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If you haven't gone to Salt Lick you absolutely need to make sure it's on your Bucket List! This is by far one of the best most iconic BBQ joints in Hill Country. The grounds are massive so you get an idea of how good and how busy it gets! We lucked out by swinging by on a Thursday for supper. When you walk in you get the sweet Smokey aroma of BBQ. Then you get a peek into where all the magic happens and it is BBQ heaven! Our server Dru was so incredibly sweet, helpful and provided us with good suggestions. Definitely come VERY hungry because portions are substantial! I ordered the Bison & Beef ribs with slaw and potato salad. The RIBS were absolutely juicy and flavorful. Fair warning though, Bison is leaner so you won't get the fat punch like you do from Beef. They were both amazing and gnawed on them bones until they were clean! I got pretty full but did put a small dent in the slaw and potato salad. Both solid! My wife ordered the Smoked Chicken with beans, slaw and potato salad. Again very delicious, smoky and juicy! It was a lot of food but delicious! We ordered the half and half Peach/Berry Cobbler à la mode to go, but ended up eating it in their beautiful patio while we listened to an amazing Gal musician belt out some great tunes! They also have a Wine Cellar tasting room and a gift shop. Tons of indoor and outdoor dining areas including some really cool private places under pergolas and foliage.
Ok so this is obviously of the most famous places for bbq and always shows up in magazines and tv as one thee places to go so I had high expectations I'll say it's busy it's definitely got that ranch vibe given its located off the beaten path and yes it's basically a ranch style restaurant Funny enough they have a dr who tardís which stands out hahaha But yeah the staff was friendly and the smells are big and you can see the bbq on your way in and out and it's definitely a vibe but is it the best bbq? Not quite My beef ribs were not that tender which is a hummer and the food was not blow me away but still. Solid Maybe it's because they have to serve so many that maybe if you arrive first you get the first offerings of all night cooking and have great tender yum vs get it out and still have good food
I've had barbecue all over Texas, including all the famous spots in Austin, so I was excited to finally try Salt Lick. The property itself is beautiful, huge, and really cool, and the barbecue pit when you first walk in is an awesome experience you can see all the meat cooking and even take pictures and videos. The hostess and waiter were very friendly and helpful. The only thing I found a little annoying was the check-in process. Even though it wasn't very busy, they directed us to a computer to sign in instead of just seating us. The prices were also very reasonable for the amount of food and the overall experience. We got there around noon and I really wanted beef ribs and brisket, but we were told the beef ribs would take another 30 minutes, so I went with the bison ribs and brisket combo. Everyone at our table specifically asked for moist brisket, but unfortunately it was pretty dry and not fatty at all. For a barbecue restaurant with this kind of reputation, the brisket was honestly disappointing. The bison rib was good but not amazing and had a noticeable gamey flavor. The coleslaw was probably the worst part very bland. The potatoes were really good, while the beans were just average. Overall, I'd go back only if someone hasn't been before and they really wanna check it out. Don't get me wrong It's a really cool Texas barbecue experience, and I think everyone should try it at least once. The atmosphere, property, pit, service, and reasonable prices are all great. I just wish the actual barbecue lived up more to the reputation. One thing I absolutely loved, though, was their barbecue sauce. I normally don't like the mustard/vinegar-style yellow-orange bbq sauces, but theirs was easily a 9/10. So while the food itself didn't blow me away, the overall experience was definitely worth it.
Addy was our server and she was fast and super friendly. she helped us make our lunch selections and both were right on point. he had bison rib and brisket and i had pork and brisket. the potato salad was unusual but tasty. overall all sides were very good and the bbq was delicious! definitely the star of the show. restaurant is large enough to accommodate groups and an outside area would be nice in cooler weather. this was a great stop on our road trip and a definite recommendation!
