San Antonio: County Line BBQ (July 2013)

My spouse and I dined at County Line BBQ on the Riverwalk for lunch in early July 2013. The location is fantastic, right on the banks and in a busy area that provides great people-watching opportunities. The restaurant has outdoor seating and indoor seating, and is much larger indoors than it looks from the outside. There always seems to be a line here, so check in with the hostess and then have a drink at the bar (which also has both indoor and outdoor seating). The atmosphere is casual (food, dress code, children welcome). The milkshakes are a great non-alcoholic option!

The food is tasty and plentiful, however, not as authentic as the barbecue we had later in the week at two famous spots outside of Austin. We heard that barbecue prepared within city limits must be done without wood, whereas the two places we visited in Austin were far enough outside cities that they could use wood to smoke their meats, and it makes a huge difference, in our opinion. Still, if you will not have an opportunity for wood-smoked barbecue, then County Line is a good option in the tourist area.