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The Salt Lick BBQ

4.1 (5.9k reviews)
ModerateBarbeque
Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

The Salt Lick BBQ Photos

THE SALT LICK BBQ ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for kids

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Exterior
Marissa G.

4.5 My family and I decided to go to the Salt Lick BBQ for lunch. We went during the week at around 1:30. There was plenty of parking. As we walked in we were greeted by a friendly host that seated us. As you walk to one of the dinning rooms you pass by the room where the BBQ Pit is and where the meat is being cooked. It's cool to see. After being seated we were greeted by a friendly man that brought us some menus and took our drink orders. After a few minutes he returned with our waters and we ordered. We ordered some bread. My son ordered some ribs, my husband ordered two meats on a plate with two sides. I ordered the sliced brisket sandwich with coleslaw, potato salad and beans. My son loved his ribs and bread. He said that the food was good. My husband enjoyed his meal and ate everything up. For me the sliced brisket sandwich was okay. It had thick brisket meat but it was greasy with a lot of fat. I added some onion and pickles to my sandwich for extra texture and flavor. There were two choices of BBQ sauce. One was spicy and the other was regular. I preferred the regular sauce and used it in my sandwich. The coleslaw had a crisp texture but not a lot of flavor. The potato salad had some good sized potatoes with a slight flavor. The beans had the most flavor of the sides. Overall Salt Lick BBQ was an okay place to get BBQ for lunch. The restaurant had lots of seating, everyone that worked there was friendly, and the food was okay.

Pit
Garret F.

It's been a long time since we last ate at The Salt Lick. Much has changed with the layout and surrounding areas of the restaurant but the same familiar great barbecue hast changed. Brisket, slaw, and bread were tops for us.

Thurman's Choice
Janice W.

Amazing! The best barbecue we've ever had and we've eaten a lot of barbecue in our lives! We even bought the tshirt! Highly recommend!

Bbq
Wendy B.

The food here is outstanding, I had the brisket (twice), sausage and pulled pork. Get the brisket moist! Our server was Natalie, she is so sweet and knowledgeable, she even made some suggestions and was attentive the whole night. This place is huge! They had live music on Saturday night and the guys singing were great, I just wish the check in process were more speedy. I'll definitely be back for the food and request Natalie as my server.

Liz Z.

The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood feels less like a restaurant and more like stepping into a Texas tradition that's been preserved exactly the way it should be. Tucked into the heart of Hill Country wine country, the drive alone sets the tone. You're surrounded by rolling views, open sky, and that unmistakable quiet that makes you slow down before you even arrive. The entrance often greets you with live country music and genuinely friendly faces, which immediately makes the experience feel personal. It's BYOB, which makes it even better. You can bring your favorite beer and settle in, or walk over to their wine building and grab a bottle or their sangria, which is one of my favorites. It's perfectly balanced, fruity without being overly sweet, and ideal for a warm Texas afternoon. Before you're even seated, you walk past the pit. This alone is worth the visit. The open fire, the meats hanging in every direction, and that deep smoky aroma create a moment that feels almost ceremonial. You know immediately you're in the right place. The best way to eat here is family style with the all you can eat option. It's reasonably priced for the quality and quantity, and it turns the meal into a shared experience rather than just another dinner. The brisket is my favorite, tender, flavorful, and exactly what Texas brisket should be. The coleslaw stands out because it's tangy and slightly sweet without any mayo, which makes it incredibly refreshing alongside the heavier meats. My husband swears by the ribs, and after trying them, I agree completely. The outdoor seating area is shaded by beautiful trees that keep everything cool and comfortable, even on warmer days. If the wait gets long, ordering to go and sitting outside is honestly one of the best ways to enjoy it. It feels relaxed, unhurried, and somehow even more authentic. Salt Lick isn't just about the food, though the food alone would justify the drive. It's the atmosphere, the tradition, the music, and the setting that make it unforgettable. It's the kind of place that reminds you why Texas barbecue has the reputation it does.

