Entrées may have menu star power, but often it’s a restaurant’s side dishes (ahem, Mangiamo Pronto!’s garbanzo-celery salad) that keep us coming back for more. In fact, it’s not unusual for us to make whole meals out of sides (small plates!). Next time you visit these eateries, save room for the supporting cast.

Ryan Conklin makes his bid to become a certified beer master.