June 22, 2025 — Across the United States, food lovers are indulging in a double helping of culinary delight as National Onion Rings Day and National Chocolate Éclair Day are celebrated simultaneously on June 22. What might seem like a quirky food calendar coincidence has turned into a full-blown gastronomic occasion, drawing crowds to restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries nationwide.
From coast to coast, eateries are capitalizing on the occasion with creative offerings and promotional events. In Portland, Oregon, the retro-inspired Starlight Diner attracted lunchtime crowds with a special promotion: a free order of onion rings with every burger purchase. “We had a line out the door,” said restaurant manager Casey Liu. “People love the excuse to celebrate something nostalgic and delicious.”
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Missouri, Sweet Éclair Co. debuted a limited-edition treat—a chocolate éclair filled with rich ganache, adorned with edible gold dust, and finished with a tart raspberry drizzle. “We wanted to make something elegant yet fun,” said head pastry chef Dominique West. “It’s been a hit with both regulars and first-timers.”
Social media is amplifying the buzz, as thousands share snapshots of their festive eats under trending hashtags like #OnionRingDay and #EclairDay. TikTok influencers are showcasing unusual pairings, like onion rings dipped in chocolate sauce or éclairs paired with savory toppings, drawing mixed reactions and millions of views.
In Chicago, a popular food truck event featured onion rings served with house-made aiolis—truffle, garlic herb, and chipotle among them. Lines formed early as local vendors embraced the day with creative flair. “It’s become one of our busiest weekends in June,” said event coordinator Trina Gomez. “We even had people asking for chocolate-éclair inspired savory dishes.”
New York City’s French pastry scene also joined in the fun. Cafés in the East Village and SoHo offered chocolate-pastry tasting flights, many served with espresso or sparkling wine. “We love how people get excited about something as simple as an éclair,” said Jean-Pierre Meunier, owner of La Douceur. “It reminds us that food is about joy.”
Though the exact origins of these national food holidays remain unclear, they reflect a broader American tradition of using food as a celebration. National Onion Rings Day may date back to the early 20th century, when deep-fried onion dishes gained popularity at fairs and diners. Chocolate éclairs, meanwhile, are rooted in French patisserie history but have long been embraced by American bakeries.
Food experts say the dual holiday is more than just a marketing opportunity. “These days provide low-stakes, high-reward ways for people to connect,” noted culinary historian Rachel Ford. “They get families talking, create moments of indulgence, and offer small businesses a chance to innovate.”
Indeed, restaurateurs report a noticeable uptick in business. Diners, bakeries, and dessert shops have seen increased foot traffic, particularly from younger demographics drawn in by social media. Delivery apps have also reported spikes in orders for onion rings and chocolate desserts, with some cities seeing demand double compared to the previous weekend.
Retailers are getting in on the fun, too. Supermarkets in several regions set up themed displays, showcasing frozen onion rings beside boxes of eclairs. Some stores offered bundle deals or in-store tastings, encouraging shoppers to embrace the day’s quirky culinary pairing.
Ultimately, National Onion Rings Day and National Chocolate Éclair Day offer a reminder of the unifying power of food. While their combination may not be conventional, the shared celebration has prompted smiles, sparked creativity, and brought communities together over the joy of taste.