Legendary bbq Pitt!
Ko K.

A place to be for a good bbq and good time! Venue: quite large venue for Bbq joint. Sit down table inside and outside. BYOB. Inside you can see the legendary fire pit where the magic happens. Outside also has plenty seating and at night time there is music. Great for family and all occasion. Food: my favorite so far is the baby back ribs. But I did order the soft version of brisket, bbq chicken and sausages. I had to order the seconds for the rib. Love their coleslaw- which is fresh, crunchy and not too oversaturated with sauce. Raw onions and fresh pickled jalapeno to cut the richness. Beans, mash potato are exceptional. Peach cobbler is amazing as well. Tip: walk to the Salt lick cellar and grab Bbq red! What an exceptional pairing with the bbq! Service: always good. Every time I visit Austin, this place a must to visit

Bbq sauces - red is hot, black is not
Yvonne V.

This has been on my list ever since I saw it on Somebody Feed Phil Austin episode. Was in the area and had some time to visit for lunch. Upon entering, looks like the place had 3 areas. Left building is the Cellar where you grab your wine and beer, middle which I saw had activity and right building which appeared to be the original venue. Tip - apparently visiting in January after the holidays for lunch avoids any crowds. There were lots of seating inside and outside, however the host mentioned that it gets really packed during the summer. It's a really pretty place to gather with a group. Service was friendly. Ordered the 1/2lb of ribs and small plate of brisket and sausage. They only serve baby back - no St. Louis btw. Meats were just ok for me. I think I must had the smallest 1/2lbs of ribs for TX. Do opt for the bread and it was soft. The rest of the meal were decent but not something I would place on my list as have to have.

The open pit that is the main attraction!
Natalie S.

The Salt Lick really is the full Texas BBQ experience! The second you get on the property it smells like BBQ heaven, and the whole place has that "only in Texas" feel immediately. Now for the important part: the meat. It was INCREDIBLE. We did classic BBQ plates with brisket, turkey, and sausage, and that's absolutely where this place shines. I'm from KC (BBQ competition land), and I have to admit the open pit flavor here is genuinely unique. The giant pits are awesome and you can even watch them cooking, which is a part of what makes it feel worth the trip. It's an entire experience not just food. The brisket was the standout for me with that smoky bark and juicy, slow-cooked flavor, but honestly all the meat was perfect!! That said, the sides were a miss for my group. The options felt pretty limited, there wasn't much I could have, and the sides we did try didn't get eaten/ impress anyone. For us it was very much a "come for the meat, not for the sides" situation! Also heads up, it gets packed because it's a destination spot and the layout means a lot of walking no matter what. Add Texas heat and it was a little tough on me. Wear comfy shoes, plan for the heat, and be ready for it to feel like an outing, not a quick dinner stop. Mentioning this especially for anyone who is not 100% able-bodied. Overall, the staff was very quick and welcoming, the food was great and it was an entire experience. If what you want is damn good Texas BBQ, this place is not overrated. Try the brisket! I'd come back for the meat and that cobbler I'd just do it while being more prepared knowing what the crowds, walking, and limited sides are like.

Mac n Cheese
Sherrill J.

Iconic location and environment. Excellent service. We both had a glass of tea. L ordered a rib plate with one beef and one bison rib and sides (beans, coleslaw and potato salad) . I ordered the Thurman Plate with brisket, sausage and a pork rib. Sides were coleslaw, potato salad and Mac n cheese. Additionally I ordered half a chicken to bring home for R. All were excellent.

Thurman's Choice - No Substitutions
Lia B.

Came in at 7pm'ish on a Tuesday. Place was not busy. Beef rib, sausage, and brisket were all great. Pork rib was candied in thick, sweet sauce. Bread & pickles were sooooo good. Beans were good. Cobblers are the cake mix kind, not pie crust. They were light on the fruit. Cole slaw is vinegary, not mayo. Potato salad is odd, and not in a good way.

Small Combo Plate (Any 2 meats)
Lewis H.

