Every Texas town has a chicken fried steak staple. Since 1947, Hill’s Café (4700 South Congress Ave.) has been serving Austin the crispy, peppery fried goodness with their famous chicken fried steak. Here, the beer is cold, the people are warm, and the sizzling steak smokin. Here are 10 things behind our love affair with Hill’s.

1. The chicken fried steak. Topped with your choice of white or yellow cream gravy (I prefer yellow). The meat is tender and the time-tested recipe just perfect. There was a period when Hill’s experimented with a new recipe causing concern across Austin, but fear not, the old tried & true recipe is back.
2. The indoor/outdoor option. Hill’s supports Austin’s live music scene with free Texas music every Wednesday night on their charming outside stage. Austinites love to dine al fresco. So enjoy the entertainment from their huge multi-level patio, an especially great spot for the visiting out-of-towners.
3. The sides. Non-carnivores can still experience the Southern down-homeness of Hill’s with the rich, satisfying a la cart sides. Fried okra, delicious green beans (with bacon like mom used to make), sweet corn casserole and crispy corn nuggets (imagine fried creamed corn). The fried pickles are a must, the sweet potato fries worth the splurge, and the TOTS with ranch. Always, I repeat, ALWAYS say yes to tater tots. Fried mac ‘n cheese, which I have yet to try, is another interesting a la cart option. Warning: Ingesting above mentioned foods in one sitting will likely induce serious belly-aching.
4. The meal-spoiling rolls. Endless fresh out-of-the-oven dreamy rolls. The best thing about them: the chilled chive butter. So tasty!
5. The friendly staff. Hill’s employees are quite possibly the nicest servers in town. No pretentiousness here. They all seem to embody the spirit of the place -  a little bit country, a lot ‘good ole boy.’ And that’s why we love ‘em.
6. The burgers. While steaks and chicken fried steak are the headliners on the menu, burgers also shine at Hill’s. The huge, juicy burgers have received many accolades over the years including “Austin’s #1 Burger.” That’s probably pretty accurate.
7. The atmosphere. This south Austin landmark is Texan through and through. The kitchy décor looks as if it hasn’t been touched since its opening in ’47.
8. The quick service. When you’re hungry enough for a meal like chicken fried steak, speedy service is a big draw. It helps that the restaurant has many seating options and can handle a large party without a hassle. We usually get drinks, salads and a heaping basket of rolls within 5 or 10 minutes of sitting down. The entrees don’t leave you waiting either. You can be in & out with a belly full of Texas comfort food in 45 minutes if you want to.
9. The celebrity locale. You might have a brush with fame at Hill’s as it is sometimes used as a backdrop for popular Texas-set shows like “Friday Night Lights.” And AHEM,  next Monday’s “Bachelorette” will feature a scene from Hill’s as bachelor/aspiring country music artist Wes Hayden serenades Jillian [read: shamelessly plugs his upcoming album] from the stage out back.
10. The rolls. My husband requested I list the rolls and chive butter twice, because they’re just THAT good.

Oh, check your calorie-counting, healthnut friends at the door so they don’t spoil the fun.

Hills Café
4700 South Congress Ave.
Austin
512-851-9300
www.hillscafe.com