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Hill Country Barbecue Market
Categories: Restaurants Barbeque Restaurants Southern Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Barbeque, Southern, Music Venues [Edit]
30 W 26th St(between 6th Ave & Broadway)
New York, NY 10010
Neighborhood: Flatiron
(212) 255-4544
- Nearest Transit:
-
28 St (N, R)
23 St (F, M)
23 St (N, R)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
839 reviews for Hill Country Barbecue Market
Review Highlights
"Their moist brisket is absolutely incredible."
(in 178 reviews)
"Green bean casserole gets you your creamy/crunchy veg."
(in 91 reviews)
"really enjoyed the Blue Bell ice cream and Ribs."
(in 36 reviews)
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838 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany S.
Manhattan, NY
2/9/2012
My absolute favorite BBQ place in the city. I've been to Dinosaur BBQ and this place definitely surpasses it. Make sure you get the moist brisket (juicy, tender and delicious). And also the cucumber salad is yummy, especially amazing on hot summer days. Most nights they have live music playing and some dancing - it's really great with groups.
On Mondays they have an all-you-can-eat deal! YUM! -
Review from Oliver B.
Hoboken, NJ
2/2/2012
Hill Country BBQ is a solid option if you want BBQ.
the experience:
we were sat quickly. our server explained the unorthodox way of ordering here.
they have small "meal tickets" that have the listing of food and drink available and their prices.
the ticket itself is just too small to actually figure out.... like placing a math equation on a business card with no work space to figure out. if you go, you'll understand what i am referring to.
the server was nice enough to not really remember, but she also has very limited interaction with you. she simply asks if you need the menu process explained, and gets your drinks.
once you figure out what you want, you go up to the counter and simply order like you would at a deli "a pound of this, a slice of that, etc"
the counter lady was very nice and helpful if ordering and figuring out portion size.
the sides are ordered from a totally different counter, and the signs that describes what's available is decorated as an old timey saloon type of menu- on the wall behind the hot bar.
again, you order like deli- small/medium/large of whatever you want.
eating BBQ is always fun, because it is always a pig-out experience. they encourage this by not giving you real plates, cafeteria style trays, and a roll of paper towels on every table.
the place had these heat lamps (i think) on the whole time. it was fucking hot. i dont mid sweating from spice, but actual heat from the lights was too much. thats my only real issue here, and it may be just isolated to my experience. it was too fucking hot.
at the end, you pay your tab in the front with a cashier, and the tip of the meal goes into a tip jar at the front. this moment caused some confusion.
how much do you tip in this situation? the server maybe spoke 5 sentences to us. she was present for maybe 3 cumulative minutes. 20% seems like a 50% in a normal restaurant. she didnt really do anything- make it your own call.
the food:
the chicken is chicken- dont bother. you know what it tastes like, you know what it tastes like with BBQ/hot sauce on it.
the Pork ribs were great, pretty tasty, a little too salty.
the beer ribs are brontosaurus size, but really tasty.
the Moist brisket was good, but a little fatty.
got a jalepno and cheese sausage- loved it. really tasty. just dont expect a picture perfect cheese ooze to come out if you cut it.
the sides were great
mac and cheese is penne
sweet potato mash was good.
corn pudding- weird, but tasty. just dont have all 3 of these- the textures are too similar (mush)
beans- i love beans. these were great. a little firm, but really tasty.
cornbread- meh
bucket of beer (6 long horns for $20) cool deal. light beer to wash down all the crap you're eating.
pros- food is good and experience is fun. also- tip what you want i guess? the meats are priced very well
cons- too hot (maybe just my experience). THE SIDES ARE EXPENSIVE AS HELL.
our bill was $130 ish (4 people).
$20 for beer
maybe $45 for all the meat for 4 people.
thats 65 in sides and tax. seriously? they charge $20 lb for some sides. whatever.
hope this helps.
tip- order less sides, or at least just the smalls -
Review from Brittany K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/30/2012
Oh my God meat coma.
I love the concept of this place.
