11 Texas Steakhouses Where The Sides Steal The Show
Texas is famous for its massive, perfectly cooked steaks that draw meat lovers from all over the world.
But here’s a little secret: some of the best steakhouses in the Lone Star State are serving up side dishes so incredible, they might just upstage the main event.
From creamy mac and cheese to fluffy cornbread and crispy onion rings, these accompaniments deserve their own standing ovation.
1. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Dallas
Creamed spinach so velvety it could double as a cloud pillow—that’s what awaits you at this Dallas dining destination.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has mastered the art of transforming humble vegetables into showstoppers.
Their sides aren’t just afterthoughts tossed on the plate; they’re carefully crafted masterpieces that command attention.
The jumbo lump crab cake side dish is practically a meal in itself, bursting with sweet crab meat and minimal filler.
Meanwhile, their au gratin potatoes arrive bubbling hot with a golden cheese crust that crackles under your fork.
Every spoonful feels like a warm hug from your favorite aunt.
The asparagus with hollandaise sauce gets dressed up fancy, while the hash browns are shredded to crispy perfection.
Located at 10477 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220, this upscale establishment treats every component of your meal with equal reverence.
Their commitment to quality extends from the prime cuts right down to the butter-drenched Brussels sprouts.
Portions are generous enough to share, though you might find yourself guarding your plate like a treasure chest.
The sides here don’t play second fiddle, they’re part of the main orchestra.
2. Perini Ranch Steakhouse – Buffalo Gap
Way out in Buffalo Gap, where tumbleweeds meet taste buds, sits a ranch-style eatery that’s been winning hearts since 1983.
Perini Ranch Steakhouse serves up cowboy beans that taste like they’ve been simmering over a campfire since the Wild West days.
These aren’t your average canned beans, they’re slow-cooked with bacon, molasses, and secret spices that’ll make you want to lick the bowl clean.
Their bread pudding dessert side is legendary throughout Central Texas, soaked in butter sauce that could make a grown cowboy weep tears of joy.
The mashed potatoes arrive whipped to fluffy perfection, crowned with a pool of rich gravy.
Fresh corn on the cob gets slathered in herb butter, while the coleslaw provides a crisp, tangy counterpoint to all that richness.
Every side dish tells a story of Texas hospitality and home cooking done right.
You’ll find this gem at 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508, where the portions are bigger than your appetite and the flavors are bolder than a rodeo announcer.
The casual atmosphere makes you feel like family, and the sides taste like someone’s beloved grandmother made them with love.
3. Taste of Texas – Houston
Baked potatoes the size of footballs, no exaggeration, await your appetite at this Houston landmark.
Taste of Texas is famous for its giant baked potatoes loaded with toppings and its legendary salad bar, but guests still get plenty of freedom to pile on their favorites.
But the potato bar is just the opening act.
Their salad bar stretches longer than a Texas highway, featuring fresh vegetables, marinated salads, and homemade dressings that put bottled varieties to shame.
The fried okra arrives golden and crunchy, seasoned perfectly without being greasy.
Their green bean casserole tastes like Thanksgiving dinner decided to crash your Tuesday night.
Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping provides that ideal balance between savory dinner and sneaky dessert.
Each side dish reflects genuine Texas hospitality and portions that don’t believe in holding back.
Located at 10505 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024, this family-owned restaurant has been perfecting their sides since 1977.
The commitment to quality ingredients and generous portions has created a loyal following that spans generations.
Kids and adults alike marvel at the variety, and nobody leaves hungry or disappointed.
4. Steak 48 – Houston
Truffle mac and cheese that costs more than some people’s car payments and worth every penny.
Steak 48 is known for ultra-indulgent sides, including luxurious mac and cheese and its signature corn crème brûlée, which has become one of the restaurant’s most talked-about dishes.
The roasted Brussels sprouts get tossed with crispy bacon and finished with a balsamic glaze that transforms Brussels-haters into Brussels-lovers.