I've lived in Texas for almost 15 years, and today I finally made it to the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood. It's one of those iconic Texas BBQ spots that's been on my list for years. As you pull in, you're greeted by a large dirt parking lot and several rustic buildings where all the BBQ magic happens. We had a group of 12, and despite the restaurant being packed, we were seated almost immediately. On the way to our table, our host stopped to show us the famous open BBQ pit, which was definitely worth seeing. We couldn't resist snapping a few photos--it was a really cool experience. I ordered a plate with sausage, brisket, and a beef rib, along with potato salad, beans, and coleslaw. The sausage was the standout--it was absolutely delicious. The brisket was a little on the dry side but still flavorful, and the beef rib had more fat than I prefer. The sides were solid and complemented the meal well. Overall, the food was good, but it didn't quite have the "wow" factor I was expecting after hearing so much about Salt Lick over the years. That said, the atmosphere, history, and unique BBQ pit make it a fun place to visit at least once. If you're looking for a classic Texas BBQ experience, it's definitely worth checking out.
I mean the food was good. We couldn't, for the life of us, figure out the difference between the small plate and the regular plate, aside from the $8 price difference, as the actual amount of food was the same (despite the extra side) I mean otherwise a pretty good place to eat! Super cute, fun vibe.... Very very very loud but fun! The servers were stellar considering how busy it was.
This is a must try! Service was amazing! Super helpful. Big place to eat inside and outside! It's a whole experience here with live music and all! Food was so good . First time having bison ribs and so worth it super good! And it's BYOB so f yea awesome!!!
Service was great! I was expecting more since I'm from California, however this was ok, I wasn't super impressed for my standards. Baked beans - too salty Coleslaw- good Potato salad - ok Brisket good Rips fine Cobbler good. Ambiance - Great Overall ok, personally I wouldn't go out of my way to come back but happy to have tried it once.
Really great space with relaxing ambiance. Outdoor patio is dog friendly and they also sell alcohol (beers & wine) in their Salt Lick cellars. There was also live music when we visited on Friday. Just bought the Thurmans plate with a little bit of everything. The pork ribs were very tasty. Best part of the meal was the blackberry cobbler. We went in July so its blackberry season, so so fresh and tasty. Would highly recommend.
Been thinking about this BBQ since our visit in early March. It was absolutely delicious and a total vibe. There was a wait, so we got a bucket of beers at the bar area next to the restaurant. Lots of great spots to sit and soak in the sunshine. When you're on your way to being seated, you walk past the grill where you see alllllll of the bbq. It is HOT and the staff is working hard! This place is a well oiled machine and definitely has its customer service down. I ordered a plate with turkey and brisket with some Mac n cheese, and we also got the beef ribs. It was truly delicious and I would love to be able to go back and try other options! Definitiely seems like a Texas bbq staple.
Love this place. Been going here for years and it never disappoints. Got my favorite, the pork ribs, also ordered the beef ribs which were good but not as good as the pork. Sides were kickin for sure. Love the vibe.
Atmosphere is fantastic and great for families & large groups wanting a Texas feel. Lots of parking available and even a welcome shed to greet you & give you directions for drinks and getting a table. Once inside we were quickly seated and waited upon. Drinks & food were quickly delivered. I've been to Salt Lick many times in the last 40 years. While the buildings and space have increased and expanded, the food is nowhere near what I remembered. We ordered the chicken & brisket plates. Both were a disappointment. The chicken was dry and the sliced brisket overcooked. The sides were coleslaw beans & potatoes. The coleslaw was a heavy vinegar type. Highlight of the evening was the country musician who sang in the hallway. Great touch and really set the Texas mood for the evening,
We drove past this place, not having heard any of the hype on our way back down from Austin and I had to look it up since it was such a huge place I thought wow they must have some good stuff. Realizing it was a barbecue place we definitely had to try it on our next trip down from Austin and so we stopped in on a Monday afternoon actually and I was happy to see that they were open. When we pulled in, there was plenty of parking but trying to figure out where to go was a bit confusing because there were signs pointing to the "Salt Lick barbecue" at different buildings so it took us a minute to figure out where we need to go. Once inside the smell was amazing and we thought we are sure and for a treat, especially seeing the huge open flame grill, and all of the hanging sausages! I ended up ordering a brisket plate and have ordered a pulled pork sandwich. The plate came with about half a pound of brisket, coleslaw, potato salad, and beans. A pulled pork sandwich came with the same. Our food was served within about 10 minutes and everything looked amazing and we were impressed with the size of hubby's sandwich! We quickly discovered that they pulled pork sandwich was not actually going to be edible as a sandwich because the bread was pretty soaked through from the sauce and it quickly fell apart and was way too messy so he ate it with a fork lol! Other than the mess, he said, he pulled pork, not overly fatty. It was very well smoked and had a nice spice to it. My brisket on the other hand was very thinly sliced and while I asked for lean brisket, which I routinely get from other barbecue places, and I am very happy with, that was not the case here. The brisket was very dry, and there was very little if any flavor at all to it. Because it was like so deadly any bark that was on the edges was pretty much gone, which is OK if they dream the fat, but it just really left it flavorless and I needed to slather on the sauce in order for it to really be enjoyable. Speaking of the sauce that was pretty black cluster as well if they seem to be mustard based and the peppery one was really the only flavorful sauce. the other milder one was pretty bland. Unfortunately, the blindness doesn't end there. I felt like the potato salad consisted of what you typically find in a breakfast taco type of potatoes and the coleslaw with a vinegar based, but it was also pretty flavorless. Fortunately, we opted for the split cobbler and got half peach half blackberry topped with ice cream and that dessert was absolutely amazing! I would likely not go back here though, and probably wouldn't take anyone specifically for this barbecue. The venue is really nice though and it has a nice ambience so if you're looking for that and OK Ish barbecue then this would be your place.