Pros--
-The sides were to die for. Between my husband and I we got 4 small sides and it was 1)too much food 2) insanely good,
-the service is pretty fast
-most of the meats were awesome!
-very cool atmosphere/concept
Cons--
-Overpriced, especially the sides. 3.50 for two small squares of cornbread and 4.50-5.50 for a small side? Come on, this isn't per se bitches.
-SO crowded. I almost think they put too many tables in there.
-They pool tips so you never really know who to ask for help...we had to track down someone to make sure they charged us for our alcohol. Kinda weird.
Stand out dishes: Corn pudding OMG, mac and cheese, jalapeno sausages, cornbread.
My pork ribs were pretty average. Not really tender and pretty chewy. -
Review from Rae F.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
When you get a Monday off from work, most people think about finally doing their laundry, or visiting a museum or....eating mass quantities of bbq?
Apparently 17 people that my friend knew felt all you can eat bbq is what one does on a Monday holiday so off we went.
I came hungry, I left needing the bathroom. The food was OK - not the best bbq i've ever gotten all over my mouth thats for sure. Brisket was soft and tender as others have said but the ribs were kind of a let down. And I can't even remember if we had pulled pork - but we probably didn't - so I"m a little upset about that.
The moral of the story is - no one should ever eat, all you can eat. Especially when the bbq is just OK.
I probably would never come here again by my own choosing, but who knows the next time a Monday Holiday rolls around. -
Review from Michael G.
Floral Park, NY
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Speaking as a BBQ Grillmaster, I have utmost respect for the slow cooking and smoking techniques employed by Hill Country. More dry than wet BBQ, the true flavor is in the rub they use. A delicate blend of brown sugar, pepper, cumin, and a hint of cayenne really brings out serious flavor in their meats.
The brisket is soft and tender with a slight hint of salt. Their chicken is moist and full of flavor. Beef ribs are big dinosaur like batons of bone and meat that melt in your mouth. And the side dishes are a must have addition. Mac and Cheese, green bean casserole and the obligatory loaf of white bread for the buttery pulled pork.
Wash all this down with an old fashioned and a Lone Star -
Review from Tracy K.
Charlotte, NC
1/25/2012
I'm so disappointed, and I'm usually pretty easy to please, especially when it comes to BBQ. After two days of nothing but turkey and being at home my husband was craving something else, some different, something BBQish. We debated on going to Dino but didn't want to make the trek, passed Blue Smoke on the way and the whole time dreaming of some delicious food at a different spot.
We walk in and all seems well, super friendly host (big shout out to this guy! You're the reason for one of my stars!). Then it starts to go downhill, we opted for the sampler which consisted of 2 ribs (one beef, one pork), some brisket, quarter chicken and 2 sides. Just a note, the "meal ticket" states you can have white or dark meat chicken but you have to catch them and ask for the white meat. We chose our sides (Mac and cheese & green bean casserole) and had a seat.
As we walked to a seat I was happy to see lots of people sitting and sipping iced teas from extra large mason jars. As is the case with most things holiday related, I had over indulged on the wine and I needed something cool and thirst quenching. So we sat and waited to order drinks, and waited and waited and waited. Apparently there was one drink waitress for the entire place and she was too busy flirting with a table of guys to notice us, even when I got up, walked around, made eye contact with her and then ended up going back to my seat really confused about how I was to get a drink. FINALLY, the girl makes her way over to us, isn't friendly and doesn't seem to care about anyone other than the previously mentioned table of guys.
All in all the whole experience was lackluster. The food was nothing impressive, the service non existent and made for an experience that ensures we won't be going back. -
Review from Will C.
1/16/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Recommendations: Moist brisket and short rib.
Been here close to a half dozen times and each time there is a new story to tell. Last adventure, a few work buddies did the all-you-can-eat AYCE and we had a rough time finishing the second round of meet. Plenty of sides were ordered...close to 20 and they were all relentlessly dericious. Add a little PBR and the conversation soon skipped to much meatier subjects as well.
