers can choose from either thick-cut rings as a side, or thin and crispy strings as a delicious burger topping.

Clarke's Charcoal Broiler
615 W. El Camino Real
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 967-0851
www.clarkes.com

A long-time fixture along the El Camino Real, Mountain View's Clarke's Charcoal Broiler has been cranking out beefy burgers since 1945. This family-run business has been satisfying locals for generations, many of whom come back time and again not only for the burgers, but also for the thick milkshakes and ribs. Not to take a back burner are Clarke's thick-cut crisp onion rings, served by the generous basketful and perfect for sharing. Make sure to take a swing by the condiment bar which is always fully stocked with all the traditional fixings from mayo and mustard to crunchy iceberg lettuce leaves and thick tomato slices.

Godfather's Burger Lounge
1500 El Camino Real
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 637-9257
godfathersburgerlounge.com

Located on El Camino just a few blocks from the Belmont BART station, Godfather's Burger Lounge serves up delicious organic burgers with a Hollywood glamour flair. The inside decor is reminiscent of a movie theater from the high-backed seats to the elegantly draped walls. Menu items are locally sourced from area farmers, and all beef is antibiotic free. The Godfather's onion rings are beer battered and served up with a bowl of the house Godfather dipping sauce.

Big Mouth Burgers
851 Cherry Ave.
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 871-7636
www.bigmouthburgers.com

Now with two Peninsula locations in San Bruno and Millbrae, Big Mouth Burgers crafts their patties from choice grade hormone and antibiotic free beef. Burger selection is extensive and includes everything from a Hawaiian burger with pineapple and teriyaki sauce to the Hangover burger replete with bacon, American cheese and topped with a fried egg. Alternative options include salmon, turkey and veggie burgers as well as falafel and gluten free options. Beer battered onion rings are served by the basket and can also be ordered half and half with French fries.

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.


 

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