Hill Country is an anomaly for DC: a Texas-themed, cowboy-hat-filled joint, which doesn't feel corny; a barbecue spot that serves good smoked meat; and a live-music venue that hosts great honky-tonk shows. The sprawling, down-home space gets crowded on weekends, and the restaurant has been known to run out of its signature victuals by late evening.
During July and August, Hill Country operates a popular alfresco outpost on the lawn of the National Building Museum. Grab a hay-bale seat and join the fun 4pm to 9pm Thursday and Friday, and from noon on weekends.