The Craving: Onion Rings

Substitutions have been a big theme in my life for the past week, so it only makes sense that my sweet tooth would follow suit with salt cravings instead. Thus, here are the top five places in Culver City to satisfy the desire for the ultimate salt-topped lunch staple: onion rings.

1) Akasha

Can a place with standout pancakes specialize in the salty department? When I ordered the side of onion rings, I was a little nervous; they sounded too fancy to be truly good. The menu boasted that the "House Made Onion Rings" were made with rice flour crusted with smoked paprika aioli.

I was skeptical. However, this place gets the top spot for the warm, crispy crunches of onion loveliness that quickly changed my mind. I give it five stars... out of four.

The going for good onion rings: $7.

Akasha, 9543 Culver Blvd.; 310-845-1700

2) Backstage Bar & Grill

Karaoke and crazy-busy weekend nights are the two trademarks of the Backstage Bar & Grill, according to a friend. While in agreement, I'd like to add a third item to that list of things that can be counted on at this place: amazing onion rings.

More onion rings that I could ever imagine eating came out in a big heap. The onion had a hint of sweet flavor, complementing the slightly salty and crispy batter. The ranch on the side was an added bonus.

The going for good onion rings: $5.

Backstage Bar & Grill, 10400 Culver Blvd.; 310-839-3892

3) Ford's Filling Station

When onion rings come with most meals on the menu, they better be outstanding. The waiter said that the onion rings were made of red onions, and while I couldn't see the difference, it was easy to taste. These onion rings were sweeter than others that I've tasted. Addicting, filling and perfectly salty—what more could I ask for from an onion ring? Of course, the nice restaurant setting creates a bigger price tag. But it was worth it, even on a writer's wages.

The going for good onion rings: Approximately $10-$18 with meals ranging from burgers to steak.

Ford's Filling Station, 9531 Culver Blvd.; 310-202-1470.

4) Joxer Daly's

An Irish pub with more to offer than a good beer? I'm in. The fries that I had last time were so good that I had to go back to try the onion rings. I was simply in scrumptious onion ring bliss as they were crisp, hot and flavorful without too much of a sodium overload. The price tag was the icing on the cake: under $5, and I had enough for a drink on the side.

The going for good onion rings: $4.50.

Joxer Daly's, 11168 Washington Blvd.; 310-838-3745

5) Big Tomy's

The heart of all, good American fare involves overly greased, wonderfully crisp onion rings—at least, I say so. These onion rings were fried to a fast-food type of perfection, and though they were a little greasy for me, they are what many people dream of when craving onion rings. Because of that they round out the top five.

The accompanying fries were just as good.

The going for good onion rings: Approximately $4,  varying by size.

Big Tomy's, 5421 Sepulveda Blvd.; 310-390-1049