Down south, if you get a hankering for meatloaf or fried chicken, you visit a meat and three. You pick up a tray, point to your cholesterol-be-damned protein of choice, and then load it up with three slightly healthier sides. It’s always the same: one meat, three sides. But when the concept migrated north, local chefs tweaked away. They defied the number and sanctity of the sides (tabbouleh?). Nonetheless, here’s what to order at the three best Chicago variations on the Southern theme.

Fried Chicken, $6.99

1. Yams
2. Mashed potatoes and gravy
3. Add-on:Red velvet cake ($3)

Chopped Brisket Sandwich, $16

1. Cucumber and tomato salad
2. Barbecue nachos
3. Mac and cheese
4. Add-on:Peanut butter and chocolate pie ($3)

Meatloaf Wellington, $18

1. Grilled asparagus
2. Tabbouleh
3. Ratatouille
4. Add-on:Lavender gin lemonade ($10)