The Salt Lick Barbecue

Looking for amazing barbecue food, Austin? Then let’s start with this question: Where is the best BBQ in Texas?

I love BBQ. Yes, love is a strong word, I know…but I could honestly eat good ol’ fashioned Texas BBQ three days a week and never tire of it.

I’m always looking for “the best of.” So I mentioned to one of my co-workers that I wanted to find the best BBQ restaurant in Texas.

Without hesitation, and in a strong Texan accent, he said, “Have y’all ever been to The Salt Lick?”

Now I’m not a native Texan, and I thought that “y’all” is something you say to more than one person, so I was a little confused. But getting quickly past that and listening intently, I caught a gleam in his eye that told me that I was about to be let in on a Texas gem.

He told me that “down over yonder in the hill country there is an ol restaurant that has ribs that fall off the bone and brisket to die fer.”

This sounded like my kinda spot. So I grabbed my girl and hopped in my car and headed on out to The Salt Lick.

I didn’t know what to expect. But as I pulled up and saw the restaurant, my senses were not disappointed.

Shadowy Brittany and The Salt Lick sign

First off, I could smell the BBQ when I was still a good 500 yards away. I pulled into the dirt parking lot which was full of cars, and the aroma of Texas BBQ was droolworthy. I could also hear some live music coming from somewhere in the distance.

We walked in and a gal offered us a taste of brisket right off the BBQ pit. It was honestly the best BBQ I’ve ever had in my entire life. The meat just melted in my mouth and the flavor was indescribably excellent.

This qualifies as a big barbecue pit

After we were seated, I learned a little about the history of the place. The meat-cooking method used at The Salt Lick is from the Roberts family and the roots date back to the mid-1800s!

There are several locations: Round Rock, Austin Airport and Driftwood. But in order to get the full effect, you need to go to the original location: the one in Driftwood.

The Driftwood location is great for large country gatherings

Listen, I can’t recommend this place more highly. Get on out there and check it out for yourself.

the Austinot asks:
Do you think you know of another BBQ joint I need to check out? Comment below and let me know.