Salt Lick BBQ Day 1

The first time we had “real Texas BBQ” was at the Salt Lick not far from Austin outside of the small town of Driftwood, TX. Eating in a barn style hall on rough sawn tables and benches with hundreds of other meat eaters was an experience to say the least.

As you drive into this ranch, Texas State Troopers in uniform, manage the parking and first come, first serve, cash only crowd. Located in a dry portion of Hays County, the ranch did not serve alcohol on our original visit. The owners have since added a wine tasting room where you can wait for your number to be called for dinner, although the website says BYOB.

Salt Lick BBQ

18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826,

Driftwood, TX 78619

Restaurant: 512-858-4959

saltlick@saltlickbbq.com

Originally opened in 1967, the Salt Lick is still family owned and boasts three generations of the Roberts Family. Located out in the Texas Hill Country, no reservations, cash only, and BYOB, meat eaters really want to come to the Salt Lick for beef brisket, sausage, pork ribs. New additions to the menu include turkey and chicken.

The menu includes an all you an eat portion, family platters, single plates, and sandwiches. You can also purchase all of the meat varieties by the pound. This dinner is home style, Texas Hill Country BBQ at its best.

Having learned our lesson after the first visit, the All You Can Eat option is way too much food. We have since learned to buy the single combo plates. Eduardo and Vic always order the sausage and brisket and Gennie is a fan of the brisket and pork ribs. The side portions are very generous and include potato salad, cole slaw & beans. If that is not enough, bread, pickles & onions are available upon request.

The popularity of the Salt Lick is well known and after a trip to see our son in Austin, people ask us, “Did you go to the Salt Lick?” The family has opened several more locations. We have visited the one in Round Rock and although the food is supposed to be the same, the ambiance of the old ranch in Driftwood is much more Texas!

WE had plans to visit family in Austin just after Christmas and Salt Lick was to be our first BBQ stop. However, Steve came down with the flu and our trip was cancelled. Looking forward to Salt Lick on our next trip. Thanks to your postings Steve and I and Ginger have booked the OAT trip to Sicily and Calabria for this fall. Can't wait!

The Old Settlers Music Festival had a home in Driftwood for may years. Salt Lick BBQ was always a delight and an important part of the festival experience. The sides at the Salt Lick were especially interesting as the wife of the original owner added Japanese influences from her childhood that continue to this day. While I appreciate their BBQ, I'll take Smitty's any day!

Have you been to the Treaty Oak in Austin? I viewhave a picture book about it called The Tree That Would Not Die.

Randy and I went there when we were at the University of Texas!

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