Down ladies, stop looking at me like a sausage with feet, this isn't a meat market, oh wait, it is. Sigh.Listed in: Will's BBQ Pursuit
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Review from Kathy L.
1/19/2012
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hill Country!
The go up to the counter, serve yourself style of eating may not be for everyone but I LOVE it! You can order by the slice, pound, whatever your fancy, which is perfect if you want to get second portions.
What keeps me coming back over and over again and makes me drool in my dreams is their Moist Brisket. It is soooooo good. The ribs, chicken, everything is delicious but I can eat gobs and gobs of the Moist Brisket.
Beer, sides and dessert selection also pretty awesome. -
Review from John S.
Midtown East, Manhattan, NY
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Clearly, unless you came from or have visited the south, you will never get a taste of what southern 'cue is like. Fortunately for us die-hard New Yorkers, Hill Country made it's establishment in this great city to serve up the best barbecue in the Big Apple.
The chicken is moist unlike most places that serves it dry. And their absolute best item is the beef brisket (moist). This is one of the very few foods in New York City that I absolutely long for and it's just as good as the first time I tried it. The best part is the burnt ends; that's where all the seasoning and fat falls into and it completely melts in your mouth. For sides, I really like the BBQ beans with burnt ends and Green Bean Casserole with Durkee Onions. The casserole is probably the best side they have.
The actual environment is really cool. It reminds me of a rodeo bar and if you're okay with large crowds and loud places, Hill Country is exactly that on a weekend night. I have yet to experience the live music but I'm sure it's just as awesome in terms of the restaurant experience.
Definitely worth checking out. I've had a couple friends who are Texas natives eat at this place and they confirmed that Hill Country fits the southern 'cue bill. Remember...get the beef brisket and experience heaven on the first bite! -
Review from Priscilla D.
Lincoln Park, NJ
1/15/2012
We were in search of some good barbecue in the city and were recommended this place by a friend. It's a sit down kind of but you have to go up to each station to order your food and bring it back to you table.
The good: The bbq was not bad. We had the brisket and corn bread which was good. Nothing truly amazing but a solid place.
The bad: A little noisy.
The ugly truth: I've had better bbq. I think you should check around town more if you are looking for something truly amazing. -
Review from James c.
Jersey City, NJ
2/3/2012
I am not sure what you guys are talking about. Maybe I went on a bad day. The counter person recommended the bbq beef sandwhich over the brisket. It was eh. I had mac and cheese and collared greens. Both were just there, nothing to remember at all. The serves seemed annoyed he had to come over and take our drink order. Maybe Ill give it one more shot, but with so many other wonderful options - why bother. Hill Country - OUT!
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Review from Jenna D.
New Haven, CT
1/12/2012
Hill Country will always have a place in my heart because they have some great Texas imports: Big Red (tastes like bubblegum soda), mexican coca-cola, lone star beer (the PBR of Texas) and sausages delivered right from Lockhart, TX.
However, it is not (as the framed picture of Rick Perry says) the best BBQ outside of Texas.
Fun place, good BBQ for this part of the country but not amazing. -
Review from LILY T.
Edgewater, NJ
1/1/2012
As a Texan who's moved around a bit around the country, Hill Country definitely captures the atmosphere of Central Texas. I definitely appreciate the musical talent that comes through, hosting the UT games on Saturdays, and supporting all things Texas.
I stopped by one night with my boyfriend (also Texan) and my friend (native NY-er). We started with cocktails at the bar and I was thoroughly dissapointed that their "Mexican martini" wasn't a true Mexican martini at all. It was more of a margarita...and anyone who's been to Austin, TX knows that this is NOT the same as a Mexican martini. Don't mislead us! That being said, their cocktails were tasty...just not as advertised.
When we finally got seated for our meatfest, I enjoyed the process of getting in line to get our meat, served on butcher paper. The ribs were tasty and the brisket is decent. Now, if you're from Texas and want that moist, finger-liking, orgasmically delicious brisket...this wasn't it. But considering we're in NYC, I'll take it. The sausage wasn't impressive despite the fact that they claim it's actually from Texas. Overall, it's a decent meal for any carnivore who enjoys BBQ.
