No need to go to Texas anymore for BBQ. It’s right in the heart of Manhattan at Hill Country, an easy six block walk from Penn Station. What they’ve accomplished is amazing. I’ve had better sauces, but not better brisket or ribs, anywhere…The pork ribs are as smokey and succulent as any I’ve had. Talked to the owner this time and he told us that he is jealous of the Salt Lick sauce, which he said, “I could drink down in buckets.” The ‘cue that comes out of their smokers equals anything I’ve had Texas-style.

Hill Country does have hundreds of trophies, but I have no idea what they mean. The guy at RUB had them too. Hill Country has genuine barbecue, smoked meat with that unmistakable red ring. It sticks to my fingers. I can still smell the smoke on them even now after I’ve washed my hands a dozen times. These are real BBQ people who are light years beyond their NYC competitors.