Lobster mashed potatoes add chunks of sweet lobster meat to already decadent spuds.
Every vegetable side arrives perfectly cooked—tender but not mushy, seasoned but not overpowered.
The asparagus spears stand at attention like little green soldiers, charred just right with a hint of lemon.
Their creamed corn tastes like summer sunshine got mixed with butter and happiness.
You’ll find this upscale establishment at 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027, where the ambiance matches the sophistication of the menu.
The modern decor creates an elegant backdrop for culinary excellence.
Portions are refined rather than overwhelming, but the flavors pack a powerful punch that lingers long after the meal ends.
5. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse – Houston
Twice-baked potatoes stuffed with so much cheese and bacon, they qualify as a complete food group.
Vic & Anthony’s sides focus on classic steakhouse favorites like baked and au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, and richly prepared vegetables that elevate every plate.
The creamed spinach here sets the gold standard, silky smooth with just enough garlic to make it interesting without overwhelming.
Lobster bisque remains a beloved appetizer, though not technically listed as a side, and it still feels like part of the luxurious experience here.
Grilled asparagus gets a simple preparation that lets the vegetable’s natural flavor shine through.
The hash browns are shredded thin and fried to lacy crispness, providing textural contrast to richer dishes.
Located at 1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, this downtown gem caters to business dinners and special occasions with equal finesse.
The service is impeccable, with servers who know exactly when to refill your sides without being intrusive.
Every dish arrives at the proper temperature, plated beautifully, and tasting even better than it looks.
The attention to detail separates good steakhouses from exceptional ones.
6. Saltgrass Steak House – Houston (Downtown location)
Shiner Bock BBQ sauce drizzled over tender green beans, yep, they went there and it works beautifully.
Saltgrass Steak House is especially known for its warm Shiner Bock beer bread and hearty Texas-style sides like loaded mashed potatoes, fried okra, and sweet potato fries that keep guests coming back.
The fried okra maintains that perfect crunch without any sliminess, seasoned with a proprietary spice blend that keeps people guessing.
Sweet potato fries arrive hot and crispy, dusted with cinnamon sugar for those who like their savory with a sweet twist.
Fresh steamed broccoli provides a lighter option, though even the vegetables get a butter treatment here.
Guests are typically served the restaurant’s signature bread, which has become a fan favorite.
You’ll discover this location at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas Ste B, Houston, TX 77010, where the atmosphere is casual and welcoming.
Families feel comfortable here, and the prices won’t require taking out a second mortgage.
The sides are generous enough to share, though you might find yourself ordering extras to take home.
Everything tastes like Texas comfort food should, hearty, flavorful, and satisfying down to the last bite.
7. The Big Texan Steak Ranch – Amarillo
Dinner rolls so fluffy they might float away if you don’t anchor them with butter immediately.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, but the sides deserve their own championship belt.
Their sides and salad offerings pair directly with the legendary steak challenge, including baked potato, salad, shrimp, and rolls with butter.
The baked potato comes loaded with every topping imaginable, creating a mountain of carbohydrate goodness.
Fresh corn on the cob gets served with herb butter that melts into every kernel.
Their salad bar offers more variety than some grocery stores, with everything from pickled beets to cottage cheese to fruit salad.
The ranch dressing is made in-house and tastes nothing like the bottled stuff.
Fried mushrooms provide a crispy, savory option that pairs perfectly with their tangy dipping sauce.
Located at 7701 I-40, Amarillo, TX 79118, this Route 66 landmark has been feeding travelers since 1960.
The Old West atmosphere adds entertainment value to your meal, with cowboy decor and live music creating memorable dining experiences.
Portions are Texas-sized, meaning you’ll definitely have leftovers.
The sides complement the steaks perfectly, but many guests come specifically for the accompaniments and leave just as satisfied.
8. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse – Austin
Garlic mashed potatoes so aromatic, vampires probably avoid this Austin establishment altogether.
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse brings Hill Country charm to the art of side dishes, with preparations that honor local ingredients and seasonal availability.
