BBQ Pairing 101: The Best Side Dishes for Pork, Smoked Ribs and BBQ Chicken
From mac and cheese to fried okra, here's your guide to building the perfect BBQ plate at Shane's Rib Shack.
Let's be real:
BBQ isn't just about the ribs, pork, or chicken, it's about the whole plate. And if you've ever stepped into Shane's Rib Shack hungry, you know there's a serious decision to make regarding the sides.
Do you go classic with coleslaw and baked beans? Do you treat yourself to Loaded BBQ Shack Fries? (Spoiler alert: you should.) No matter what you're craving, we've got the sides to turn your smoked meat masterpiece into a BBQ plate worth remembering.
So if you're trying to figure out what goes best with your next BBQ pork sandwich, smoked ribs, or BBQ chicken, consider this your official Shane's guide to the perfect pairings.
Coleslaw: The Cool, Creamy MVP
Our crisp, creamy slaw is a BBQ classic that never lets you down. It adds just the right amount of tang and crunch to balance out smoky meats.
Best with: BBQ Pork Plate or Chopped BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Why it works: The richness of the meat meets the zing of the slaw—it's a BBQ love story.
Mac & Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy, and Always Welcome
Some people call mac and cheese a side. We call it a Southern essential. Ours is rich, creamy, and always hits the spot.
Best with: Smoked Ribs or Grilled BBQ Chicken
Why it works: That smoky BBQ flavor pairs beautifully with the goodness of mac and cheese.
Baked Beans: Sweet, Savory & Slow-Cooked
These aren't your average beans. Ours are sweet, smoky, and full of BBQ flavor, making them the perfect complement to everything on your plate.
Best with: Pulled Pork or Smoked Half Chicken
Why it works: Sweet beans + savory meat = BBQ harmony.
French Fries: The Sidekick That Does It All
Crispy, golden, and just salty enough, our fries are the go-to for dipping, snacking, and finishing off any meal.
Best with: Chicken Tenders or Sandwich Combo
Why it works: You just can't go wrong with a handful of hot fries next to any BBQ item.
Sweet Potato Fries: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Looking for something a little different? Sweet potato fries bring that natural sweetness and crispy edge to your meal.
Best with: Smoked Ribs or Grilled Chicken Tenders
Why it works: Sweet + smoky = flavor magic.
Fried Okra: Crispy, Southern, and Seriously Good
A true Southern staple. Our fried okra is light, crispy, and perfect for popping between bites of BBQ.
Best with: BBQ Chicken Plate or Chopped Pork
Why it works: Adds texture and that down-home flavor every BBQ plate needs.
Onion Rings: Big Flavor, Big Crunch
Thick-cut and golden fried, these rings add a serious crunch factor that holds its own next to any BBQ dish.
Best with: The BBQ Burger or Boneless Wings
Why it works: They're great for dipping in sauce... or just eating by the handful.
Brunswick Stew: Southern Comfort in a Cup
Our hearty Brunswick Stew is packed with pulled pork, veggies, and slow-cooked goodness. It's the kind of side that warms you from the inside out.
Best with: Ribs or Chicken Tenders
Why it works: It's like the coziest side dish you've ever had—BBQ-style.
Potato Salad: Cool and Creamy with a Hint of Tang
Made the Southern way, our potato salad is the chilled contrast to hot-off-the-pit meats.
Best with: Big Dad BBQ sandwich or Ribs
Why it works: Lightens up the meal without sacrificing flavor.
Side Salad: A Fresh Bite Between the BBQ
Sometimes you want something green on the plate. Our side salad is crisp, refreshing, and goes great with grilled options.
Best with: Grilled Chicken Tenders or Chopped BBQ Chicken
Why it works: Fresh veggies + smoked meat = balanced BBQ meal (kind of).
Bonus Round: When You Want to Go Big
Loaded BBQ Shack Fries
Fries? Yes. But then we add melted cheese, BBQ pork or chopped BBQ chicken, drizzle our Original BBQ Sauce, and top it all off with ranch dressing. Want a little kick? Just ask for jalapeños on the side.
Best with: An empty stomach and an open mind.
Why it works: It's indulgent, flavorful, and everything you love about BBQ—all on top of fries.
Loaded Buffalo Shack Fries
Same base, but this time we're tossing our chicken tenders in Medium Buffalo Sauce, adding cheese and ranch, and calling it a win.
Best with: Friends who are willing to share... or not.
Why it works: The heat from the buffalo sauce meets the cool, creamy ranch, all piled on crispy fries—it's bold, messy, and seriously satisfying.
Don't Forget the Texas Toast
Every plate at Shane's comes with a slice of Texas Toast—because let's be honest, it's not a full BBQ meal without it.
Make Your Plate Your Way at Shane's Rib Shack
Whether you're craving BBQ pork, smoked ribs, or BBQ chicken, the sides you pick can make your meal unforgettable. And at Shane's, we're all about giving you options that taste like home—with a little extra flavor.
Ready to eat?
Order online at https://order.shanesribshack.com/
