A small town TX BBQ that can hold it's own! Passing through town for a late lunch / early dinner. We were greeted as the door opened! We had brisket plates. Fried okra and mac&cheese on one. The classic potato salad and hot pinto beans on the other. Brisket was tender and flavorful. Not dry. A good 8-8.5 points on the 10 point scale! The beans were a 8.5-9! Flavor, spice, texture were quite good. One would be surprised as how some place mess up beans. Potato salad was as good as any and exactly what one should expect. Fried okra was made to order! No soft heat lamp mush here. Flavor wise, it was also as one would expect of traditional fried okra. Mac&cheese was average flavor but good portion. Was ok. Nothing to rave on, yet no complaint. Simple/basis type so a little more pop to the recipe could be a good future tweak. Traditional onions, pickles, & jalapeños can be added to the plate if you like. Also sauce and bread available on the side counter to suit your needs. Overall, a great lil place to stop in! Didn't take a pic before starting to eat but this get the gist. read more

Hill Country Smokehouse - Partly eaten brisket place. Pic had to wait! - Smokehouse Near Me - Bertram, Texas

As soon as you walk in you're greeted and made to feel welcome! This tiny town definitely has big hearts that was on full display with all the coworkers and the local patrons that walked in known by name. The place itself is adorable and just what you'd expect from a CENTX BBQ joint, cute and plenty of country. Husband and I got 2 meat and 3 meat plates with all different meats and sides so we could try all they had to offer or at least a good majority of it. I will start by saying everything had great flavor, great bark, cooked well. We both thought if they could come up with a way to keep or serve fresher meat products they'd be much better. Luckily hubby asked for moist brisket when he caught a glimpse of the dried out looking lean brisket. The moist brisket gets a 3.0, tender juicy good flavor, good bark, more smoke outside than in. Turkey was good that wasn't too dry and good smoke flavor throughout but could have a bit more flavor on the outside, it gets a 3.0/5. Sausage was good, liked the course texture, smoked well, crisp outside a little dry 3.5/5. Ribs great bark good flavor, tender with a bite like it should have, too much smoke and dried out 3.0/5, pulled pork 2.5/5 dried out, decent smoke and flavor and good bark, just very dry. The sides: potato salad was good 3.5/5 very traditional for CenTX nothing above and beyond but a good standard. Beans could have been a little more tender and could have used a touch more salt but otherwise good flavors appreciated the smoky meaty quality and pepper, 3/5. Mac and cheese 2.5/5 it's basic think blue box with added cheese and cream, could definitely be better but not bad by any means. Fried okra, STOLE THE SHOW! 5/5 We seriously have never had better and that is truly saying something! We make, have eaten at MANY different places, and had grandmas that made cast iron fried okra...and still have not had better! Sorry Grandma! Do NOT skip the okra! I'd go back through the drive thru just for Okra, in fact I might just do that on the way back! Overall, this adorable small town gem is putting out decent CenTX BBQ. If you can manage to get it all fresher, it could truly be something worth driving for and writing about. read more

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Excellent food and vibes. The brisket, turkey, and pulled pork are family favorites. Okra is divine and the cornbread is perfection.

We got a little taste of hill country at a wedding in June! The turkey is to die for! Salad was beyond amazing and fresh. Staff were accommodating and super friendly. Wedding was beautiful! Can't wait to drive out and try this place again! read more

We really loved our food; chopped sandwich, hamburger, and a mixed sausage and brisket sandwich. The desserts were good; banana pudding and cherry cobbler. What really stood out were the sides; fries, Mac n cheese; and potato salad. The best part was the phenomenal customer setting. They set a high standard for this small town. read more

Very good. Nice place to visit when you're in town. Nice decor and interesting ambiance

The food is delicious and always served with a friendly face. We have been going there since they opened and have always enjoyed it.

