County Line BBQ stands as an Austin institution, offering a quintessential Texas barbecue experience on the outskirts of the city. Perched atop a hill with panoramic views stretching 20 miles across the picturesque Texas Hill Country, this eatery combines scenic beauty with mouthwatering meats.
The restaurant’s menu features legendary barbecue staples, including tender brisket, smoky ribs, and flavorful sausage, all prepared with time-honored techniques. Diners can savor these succulent meats while taking in breathtaking sunsets from the outdoor patio or the cozy interior of a historic former speakeasy.
County Line BBQ caters to various tastes, offering grilled options like fish, chicken, and steaks alongside traditional barbecue fare. The establishment rounds out its menu with homemade sides, freshly baked bread, and indulgent desserts such as peach cobbler and bread pudding with Jack Daniels bourbon sauce.
Exploring the County Line BBQ
The County Line has been serving legendary BBQ in Austin since 1975. This beloved establishment offers two scenic locations: County Line on the Lake and County Line on the Hill.
County Line on the Lake boasts a stunning riverside setting with panoramic views. Diners can enjoy their meals on an outdoor patio overlooking the water.
The menu features slow-smoked Texas barbecue classics. Generous portions of tender brisket, ribs, and sausage are served alongside homemade sides like mac and cheese and potato salad.
Fresh-baked bread is made daily, with both wheat and white options available. For dessert, patrons can indulge in peach cobbler, brownies, or Mom’s Bread Pudding topped with Jack Daniels bourbon sauce.
Beyond barbecue, The County Line offers grilled options like sizzling tenderloin steaks, fish, and chicken. Daily lunch specials provide additional variety for midday diners.
The restaurant prides itself on reasonable prices despite the generous portions. This combination of quality food, ample servings, and fair pricing has helped The County Line remain an Austin favorite for decades.
Delectable Main Courses
County Line BBQ’s menu showcases an array of mouthwatering smoked meats prepared with traditional Texas barbecue techniques. Their main courses feature perfectly tender cuts infused with rich flavors from hours of slow smoking.
Succulent Brisket
The brisket at County Line BBQ stands out as a customer favorite. Smoked for up to 14 hours, this cut offers a perfect balance of lean and fatty portions. The marbled slices practically melt in your mouth, delivering a smoky flavor enhanced by a peppery bark.
For those who prefer extra tenderness, the 2nd cut brisket provides an even more indulgent experience. This section, also known as the point, contains more intramuscular fat, resulting in incredibly juicy meat.
Tender Ribs Varieties
County Line BBQ excels in rib preparation, offering both beef and pork options. Their beef ribs are massive, boasting a robust smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The pork ribs come in two styles: traditional spare ribs and leaner baby back ribs.
Each rib variety is rubbed with a proprietary spice blend before smoking. This process creates a flavorful crust while keeping the meat inside moist and tender. Diners can choose between dry-rubbed ribs or those glazed with County Line’s signature barbecue sauce.
Other BBQ Highlights
Beyond brisket and ribs, County Line BBQ offers a diverse selection of smoked meats. Their homemade sausage links feature a satisfying snap and are available in both regular and jalapeño-cheese varieties.
For poultry lovers, the smoked turkey breast provides a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. The chicken, slow-smoked to perfection, remains juicy with a crispy, well-seasoned skin.
Sandwiches are also popular, featuring generous portions of chopped brisket, pulled pork, or sliced turkey on fresh-baked bread. These handheld options allow diners to enjoy County Line’s BBQ in a more casual format.
Sides and Accompaniments
County Line BBQ offers a variety of classic barbecue side dishes to complement their meats. From creamy potato salad to homemade breads, these sides enhance the dining experience.
Savory Selections
The potato salad at County Line BBQ is a customer favorite. Creamy and flavorful, it provides a cool contrast to the smoky meats. Cole slaw adds a crisp, tangy element to the meal.
Deviled eggs are another popular choice. These savory bites offer a rich, creamy texture with a hint of spice. The beans are slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing flavors from the barbecue.
The Essentials
Homemade bread is a staple at County Line BBQ. Fresh-baked daily, the wheat and white bread options are served warm. Many diners enjoy spreading honey butter on the bread for a sweet touch.
The wheat bread, in particular, has a nutty flavor and hearty texture. It pairs well with the restaurant’s barbecue sauces and meats.
These sides are available with most meals or can be ordered separately. They round out the barbecue experience, providing a range of flavors and textures to complement the main dishes.
Luscious Desserts
County Line BBQ offers a tempting array of sweet treats to cap off your meal. From classic Southern favorites to unique creations, their dessert menu satisfies every sweet tooth.
Signature Sweet Treats
County Line’s peach cobbler stands out as a crowd-pleaser. This warm, comforting dessert features juicy peaches nestled in a buttery crust, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their homemade brownies deliver rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
For those seeking a Southern classic, the bread pudding with Jack Daniels bourbon sauce is a must-try. This indulgent dessert combines cubes of soft bread soaked in a sweet custard, baked until golden, and drizzled with a boozy sauce.
