Dining at a steakhouse is all about savoring a perfectly cooked, juicy steak, but sometimes it’s the sides that steal the show. While classic choices like baked potatoes, salads, and green vegetables adorn steakhouse menus, some chains have made extraordinary efforts to make their side dishes shine as brightly as their steaks. From elevated macaroni and cheese to unique takes on creamed corn, these sides can turn your steak dinner into a memorable experience. Join us as we explore steakhouse chains across the country that offer exceptional sides to accompany your steak.
Saltgrass Steakhouse: Iconic Range Rattlers
The Saltgrass Steakhouse takes a bold approach to side dishes with its signature Range Rattlers. These large shrimp-stuffed, cheese-filled jalapeños are battered and fried to perfection, delivering a delightful combination of crispiness, cheesiness, and spiciness. They’re a must-try, and some customers even find them “addictive.” While not your traditional side, the Range Rattlers have achieved legendary status at Saltgrass.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse breaks the stereotype that steakhouses aren’t the best choice for vegetable lovers. Their crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon are flash-fried to a perfect crisp, tossed in a homemade bacon vinaigrette, and crowned with chunks of crispy diced bacon. Even the pickiest of eaters may become Brussels sprouts fans with this flavorful side. Fleming’s also offers a variety of other noteworthy sides like pecorino creamed corn, chipotle cheddar mac and cheese, and more.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: Transformed Creamed Corn
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse takes ordinary creamed corn and turns it into a culinary delight. Their creamed corn features the usual rich and unctuous texture but with a twist—blistered shishito peppers, adding a hint of spice and smoky flavor. Topped with breadcrumbs for that textural contrast, this side dish is a unique take on traditional creamed corn.
LongHorn Steakhouse: Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob
LongHorn Steakhouse elevates the humble corn on the cob with its fire-grilled version. After grilling over an open flame for a touch of charred flavor, it’s drizzled with the restaurant’s housemade Mexican crema and seasoned Parmesan cheese. The result is a steakhouse twist on Mexican street corn, the perfect accompaniment for any steak on the menu.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Flavorful Spaghetti Squash Primavera
For vegetarian diners or those looking for an enticing vegetable side, Perry’s Steakhouse offers a delectable spaghetti squash primavera. Combining spaghetti squash, mixed vegetables, San Marzano tomato sauce, and pecorino cheese, this side dish can stand alone as an entrée or complement your steak. It provides both flavor and nutrition, making it a unique choice in a traditional steakhouse.
Outback Steakhouse: The Irresistible Bloomin’ Onion
Outback Steakhouse’s famous Bloomin’ Onion might not be officially listed as a side, but it’s undeniably a star. This crispy and savory creation features a whole onion sliced and dipped in Outback Steakhouse’s signature batter. After deep-frying, it resembles a blooming lotus flower and is served with a choice of dip, with the spicy bloom sauce being highly recommended. Perfect for sharing, this mouthwatering appetizer can easily overshadow your main course.
Texas Roadhouse: The Beloved Rolls with Cinnamon Butter
Texas Roadhouse is renowned for its irresistible rolls, often outshining the main course. Served hot with traditional or sweet honey butter, these rolls are a customer favorite. Many diners consider them the “best rolls anywhere” and some could make a meal out of the bread alone. The cinnamon butter adds a unique sweetness and spice to the rolls, setting them apart from the average dinner rolls.
The Capital Grille: Lobster-Enhanced Macaroni and Cheese
While macaroni and cheese is a steakhouse staple, The Capital Grille takes it up a notch with its lobster mac and cheese. This side dish features tender pasta bathed in a luscious and meaty lobster-infused sauce, creating a savory and creamy indulgence. Patrons have praised it as “the BEST lobster mac anywhere” and even claim it’s the “best side dish ever.” The Capital Grille also offers other spectacular sides like cheesy au gratin potatoes, soy-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon, creamed corn with bacon, and Parmesan cheese and truffle oil-topped fries.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Premium Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is celebrated for its premium lobster macaroni and cheese, featuring perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, tender lobster chunks, and a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce. This over-the-top side dish can easily be a meal on its own due to its hearty and delicious nature. Whether you share it or savor it solo, the lobster mac and cheese is a favorite among Ruth’s Chris diners.
While steakhouses are renowned for their perfectly cooked steaks, these steakhouse chains prove that the sides can be equally impressive. From unique versions of classic dishes to iconic favorites like the Bloomin’ Onion and signature rolls, these sides elevate the dining experience. When dining at these chains, don’t underestimate the power of a delectable side dish to enhance your steak dinner.