Pick of the Month: Sidelines Grill
Extensive menu and great drink prices at Sidelines Grill
AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER
Sidelines Grill
Sports, food & fun
When Fats closed in Jasper, lots of people wondered what would take its place. There were rumors about a sports bar which made most everyone including me roll my eyes. Afterall, how many places do you really need to go watch a bunch of screens, talk loudly and eat chicken wings washed down with your choice of local craft beer? I thought we certainly had enough choices in that category but as we watched Sidelines Grill slowly come into being with a good refresh inside and out we decided to do a little research and pay a visit.
Casual family friendly dining with plenty of screens to get your sports fix on
I was glad to see for instance that Jasper is the sixth location for the restaurant after already being established in Cartersville, Marietta, Woodstock and Canton. In food speak this means they already have their stuff together on the menu to know what folks like and what sells well-no guinea pigs necessary! They describe themselves as a casual family-friendly destination serving up a diverse American menu with some gosh darn good wings, a staple across the South for sports day of any kind.
The staff are super friendly and remember you when you come in especially if you got a favorite cocktail. They know there are a lot of screens to watch and you want to sit near the one showing your favorite sport so most times they just let you pick your table. You can also settle in at the comfy bar if you just want to grab a quick beer and bite. The place is much smaller making for a quieter experience than your average sports bar which is a very good thing to me.
GREAT COCKTAILS
I judge most restaurants on the kind of pour you get in a dry martini while my husband wants to see some great craft and international beer choices (read no Miller Lite here please). Both are a big check in the yes box at this spot with an affordable price too. I consider a $7 cocktail to be good value these days. You’ll find a great mix of signature drink choices along with some super beers and wine for game day or any day really.
A gracious martini pour and good local beers
SHARABLE APPETIZERS
The menu assures you a good number of items to pair with your favorite poison to start. Since wings are featured, you will be happy to see them available in both original and boneless with four different sizes to please at 6, 10, 20 and 30 respectively. Match that with four levels of heat and nine different flavors and you got the mack daddy of choices in that one dish.
Love that Buffalo flavor but wanna change it up? Try the shrimp served up with bleu cheese crumbles and chives and a ranch dressing dip. Yum! Standards like fried cheese curds, mozzarella sticks or dill pickles are super crisp and tasty. Some twists on mac and cheese are sure to please with Mack Jack bites and Mac Chili and chips.
Classic queso and chips are a favorite with loaded baked potato skins coming in a close second. If you can’t make up your mind, they do offer a Sidelines Sampler Platter with a choice of four different items and a whole host of good dipping sauces. This really can be the only category you have to look at on the menu in order to put a huge spread on the table for you and your crew.
Crispy Southwest egg rolls are a fun starter
sOUPS & sALADS
Should you want a little healthier or lighter approach, especially if the ladies are dropping by for lunch after shopping in town, there are a variety of soups and salads that fit the bill for you. I am fond of the chili which is great on a cold day with spicy tang, cheese and a nice spoon of sour cream on top. My BFF’s really like the grilled chicken salad with greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and nuts with a nice helping of dressing to pour over.
You can get that salad as a meat, steak or Cobb type and standards such as House, Wedge or Caesar are available as an add-on or side. Other soups like red pepper gouda and loaded potato are lovely choices if chili isn’t your thing.
BURGERS & dINNERS
Sidelines also state they have bragging rights on their smashburgers which is why they offer you seven different kinds. I prefer the American with that great melting cheese and bacon albeit without the fried egg. I don’t know-it’s probably great that way but something about a fried egg just doesn’t scream burger to me. You might love the new very irresponsible burger with four patties or the big hurt with three if you think you got the room to put that much smash meat away!
The Grill also has some nice unexpected dinner options like a chopped steak smothered with grilled onions, mushrooms and gravy with mash. We’ve also tried Lola’s meatloaf and the fish and chips which are some of the best around. They also like a good tater tot on the plate with some of their dinners and who doesn’t as an option to always having fries?
TEX MEX & HANDHELDS
There are eight different Tex Mex choices for those that want to add some spice to the meal. Grab an order of Redneck or regular loaded nachos and you got enough for the whole table to get a start on. Tex Mex bowl, two kinds of tacos, quesadillas, fajitas or chicken with rice round out the options for a second course. You’ll find the hand helds are big and sharable as my husband and I often split the Reuben served with crispy onion rings. Classic clubs, Philly steaks and a well-done Cuban are also delicious and great choices for a quick lunch.
TRIVIA MUSIC & KID STUFF
Along with all the sport choices you got with the many TV screens, they host weekly team trivia nights at all the different locations. Weekly Sound Checks is for all you musical bingo geniuses. There are often kids eat free nights and lots of drink specials and discounts offered as well.
Routine specials on beer and drinks
FINAL THOUGHTS
Turns out, I’m kind of a fan of the latest sports bar in town. I don’t go if I want a quiet date night but I do if I wanna catch a game or sport I can’t get at home, sip on a favorite cocktail while doing it and have a good menu of classics to go along with it. Add in the smaller friendly local spot kind of atmosphere and it’s pretty much a home run or touch down…well you get the idea!
If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…
Cheers!
ArtsyChowRoamer
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