Best BBQ sides in DFW: Because the meat needs backup

Everyone talks about the brisket. Nobody talks about the sides. Here are the best BBQ sides in DFW.

Mac and cheese:

• Pecan Lodge — Creamy, smoky, perfectly cheesy. The gold standard.
• Heim BBQ — Bacon jalapeño mac. Spicy and rich.

Potato salad:

• Terry Black's — Classic mustard-based Texas style. Chunks, not mush.
• Slow Bone — Slightly sweet, perfectly balanced.

Coleslaw:

• Hutchins — Vinegar-based, cuts through the fat. Exactly what coleslaw should do.

Beans:

• Goldee's — Pinto beans with brisket trimmings. Simple and perfect.

Banana pudding:

• Slow Bone — This alone is worth the trip to Design District.
• Pecan Lodge — Close second. Layer cake levels of richness.

Bread pudding:

• Heim BBQ — With bourbon sauce. Dessert of champions.

The underrated combo: Chopped brisket sandwich + coleslaw on top + extra pickles. This is the move when you don't want to spend $25/lb on sliced brisket.

Source: Side-by-side taste testing across 15 DFW BBQ spots, March 2026