1 month ago
Salt Lick BBQ never disappoints. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was perfect, and our waiter Major made the experience even better with friendly, attentive service. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area. Ask for Major, he will get you squared away!!! Top Notch service!! read more
1 month ago
2 months ago
1 month ago
If you haven't gone to Salt Lick you absolutely need to make sure it's on your Bucket List! This is by far one of the best most iconic BBQ joints in Hill Country. The grounds are massive so you get an idea of how good and how busy it gets! We lucked out by swinging by on a Thursday for supper. When you walk in you get the sweet Smokey aroma of BBQ. Then you get a peek into where all the magic happens and it is BBQ heaven! Our server Dru was so incredibly sweet, helpful and provided us with good suggestions. Definitely come VERY hungry because portions are substantial! I ordered the Bison & Beef ribs with slaw and potato salad. The RIBS were absolutely juicy and flavorful. Fair warning though, Bison is leaner so you won't get the fat punch like you do from Beef. They were both amazing and gnawed on them bones until they were clean! I got pretty full but did put a small dent in the slaw and potato salad. Both solid! My wife ordered the Smoked Chicken with beans, slaw and potato salad. Again very delicious, smoky and juicy! It was a lot of food but delicious! We ordered the half and half Peach/Berry Cobbler à la mode to go, but ended up eating it in their beautiful patio while we listened to an amazing Gal musician belt out some great tunes! They also have a Wine Cellar tasting room and a gift shop. Tons of indoor and outdoor dining areas including some really cool private places under pergolas and foliage. read more
13 days ago
Ok so this is obviously of the most famous places for bbq and always shows up in magazines and tv as one thee places to go so I had high expectations I'll say it's busy it's definitely got that ranch vibe given its located off the beaten path and yes it's basically a ranch style restaurant Funny enough they have a dr who tardís which stands out hahaha But yeah the staff was friendly and the smells are big and you can see the bbq on your way in and out and it's definitely a vibe but is it the best bbq? Not quite My beef ribs were not that tender which is a hummer and the food was not blow me away but still. Solid Maybe it's because they have to serve so many that maybe if you arrive first you get the first offerings of all night cooking and have great tender yum vs get it out and still have good food read more
I've had barbecue all over Texas, including all the famous spots in Austin, so I was excited to finally try Salt Lick. The property itself is beautiful, huge, and really cool, and the barbecue pit when you first walk in is an awesome experience you can see all the meat cooking and even take pictures and videos. The hostess and waiter were very friendly and helpful. The only thing I found a little annoying was the check-in process. Even though it wasn't very busy, they directed us to a computer to sign in instead of just seating us. The prices were also very reasonable for the amount of food and the overall experience. We got there around noon and I really wanted beef ribs and brisket, but we were told the beef ribs would take another 30 minutes, so I went with the bison ribs and brisket combo. Everyone at our table specifically asked for moist brisket, but unfortunately it was pretty dry and not fatty at all. For a barbecue restaurant with this kind of reputation, the brisket was honestly disappointing. The bison rib was good but not amazing and had a noticeable gamey flavor. The coleslaw was probably the worst part very bland. The potatoes were really good, while the beans were just average. Overall, I'd go back only if someone hasn't been before and they really wanna check it out. Don't get me wrong It's a really cool Texas barbecue experience, and I think everyone should try it at least once. The atmosphere, property, pit, service, and reasonable prices are all great. I just wish the actual barbecue lived up more to the reputation. One thing I absolutely loved, though, was their barbecue sauce. I normally don't like the mustard/vinegar-style yellow-orange bbq sauces, but theirs was easily a 9/10. So while the food itself didn't blow me away, the overall experience was definitely worth it. read more
Addy was our server and she was fast and super friendly. she helped us make our lunch selections and both were right on point. he had bison rib and brisket and i had pork and brisket. the potato salad was unusual but tasty. overall all sides were very good and the bbq was delicious! definitely the star of the show. restaurant is large enough to accommodate groups and an outside area would be nice in cooler weather. this was a great stop on our road trip and a definite recommendation! read more
