Far be it from us to put a damper on date night, but eating out can break the bank these days. Even the chain restaurants where a full meal used to seem like a pretty decent value have gotten ridic in our post-pandemmy dystopia. What’s a budget-conscious babe who still needs some greasy goodness to do? Seek out the best restaurant sides at the grocery store, that’s what. We looked back through our many rankings to find tasty sides from some of your favorite chains, like Red Robin, P.F. Chang’s, and Red Lobster (sorry ‘bout the bankruptcy!). From onion rings to noodles, here are the best restaurant sides from our taste tests.
- Red Robin Crispy Onion Rings
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Red Robin is famous for its steak fries (which you’ll find on this list, too), but they also make a bitchin’ onion ring tower. If you want to save some dough and replicate that experience at home (or you just don’t have a Red Robin nearby), try these onion rings. They’re made with whole rings of onion instead of diced onions like other frozen onion rings and they have a super crispy panko breading. Serve these with a burger and you’ll swear you’re nestled in the bosom of a beloved chain restaurant.
Read the full ranking of the best frozen onion rings
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Rao’s Four Cheese Pasta Bake
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Before Rao’s became famous for its delicious (albeit, pricey) jarred marinara sauce, it was a legendary NYC Italian restaurant. Recently, the brand’s at-home line launched a bunch of family-sized frozen meals, including this mac and cheese, which turned out to be the best Rao’s frozen offering we tried in a taste test. It’s made with al dente cavatappi and a cheesy, nutty sauce that’s so good it made Sporked editor-and-chief Justine Sterling use the F word. It’s one of the best restaurant sides to turn a weeknight dinner into something fancy.
Read the full ranking of the best Rao’s frozen meals
Credit: Merc / Instacart
- Red Lobster Rosemary Parmesan Biscuit Mix
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Red Lobster recently filed for bankruptcy and announced the closure of a bunch of locations (damn you, endless shrimp eaters!), which seems like a good reason to stock up on this Red Lobster biscuit mix. If you love the restaurant’s Cheddar Bay biscuits and always leave with a few wrapped in a napkin in your purse, you’ll love this rosemary parmesan version even more—we did!
Read the full ranking of the best store bought biscuits
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Red Robin Seasoned Steak Fries
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Frozen fries almost never live up to their fresh-from-the-deep-fryer restaurant counterparts, but Red Robin’s frozen steak fries come pretty damn close. They’re wonderfully creamy inside and have a zesty seasoning that reminded us of Lawry’s seasoning salt. They’re the best steak fries at the grocery store and they’re one of the best restaurant sides if you want something super potatoey and comforting to dunk in ketchup or ranch.
Read the full ranking of the best steak fries
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- Popper Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños with Raspberry Habanero Dip
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Do jalapeño poppers count as a side dish? If you’re a grownup who pays your taxes and does the decision making in your household, anything’s a side dish! Even if you’re skeptical, you should make an exception for these poppers from TGI Friday’s. The peppers are nice and spicy, but the heat is tempered by a healthy dose of cooling cream cheese. They come with a dipping sauce we love, too. Expand your restaurant sides horizons!
Read the full ranking of the best TGI Friday’s frozen foods
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- Bob Evans Roasted Garlic & Herb Mashed Cauliflower
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We sort of doubt that Bob Evans restaurants actually serve mashed cauliflower (it’s not on the online menu), but it’s a side. It’s made by a brand that’s named after a restaurant. Therefore, restaurant side—and a good one, too. Even if you think you don’t like cauliflower, you’ll like this mash. It’s bold and savory and tastes a lot like garlic mashed potatoes. And with only 6 grams of carbs per serving, it’s one of the best restaurant sides for people who are trying to consume fewer carbs.
Read the full ranking of the best potato alternatives
Credit: Merc / Kroger
- Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes
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If you aren’t cutting carbs, you absolutely have to try Bob Evans’ mashed potatoes. They aren’t just restaurant-quality—they’re lovingly-made-by-grandma quality. They have so much potatoey flavor. Transfer these to a nice bowl and people will absolutely think they’re homemade. We’re all about deceiving the fam once in a while!
Read the full ranking of the best premade mashed potatoes
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lo Mein
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P.F. Chang’s has a full line of frozen meals, but this one makes the most sense on our list of the best restaurant sides at the grocery store. A lot of their grocery store fare is just so-so, but this is pretty damn good, especially if you’re into mall food court lo mein. With a main of orange chicken or and maybe a few frozen egg rolls, this is a restaurant side we can get behind.
Read the full ranking of the best P.F. Chang’s frozen food
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
Best Restaurant Onion Rings
Rating:
9.5/10
Sporks
Best Pasta Side
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Restaurant Biscuits
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Restaurant Steak Fries
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Decadent Side
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Vegetable Side
Rating:
9.5/10
Sporks
Best Restaurant Mashed Potatoes
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Noodle Side
Rating:
9/10
Sporks
I recently stumbled across your website. I am the type of chef that looks at trends, and mimic the popular dishes. Thanks for what you do.