This is the best bar b que I've ever had. It's worth the drive to Bertram. If I'm ever having the family over and we're having bar b que I'm driving to Bertram and going to the Hill Country Smokehouse. read more

Our family has regularly frequented this business....we have gotten large family packs for holiday gatherings as well as occasional to go plates....the employees are very friendly and efficient....while what they offer is not fancy (expensive) craft BBQ, it is very good traditional Texas bbq fare.....good smoky brisket, excellent jalapeno sausage and fall off the bone tender chicken.....the quality is always the same....very dependable consistency...they also have good burgers and great breakfast tacos which are twice the size of the ones from the mexican restaurant which is right next door.... read more

The good was amazing! The people were so nice and the restaurant was decorated so beautifully.

Thoroughly enjoyed this no frills smokehouse on the side of the high way. Met a business partner for a meeting and chose to meet half way between his drive from Copper's Cove to Jonestown. I'll definitely remember the spot for next time. We lingered for about an hour after our meal because it was a business lunch but otherwise I'd eat and go because it's a cozy little seating area. Ribs were fall-off-the-bone-delicious!! It was very obvious that all sides were made in house with care, not that prepackaged crap with chain restaurants. I'll be back when I'm back! read more

Hill Country Smokehouse - a plate of food - Smokehouse Near Me - Bertram, Texas

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I've eaten here a few times, but only a barbecue brisket sandwich. Not bad, but make sure you ask for lean or a quarter of your brisket will be thick fat. I've tried their beans once before and they're not good. I don't know if it's vinegar or what but they just don't taste right. I tried them a second time tonight thinking it may have just been a one time experience, but sadly, they were just as bad. I've never thrown beans out in my life until tonight. For $3 you get a small styrofoam cup 3/4 full. I mean really? Beans are not expensive. I'll probably stop for a brisket sandwich again, but like I said, I'll make sure to ask for lean and I won't be having the beans. read more

I'm doing a job down the road and had to get something from a hardware store so just happened on this place. So why not? The name having "smokehouse", I expected to be greeted with amazing smoke when I got out of my van. But no smoke. Entering the establishment, there was a slight smokey smell but again, not as much as I would expect or want. I had their chopped barbecue sandwich with mac and cheese and cream corn with a serving of their jalapeño cheese cornbread. It was shaping up to be a great meal. Everything sounded great! The sandwich was good. I found that there was a diced meat in there that wasn't the most tender. The meat was otherwise pretty good and tasty but not smokey. The sauce was decent but not to my taste. The mac was pretty good, my son ate it all without complaint, which is very good, particularly for a foreign mac for him. The cream corn was definitely creamy. It basically tasted like corn and sugar (or some other sweetener). I had to add some hot sauce and salt to make it more tasty. The cornbread was tough on the outside like it had a skin. The flavor was okay but, again, not to my taste. It was not sweet at all and was nice and flaky like I like my cornbread. It had a very light flavor of the cheese and jalapeño, nothing amazing. I can excuse other things like music starting to cut in and out when a gentleman, who seemed like the manager or owner, left the restaurant , ultimately leaving the place in silence except for the hustle and bustle of the people working the kitchen and counter. But the problem is, it was not a meal that left me with a found memory or great flavors in my mouth that would bring me back. For a barbecue meal, I have to say that it did even less for me, more the opposite. And I am sorry to have to say these things. I had really high hopes, mainly because it was a small place outside the city, where you often find some of the best hometown, country cooking. Dishes with flavors that make your mouth water and make you remember the name of the town or place. This honestly just wasn't that. And, in my opinion, it could be called barbecue, but not a smokehouse. That raises the expectation to a very high level. read more

My 1st time ever coming here when to the drive through and was sitting at the window over 5 minutes and no one ever took my order and a truck in front of me was sitting there waiting to. So I just took off. Maybe it was just a bad day to come here read more

1. Omg....their breakfast tacos....omg. They're so amazing. When you think of bbq breakfast tacos, this is where to get them. 100%. I go nowhere else for them. 2. Their chicken soup is just like moms.... Enough said. Feels like home. 3. Their bbq sandwiches- yuuummmmmmm. Give them a try- I definitely wasn't disappointed in anyway! read more

Hill Country Smokehouse - Bacon egg and cheese taco!! - Smokehouse Near Me - Bertram, Texas

