Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2007 > September > 05 > Entry
Your A-List: Best Barbecue
The County Line, which expands well beyond Travis County and state lines with multiple locations outside of Austin, is the epitome of family and cowboy kitsch, with Western decorative motifs, a Flintstonian slab of beef hanging on the wall and a friendly staff. But it is the mammoth beef ribs and scrumptious sausage that have made the Austin establishment that began on Bee Cave Road a legend for more than 30 years.
Beyond meat, however, The County Line has made a name for itself with its famous secret recipe sweet bread, that, once topped with honey butter, will make your head spin. Add to all that delicious meat and bread some chunky slaw, savory beans, or a jumbo baked potato, and you may need help getting out the door. But if you have trouble leaving the restaurant in a timely manner, that’ll just leave you more time to enjoy the beautiful lake and Hill Country views at the Austin locations.
And, should you not happen to be fortunate enough to live in Austin, fret not, The County Line will ship ribs anywhere in the United States.
(To read my personal choice for the Best Barbecue in the area, click here.)
The County Line BBQ (official site)
Check site for locations and hours.
Others receiving votes: Salt Lick (17 percent), Rudy’s (11 percent), Iron Works (9 percent), Cooper’s (7 percent), Artz Rib House (7 percent), Kreutz Market (6 percent), Stubb’s (4 percent), Smitty’s (3 percent), Green Mesquite (1 percent)
Write-ins: Bert’s, Bill Miller, Black’s, Chisholm Trail, City Market, Crosstown, Donn’s, Hoover’s, House Park, John Mueller’s, Lamberts, Louis Mueller’s, Mann’s, Meyer’s, Mike’s Barnyard, Opie’s, Pok-e-Jo’s, Ronnie’s, Ruby’s, Sam’s, Smokey Mo’s, Southside, Uncle Billy’s, Wright’s, Zimmerhanzel’s
Image of rack of pork ribs, left, and “Big Daddy” beef ribs, at The County Line on Bee Cave Road by Kelly West/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Your A-List
Comments
Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement. Click here to report comment abuse.
By Judy
September 6, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
Funnny - suddenly we have to hear about out of town BBQ again even though the votes are in. Where were your personal picks last week? Why is it that the Statesman loves to leave Austin for some good authentiv Q?
By Sarah
September 6, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
He said “his personal choice,” so the votes don’t really have anything to do with that nor does it is the opinion of “the Statesman,” as you put it. And County Line (which I assume is your favorite) won, so why are you crying over spilled milk even though anyone with tastebuds knows there are 20 bbq places in town better than that chain? He’s allowed his opinion, and I would rather hear his opinion than yours anyway, Judy. As for last week, I don’t remember reading about vintage stores or run-of-the-mill 24-hour restaurants on here before, so maybe that’s why his personal choices were missing last week.
By saltshaker
September 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Right, when I think barbeque, I think County Line, give me a break. I’ve lived in Austin for 41 years and the only time I’ve gone to County line is for events and by boat. Every time I’ve gone….I’ve been unimpressed. It’s expensive, average, and dry. There is nothing memorable on the menu.
I’m not just talking about me, but everyone I know as well…and I know a lot of barbeque eaters.
If someone says they want barbeque….first choice is Salt Lick in Driftwood, but that’s too far. So then there is only one place left if you want to truly impress……Stubb’s.
Mention Stubb’s and mouths start to water.
I haven’t had an item yet on that menu that didn’t make you immediately start trolling for someone’s mama to slap.
If you are in the driving mood, there are a bunch of places, but if you want to go to County Line, just stop by Bill Miller’s on the way to the lake and eat it on the boat. It’ll taste the same and be a lot cheaper.
By zanbar
September 6, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Saltshaker,
According to these results County Line is cooking for more taste buds than Stubbs and SaltLick combined, which indicate your buds aren’t consistent with the majority. Maybe it’s your obstinateness which causes ‘everyone you know’ to agree with you.
As for The Salt Lick in Driftwood having great food, I actually do agree. It’s unfortunate Salt Lick 360 taints their brand.
Mentioning Stubb’s alongside these two is laughable. The fact that it makes you abuse old women is even more concerning.
Thanks for the laughs!
By Salt Lick Lover
September 7, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Salt Lick BY FAR is the best around here. I can only assume these County Line voters have never tasted it. County Line is good, it’s just not great.
By TuttiFoodie
September 19, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I think the Salt Lick definitely should get a bunch of points for “the experience” of going to the Salt Lick. But don’t know if I would rank them so high, and the biggest reason is their “sauce”. To me, BBQ sauce has got to stick to the meat, not quickly run off and pool on your plate.
Also, what’s with all the attitude from the off-duty Hays County Sheriff’s deputies? The last time I was there, they gave a person in a wheelchair static for trying to unload close to the door. Forget the ADA, where’s the common courtesy?