BIKINIS & BBQ DOES SALT LICK
The Salt Lick BBQ Review: Hill Country Legend, Meat & Memories
Well, sugar, if you’re fixin’ for a true‐Blue Texas BBQ experience, we took a road trip out of Austin to visit The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood—and let me tell you: it’s rich in history, heavy on the smoke, and full of charm.
The Story Behind the Smoke
Founded in 1967 by Thurman Roberts Sr. and his wife Hisako Roberts on land their family had held for generations, The Salt Lick didn’t start fancy—it started with one big open rock‐and‐concrete pit and a dream. The pit still stands at the original location.
Their barbecue style is rooted in family tradition: meats smoked over live oak wood, pecan hulls tossed in to add the final flair, and a signature sauce that doesn’t contain tomato so it won’t burn bitter.
It’s not just barbecue—it’s Texas Hill Country history on a platter.
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What we ordered
Smoked brisket—marbled, tender, with bark that had flavor to spare.
Hill Country sausage links—snappy, savory, and perfect with a cold drink.
Full spare bison ribs—smoked long, pulled clean off the bone.
Sides that know their job: house potato salad, sesame‐seed coleslaw, pickles & onions (yes, ask for them).
Banana Bread Pudding and Peach and Blackberry Cobbler
The verdict
Here’s the truth: The Salt Lick is really about the experience. The hill country drive, the open pit, the rustic house full of smoke and laughter—it all adds up. The ambiance is unmatched. There is a vineyard and wine bar on-site as well. Try the BBQ House Red with the ribs!
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 out of 5 — Because as much as we loved it, there’s always room for the next bite.
Good to Know
📍 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
⏰ Open Sunday to Saturday starting at 11 AM
👉 Try the all you can eat option!
🌐 saltlickbbq.com
Would we go back?
In a heartbeat. Two bikini-toppin’ BBQ lovers from Austin found a sweet spot in Driftwood to savor, laugh, and indulge. The Salt Lick isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory in the making. And darling, next time we’ll come hungry and ready for seconds.
