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