BBQ is kind of subjective based on what you're accustomed to. This is a rustic facility that looks cool, it's large and hard to tell where to enter, once we got directed to the right place, it was all good. The ambiance is old Texas and rustic, just what you hope for in a BBQ joint. The staff was super friendly, informative and quick. I got the "Thurmans choice" pork rib, brisket and sausage, the plate included beans, coleslaw and potato salad. The meats were all very good, great smoke flavor, the rib was my favorite. The beans were ranch beans which are ok but I like more bbq flavor with meat in it. The slaw was not flavorful. The potato salad was good although different than traditional salad The sauces were flavorful although the meat did not need any. Desert was tough since we were full. We got one each of the cobbler, peach and blackberry. The crust was more of a dump cake crust than traditional cobbler, still very good. I had the banana bread pudding it was very good with a strong banana flavor it was solid paired with ice cream

Small plate - pulled pork and sausage
Kristi B.

We had seen this location on multiple Food Network shows and knew we had to try it when we came to town. We arrived on a Monday around 1 o'clock in the afternoon and were surprised to find that there was no wait and we were able to be seated right away. There are two sides of this location and multiple areas for outdoor dining and picnic areas. We chose to sit inside the restaurant area where there was air-conditioning since it was a little warm. They're known for their family combo, which has the top three Texas barbecue items (brisket, ribs, and sausage) and it comes with their three most popular sides, which is potato salad, coleslaw, beans. That combo order is all you can eat for around $33 a person. We were not that hungry so we opted to go with a small plate, which is two meat and then their classic side combos. My husband got the brisket and ribs. On a small plate, you get a piece of brisket and one rib. That was a little disappointing as it would've been nice to have at least two ribs on the plate. But overall, the brisket was good and the ribs were really delicious as well. You can definitely tell that they smoke it for an extended amount of time and then finish it off on the beautiful grill that you can see right when you walk in and you're always free to walk over and look for a closer look at the grill. I got the pulled pork and sausage plate. Pulled pork was nice and moist really good smoke flavor on it. I did choose to use their hot version of their barbecue sauce, which is what they're known for. It has a kick, but I did not find it to be overwhelming. The sausage was delicious! Love that when you bite into the sides were the skin/rapper where you got that little snap. Really good flavor! This location is huge so it's a great place to bring groups and it does have its own private lot. It is about a 40 minute drive outside of Austin but it's well worth it.

Signed up
Jason D.

Our weekend plans took some turns, but we were able to drive out to enjoy a final meal. This place is a drive, they have a full vineyard setup behind the facility for their grapes, which they do have some bottles of in their wine room. We were the second in the lot at opening, the lot is huge, and they have a plethora of outdoor seating to accommodate large crowds. Their indoor seating is also quite generous as well. Highly recommend wine first to go with the BBQ. The tasting room is separate from the dining area, and you have to go in to taste and order. They have a good selection to meet a variety of interests. Now we were first in, so everything should be at its best. Maybe Monday's are off days, or we just came on a weird one. Almost everything needed sauce. I'm a firm believe that good BBQ needs no sauce. And this was unexpected. Second unexpected experience, all the meat needed a knife to cut. Nothing was easily fall off the bone, or butter texture. It was difficult to cut with the standard knives that were provided. So let's go to details: Brisket: it appears as a leaner brisket, there wasn't much in the way of flavor. I didn't even catch salt from seasoning. It did not become aoEt with a fork, and it needed sauce to provide some flavor to the meat. I barely noticed a hint of smoke. Pork Ribs: there was a good flavor on this, but it was still a little dryer. Like the Bison Ribs, these did not give the bone up easily. It required some hacking. And even with the flavor, the dryness necessitated some saucing. Bison Ribs: by far the most flavorful, but also the toughest thing to eat. We should've had a steak knife to do the job. We are one and brought one home. Sausage: this was fine for what it was, not standout. Just an average sausage. Potato salad: we really liked the flavor here. And I'm not used to highlighting this for a meal. Sauce: very good. But usually don't have to use it. Service was impeccable. Our wait staff (Dillon, Dylan, Dylawn SP?* he spits hot fire), was great. Super attentive. Very pleasant. The gal on the tasting room also was very knowledgeable and good to talk to. Facility was fantastic. I'd love to come back during a more temperate time of year and enjoy the outdoors. I would absolutely come back for a second try if we're out and about in the area.