The sides were slightly more dissapointing simply because they didn't leave an impression. Everything was decently good but nothing that left me craving more.We didn't get dessert but am confident it would've been good but not overwhelmingly impressive.
The best part of Hill Country is the ambiance. The mason jars they use for drinks, the Texas decor and music, and the no nonsense way they serve food all provide for a fun evening. Go in a group of friends and absorb some Texas culture! -
Review from Michelle T.
Brooklyn, NY
1/13/2012
Went recently with a pretty large group of friends and was seated in the basement dining area. There's live music in the basement and it's also a bit darker then the upstairs dining area. The concept is cafeteria style, so it's very much like Katz's Deli. You are given a card that is basically a meal ticket. If you lose the meal ticket, you're charged I think $50. You bring your meal ticket to the stations and order. They will then mark up your meal ticket, which is how your total is calculated at the end.
The boyfriend and I shared the PitMaster meal. It's meant for one person, but it was more than enough food for the two of us. I have to say, the brisket and chicken were both very tender and juicy. The green bean casserole and mac&cheese sides were also very good. The best had to be the green bean casserole though. It was very creamy and soft. I also tried some of a friend's mashed sweet potato and it was very good too.
Maybe it was just an off night, but the live music was a bit disappointing. The singer started off well but as the night wore on, she stopped singing and was really just making noises along with playing the guitar. I found it a bit distracting - especially since our large group was trying to do some catching up during dinner.
The food here was pretty good. It's a bit messy since ribs and chicken needs to be eaten with your hands but they offer you wet napkins and the bathroom is pretty close. -
Review from Stephanie R.
New York, NY
1/30/2012
Decent BBQ, but that was the best part of it. Almost cafeteria-style. We liked the brisket and mac-n-cheese the best out of everything we tried. Didn't love the ribs though. It was a little confusing to understand how it all worked at first, looked like others were equally confused, but eventually we caught on... although it was way too easy to get too much food if you have never been before. I would go back for some of the food but I think I prefer regular table service.
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Review from Tyler L.
12/20/2011
The setup here is a little different. The server brought us a card and asked us what we wanted to drink. Then we had to walk towards the back of the place where we had to make our meat order with the kitchen counter there. You also choose your sides there and it is scooped out and placed into containers for you. The back counter marked the card which indicated what we ordered and then the meat was placed on brown butcher paper. We then took all the food back to our table on a tray.
We tried the Two-Step Combo. This combo comes with a lot of different meats - enough food for 2 people for only $51. It comes with several slices of lean brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, half a chicken, and two sides. The lean brisket was very moist and soft. It had a very strong smokey flavor to it as well. It was easily the best meat out of all the selections. The pork ribs were also excellent and very succulent and moist. The beef ribs were almost as good ad the pork ones, but just slightly harder than the pork ribs. The chicken was the only weak part of our meal. It was just standard chicken and unless you get a combo that ends up coming with it, it is worth a pass.
This place is a huge step above places like Dallas BBQ. I definitely tasted the difference in the meat. I highly recommend this place to carnivores out there! -
Review from DaddyKat D.
Wheatley Heights, NY
12/21/2011
I really enjoyed their brisket at the Big Apple BBQ block party and couldn't wait to hit the restaurant.
This is an awkward place. You have to put in your name to get called for a seat. Then you find out its self service which is ok but why not keep the place pure cafeteria style. what ever.
The Food- I was shocked at how incredibly salty the meat was. I really wanted to love the ribs and brisket but god dam it was too salty.
I'm so disappointed. The quality of the meat was right, smoke was on point, rub was good but that salt. Holy friggin salt.
One word can sum this place up.
SALT -
Review from Sophia K.
New York, NY
1/10/2012
Pretty good BBQ food that's inexpensive too.
I got the BBQ chicken, market salad, corn bread and potatoes and I enjoyed everything. Fresh ingredients.