I've lived in Texas for almost 15 years, and today I finally made it to the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood. It's one of those iconic Texas BBQ spots that's been on my list for years. As you pull in, you're greeted by a large dirt parking lot and several rustic buildings where all the BBQ magic happens. We had a group of 12, and despite the restaurant being packed, we were seated almost immediately. On the way to our table, our host stopped to show us the famous open BBQ pit, which was definitely worth seeing. We couldn't resist snapping a few photos--it was a really cool experience. I ordered a plate with sausage, brisket, and a beef rib, along with potato salad, beans, and coleslaw. The sausage was the standout--it was absolutely delicious. The brisket was a little on the dry side but still flavorful, and the beef rib had more fat than I prefer. The sides were solid and complemented the meal well. Overall, the food was good, but it didn't quite have the "wow" factor I was expecting after hearing so much about Salt Lick over the years. That said, the atmosphere, history, and unique BBQ pit make it a fun place to visit at least once. If you're looking for a classic Texas BBQ experience, it's definitely worth checking out. read more
I mean the food was good. We couldn't, for the life of us, figure out the difference between the small plate and the regular plate, aside from the $8 price difference, as the actual amount of food was the same (despite the extra side) I mean otherwise a pretty good place to eat! Super cute, fun vibe.... Very very very loud but fun! The servers were stellar considering how busy it was. read more
This is a must try! Service was amazing! Super helpful. Big place to eat inside and outside! It's a whole experience here with live music and all! Food was so good . First time having bison ribs and so worth it super good! And it's BYOB so f yea awesome!!! read more
2 months ago
Service was great! I was expecting more since I'm from California, however this was ok, I wasn't super impressed for my standards. Baked beans - too salty Coleslaw- good Potato salad - ok Brisket good Rips fine Cobbler good. Ambiance - Great Overall ok, personally I wouldn't go out of my way to come back but happy to have tried it once. read more
Really great space with relaxing ambiance. Outdoor patio is dog friendly and they also sell alcohol (beers & wine) in their Salt Lick cellars. There was also live music when we visited on Friday. Just bought the Thurmans plate with a little bit of everything. The pork ribs were very tasty. Best part of the meal was the blackberry cobbler. We went in July so its blackberry season, so so fresh and tasty. Would highly recommend. read more
Been thinking about this BBQ since our visit in early March. It was absolutely delicious and a total vibe. There was a wait, so we got a bucket of beers at the bar area next to the restaurant. Lots of great spots to sit and soak in the sunshine. When you're on your way to being seated, you walk past the grill where you see alllllll of the bbq. It is HOT and the staff is working hard! This place is a well oiled machine and definitely has its customer service down. I ordered a plate with turkey and brisket with some Mac n cheese, and we also got the beef ribs. It was truly delicious and I would love to be able to go back and try other options! Definitiely seems like a Texas bbq staple. read more
Atmosphere is fantastic and great for families & large groups wanting a Texas feel. Lots of parking available and even a welcome shed to greet you & give you directions for drinks and getting a table. Once inside we were quickly seated and waited upon. Drinks & food were quickly delivered. I've been to Salt Lick many times in the last 40 years. While the buildings and space have increased and expanded, the food is nowhere near what I remembered. We ordered the chicken & brisket plates. Both were a disappointment. The chicken was dry and the sliced brisket overcooked. The sides were coleslaw beans & potatoes. The coleslaw was a heavy vinegar type. Highlight of the evening was the country musician who sang in the hallway. Great touch and really set the Texas mood for the evening, read more
We drove past this place, not having heard any of the hype on our way back down from Austin and I had to look it up since it was such a huge place I thought wow they must have some good stuff. Realizing it was a barbecue place we definitely had to try it on our next trip down from Austin and so we stopped in on a Monday afternoon actually and I was happy to see that they were open. When we pulled in, there was plenty of parking but trying to figure out where to go was a bit confusing because there were signs pointing to the "Salt Lick barbecue" at different buildings so it took us a minute to figure out where we need to go. Once inside the smell was amazing and we thought we are sure and for a treat, especially seeing the huge open flame grill, and all of the hanging sausages! I ended up ordering a brisket plate and have ordered a pulled pork sandwich. The