Located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. Experience living history and our legendary open pit where we have smoked our meats since 1967. Just a short, scenic drive from Austin, our famous barbecue awaits.
Our Driftwood location now accepts both credit and cash. We are still BYOB, but you are welcome to visit Salt Lick Cellars next door for beer and wine to-go and enjoy it at the restaurant.
Venerable outpost serving Texas-style BBQ with famous sauces & rubs in a relaxed, rustic setting.
Jelis Temali
I was visiting Austin for a work trip and someone recommended this BBQ spot stating it was the best in Texas so I had to go try it! The service was so quick and friendly, there was plenty of seating and parking, so there was no wait for, but we did go during the week so keep that in mind. Food was traditional BBQ and was super tasty! We ordered the beef ribs, brisket and sausage with a side of Mac and cheese, my favorite was the ribs and sausage but it was all incredible. I recommend if you are in the area.
… moreNathan Sallee
Clearly one of the best BBQ places on planet earth. The bison ribs are incredible and huge! Something special they put in there potato salad definitely. Took my wife here for the first time and we will definitely be coming back soon. Not sure about the servers name but he was great on point super fast and had a great attitude. Honestly pretty fairly priced especially for BBQ in the greater Austin area. I have to say since moving here this is definitely the best barbeque spot overall. The pork ribs and brisket is really good also. Very filling was unable to eat it all so had leftovers. Parking lot is huge but luckily we got here early in the day close to noon when the crowd isn’t so bad. Just a regular size plat is plenty if you ask me. Also there bread and pickles are both good as well. The smell of this place is amazing reminds you that you live in Texas. BBQ beans are great and love the Mac also.
… moreV Vart
My personal experience at Salt Lake was great overall. The service and friendliness were easily a 10/10 — from the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed. The lady up front who helped us was especially friendly and made the experience even better.
As for the food, I’d give it a solid 7/10 overall. The brisket was good quality (7/10) — was it out of this world? No, but it was still enjoyable and well prepared. The coleslaw and sausage were both excellent, 10/10.
I also really liked that you can choose your beers, which is a nice touch and adds to the experience.
Even though the brisket wasn’t mind-blowing, the overall quality, atmosphere, and service absolutely make this place worth it. I’d happily give this restaurant 5 out of 5 and would come back again.
… moreDafne Algarin
Finally made it to the Salt Lick today. I have to say that the hype is well deserved. Everything was amazing. Winners of the day: the turkey (you MUST have the turkey!), the bison and beef ribs. I FINALLY understand the fascination with burnt ends! The sausage is homemade and addictive. The brisket and pulled pork are better with the bbq sauce. Which you can buy at their general store (just saying). Prices are quite reasonable. Went on a Monday afternoon, so it was quiet and relaxed. Our server was awesome and all his recommendations were on point. (I’m sorry I forgot your name but you recommended the turkey and the peach cobbler. Thank you!)
There’s plenty of parking but they do have a reputation for lengthy lines on the weekends so plan accordingly! You can also call in your order ahead, so that might save you a headache. There are picnic areas and kids zone.
Do yourself a favor and make it a day trip, you won’t regret it!
… moreGraham Stone
We were disappointed in our experinece at the Salt Lick. The rustic cabins where the food is served are quaint but noisy and not so comfortable, and having to walk from one side of the property to the other so you can spend $6 for a bottle of beer – that you then carry back to your table – does not make for an enjoyable lunch. Unfortunately the plates were somewhat mediocre. My wife’s ribs were delicious, but the brisket was full of fat, my brisket was the same, mostly fat, but the sausage was delicious. The baens were OK Neither of us could eat what we thought was potato salad on top of chopped lettuce or maybe coleslaw. It was a disappointment all round.
… moreAnnie K
Perfect Texas Hill Country spot. The food is delicious and comes out super fast, service was spot on. The ambiance is exactly what you’re looking for in a family BBQ joint. They had live music and the outdoor seating is plentiful. We enjoyed the little bar in the back for drinks but the venue itself it BYOB. We saw many parties with large coolers for their drinks of choice
… morechad mandry
Setting up the reservation for our 30 guests was easy through the email provided. This was a wedding reception location at the request of my Daughter. We were able to book the Star Garden, if gladly do it again. The greenery entrenched lattice that completely costs the top and back of the seating area gives a very intimate dining experience with the low output chandeliers in place. It gives a forest like experience(a positive) to the evening as the sun sets.
We couldn’t be happier. They have never failed us. Our server, Chelsea was amazing. She crushed the service and was prompt in her efforts. She made the evening seem like a simple party of 4 with how calm an very accommodating she was.
… moreJuan Chavira
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.
… morehila tal
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.
… moreMatt O’Neill
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.
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