Classic & Premium Side Dishes
7 items in this category.
Sides get picked last and thought about least, which is why so many plates end up unbalanced. A rich entree with a rich side is too much. A light entree with fries misses the point.
This page covers how to choose the right side, what separates standard from premium options, which sides hold up for takeout, and how to order extras.
Sides Menu
Sides
Plain Broccoli
Fresh broccoli, lightly steamed.
Sides
Caesar Side Salad
Romaine tossed in Caesar dressing with Parmesan-Romano, croutons and Parmesan crisps.
Sides
House Side Salad
Mixed greens with carrots, red cabbage, tomato and cucumber, tossed in a house blend.
Sides
Fried Shrimp
A dozen fried shrimp served with seasoned fries, coleslaw and cocktail sauce.
Sides
Garlic-Butter Broccoli & Cheese
Steamed broccoli finished with garlic butter and parmesan.
Sides
Basket of Breadsticks
A basket of six warm breadsticks.
Sides
Side of Sauce
An extra portion of your chosen dipping or glaze sauce.
Complete Your Meal: Choosing the Right Side
The simplest rule: contrast the main.
Heavy or fried main goes with something fresh. Steamed vegetables, a side salad, or coleslaw cuts through it.
Lean grilled main can carry a heavier side. Loaded potatoes, mac and cheese, or fries work well next to grilled chicken or a lean steak.
Spicy main pairs with something starchy and mild. Rice, plain fries, or mashed potatoes calm the heat better than another spicy item.
Saucy main needs a side that can absorb it. Rice and mashed potatoes do this well. A salad does not.
The second thing to consider is timing. If you're ordering for pickup, sides with sauce or cheese travel better than crisp ones.
Fries, Loaded Potatoes & Rice Selections
| Side | Texture | Weight | Travels well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular fries | Crisp outside, soft inside | Medium | Fair |
| Seasoned or waffle fries | Crisp, seasoned | Medium | Fair |
| Sweet potato fries | Softer, sweet | Medium | Poor |
| Loaded fries | Cheese, bacon, sauce | Heavy | Poor |
| Mashed potatoes | Smooth, creamy | Medium | Good |
| Loaded baked potato | Dense, filling | Heavy | Good |
| Mac and cheese | Creamy | Heavy | Good |
| Rice pilaf | Light, absorbent | Light | Good |
Fries are the default for a reason. They go with almost everything and they're the fastest side out of the kitchen.
Mashed potatoes and rice are the better picks with saucy or grilled entrees, since they soak up what's on the plate.
Loaded options are close to a meal on their own. Pairing loaded fries with a double burger is the most common way people end up unable to finish a plate.
Fresh Veggies & Green Side Options
Lighter sides usually include steamed broccoli, seasonal vegetables, a garden side salad, coleslaw, corn, and green beans.
Steamed vegetables are the lowest-calorie option on most menus, typically well under 100 calories before butter or seasoning. Ask for them plain if you want to keep it that way.
Side salads land light too, until dressing goes on. A full serving of creamy dressing can add more calories than the salad itself, so ask for it on the side.
Coleslaw looks light but usually isn't, since most versions are mayonnaise-based.
Corn and beans sit in the middle. Filling, moderate calories, and they pair well with grilled and barbecue-style mains.
If you're swapping fries for a vegetable side, most restaurants allow it at no extra cost. Premium vegetables may carry a small charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, sides can be ordered à la carte at nearly all locations. They're priced individually and often work well as a light meal or a shared table order. Portion sizes for standalone sides usually match what comes with an entree.
Steamed vegetables, plain baked potatoes, and most rice options are the closest to gluten-free by recipe. Fries are often cooked in shared fryers with breaded items, which creates cross-contact risk. Ask the restaurant about preparation if you have celiac disease.
Loaded fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, mac and cheese, loaded baked potatoes, and specialty vegetables are common upgrades. The surcharge and available options vary by location, so check the side list on your local menu.
Both are packed hot, though loaded fries soften during transit because of the cheese and sauce. Mashed potatoes hold heat better and travel well. For the best result with loaded fries, pick up promptly and vent the container.
Yes. Many locations offer larger shareable portions of popular sides, and you can also order multiple standard sides for the table. Ask for extra plates when ordering rather than after the food arrives.
A Simple Rule
Pick the side after the main, not at the same time. One heavy element per plate is usually enough, and letting the entree decide the side is the fastest way to get a meal that actually works.