Since I am taking a slight hiatus from red meat, I didn't taste the ribs, but they looked and smelled delicious. I hear the brisket is also the way to go.
Cons: Kind of annoying/confusing set-up to order your food..there are two separate lines and it takes a while. NOISY restaurant too. -
Review from B. C.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011
Pretty good barbecue but I certainly expected much much more. This place would be amazing for someone who isn't able to sample real bbq, but if you have then it falls a bit flat. I liked the fact that there were so many options for sides (though very pricey for what you get, even for the neighborhood).
I actually didn't mind the awkward setup, it makes things a bit of an experience and mirrors a lot of joints down south. -
Review from Joey S.
12/16/2011
Nothing special...
I had the beer can game hen, which was pretty good. I also had the green bean casserole and cowboy pinto beans. The pinto beans were OK, but the green bean casserole was cold and tasted like a microwaved T.V. dinner side dish.
The best part of the meal was by far the desert (its the same story at Hill Country Chicken) the banana cream pie was awesome. Long story short, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you do end up at Hill Country save room for desert. -
Review from topel l.
Brooklyn, NY
12/15/2011
This is a place totally for tourist!! The average New Yorker ought to know better. The space is very open and well lit. My partner and I were greeted at the door with a smile. It made me feel as I were in the south for a moment. That quickly changed when the host attempted to seat the two of us right in the middle of the dining room, close to the door (strike 1). Once we reached a suitable table, we sat waitng for a server to come and take our order. WRONG! It came to our attention that we had to: fill out a card, take it over to the carving station, and then make our way back to the table with a tray of food. OKAY........all that at $20 per plate.(strike 2).
The food looked very delicious. I can't say it was horrible, but it was def not worth the price. The chicken is moist. The ribs were tender. The mac&cheese is okay. The cornbread should be removed from the menu immediately.
salty food, cafeteria style dining .........that's all.
Did I mention the have a sign that says " Pleas tip your server" ?
For bringing us a soda and a check LOLOL -
Review from Lisa K.
New York, NY
12/13/2011
I love pretty much everything about Hill Country--the decor, the music, the convenient-to-my-apartment location, the casual ordering setup. And the brisket. Especially the brisket.
We got there around 8:30 on a sticky summer night. (That's testament to two Southern kids in the city--eating barbecue in 100-degree weather. On a first date.) There was, obviously, a wait. We snagged two seats at the small bar up front and ordered some decently-priced beers to help kill time.
Ordering is pretty self-explanatory. We both got brisket (mine lean, his not) and decided to share sides of baked beans, mac 'n cheese and cornbread. I loved this because a) we didn't overeat, b) we got to try a lot of different things, and c) it wasn't terribly expensive.
Everything was awesome. I don't know if it was my absolute favorite barbecue in the city, but that's only because Texas-style isn't my favorite. Not enough finger-lickin' sauce for this girl.
But if you come here, you definitely won't be disappointed. And I disagree with any reviews who say this isn't a good date spot. I thought the casual setup, friendly service and laid-back beer selection put us both at ease and made it way more fun than a typical "sit down, order, awkward small talk, awkward check dance, leave" restaurant. -
Review from Angel S.
Long Island, NY
11/21/2011 1 photo
Hill County, the Texas themed joint in Chelsea, has the look and feel of authenticity, from the menu brimming with brisket, sausage, and dry rubbed ribs (served on butcher paper) to the decor that resembles Texas BBQ markets.
While not my favorite BBQ spot, the bbq is more than enough to satisfy. The ribs were not tender enough but the dry rub was very good. The BBQ sauce was not too impressive, particularly the absence of a hot sauce. They also have Texas staples Big Red soda and Blue Bell ice cream. A fun spot overall. I'll likely find my way back there, especially with visitors. A mild four for me. -
Review from Lesie H.
Updated - 11/25/2011
So I decided not to cook this year and get takeout for Thanksgiving.
- While very appealing on their website, their pit-smoked Turkey was definitely way too salty, making all our dinner guests craving for water throughout the meal and afterwards.