Bbq was delicious

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The Salt Lick BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Salt Lick BBQ

Does that mean you eat nothing but salt?

LOL no, Salt Lick BBQ is named after the natural salt licks (or mineral licks) that animals use to obtain essential minerals. Their food isn't even salty.

Does The Saltlick serve brisket burnt ends?

Yes

How long is the wait on Sundays typically? Is the wait outside? Thanks!

one to two hours . Outside with misters.

Is it easy to get an Uber at the Salt Lick back to Dallas? Wasn't planning on renting a car since I'm only in town for a day.

That's a long ass drive, it would probably be cheaper to rent a car than to Uber.

I take it from your lack of a response you do not offer a Military Discount?

If I remember correctly, they do have a military discount

They accept credit cards now and can customers reserve a table?

The real trick is go to their gift shop, check out menu right there, order take out food from them (don't stand in line near hostess stand!), find an outside table, and in 15 minutes food is ready in pick up area, and you're dining! (We avoided 90m… Read more

Do you offer a military discount?

Is it still only cash? Or do y'all now accept debit cards?

Yes they do accept cards.

Is chicken included in the all you can eat family meal?

No chicken is not included

Is there a banquet menu?

No there is not. But there are large rooms

How much to cater a reception for about 30-45 people? Brisket, sausage and all the fixings. Someone will pick up. Thanks!

Not very specific in my answer but to keep it real it will cost alot of money..lol but it's worth it.

When is it the least crowded?

From my experience between 2pm till about 4:30 PM during the week, on the weekend and for the most part on Fridays it's always busy.

Is the dining room or outdoor seating open yet?

Yes to both

How easy is it to Uber or Lyft to and from the original location?

I'm not a local. But I was staying in Austin. It was a good 30+ minute drive there. A little out of the way. But definitely some of the best bbq I've had. Worth the trip.

What time do you open on Tuesday?

Good morning! We open at 11:00 this morning! Hope to see you soon!

Are dogs allowed on your outdoor seating area?

Yes...we take our dog all the time. 😃

Are dogs allowed to dine in with us?

Absolutely! They are allowed outside on the shaded patio. I have not seen any dog bowls during any of our previous trips so make sure to bring your own, and some water!

What kind of meat is in the sausage?

Delicious Delicious meat from animals...it's BBQ!

Is there a location near downtown Austin?

Nope. One in Round Rock, one in Driftwood and a small location in the airport.

Do you do catering for weddings? Need a caterer for venue in Dripping Springs on May 2,2020. If you do not cater, can you recommend a place that does BBQ catering in the…

Yes we do catering for weddings and would love to do yours. Please contact our office 512-829-5285 Monday thru Friday 9am till 4:30pm and they will help you. Hope to hear from you soon.

