The Salt Lick BBQ — Restaurant in Dripping Springs

I AIN’T AFRAID OF FOOD AND I AIN’T WORRIED ABOUT MY BODY IMAGE AT SALT LICK BBQ!!! I love Texas BBQ, especially SALT LICK’s in Driftwood Texas! It’s an emotional experience for me every time I’m there! I’ve been telling Ray aka TV (The Villain on this trip) about Salt Lick for the last 3 years. (I had the great privilege of living in Texas Hill Country for a few years, then moved back to Cali a year and half ago. Biggest mistake of my life leaving the GREATEST STATE EVER!!!) One of the great things about Texas is its BBQ! Also Texans ain’t afraid of food! They ain’t shallow and appreciate character and values above appearances. So I ate like I was grateful and didn’t worry about calories! While living in Hill Country, my personality changed without my permission! Salt Lick was a part of that personality change! The staff is the definition of Southern Hospitality, welcoming, friendly and hard working with a smile on their faces at all times! The Pit Masters are always available and happy to answer all your bbq-ing questions! Food is the perfect representation of TEXAS BBQ! Brisket perfectly season with salt & pepper, smoked to perfection with smoke ring & tasty bark! Ribs as tender as Rays love (when he’s acting right!), sides are off the hook!!! Let’s start with the Salt Lick Potato Salad! So good, you’ll wanna start dancing on the table (I danced on a table once, during my drinking days. I heard, I was like a dark haired Shakira! God, I wished someone had taped it!) The potato salad isn’t your typical mayo type. It’s more like a cold German type potato salad, kinda vinegary, or so I thought, until googled it and found a copy cat recipe! It turns out it’s pickle juice that makes a difference! There’s also some other ingredients and techniques used, that threw me a curve ball, to make their special potato salad. Ya gotta try it! Cole Slaw is refreshing and not mayonnaisey! (I HATE MAYO, as much as I hated my father’s empty promises!) All meals are served with Texas customary condiments; pickles, sliced white onions and bread. For dessert I happily (without reluctance and guilt) order Blackberry Cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! You Know Who (Ray, The Villain) enjoyed it too! He started acting right, and thanked me for bringing him to Salt Lick! (I’m crossing my fingers, he gets back to Main Star status in my reviews, again). TV is a fabulous BBQer and is known in his community for his smoked brisket, so he thinks he’s the connoisseur of BBQ. One of the pit masters gave TV a tip on how to smoke his meat a notch better. They made Ray very happy! The atmosphere is always party mode on weekends, with live music and lots of outdoor seating to enjoy the music! Beautiful Hill Country surroundings! Lots of aged trees to provide plenty of shade for outdoor seating! I JUST LOVE SALT LICK!!! I’M GONNA MISS YA, SL!!! Until next visit!

Ps. Salt Lick, I would Willie Love a t-shirt! I wear a women’s size medium! (I collect Willie shirts; “I Willie Love Christmas!”, “Have A Willie Nice Day!”, “Fellin’ Willie Good”, “Have A Willie Merry Christmas!” “Havin’ A Willie Good...

The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, TX, is an authentic culinary destination that embodies the soul of Texas barbecue. Situated at 18300 Ranch to Market Rd 1826, just a short, relaxing drive from Austin, this iconic spot draws barbecue enthusiasts from all corners. The moment you step onto the rustic grounds, surrounded by towering oak trees and the unmistakable aroma of smoked meat, you know you’re in for a treat.

The crown jewel of Salt Lick BBQ is its unparalleled smoked flavor. The meat, kissed by oak and pecan wood, is an experience in itself—tender, juicy, and infused with a deep, robust smokiness that lingers on the palate. Their bison ribs are a standout, a personal favorite that is nothing short of exceptional. The ribs are perfectly cooked, with a rich, gamey flavor that is enhanced, not overshadowed, by the signature smoke. But make no mistake, every item on the menu benefits from the same meticulous attention to detail and expert technique, resulting in dishes that are consistently excellent.

Each bite of the barbecue is a symphony of flavors—savory, smoky, and slightly sweet. This masterful balance is complemented by thoughtfully chosen sides, particularly the frijoles, which add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the hearty meats. The fresh, warm bread is another highlight, perfect for soaking up the last of the barbecue sauce, a tangy and slightly spicy concoction that is just as much a part of the experience as the meat itself.

Salt Lick’s service is another reason it remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient, ensuring that your meal is delivered promptly and with a smile. However, given the restaurant’s popularity, especially on weekends, the service can feel a bit rushed at times. The bustling atmosphere, with its large crowds and lively energy, can sometimes detract from the leisurely dining experience that the tranquil setting suggests. Despite this, the staff manages to maintain a high standard of service, accommodating the demands of a full house without compromising on quality or warmth.

The dining experience is rounded out by an impressive selection of craft beers and wines. The beverage menu is curated to perfectly accompany the robust flavors of the barbecue, offering everything from local brews to rich, full-bodied wines. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a wine enthusiast, you’ll find something that pairs perfectly with your meal, adding a touch of sophistication to the rustic charm of Salt Lick BBQ.

In conclusion, Salt Lick BBQ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary pilgrimage for anyone who appreciates the art of barbecue. The outstanding smoked flavor, combined with a well-rounded menu and a beautiful setting, makes it a must-visit. Despite the occasional hurried pace, the overall experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re there for the bison ribs, the craft beers, or simply to enjoy some of the best barbecue in Texas, Salt Lick BBQ delivers every time, leaving you eager to return for another bite of...

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?...