The Salt Lick BBQ

The Salt Lick BBQ

18300 Ranch to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, United States

+1 512-858-4959

Barbecue restaurant, Family restaurant, Meat dish restaurant, Restaurant
(18486)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Driftwood, Texas, The Salt Lick BBQ is an iconic barbecue restaurant famed for its authentic, mouthwatering Texas-style smoked meats and family-friendly atmosphere. This legendary eatery invites BBQ lovers to indulge in the rich, smoky embrace of slow-cooked pork ribs, tender brisket plates, and a full BBQ pit experience that captures the very essence of Central Texas barbecue.

Step onto the warm, rustic patio where the faint scent of hickory smoke mingles with the fresh Texas air. The Salt Lick BBQ’s culinary offerings are a celebration of tradition and flavor. Sink your teeth into their legendary pork ribs that boast a perfect balance of charred crust with juicy, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The brisket plate is a standout, richly seasoned with their signature blend of spices and smoked to a sublime melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Paired with classic sides like creamy macaroni and cheese, fresh coleslaw—a lighter take on the usual mayonnaise-heavy versions—and smoky baked beans, each bite delivers layers of depth and satisfaction.

For those who cherish hearty, comforting meals, the Family Style all-you-can-eat option is a must-try. For just $32.95, guests can indulge in an endless parade of beef brisket, sausage, pork ribs, classic potato salad, and coleslaw—a perfect feast to share with loved ones of all ages (kids 10 and under enjoy a special price of $11.95). Sundays hold a special charm with exclusive offerings like the prime rib served with potatoes au gratin and green bean casserole, or the subtly spicy habanero chicken, providing something truly unique for meat lovers on a leisurely weekend.

The Salt Lick BBQ also shines in its desserts, serving warm peach cobbler topped with creamy ice cream and the rich, nutty chocolate pecan pie that adds a sweet finish to a smoky, savory meal. Don't miss their homemade BBQ sauces, especially the Salt Lick original, which perfectly complements every dish, enhancing the smoky flavors without overpowering them.

Beyond just food, The Salt Lick is known for its welcoming, laid-back setting and attentive service that makes every visitor feel like family. Whether you’re enjoying live music on the spacious patio on a sunny afternoon, like Donnie Strybos who praised the efficient, friendly service and lively ambiance, or savoring a quiet solo meal as Kieran Whiteman did, this BBQ joint adapts effortlessly to every dining occasion. Animal lovers will appreciate the pet-friendly outdoor seating, allowing you to bring your furry friends along as Kate happily experienced during her visit.

Each visit to The Salt Lick BBQ is a sensory journey where hearty Texas tradition meets warm hospitality. The crackle of coals, the aroma of smoked meats, and the genuine smiles of servers create an experience so authentic and satisfying that many, like Anke Owen and hila tal, return time and again, each time discovering new favorites and fond memories around the table.

For those craving a true taste of Texas barbecue done right, The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood is an irresistible destination that promises not only exceptional food but an unforgettable dining experience.

Contact Information:
18300 Ranch to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, United States
Phone: +1 512-858-4959

Service options
Outdoor seating On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Fireplace Great dessert Live music Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol All you can eat Coffee Comfort food Private dining room Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Lively Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Donnie Strybos
    2 month ago

    Great overall experience. Weather was perfect. Low 80s on 12/26 so ate on tge patio. Live music. Pretty much ideal. Service was good, fast. BBQ was solid and reliable. Not disappointed at all. This place handles high volume crowds well and is very efficient. Overall great time for a party of 6 at 4pm.

  • Kieran Whiteman
    2 month ago

    I came here on my own as part of a BBQ and Wine Tour where I had the most amazing meal. I had the Bison Rib and Brisket where I personally thought the brisket was better then Terry Blacks which I'd had the day before (Terry Blacks brisket is still incredible but Salt Lick's was just that bit better) My server was super helpful and friendly especially as I was on my own and was happy to help with I had any questions. Highly recommend!

  • Kate
    2 month ago

    Last time I visited here was about 10 years ago. I love the BBQ! Personally I don’t like coleslaw at all cause Mayonnaise, but I love Salt lick coleslaw. It’s light, fresh and unique. I ate two servings of it. The potato salad and the beans are tasty, too. I brought our dog during the trip and they have outdoor area that you can enjoy you meal with you pups. Very pet-friendly. The host is very friendly. Out waitress is nice, too. Oh man… I already miss the food.

  • Anke Owen
    3 month ago

    We really enjoyed our first visit to Salt Lick. From the host, to our server, everything was super friendly. We really enjoyed that you could order plates of food and it was the perfect amount. We had ribs, pulled pork, sausage and brisket. My favorite was definitely the ribs and pulled pork. My husband loved the pulled pork and sausage. The brisket was sadly a bit on the dry side. The sides were good, just the potato salad could be a bit more creamier. We definitely will be back.

  • hila tal
    3 month ago

    We drove out just past Austin to Driftwood to finally visit The Salt Lick BBQ, and it lived up to the experience people always talk about. The original ranch location is huge, beautiful, and genuinely charming, and that unmistakable smell of barbecue the second you arrive. We went on a Friday morning, which turned out to be the perfect choice. Unlike the packed weekends, we could really enjoy the setting without long lines or crowds. The food was excellent across the board. The brisket was tender and flavorful, but what surprised us just as much were the side dishes, which were clearly made with care and didn’t feel like an afterthought. And then came dessert: a warm cobbler with peaches and berries topped with ice cream, which was absolutely incredible and the perfect way to end the meal. Service was wonderful. Our waitress was incredibly sweet, attentive, and impressively efficient — warm without hovering, and everything came out smoothly. Overall, it was a fantastic experience: great food, a stunning ranch setting, and genuinely kind service.

  • Matt O'Neill
    3 month ago

    Some of the best barbecue in Texas. A big restaurant, short wait for a table (with no reservation), lovely team and excellent service. Food was amazing, perfect brisket, ribs and sides dishes. Good value for money, well worth a stop or even a special trip here. Really friendly people around, suitable for families and large groups. Plenty of parking, big open spaces and meat smoked on site. Really a great place to go.

  • Shuangyu Luo
    3 month ago

    Visited on a Saturday around 4:30 pm to avoid the dinner rush. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a very warm welcome. I tried “Thurman’s Choice,” which allowed me to enjoy brisket, pork rib, and sausage in one meal. The meats were cooked just right—flavorful without being too salty or greasy.

  • Juan Chavira
    4 month ago

    Salt Lick near Austin absolutely lives up to its legendary reputation. From the moment you see the massive open pit with flames licking the grates and sausages hanging above the smoke, you know you’re in for something special. Every dish we tried was packed with bold, authentic Texas barbecue flavor. The brisket was tender and juicy with a perfect smoke ring, the sausage had that satisfying snap and deep, smoky richness, and the ribs were beautifully glazed and cooked just right. Even the sides held their own—classic, comforting, and clearly made to complement the meat rather than distract from it. The sandwiches were equally impressive, piled high with flavorful, smoky meat and served on soft buns that soaked up every bit of goodness without falling apart. This is the kind of place where nothing feels rushed or overdone—just honest, expertly prepared barbecue served in a rustic, welcoming setting. Salt Lick isn’t just a meal; it’s a full Texas BBQ experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Austin area or anyone who truly appreciates great barbecue.

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