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Vista Brewing

Vista Brewing

4.0(239 reviews)
1.9 mi
•$$

My family and I went to Vista Brewing for dinner. We drove there, parked, and walked in. There are…read moreplenty of places to park. It's a very spacious indoor and outdoor restaurant with lots of seating and places to explore. As we walked in I noticed that it's very bright with a lot of windows. You order at the counter. When we walked up to the counter the menu was on the bar top. We looked at the menu and placed our order with the man working behind the counter. He was really cool and answered our questions. After ordering he gave us a number and told us to seat ourselves. After figuring out where we wanted to sit we went to the water station and grabbed some water. We looked around inside at the decor and talked while we waited for our order. We started with two sharables and each ordered the burgers of our choice. Unfortunately when they started bringing out our food they made an error in how it was made. We told them, the took the wrong order back, and after awhile they brought us everything and apologized for the error. Our sharables were the Grilled Chimichurri Avacado which comes with a half avocado, corn, and tortilla chips, and the Hummus Board which comes with hummus, veggies, and pitas. Both of these sharables were tasty in different ways. The Grilled Chimichurri Avacado was delicious. You could taste all of the delicious flavors and the tortilla chips were strong enough to hold a mix of the ingredients. The Hummus Board was also very tasty. The Hummus was garlic flavored and the veggies were fresh and crisp. The pitas were warm and soft. For my main dish I ordered the Driftwood Cheeseburger. It comes with a beef patty, bacon jam, onions, pickles, sauce, and cheese. I opted for no cheese. The burger meat was really good. You could taste the Smokey flavor from the grill on the meat. The bacon jam was sweet but not overly sweet and gave the burger a sweet and savory flavor. The pickles added texture to the burger. It was a really good burger. I ordered my burger with a side of kettle chips which were nice and crispy. Overall it was a great place to visit. The service was good, the atmosphere was spacious, nice and bright, and the food was fresh and delicious.

Vista Brewing has quickly become one of our absolute favorite breweries in the Hill Country -- and…read morefor good reason! Every visit has been incredible, from the food and service to the beautiful setting that somehow feels both laid-back and elevated at the same time. The property is massive, with indoor and outdoor seating that gives you all the elevated Hill Country vibes. You can walk around and see their chicken coop and bee hives, which they actually use for ingredients in their food and beer (how cool is that?!). Everything here ties back to their focus on regenerative farming and sustainability, and it truly shows in every bite and sip. Even the meat they use is raised up the street from them and has fed off the grains from their beer! They serve up not just great beer -- which has won awards -- but also wine, cider and NA options, making it a great spot for everyone. It's also super kid-friendly, with a kid scape area that keeps the little ones entertained while you enjoy a drink or meal. Speaking of meals... the food is next level! We've tried several dishes, and everything has been phenomenal. The fish and chips were some of the best we've had anywhere -- perfectly flaky with a thick, crunchy batter. The Wagyu burger was out of this world -- juicy, smoky, and cooked over a live fire. Everything down to the pickled veggies and sauces is made from scratch, and you can taste that attention to detail. They often have live music, daily specials, and friendly staff who always go out of their way to make sure you're taken care of. Everyone we've encountered has been welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly proud to be part of such a thoughtful, local operation. Vista Brewing is the kind of place that perfectly balances craft, community, and cuisine -- and it's 100% worth the drive every single time!

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Vista Brewing - Interior Merchandise and Decor

Interior Merchandise and Decor

Vista Brewing
Vista Brewing - 5th Year Anniversary

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5th Year Anniversary

Trattoria Lisina - Taglierine all Portofino. Very, very good.

Trattoria Lisina

4.2(939 reviews)
2.0 mi
•$$$

I'm awarding 5 stars for our two recent visits. But, there's a point I'd like to make. Yes, this is…read morea dining destination and prices are commensurate with the experience. For most pasta dishes, I'd hit Mandola's in Austin. Save about $10 an entree and some gas money. A few weeks ago I didn't want to venture too far off the ranch. Wife and I ended up at Lisina on Saturday. Calamari to start was crisp and not chewy. Caesar salad followed and was a nice example of the dish. Lisina is also a little skimpy on offering bread refills. We finished with drinks and the panna cotta. Just over $100 for this experience. WELL, the next day I needed to take mom out for her anniversary. Dad has long passed but I always try to do something special. Sunday highlights forthcoming. This time with mom and Rooster along we started with the carpaccio. The presentation really wowed because it looks like red plate until you realize all that color is shaved tenderloin. White plate underneath! The greens, parmesan, and aioli was one of the best I've had. Mom went for the gnocchi; Rooster goes for the Mezzaluna ravioli. This is now Rooster's fave restaurant. I went back to the appetizers section and selected the crab cake. Zero complaints on these dishes. Don't forget mom's wine. Gelato and cake to finish the meal. I think I've dined here once since my 2009 review. Yup, steak pics still accounted for on Yelp. Trattoria Lisina is still going strong in Driftwood. Expect $$$$, this meal was almost $300. Good food ain't cheap folks.

