There are a huge range of sides out there and trying to narrow it down to just five is almost impossible. After going through tons of suggestions some clear categories began to emerge and a few side items simply stand out on their own. Here is our guide to side items in the Triangle.

Southern cooking sides: We are lucky to live in an area with a wealth of delicious southern-food spots and the best part of southern cooking are the sides. Let’s compare southern cooking to Thanksgiving dinner, the turkey is obligatory, but what everyone really loves are the sides! When you want some southern cooking, you may want a little fried chicken, but what you really are craving are biscuits, fried green tomatoes, fried okra, and greens. North Carolina State Farmers Market restaurant is a “gimme” when it comes to southern cooking sides, you can even order a plate of just sides and skip the obligatory fried chicken.

Cheesy Poofs: Yes, that’s what they’re called! Cheesy poofs from Tribeca Tavern are little bites of brie cheese and bacon wrapped in puff pastry and served with raspberry dipping sauce.

Steak House sides: A baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and Caesar salad are classic steak house sides. The Angus Barn, a triangle staple, has nearly 20 sides and salads that you can order in addition to your steak. The stuffed potato comes highly recommended and of course a lobster tail is the ultimate steak house side.

Mac and Cheese: Always a popular choice, we just can’t get enough mac and cheese! A few of our favorites include the pimento mac and cheese from Beasley's Chicken and Honey and the mac and cheese from Porter’s made with blue cheese. 

Blue Cheese Potato Cakes: On the menu at the The Twisted Fork in Raleigh, these have been recommended many times by Kathy, our Out & About editor, who describes them as "deep-fried heaven." A little rich, so don't order them with a very heavy entree. 

Which sides are your favorite?