Skip the Shake Shack

Grungy West 26th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue has gone from wasteland to culinary destination in the blink of an eye. First to appear in this unlikely spot was Black Pearl, claiming to serve up the best lobster roll in the city. Seems that folks agree. I sure do. Their fish n' chips is great too if you don't have the $20 to pony up for the roll.

Next up is Hill Country, a gigantic temple to, obviously, Texas-style barbecue. Sorry, you'll have to get your pulled pork sandwich elsewhere. As evidence of both the power and appeal of the great tradition of Texas barbecue and the web-empowered citizen journalist, the place is barely even open yet (they're still doing construction) but there is already a photo essay up. Allegedly New York has always had the best of every type of cuisine under the sun. Bullstein. NY has lacked real 'cue for so long it's criminal. No longer. My only nit to pick is that they take the homage to the Texas tradition a bridge too far with the beer selection. Now, I know full well that to be authentically Texan, you have to wash down your 'cue with crappy beer. But this is New York, would it be too much to ask to add one or two decent, flavorful beers to that sad collection of macro swill?

So, all you bankers and traders at CSFB, send those armies of khaki-clad interns on over to West 26th to haul you back a little taste of Maine and Texas.