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Not our 1st time. The BBQ here is Amazing. The sides are seasoned to perfection. And I CANNOT forget the jalapeño corn bread, makes your mouth water. Today we had the burger and WOW. It's the best burger around this area by far. It is so delicious. The people at this place of business have been the most customer centric place that we have been to. The whole experience is more than worth it. I'll definitely have the burger again and again and again. read more

Today I ordered cheeseburger, I was overcharged for it. When it came to the table it had no cheese? I ask about the overcharge and after about 15 minutes of trying to figure out what went wrong I was given my correct change back. The fun part was when the young man behind the counter literally took apart my burger at the register and inserted a slice of cheese with his bare hands( no gloves) at all, which is disgusting. Food is good, but the youngster behind the counter is incompetent. It was 102 degrees today , no AC here just a few Walmart fans. read more

Love this place local southern hospitality from this family owned bbq spot... love the turkey and pulled pork !

New to the area, stopped in today. Hit two sliced brisket sandwiches to take home for a late lunch. The brisket was so delicious and there was a very generous amount of meat. Also bought a peach cobbler which was delicious. Will definitely be back and tell others. read more

Had a short time for lunch and was looking for something close! I stopped in the drive through to get a pulled pork sandwich and fries. It was such a great sandwich, and the fries are really good! I was so hungry and it smelled so good, I didn't get a chance to snap a picture. I highly recommend stopping in! Definitely get the banana pudding! read more

We stopped in to try Hill Country Smokehouse and was not disappointed. The ribs were outstanding and were so tender it fell off the bone. Loved the potato salad and cole slaw. Both were perfect! The burger tasted great and was perfectly seasoned. The buttered bun was nice and soft and lightly toasted on the grill. The staff was friendly too. Will definitely make a point to come back. read more

What an amazing gem found! Loved the feeling as we walked in and we're greeted by the staff immediately. Food was 100% and even the staff helped does make selections as I'm looking for caters for an event and I'm sure I have found them. Best prices around and the food is delish! read more

Hill Country Smokehouse - Brisket sausage chicken turkey Potato salad, mac & cheese, green beans, pinto beans - Smokehouse Near Me - Bertram, Texas

Great folks and well worth a stop!!! We have a ranch nearby-they feed us well and often.

Stopped here for lunch on a Saturday. Smoked turkey and brisket were moist and very tasty. Sides also very good. Appreciated the option for a small "senior" plate with one meat and one side. High praise for Lino, the owner! read more

I love this little restaurant. It has a good, small town feel with friendly service. I have been stopping here for a few years now and I always get the same things. The smoked chicken is delicious! It is always perfectly cooked and in my opinion not over smoked but that's a personal preference. The jalapeño corn bread is fantastic and it's a fun Texas shape. Don't forget to ask for some of their whipped butter to go on top. The mac and cheese is nice and creamy. You might as well buy a bottle of BBQ sauce while you're there or you'll be sorry you didn't. It's outstanding. read more

What a great country style roadhouse BBQ with great burgers and super friendly staff. The service was too notch, the restaurant ambiance is old school and clean, with seating inside and out. The burger was cooked to perfection, medium well, and very juicy and flavorful. The bun complimented the Pattie's very well and the condiments were compliments not cover ups! read more

Simply fantastic, and always worth the drive. Short of back home in Alabama, I haven't ever had Okra as good. The brisket and pies are phenomenal and the staff is so sweet, we truly had a wonderful experience. read more

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First time stopping in today for lunch and glad we did! The entire staff was so friendly and welcoming. My husband and I both ordered two meat plates which come with two sides. I had the smoked turkey, pulled pork, green beans and Mac n' cheese. The Mr had brisket, sausage, beans and potato salad. We also ordered the jalapeño cheddar cornbread, (shaped like our great state of Texas), and and a piece of apple cobbler. All the meats were moist and delicious, the sides which are usually an afterthought at most bbq joints are on point here. The portions are large, so the cobbler went home to be enjoyed later. If you do have room for dessert they will heat it for you and offer Bluebell Ice Cream to go with. We highly recommend Hill Country Smokehouse! We will definitely be back! read more

