A deep, dark roux is key to good gumbo, and this Mountlake Terrace barbecue spot (formerly of Ballard) has it down pat. Made with a bunch of the restaurant's delicious barbecue meat tossed in, the gumbo is a can't-miss side or even meal centerpiece. Also lovely: barbecue baked beans.

Cross your fingers next time you head to Lake Forest Park, because you'll want the seasonal veg at Brileys to be garlic butter green beans. Crisp with a slightly wrinkly exterior, they're sweet and savory and delicious. No beans available? Try the Brunswick Stew for a hearty finish instead.

The menu here is a mix and match heaven, right down to the best side in the business: fried mac and cheese balls. Crunchy on the outside and creamy in the middle, they're best enjoyed with a little squirt of Kansas City BBQ sauce.

Bitterroot's late night happy hour deals include sandwiches and incredibly creamy cheesy grits with vinegary collard greens. Also awesome: mac and cheese, which comes as an entree with your choice of mix-ins (bacon lardons and jalapeños are a highlight).

Nearly every Seattle barbecue stop has mac and cheese on the menu, but the version here is a standout. Shells and creamy white cheddar sauce always taste fresh and hot, with just the right gooeyness.

Brisket is king at this mobile mecca, but it pays to sop up every drippy bit with barbecue this good. Enter bacon cheddar cornbread, domed with honey butter.

Basic sides, including greens and potato salad, are plentiful on the menu at this Central Texas-style joint. But the Fritos pie is where it's at, with brisket chili dumped in the bag along with traditional mix-ins.