plate came with about half a pound of brisket, coleslaw, potato salad, and beans. A pulled pork sandwich came with the same. Our food was served within about 10 minutes and everything looked amazing and we were impressed with the size of hubby's sandwich! We quickly discovered that they pulled pork sandwich was not actually going to be edible as a sandwich because the bread was pretty soaked through from the sauce and it quickly fell apart and was way too messy so he ate it with a fork lol! Other than the mess, he said, he pulled pork, not overly fatty. It was very well smoked and had a nice spice to it. My brisket on the other hand was very thinly sliced and while I asked for lean brisket, which I routinely get from other barbecue places, and I am very happy with, that was not the case here. The brisket was very dry, and there was very little if any flavor at all to it. Because it was like so deadly any bark that was on the edges was pretty much gone, which is OK if they dream the fat, but it just really left it flavorless and I needed to slather on the sauce in order for it to really be enjoyable. Speaking of the sauce that was pretty black cluster as well if they seem to be mustard based and the peppery one was really the only flavorful sauce. the other milder one was pretty bland. Unfortunately, the blindness doesn't end there. I felt like the potato salad consisted of what you typically find in a breakfast taco type of potatoes and the coleslaw with a vinegar based, but it was also pretty flavorless. Fortunately, we opted for the split cobbler and got half peach half blackberry topped with ice cream and that dessert was absolutely amazing! I would likely not go back here though, and probably wouldn't take anyone specifically for this barbecue. The venue is really nice though and it has a nice ambience so if you're looking for that and OK Ish barbecue then this would be your place. read more
7 months ago
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. read more
6 months ago
This is clearly a populate place! We arrived right as they opened at 11am on a Saturday morning. There was already a line that had formed to be seated but no wait to speak of. The hostess who greeted us was nice and friendly. Restaurant is huge and has tons of various dining spaces, as this was our first time here, we wanted to sample all of the meats, so we each got a combo plate in order to try the beef brisket, pork rib, pulled pork, sausage, and chicken. My favorite meat was the pulled pork, followed by the sausage. My dining partner's favorite was the beef brisket, followed by the pork rib. So we each had a different ranking and they were all excellent. Our server was great, despite being a trainee. She got everything perfect for us. My reasons for a star deduction: The potato salad was great but it is served room temp. That's odd to me. Potato salad, even if doesn't contain mayonnaise, should be served cold! The other "needs improvement" is the restrooms. At best, I would rate the cleanliness as a C+/B- Would I come here again? Not sure. I'm not a local so I'd probably be inclined to keep searching. Am I glad I came and would I recommend it? Yes, I think so. read more
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. read more
1 month ago
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. read more
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 read more
A trip to Salt Lick is certainly an experience. It's not your typical BBQ "shack" - more like a BBQ compound. If you visit on a weekend, you'll definitely see loads of international tourists celebrating Texas BBQ with a selfie or two. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, with separate waiting lists for each. Even though there's friendly table service indoors, if you want a bottle of beer or glass of wine with your BBQ you'll have to go to a separate building and get that yourself. I got the Thurman's Choice platter to sample the holy trinity (brisket, ribs, sausage). It was solid but not spectacular, and the portion was on the small side by Texas standards. Great place to take out-of-town friends and family if you're looking for a Texas BBQ theme park experience. read more
1 month ago
This place is iconic. A friend took me out to lunch. We ordered the all you can eat platter. They brought out ribs, brisket, and sausage. For sides, they brought out coleslaw, beans, potatoes, and rolls. Had the cobbler and ice cream for dessert. The food was good but the service was what made this place. Loved the experience and will go back. It was a great value, compared to a lot of bbq places, as well. read more
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. read more
9 months ago
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
1 year ago