Hill Country Smokehouse - Turkey, pulled pork, beans, Mac n Cheese, brisket, sausage, beans and potato salad. Bread, pickles, onions and sauce on the side. - Smokehouse Near Me - Bertram, Texas

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Hill Country Smokehouse catered my wedding this past weekend. We had the brisket, regular and jalapeno sausage, turkey, green beans, mac-n-cheese, and potato salad. The communication from the moment of inquiry to delivery, set up, and breakdown the service was top notch. All of my guests (about 80) raved about the food. They were all professional, accommodating, and just awesome. I feel so highly about their service and food that I will be making the 40 minute drive out there to get an entire plate of everything that we, as the Bride & Groom, did not actually have a chance to eat very much. read more

This place is great! So happy to finally have another restaurant option In Bertram. Very cute how they have it all set up. Great indoor and covered outdoor seating. The inside is very clean and well arranged. The ordering process and menu is simple. I got the loaded baked potato with pulled pork, it was amazing and only $7. I also got 1/2 lb of brisket and sausage, moist and to die for. The prices are Normal BBQ prices to me. I see some people saying they were too expensive but compared to other bbq places around + the quality I think they're awesome! read more

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This is good BBQ, y'all. And affordable! They're not the kind of place that's over priced, only open on Saturdays, sells out by 11am after you waited for three hours in line, and rushes to keeps up with the hipster trends. No... this ain't that place. What they are is dang good BBQ that you can eat any day, and can even pick up through a drive-through. And their wood-fire offset smoked brisket is just as good as any hipster joint's; they just don't run out of it by lunchtime, and don't go out their way to trick you into thinking they somehow performed some magic trick by smoking briskets in an offset with course salt and pepper. No magic. No more than any and all bbq is already magic. This is good everyday is BBQ, y'all. A daily driver. And it's just as worth driving to as any other BBQ joint you've stood for four hours in line for on a Saturday. Try it and see for yourself. (Bonus: they have delicious taco salads, too, btw, in case your lady wants more than just smoked brisket, pork, and poultry ten days in a row... ask me how I know. ) read more

Food was great! Also, all employees made an effort to make sure that I got exactly what i wanted. Then when I was finished they again made sure i was happy and then offered to take care of my plate and clear the table. What a cool place with great people. read more

We stopped on the way home from Burnet to pick something up to take home. We had read some favorable reviews and decided to stop to check it out. It's located In Bertram and upon arriving it's a small place with outdoor seating. It wasn't to busy when we arrived and we're able to order at the counter, I believe the owner was the person who helped us and was friendly and helpful choosing off the menu. The brisket was very good and had a good smoked flavor and seasoned well. I would recommend this place to visit. It's not big and fancy but a small town place with good food. read more

Made a last minute stop. Surprised with how good the brisket and ribs were! Most and great flavor. Will come back!

Great service every time I pick up for our office! We loved their salad and all their meat! They always cater for our business meetings!

We have been here countless times and it's worse every time we go. We always ask for lean brisket and always get a pile of fat that's completely inedible. The only thing that's actually tasty is the fried okra which is sad because its frozen and they just refry it. Unfortunately we won't be back. read more

Consistently good food. Great staff that are very nice at the drive thru. My personal go to is the baker with turkey. Prices are extremely reasonable. read more

I got the chicken tacos. You talk about AWESOME. Then went back the next day and go the two meat plate brisket and turkey with mac cheese and pinto beans. That was the best brisket I EVER had. Staff was very friendly and helpful. I rate this place a 5 STAR Eat local. Thank you Bertram for having a great BBQ place to eat read more

We stopped by on the way back to Houston. Nice owner. Great service and good food. Kids love the barbecue and I love the chicken taco.

We stumbled upon Hill Country Smokehouse and were at first pleased by the cheerful service and then quickly blown away by the quality of the food. Everything from entrees to sides was fresh and perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. We loved it so much we got an extra order to take home and reheat later. Knowing we had a bit of travel time ahead of us and not realizing we had refrigeration in our vehicle, the manager, Debbie, was careful to point out what would travel well and what may not. The pride taken in their product was clear. The service and food could not have been any better. This will be a "must stop" the next time we pass through the area. read more