VIBE

As at any Texan barbeque worth its salt, Hill Country piles on the beef…literally. Prepare to get messy, as hunks of brisket, beef, and prime rib (sold by the pound, oozing with grease and juicy goodness, and served cafeteria style) are slapped onto brown butcher paper. Just don’t forget to leave room for the corn bread and mac and cheese, which taste like they’re home cooked. The countrified surrounds match the food; think long wooden tables, a massive “lone star” behind the bar, and black and white photos of the Great American South.

CROWD

Texan expats, meat lovers, and a host of neighborhood families looking to temporarily “escape” the city.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go casual with a faded vintage tee, jeans, cowboy boots, and a fun necklace.

GO HERE WITH

Anyone up for a relaxing night out; family; friends; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

Nothing says Texas like live entertainment, and Hill Country never disappoints. Their Club & Bar basement stage showcases live Austin-style music (a good mix of country, rock, and blues) throughout the week, making it easy for dinner to be the precursor to a fabulous evening of fun. It’s also a fun place to watch a big game on the screen in the basement or simply hang out with a big group of friends. Whatever you do, don’t leave without a PB&J cupcake!

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

We get the Texas in New York bit, but some of the kitsch could be done without. And the lines at peak hours for the cafeteria-style food stations are a pain.

GOOD TO KNOW

The restaurant is modeled after Kruez Market in Lockhart, Texas, a barbeque legend of its own. All of Hill Country’s meats are smoked over Texan post oak. Warning: this venue operates like Katz’s Delicatessen, meaning your tab is your ticket. Lose your ticket, and you risk being charged a lot more than your food is worth (USD 50 per person at last visit). Takeout is available, as is a late night menu (until 1:00am). The bar is open till 2:00am nightly. Check the website for daily dine-in deals, like Monday night “All You Can Eat” for USD 25.

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