This is such a fun place! My husband said he used to come here as a kid and lucky for his nostalgia, the place hasn't changed much. I loved the rustic old west cowboy camp set up and imagine this is a really fun place to take kids. We ordered and found a spot at the picnic style tables. Food came out pretty fast and everything was delicious. They also made ordering gluten-free very easy and i was pleased to see that their bbq and even some of the sides were gf. Delicious and iconic. Definitely not to be missed. read more
3 months ago
1 month ago
One of my favorite places to eat bbq. I always order the pork ribs and turkey plate. However, this time I ordered brisket and IT WAS SOOO DELICIOUS. The service and the ambiance were really good. An amazing place to go, chill and eat yummy food. read more
2 months ago
11 months ago
The Salt Lick has good, but not the best, barbecue in Texas, but it outshines the rest in terms of value, Texas ambiance, and friendly service! I went there with my brother who was visiting. He likes the "all you can eat" option, and he can eat a lot! For $33.95, they provide brisket, sausage and port ribs, along with healthy portions of Cole slaw, beans and potato salad. You can get as many refills as you want, and they don't judge! We had about 3 refills, until we were so stuffed and couldn't eat anything more. They even let you take the leftovers home! Our server, Dylan, was so friendly and accommodating. I requested less fatty brisket for the second portion, and he provided it with a smile. The only thing that was missing was mustards for a condiment. I don't like barbecue sauce and always use mustard to accompany brisket, sausage and ribs. read more
22 days ago
6 months ago
It goes without saying the Salt Lick BBQ is 90% hype and 10% legit deliciousness, but it's a place that you sorta kinda have to do at least once in your life if you're in the Austin area. My husband loves this place, so he was begging to go during the SXSW festival. We phoned up our local friends and decided to meet them for an early Sunday lunch. They were eager and arrived prepared! Apparently Salt Lick has free corkage, because they came with several bottles of wine and water in a packable cooler, LOL! Apparently, locals know what's up! Note that Salt Lick is about a 45 minute drive from Austin proper, so I'd recommend a rental car I you want to visit. An Uber would be prohibitively expensive, I'm sure. The drive is easy and takes you through rolling hills and residential areas, so at least there's that. We had a reservation for 11:30 and the place was already busy when we arrived. There's a massive (and I mean MASSIVE) dirt and gravel parking lot with plenty of free parking. Seating is at communal picnic tables, which isn't the most comfortable. What is it with Austin and picnic tables? I'm old, dude: I need a chair with back support! Anyway, we sat down and ordered some grub. I got the turkey plate that had a couple of nice slices of perfectly smoked turkey, some beans, slaw and a small (too small) portion of potato salad. The two boys in our group got the all-you-can-eat deal, which seemed like a total bargain considering how much they packed away! My gal pal got turkey as well, and we had a large macaroni and cheese to share. The food was good, but kinda overpriced for what you get. The potato salad and beans were my favorite items on the plate. Hubby and his buddy raved about the burnt ends, and they ordered several re-orders (and consumed them all). Service was quite good, as our server continuously checked on us to make sure we were happy and our bellies were getting full. After lunch, I went to take a look at their famous smoker. It's impressively large, with a hot fire going to roast in all the juices in the yummy bbq. It sorta made me wish I still ate red meat because it smelled SO GOOD. My husband purchased a funny MEATallica t-shirt in the adjacent gift shop, which is a must-stop if you want souvenirs to take home. They sold all the sauces, spices, and more, and it's a great place to pick up some surprisingly affordable Austin-specific gifts. I supposed I am glad we made the trek out to Salt Lick, and I certainly enjoyed my meal and left stuffed. The grounds are massive and the outdoor seating area is lovely, and I would go here again in a few years' time (but I don't see the need to come here often). Is Salt Lick BBQ good? Yeah, it is. Is it among the best BBQ joints in the world? Probably not. read more
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More info about The Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Fm 1826
Driftwood, TX 78619
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(512) 858-4959
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http://www.saltlickbbq.com/
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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.
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…
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
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.
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.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
314 reviews that are not currently recommended
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