Hill Country, web site, 410 7th Street NW, Washington, DC (at D Street NW), 202-556-2050 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Google | WaPo | Washingtonian | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
This is a tough place for me to evaluate because I’ve spent so much time tracking down real Texas barbecue. The brisket here is pretty good, the ribs a disappointment. The sides are quite good, including the beans and collard greens. The sausages are flown in direct from Lockhart, but I get them flown to my home (you can do it too, from Kreuz Market), so that doesn’t impress me, though they are good. For a lunch, I was still hungry and it cost me $40. It is crowded and noisy. It’s still the best (only?) Texas barbecue around DC. Is it as good as Blue Smoke in NYC? No. Will I go here much? No. Will some of you like it? Yes.
You spent $40 for lunch at Hill Country?!
Capital Q, just a few blocks north of Hill Country (opposite Fuddruckers and next to Matchbox) has been serving a decent approximation of Texas barbecue for years now. They don’t have Blue Bell ice cream or Kreuz’s sausage, but they do have good brisket and ribs (and banana pudding). I’m from Texas, and while I’m eager to try Hill Country, Capital Q has previously made a good substitute whenever my palate gets homesick.
I agree with your review totally. The ribs were disappointing and the brisket was good. The price for sides was astronomical.