Unique Delights
County Line puts a twist on traditional desserts with their BBQ sauce-infused treats. Their BBQ chocolate truffles offer a surprising blend of sweet and smoky flavors.
Root beer floats provide a nostalgic touch, featuring creamy vanilla ice cream in a tall glass of fizzy root beer. For a refreshing option, try their seasonal fruit sorbets, made in-house with locally-sourced fruits.
County Line also offers a rotating selection of pies, including classics like apple and pecan, as well as seasonal specialties.
Beverages and Drinks
County Line BBQ offers a diverse selection of beverages to complement their barbecue offerings. Patrons can choose from a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to quench their thirst while enjoying the scenic lake views.
Alcoholic Options
The restaurant boasts an impressive array of local craft beers. Austin Beerworks is well-represented with Pearl Snap and Fire Eagle varieties, both priced at $5.75. For those seeking a hazy IPA, Twisted X Brewing’s McConauhaze is available at the same price point.
Domestic beer lovers can opt for classics like Lone Star ($4.50), Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, or Miller Lite ($5.25 each). Mexican beer enthusiasts will find Modelo Especial, Dos XX Lager, and Corona, all priced at $5.75.
For cider drinkers, Austin EastCider’s Original Cider is on offer at $5. The bar likely stocks various spirits, potentially including Jack Daniel’s, which might be used in their bourbon sauce.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
County Line BBQ caters to non-drinkers with several options. Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer, is available for $4, providing a beer-like experience without the alcohol content.
While specific details on soft drinks aren’t provided, it’s reasonable to assume that standard sodas, iced tea, and lemonade are offered. These beverages are typical accompaniments to barbecue meals.
For health-conscious patrons, water is likely available upon request. The restaurant may also serve coffee and hot tea for those seeking a warm beverage with their meal or dessert.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
County Line BBQ offers a relaxed setting with stunning views, creating a memorable dining experience for guests. The restaurant’s layout and location combine to provide a unique atmosphere.
Casual and Family-Friendly Vibe
County Line BBQ welcomes diners with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families and groups. The restaurant’s interior features rustic decor that complements its barbecue offerings. Wooden tables and chairs create a comfortable seating arrangement, while Texas-themed decorations add local flair.
The casual dress code allows guests to feel at ease whether stopping in for a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner. Large tables accommodate family gatherings, making it an ideal spot for celebrations or weekend outings.
Scenic Location
Perched on the outskirts of Austin, County Line BBQ boasts breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country. The restaurant overlooks Bull Creek and Lake Austin, providing a picturesque backdrop for meals.
A highlight of the dining experience is the large redwood deck that extends over the water. This outdoor seating area allows guests to enjoy their barbecue while taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The deck offers unobstructed views of the rolling hills and serene water, especially stunning during sunset.
Indoor seating also takes advantage of the scenery with large windows framing the landscape. This unique setting elevates the dining experience, combining delicious food with a feast for the eyes.
Service and Hospitality
County Line BBQ prides itself on attentive service and warm hospitality. The staff strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests while offering catering options for special events.
Catering and Events
County Line BBQ provides catering services for various occasions. They offer customizable menus featuring their signature barbecue dishes and sides. Clients can choose from buffet-style setups or full-service options with on-site staff. The restaurant accommodates both small gatherings and large corporate events.
Catering packages include popular items like brisket, ribs, and sausage. Side dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, and beans round out the offerings. The team works closely with clients to ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.
A Welcome for Every Guest
County Line BBQ aims to make all patrons feel at home. The staff greets guests promptly and guides them to their tables. Servers are knowledgeable about menu items and can provide recommendations.
The restaurant accommodates families with children, offering high chairs and booster seats. For out-of-town visitors, servers are happy to suggest local attractions and provide insights into Austin’s culinary scene.
Reasonable prices and generous portions are hallmarks of County Line BBQ’s approach to hospitality. The restaurant strives to balance quality and value, ensuring guests leave satisfied with both their meal and overall experience.
Practical Information
County Line BBQ offers convenient hours and diverse dining options to accommodate patrons. The restaurant caters to both lunch and dinner crowds, serving generous portions of their famous barbecue.
Hours of Operation
County Line BBQ is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. The restaurant welcomes guests throughout the day, allowing ample time to enjoy their menu offerings.
Exact opening and closing times may vary by location, so it’s advisable to check with the specific County Line BBQ you plan to visit.
Dining Options
County Line BBQ provides various dining experiences to suit different preferences. Guests can choose to dine in and savor the scenic views or opt for takeout.
The restaurant’s menu features a popular 3 meat platter, perfect for sampling their signature barbecue items. Portions are generous, often necessitating a “go box” for leftovers.
For those hosting events, County Line BBQ offers catering services. This allows customers to enjoy their favorite barbecue dishes at off-site locations for special occasions or gatherings.