We had very good Texas BBQ at Hill Country (30 West 26th Street NY, NY 10010 | 212-255-4544); no reservation needed, though I hear it gets very crowded on weekends. The country rock band playing in the basement was quite good as well.
It's funny how people can have different experiences. Lou, a long time Texas transplant, liked it. Here are two other reviews, which are mixed to say the very least!
" Nov 6, 2010
Worst Restaurant Experience Ever I was unfortunate enough to visit Hill Country earlier this week. I went to see the musical act, which was actually quite good. The restaurant on the other hand was something else entirely. It is basically a tourist trap for people who don't know any better, the worst of the bridge and tunnel crowd. The service was horrible, among the worst I have ever experienced in NYC. Their selection of beers was pathetic. They had nothing on tap. The beers they did have were of low quality and overpriced. Same with the food. Meat was stringy, the sides were poorly prepared, everything was overpriced. Avoid this place like the plague. You'd be better off eating a McRib sandwich out of the garbage and drinking somebody else's swill than going to this place for BBQ and beers. "
" Jun 3, 2010
Real Texas BBQ I grew up in Brenham, TX where they make Blue Bell ice cream. I was impressed to find that Hill Country BBQ carried Blue Bell. As far as I know it is not normally distributed outside the southern states so it is a real feat for them to sell it. The BBQ is traditional Texas BBQ like you would find in a Texas BBQ joint. The atmosphere is like a Texas BBQ joint. The people are friendly and the music is spot on. I am looking forward to going back again and again. My critiques are that the brisket may not be cooked as low and slow as you often see in Texas and they could have a better variety of traditional sides. Also, they seem to try to carry Texas beer and wine. If that is they case they need to sell Shiner Bock Beer and Messina Hof Wine. I realize you can't get Shiner Bock north of DC, but if they can get Blue Bell to NYC they can surely do the same with Shiner. Also, they need to offer free refills on iced-tea. To not do so is very un-Texan. "
I would tend to go with the two Texans, but wonder if there was a disaster between June and November!!