Hickory Hollow   

Hickory Hollow's motto is 'We ain't fancy, we thought you'd rather spend your money on good food.' Certainly the very casual, country atmosphere and the old-time Western music are true to that statement. Antique farm and ranch memorabilia surrounds plain and simple wooden tables and benches. Meals are served chow wagon-style on tin plates, and drinks come in Mason jars. But this isn't just any old place to eat. Founded in 1977, Hickory Hollow operates three very successful restaurants in the Houston area that are patronized by loyal fans who might be bank executives, ranchers or oil-field hands. The common denominator is their love of Texas-style barbecue. Here, hickory-smoked lean beef brisket, link sausage and pork ribs are second to none. Hearty cowboy fare includes chicken-fried steaks as big as a saddle blanket and topped with Texas River Bottom Gravy, chicken-fried chicken, fried catfish, lots of choices for kids, Tex-Mex favorites, and beer and wine. The Heights location near downtown presents live acoustic music on weekends from 6:45PM until about 9:45PM, and just like the other two locations, has indoor and outdoor seating. Catering (including traditional holiday meals with all the trimmings) is available, check the Web site for details. -- Lyn Foster