The Best Sides for Burgers to Make It a Feast

A great smash burger is definitely the main event, and it’s more than enough to carry a meal on its own. But there is something special about having a few different textures on the tray. It’s about that balance of the salt, the crunch, and something cold to contrast the richness of the burger. The best sides for burgers aren’t just there for show; they give your palate a quick reset between bites, making that next mouthful of a juicy patty even better.

Why Fries Always Win

There is zero mystery as to why a fries-and-burger pairing is the default for about 99% of the planet. A smashed patty is heavy, savory, and deep. You need that sharp, starchy snap of a hot fry to balance things out a bit. But if you are bored with the standard routine, there are other burger side dishes that can also do the same heavy lifting.

Moving past the standard potato

Crispy Onion Rings: These have to be thick. If they don’t have a real snap when you bite them, they shouldn’t be on the plate. They add a sweet, fried edge that holds up well against a double patty.
Coleslaw: This is for the acidity that is cold and sharp, and helps to scrub your palate clean so the next bite of beef tastes like the first one again.
Fresh Salad: For the people who want the burger but don’t want to feel like they need a nap the second the meal is over.

Building the right combo

Most burger combo ideas fail because people overdo it. It is all about balance. If you’ve got a burger dripping in three sauces and extra cheese, you do not need “dirty” fries covered in more sauce. You want something simple on the side to let the burger breathe. If you’re going with a plain, classic cheeseburger, that’s when you go wild with the sides.

Trays are better when they're shared

The best meals happen with a pile of sides in the middle of the table, everyone reaching in at once. Smash House combos mean you’re not stuck arguing over who gets the last onion ring.

Basic Family Combo (Feeds 4): 4 x Double Smashed Burgers, 2 x Orders of French Fries, 1 x Crispy Onion, 1 x Popcorn Chicken. It’s enough to keep everyone quiet for a while.
Premium Family Combo (Feeds 8+): This is for the big crowds. A spread of Double Smashed Burgers, Classic Smashed Burgers, and Crispy Chicken Sandwiches. We throw in enough fries, chicken, and wings to make sure nobody leaves grumpy.

If you’re hosting something even bigger, our Burger Catering service takes the stress out of it. We’ll bring the food and you can take the credit.

Build your own setup

Picking your burger side dishes is half the fun. Whether you’re a fries purist or you want to pivot to Coleslaw, the Smash House menu leaves room for it. Mix, match, or change your mind. It’s straightforward food, and that’s exactly why it works so well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best sides for burgers?

Fries are the baseline, but onion rings or wings are the real dark horses. They add a different kind of crunch that keeps the meal from getting boring.

Why does a fries and burger pairing work?

It is the salt and the crunch. The burger is heavy; the fries are sharp. They balance each other out, so you don’t get tired of the flavor halfway through.

Where can I find a family-friendly burger restaurant with these options?

Check out our Smash House Burger locations in New York and Florida. We have the full spread ready and waiting.

Benji Haimoff

Benji Haimoff knows what people want: food that slaps, ingredients that matter, and menus worth showing up for. Nine locations later, he’s still building – and he’s just getting started. His motto? Everyone’s a winner. And with every bite, he makes sure of it, redefining kosher food and smashing expectations every time.

Share Our Story!