- Cornbread was a bit dry and flavorless. The Pumpkin spice butter helped a little bit in flavor, but not too much.
- The Stuffing was probably the highlight of the sides. Well-blended and flavorful.
- The Bourbon Mash was plainly mashed sweet potatoes with bourbon whiskey mixed in.
- The Corn Pudding was surprising good, well-blended with a a slight kick in flavor.
Lesson learned. I think I'll make my own turkey again next year!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/17/2010
ORDERING:
- You get a ticket with the menu on it.
- You get seated.
- Waiter gets your drink.
- You go… Read more »
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Review from Michaek K.
Newnan, GA
12/30/2011
I've been here two times and have been impressed. The moist brisket is truly incredible. Other items are also really good.
One time I came with a group of about 12 people and we got in, were served and seated quickly and had a terrific time.
Of course it's much more expensive than the same caliber of food in Atlanta or Dallas, but it's NYC so you should expect that. -
Review from Leo O.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for dinner and ordered the Pitmaster for 1. It was A LOT of food. Great place for big groups. It's a do it yourself restaurant. Kind of like cafeteria style. You have a dinner ticket, walk up to the counter and order what food you want, you get all your food on a tray and bring it back to your table. Only service you really get is drink and taking away your trays. All the sauces and napkins are already at the table. Not much to comment about service.
Onto the food. My favorite was the beef rib. The meat were all cooked well, but depending on when you go up to the counter to get your meat, you could be getting different cuts. If you go too late at night, they tend to run out of meat and they are than willing to substitute it for something else. The beef, pork, and chicken were all relatively dry. The first few bites from the chicken were moist, but as you start to eat deeper into the chicken, it gets dryer and dryer =P You definitely need a lot of sauce to complement the meats, otherwise it wouldn't taste that good.
Out of all the sides, my favorite was the sweet potato bourbon mash, but I've had better.
I would recommend this place to try at least once. But in terms of food, just go to Dallas BBQ, it'll be cheaper, and if you have to add lots of sauce to the meat anyways, it's not going to make much of a difference. You'll be going to Hill Country just to re-live your childhood cafeteria experience, without the bullying =P -
Review from Ai L.
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
MONDAY ALL YOU CAN EAT brisket+chicken+ribs + sides! White shoepeg corn pudding is my favorite sides and some pickled cucumbers with the delicious briskets and bbq CHICKEN! best deal: 25bux! yum! i recommend it!
being vegetarian for the rest of the week.
however all you can eat is 6-10 or something like that. so go early so you can stuff yourself some more :) -
Review from Zack F.
Brooklyn, NY
12/28/2011
Definitely the best brisket you can get in NYC. Most of their other items are pretty good too. I recommend the moist brisket, short ribs and the pork ribs. The beef ribs are a bit hit and miss. The flavor is always good but sometimes there is very little meat on the bone. The mac and cheese is also really good. Nice selection of bourbon as well.
Very laid back, casual atmosphere. Good for big groups as there is plenty of seating and usually not a long wait. -
Review from Em C.
New York, NY
11/18/2011
After a 2 hour wait (yes I timed it), my party of 9 were finally seated. We were told hour and half - i thought they were high balling it. Nope. I witnessed a high turnover rate (which strangely didn't increase the flow of customers into the seating area) and patrons actually leaving because of this ridiculous wait time. Our table was rewarded with complimentary sausage...WHAT a consolation prize.
The food was decent, even the lean brisket was moist. The pork ribs and the chicken were delicious as well. I do feel deceived that the menu price online didn't match the actual price when we were there (The two step is $51 not 49, and the Bigger in Texas is $99 not 97). I know it was 2 bux but this is the Internet age - update your sh*t already!
Not only is there a line to get seated,there's a line to GET your food. You order your food like you would at a deli - if you want by piece you get charged the weight of it - a sticker's slapped to your meal "ticket". If you order a combo, a sticker's still slapped on your ticket. There was only ONE line! Gratefully it went by fast. Sometimes it's a long line, sometimes there's no line...which makes me wonder how the hell they figured out our waiting order to be even SEATED. Someone needs a lesson in workflow management.
