County Line on the Hill, Austin

Walk in most Texas barbecue joins wearing a coat and tie and you'll be branded a "city slicker." At the County Line, though, three-piece suits sit side by side with Wranglers and Levis. This restaurant, along with its cousin, County Line on the Lake, is a favorite for power lunches and even special dinners out.

For all its gentrified atmosphere, however, this restaurant serves genuine Texas barbecue, offering meats smoked from 18 to 20 hours before they're trimmed of any fat.

Housed in an historic rock building with a 20-mile view of the hill country, diners can sit on the stone patio and enjoy the menu favorites: beef ribs, baby backs, brisket and sausage. Side dishes are made from scratch daily and include huge bowls of sour cream potato salad, crunchy coleslaw, and tasty pintos.

Location: 6500 W. Bee Caves Road, Austin

Tel. 512-327-1742

Hours: Open Sunday - Thursday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

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