Hill Country

Hill Country is a good spot to know about because it works for just about any situation, assuming it’s a situation when you’re looking to eat dry-rubbed, slow-smoked meat off of butcher paper. The upstairs at this massive spot in Flatiron has outdoor, bar, and communal seating, all with a direct view of at least one TV playing sports. It works for casual group dinners or drinks and a bite after-work, when there are $6 well drinks and shot-and-beer combos during Happy Happy (4-7pm and 10pm-close). There’s also an equally large downstairs with a stage for live music. No matter who you come with or where you sit, you order food at a counter upstairs, where meats are sold by the pound and sides change daily. There’s a pitmaster special - brisket, pork ribs, chicken, sausage, and two sides for $32 - but we recommend focusing your attention and stomach space on the peppery ribs and spicy sausage, which, along with the cornbread, are the best things here.