The servers use pool tipping - a jar when you pay or you can leave it at the table...pretty decent service even with this system. I kinda felt bad for them. People may not tip because of such a long waiting time. But hell it's really not their fault if the customers come in grumpy to begin with. Sh*tty entrance begets sh*tty exit. -
Review from Scott B.
11/20/2011 1 photo
I went to Hill Country with a group of friends recently, and while they weren't very keen on the place, I thought it was great. I think what threw them off was that, even though the place has the appearance of a rustic, sit-down restaurant, it's essentially a counter-service restaurant. But, I didn't mind this at all. Sure, you have to go up to a counter to order your food, but it has several "counters," including one for meats (where they whack it off the bone right in front of you), one for sides, and one for dessert. Plus, they do have waiter service for drinks, so there is some level of personal touch while you're dining.
As for the food, I thought it was mighty tasty-- the meats I tried (brisket, chicken, & sausage) were cooked just right and were tender, juicy, and mouthwatering... and the sides were yummy as well--I had the baked beans and greens and had a chance to sample the mac and cheese because a friend ordered it. I got the banana pudding for dessert and took it home to eat later. It was just okay to me (my recipe is much better), but I didn't really go to Hill Country for dessert. I went for a meat orgy, which is what I got. In fact, after my visit, I learned they have an all-you-can-eat special for $25 on Mondays. I'll definitely be going back for that.
As I mentioned previously, the atmosphere is rustic, but it's more like modern rustic--imagine what the inside of a modern day log cabin owned by a celebrity would look like. Also, the place is gigantic inside, and there are multiple floors and an outdoor area. If you go on the weekend, you will have to wait (even though the place is large), but, the night we went, we didn't have to wait for long. -
Review from Teresa M.
Mountain View, CA
12/14/2011
This is probably the best Texas BBQ place you can find in NYC.
their moist brisket is to die for, also prices are surprisingly reasonable.
They can probably get away from charging more (pshh, don't tell them)
Slightly chaotic and loud there, but it is expected.
FYI Shiner is sold there but not on the menu (you need to ask for it) -
Review from Mike J.
New York, NY
1/21/2012
Dumbest restaurant ever. just ridiculously bad. If you like waiting on several lines, including when you pay to leave, then this place is for you. If you are tired of having relaxing meals out where you actually sit back and get service, then this place is for you. Sick of comfortable chairs and tables? Come on in. Got more money than sense? You get the point.
Ended up with too much over priced very average food. Anybody raving about this bbq knows nothing about good bbq. The service sucks, drinks were terrible (because the beverage manager was filling in for the bartender, wtf?) and then, like i said, you have to wait on a long line just to get out of the place uggh. i wasn't sure how to handle the tip in a place like this, since you don't even know what the total is, but after having to wait in line to find out, i knew exactly how much to leave.
if you're a hipster who wants to drink pabst blue ribbon, come here. Otherwise go to rub or dinosaur or that place across the street (never been, but it has to be better) and get much better bbq and good (or any) service -
Review from Jim N.
Manhattan, NY
1/20/2012
This is why I'm giving it a 2:
Pork Ribs: Nice rub but meat has 0 taste
Beef Ribs: Tough and little taste
Short Ribs: EXPENSIVE and little taste
Brisket: Lean: 0 taste and tough; Regular- FULL of fat
Sausage: FULL of filler
Service is disorganized and hapless unless you order a drink every 10 minutes.
I like the ambiance and the concept. Food, service and high cost don't make it for me. -
Review from Scott D.
Brooklyn, NY
1/15/2012
We had a company celebration here. The meat is definitely the main focus. It was tasty and satisfying. Some sides were great and the others were mediocre. I enjoyed it even though the server forgot my friends drink for about 20 mins.
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Review from D Z.
New York, NY
1/20/2012
Awesome BBQ place. Better than fette sau in my opinion.
Recommended - moist brisket -
Review from Danny C.
