How much do the sides matter to you?

[pafisher]

i think of the sides as icing on the cake ... i go for the meat ,but the sides can only make your meal better.... or worse... i always take it as a complament when somebody comes into my bbq to get a pint of beans or slaw to go with the meal they are cooking at home ..

[ObscureDave]

The meat is the focus but the whole meal has to click together. My wife and I are Atkins groupies; it really works. If we ate beans, bread and french fries with our BBQ every time like we did in our 20's, someone would be trying to harpoon us. We demand that our BBQ venues also serve a decent salad to round out the meal. Add some unsweetened iced tea and we're in heaven.

There is a very good BBQ joint in our neighborhood that we rarely visit because the salad is abysmal. Need some non-carb variety no matter how good the protein is.

[Bedlam BBQ]

If I'm paying $10 for some meat and 2 sides, those sides better be good since they aren't free. I never want to pay $$ for bad food -- no matter what part of the meal it is. I work to hard for my $$ to give it to some restaurant that is charging for a full meal but only part of it is good.

But I've never found a place that all of their sides were good. Usually I can find a couple that I like that they can prepare well. If not, I don't go back.
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Steve

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[mark8086]

Sides are very important. I love the BBQ most but I will return to a place over another based on the sides. My favorites are Green Beans, Cole Slaw (or Sour Slaw) and Baked Beans. A little sweet Corn Bread is always welcome, too. Or Corn on the Cob.

By the way, if you like sides, don't visit Memphis. Best BBQ in the world -- but the smallest sides I have ever seen. I think they know that people are there for the BBQ and maybe most of the side don't get eaten anyway.
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Mark Hester
www.theweekendgrillers.com
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[Jeffro]

Considering, from my experiences, most small budget BBQ restaurants serve "straight outta the can" sides. This can create a negative BBQ experience if you are there for the slaw, beans, etc.

I normally will judge a BBQ restaurant on the meat only, as THAT is what I'm truly there for.

Anybody can open a can and dump in a pot and add some spices, but the truly GREAT BBQ places dedicate their time to the meat
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Corinth, MS

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[DaveyMac]

IMHO, The sides are a part of the "meal" and should complement the meat you are getting. It doesn't matter if it's beans or slaw or Potato salad, it should be fresh and tasty.

I always make mental notes on the sides at each and every visit to a BBQ restaurant I visit. I'm sure it's hard to do, but the places who make their sides from scratch are usually the best all around to me. I figure if they put that much effort into their sides then they must be putting at least that much effort into the meat.

BTW, I typically have to have slaw on my pulled pork sandwich and potato salad on the side with some home-made banana puddin' for dessert! Dang, I'm hungry now!

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[wildfire]

For me, good sides can only enhance the experience, however, I don't really care about bad sides (half the time I don't order any anyway).
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[Mikesooner]

I go for the meal, with the meat being most important. I do appreciate good sides also..most have been mentioned above, but one I also like is fried okra!! Some fine beans, cornbread, hush puppies and iced tea with good meat, and I'll be back if I'm not cookin' any time soon!