Their garlic mashed potatoes feature roasted garlic that’s been mellowed and sweetened through slow cooking, creating depth of flavor without harshness.
The grilled vegetable medley changes based on what’s freshest, ensuring peak flavor and quality.
Zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and onions get charred to perfection with olive oil and herbs.
Their house sides often include rich, creamy options and seasonal vegetable dishes that match their upscale steakhouse vibe, with flavors as impressive as the views.
Sweet potato mash offers a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste, naturally sweet without needing loads of added sugar.
Find this gem at 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd, Austin, TX 78732, where the views compete with the food for your attention.
The patio overlooks beautiful Texas landscape, making dinner feel like a special occasion even on ordinary weeknights.
The sides here reflect Austin’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative preparations that respect tradition while embracing innovation.
9. Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse – Dallas
Jalapeño cheese grits that’ll make you forget macaroni and cheese ever existed.
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse is known for bold Texas flavors, including rich, cheesy, slightly spicy grits that pair perfectly with their game meats and steaks.
The pinto beans are cooked low and slow with ham hock, developing rich, smoky flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering all day.
Many of the sides lean into hearty ranch-style cooking, with comforting flavors that feel authentically Texan.
Their cornbread muffins arrive warm in a basket, slightly sweet with a crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with honey butter.
The coleslaw offers refreshing crunch and acidity that cuts through richer dishes.
Mashed potatoes get whipped until fluffy, then topped with cream gravy that’s been perfected over generations.
Located at 702 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75202, this downtown destination brings ranch atmosphere to the urban setting.
The rustic decor features authentic ranch memorabilia and Western artwork that transports diners to wide-open spaces.
Every side dish reflects the honest, hearty cooking that made Texas ranches famous, served with portions that satisfy the hungriest appetites.
10. Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House – Amarillo
German potato salad with a Texas twist, because why choose between cultures when you can have both?
Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House is first and foremost a Texas steakhouse, best known for hearty sides like mashed potatoes, fries, salads, and classic comfort-style accompaniments that feel right at home alongside a big steak.
The sauerkraut is mild and sweet, perfect for those who think they don’t like fermented cabbage.
While German-inspired dishes occasionally appear in the Hoffbrau world, the Amarillo location stays rooted in Texas flavors with approachable, family-friendly sides.
Their spaetzle, tiny German egg noodles, arrive buttered and seasoned, providing a unique alternative to standard potato sides.
Diners can still expect generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere focused on great steakhouse favorites.
Fried pickles bring a Southern touch to the menu, crispy and tangy with ranch dipping sauce.
Located at 7203 W Interstate Hwy 40, Amarillo, TX 79106, this establishment has been serving Panhandle residents since 1976.
The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from truckers to tourists to locals celebrating special occasions.
The fusion of culinary traditions creates sides you won’t find anywhere else, making each visit a delicious adventure in cross-cultural cooking.
11. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Houston (Katy Freeway)
Whipped potatoes so light and airy, they practically levitate off your plate into your mouth.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has perfected the art of side dishes that complement without competing, enhance without overwhelming.
Their signature whipped potatoes are whipped to cloud-like consistency, then enriched with butter and cream until they achieve pure potato perfection.
The caramelized Brussels sprouts get roasted until the outer leaves crisp up like little flavor chips, while the centers remain tender.
A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds sweet-tart complexity that converts Brussels skeptics into believers.
Their creamed corn features whole kernels in a light cream sauce, sweet and savory in perfect balance.
Asparagus spears are grilled with lemon butter, simple but executed flawlessly.
The au gratin potatoes arrive bubbling with three cheeses, creating a golden crust that cracks under your fork.
Find this location at 9827 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024, where modern elegance meets classic steakhouse traditions.
The service is attentive without being intrusive, and the kitchen timing ensures everything arrives at optimal temperature.
Each side dish receives the same attention to detail as the premium steaks, creating a complete dining experience where nothing plays second fiddle.