Jersey City, NJ
1/7/2012
One of the better BBQ place in NYC. I would be fine to go back again. The meat of BBQ is actually fall out of the bones here. The place feels pretty country side.
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Review from Raffi M.
Astoria, NY
10/27/2011
On one hand, Hill Country Barbecue is a pale shadow of real Texas barbecue - the dense foggy meat sweat of the Salt Lick outside Austin, or the great meccas of barbecue in Lockhart. It can't be as good, because it isn't in Texas, because barbecue crazed people who've done nothing but barbecue meat for decades aren't barbecuing, because the standards of the people eating the barbecue aren't those of actual Hill Country texans, but rather New Yorkers who think eating barbecue is some kind of ironic statement.
On the other hand, this is still pretty good barbecue. And if you're entertaining foreign guests, and want to give them an idea of what Texan food is sort-of, kind-of like, it's the best place I know of in New York. The brisket (moist, obviously) is tasty, the ribs meaty and soft, all the meat glazed with the beautiful color of food cooked low and slow. The sides too are at least redolent of the German inflected sides available at most barbecue houses in texas - potatoes with juniper, cabbage, beans.
My tip for a group of up to six here is to just order the $99 meal for 4 (which comes with a mammoth amount of meat and 4 huge sides), and a bucket of Lone Star (the ubiquitously crappy but good natured Texan beer, usually on sale for a dollar a bottle in Texas) and settle on in for a happy evening.
You'll smell like smoke on the way out. And if you've ever lived in Texas, will have a few happy memories too. -
Review from L R.
Manhattan, NY
1/15/2012
I love this place! Forget Blue Smoke and come here for solid BBQ. Nothing compares to the BBQ in the south but this comes pretty close. The sides are tasty too so your veggie friends will have choices albeit limited to the sides. At the time I visited, they had a special on the aged brisket. It was fantastic. The spicy sausage was a little dry but I still enjoyed my portion. The ribs were also not as tender as I generally like them but much better compared to its competitor nearby. If you're in the area, definitely give it a shot. You'll find something good to eat for sure. It's not always easy to get a reservation as of late. I imagine this is a popular venue for special events but during a weeknight, if you're in the mood for BBQ, you have to come here at least once. You'll probably want to come back. I can't wait for brisket and green beans on my next visit.
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Review from Eric L.
11/18/2011
3.5 stars.
Its really very middle of the road as far as good BBQ goes but they're unoffensive and hit the spot when you're looking for BBQ.
Everything here is "just good enough" -- they don't really do very much wrong, but the problem is they also don't do anything particularly _right_.
So yes, the ribs are pretty moist, the brisket is moist, and they have the right sides, though mostly overseasoned. The problem is that moist meat is a PREREQUISITE for opening a BBQ establishment. That doesn't make your food GOOD, it just means that you don't get penalized.
I suspect a lot of people rate this place highly because they've come to accept crappy dry meat as BBQ due to the generally low quality of BBQ in NYC.
Obligatory Texas love:
"Come back to Texas / its not the same since you've been away / Before you lose your accent / and forget all about the Lone Star State ..." -
Review from Lauren V.
Long Island, NY
1/9/2012
so, i have no claims to texas or the south, but I have eaten my fair share of bbq....and this bbq is pretty darn good, but i've also definitely had better.
Meat? The pork spare rib was a little too heavily salt and peppered but the meat also did melt in your mouth. The brisket was slammin' ....just make sure you eat it while it's hot. great bark. I would definitely go back and order brisket. also i tried the jalapeno cheddar smoked sausage...which was hot...but oddly good and enjoyable.
Sides? the mac and cheese was yummy but not award winning. and the cornbread could use some improvement.... it was compact, but not in a good way, and a a little dry.
as for the market part, it actually creates a very cool atmosphere plus something a little different from your everyday. and i like their long wooden tables and the music and lighting. i did come here straight after a rodeo, so i dare say my opinion on it's atmosphere (which i fit into well at that moment) might be bias
in the end, would i go back and eat there again? oh yeah.
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