We love this place for a special occasion dinner. But, recently the food just didn't seem to live…read moreup to the hype or price. The ribeye was so dry and tough. Cooked to a medium rare you would think it would juicy and tender. What a disappointment.

Photos
Trattoria Lisina - Seating and wine wrack in the background

Seating and wine wrack in the background

Trattoria Lisina - Veal Scallopini

Veal Scallopini

Trattoria Lisina - Interior at entrance area

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Interior at entrance area

Driftwood Estate Winery - Our award-winning Dry Rosé ~

Driftwood Estate Winery

3.4(391 reviews)
4.8 mi
•$$

Exploring Austin's Hill Country was one of the best decisions we made when visiting friends in…read moreTexas. There was not enough time to go on a wine tour, so I had to figure out which winery to visit. I wasn't familiar with the area and randomly chose Driftwood Estates, which was a surprising highlight of the weekend! Was this real life?! Was I dreaming?! Standing on top of the hill, I was in deep admiration of the panoramic, gorgeous, and breathtaking views! It made me forget about busy city life and I only wanted to appreciate the beauty of nature and all its glory on such a perfect day (while sipping on a glass of wine)! I really did feel like I was in another world - filled with serenity, solitude and relaxation! We did a tasting and enjoyed the reds, which were more on the dry side, but I didn't mind because I prefer dry red wines. I definitely recommend the Sangiovese and Alamo Red. The bar area was a little crowded that day, so we didn't get to interact too much with the staff to learn more about their other wine offerings. There is a store next to the bar area. You can buy cute wine themed souvenirs for family and friends back home. They also have a small cafe - you can get some light bites and head outside, find your perfect cozy spot, and enjoy those breathtaking views! (Caution: There is plenty of parking at the winery, but please be careful and drive slow because of the bumpy gravel road).

As an Austin Tour Guide I take people out to the Hill Country all the time for wine, beer,…read moredistillery tastings, and barbecue. I've got my favorites and I generally stick with them. Occasionally I'll stop into a new (to me) place and see what they have to offer. On a recent trip, the clients requested Driftwood Estate Winery because they had read a review and wanted to try it. Personally, I am not a fan of their wine but I made a reservation for the 6 of them at 11am and we drove out there on a quiet Thursday. There was only one other car in the parking lot. We walked along the path to the main entrance, admiring the views of the Hill Country from their beautiful and expansive patio. When we approached the desk, one of the more enthusiastic women in our group said, "We're here to taste some wine!" An exceedingly unfriendly elderly lady who looked like the most miserable person on the planet, scowled, "You need a reservation! You can't just come here without a reservation!" (Really? And there's only 1 other car in the parking lot?) Everybody was a little surprised by her attitude and there was a brief uncomfortable pause before I stepped in and assured her that the group had a reservation and gave her the name. They were whisked off to a table by another woman as the first woman muttered something unpleasant under her breath. Long story short-- my guests were less than impressed (with the greeting, the tasting room and the wine) and I can assure Driftwood Vineyards that they've lost at least a couple thousand dollars in any future business from my company. If they haven't already noticed, new wineries are thick on the ground in Driftwood/Dripping Springs. Driftwood Estates is a hard pass. My guests enjoy Fall Creek and Bell Springs much much more.

Photos
Driftwood Estate Winery - A selection of the many varietals that we make!

A selection of the many varietals that we make!

Driftwood Estate Winery - Wine by the glass.

Wine by the glass.

Driftwood Estate Winery - Become a wine club member today, and get our wine shipped directly to your door!

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Become a wine club member today, and get our wine shipped directly to your door!

The Salt Lick BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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