Why Sides Should Be a Part of Your Restaurant Orders
Have you ever ordered a meal and been like “Hmm, I don’t want the sides this time,” and you start regretting when your friend’s onion rings or fries show up?
That’s the situation of many diners.
Honestly, sides are one of the essential menu items in any good restaurant meal. They are far from the main dish but complement it in many ways.
Imagine eating a burger without fries and sauce on the side. Or ordering grilled chicken with vegetables as a side. Your meal will feel incomplete.
Sides are more than add-ons. They add texture, balance out flavors, and even steal the spotlight (sometimes).
The best part is that you have dozens of options to choose from. For example, the Red Robin sides and sauce menu has many side options to complete any meal you want. Here are some reasons you should stop skipping sides.
1. They Complete the Meal
For me, the number one job of a side is to complement your meal. I consider them the supporting cast in my favorite movie. The main entree might be the star of the show, but it would not hit the same without the others.
That juicy burger at your favorite restaurant? It’s not hitting the right spot without onion rings or crispy fries. Rice or broccoli will make your plate of grilled salmon taste and feel better.
The truth is, you won’t even know how important they are until you skip them. The contrast, crunch, and color all matter.
2. They Let You Mix and Match
Another thing I love about sides is that they are flexible. There is an option for every mood or occasion.
Want to keep things light? A fruit or salad side is there for you. Mac or fries and cheese will never let you down if you want something comforting.
The vast side options out there let you create your own mini adventure on the plate. So Foody has the side menus of all the top restaurants out there; check it out.
The versatile nature of sides lets you balance heavy meals with something fresh. And do you know that sharing sides at the table is one of the best parts of eating out? You and your friends can dip your hands in each other’s plates and interchange sides. You get to enjoy and have fun.
3. Sides Add Flavor and Fun
You know how a bite of something crispy or creamy can make your main dish taste even better? That’s what sides do.
Fries bring the crunch. Coleslaw brings the freshness. Onion rings add a little kick. And if you’re somewhere like Red Robin, you know they’ve mastered the art of sides. Their fries, for instance, are so good that “bottomless fries” has practically become part of their identity.
It’s those small details — that perfect seasoning, the crunch that doesn’t quit — that make the meal go from good to wow.
4. They Can Be Healthier Than You Think
Not every side has to be fried or cheesy (though those are great too). Many restaurants now offer sides that are both tasty and good for you — roasted veggies, steamed broccoli, side salads, or fruit bowls.
It’s all about balance. You can enjoy your favorite burger guilt-free if you pair it with something lighter. It’s like giving yourself the best of both worlds: indulgence and nutrition in one go.
5. They’re Great for Sharing
Here’s the thing — sides bring people together. You can turn an ordinary dinner into a fun, social meal just by ordering a few extras for the table.
Picture this: you’re out with friends, someone orders loaded fries, another gets onion rings, and someone else adds a side of sweet potato fries. Everyone’s reaching across the table, swapping bites, laughing — that’s what food is supposed to feel like.
Sometimes, it’s not even the main dish you remember. It’s those shared moments around the sides that stick with you.
6. They Give You Variety
Let’s be honest — no matter how much you love your go-to meal, it can get a little boring if you always order it the same way. Sides keep things interesting.
Maybe one week you get fries. The next, a salad. Then maybe some garlic bread or onion rings. Suddenly, your “same old meal” feels new again.
And if you’re the kind of person who can’t decide what to eat (no judgment here), sides are your best friend. You get to sample different flavors without overloading your plate.
7. They’re Often the Hidden Stars
You know what’s funny? Sometimes the side dish ends up being the best part of the whole meal.
There’s this unspoken rule: when the sides are that good, you’ll remember the restaurant. I still remember the first time I had Red Robin’s garlic fries — crispy, golden, perfectly seasoned. I went in for the burger but left raving about the fries.
And that’s the magic of great sides. They sneak up on you and leave a lasting impression.
8. They Let You Customize Your Experience
Maybe you’re not super hungry, or maybe you just want a lighter meal. Ordering sides gives you control. You can mix and match smaller portions instead of going for one big entrée.
For example: pair a side salad with some sweet potato fries and a small soup, and boom — you’ve got a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s not too heavy.
It’s the kind of flexibility that makes eating out more enjoyable. You get exactly what you want, how you want it.
9. They Add Value to Your Meal
Let’s be real — sides make you feel like you’re getting more bang for your buck. A burger on its own is fine, but when it comes with endless fries, now that’s a deal.
Many restaurants, like Red Robin, even offer bottomless sides. That means more flavor, more satisfaction, and more fun without spending extra every time you refill.
And hey, when was the last time you turned down extra fries? Exactly.
10. They Make Dining Feel Special
It’s the little touches that turn a meal into an experience. Adding sides shows you’re not just there to eat — you’re there to enjoy.
When you take the time to pick the right side, it shows you care about your food. It’s not just about filling up; it’s about making each bite count.
Whether it’s a classic like fries or something more adventurous like zucchini fries or mac and cheese, sides make dining out feel like a treat — not just another meal.
The Bottom Line
Sides might not always get the spotlight, but they absolutely deserve it. They round out your meal, add flavor and fun, and make every dining experience feel more complete.
Next time you’re out, don’t skip them. Try something new. Share with your friends. Mix it up a little.
Because let’s face it — a burger without fries, or a sandwich without a side salad, just doesn’t hit the same.
Sides are what turn “I’m grabbing a bite” into “That was a great meal.” And that’s exactly what good food should do.
