If you visit the American South, chances are the state you visit claims to have the best Bar-B-Q in the country, if not the world. Now, I’m not here to dispute that, as far as I’m concerned they are probably all correct because being the “best in the world” is generally a subjective matter, especially in terms of food.
The state I visited was Texas and I had plenty of flame broiled, perfectly-saused cow, pig, and turkey. But the one the that stood out immeasurably was the Salt Lick in Austin.
When I say Austin, I actually mean 40 minutes out of Austin in a place they call Driftwood, near literally nothing. But oh mercy it is worth it. Especially if you happen to know someone with a car. The Salt Lick is a family-run business whose recipes and processes trace back 4 generations. The restaurant is very unpretentious and the focus is most certainly all on one thing: providing the best Bar-B-Q they know how.
As you enter the property you are greeted by the Maitre de who takes your name and gives you a buzzer to let you know when your table is ready. It is well assumed that there will be some kind of a wait for food. Remember though, this is a good thing: you want to be plenty hungry.
Our group of 5 took up a seat outside after visiting their small cellar: The Salt Lick only allows BYO alcohol, which, if you forget you can purchase from their liquor store. Very convenient, though an odd policy if I do say so myself.
An hour of waiting flew by and before we knew it, we were being seated inside a large, yet cosy hall, complete with enormous barbecue pit to grill the meats. Looking at the menu is a mere formality though because, let’s face it, you’re ordering the “Family style”.
The Family Style is the all-you-can-eat option and costs a mere $20. They’ll bring out a mixed plate of beef ribs, pork ribs, brisket, sausage and turkey. (Chicken, pulled pork and prime rib are also on the menu, just ordered separately) For me, I couldn’t get past the brisket. I mean, all 4 options were mouth wateringly delectable, but the brisket was something else all together. So moist, so tender, and the sauce used to baste it with: absolutely divine.
Before you know it you’re regretting eating so many sides and bread, and wishing you spent more days leading up expanding your stomach in preparation for such an onslaught. The fun doesn’t stop there though, once we were done, our pretty much full plate was wrapped up for us in a take-home pack to enjoy tomorrow.
If you’re ever remotely close to the Austin area, do yourself a favour and stop by The Salt Lick, Driftwood, where if your vegetarian doesn’t turn you’ll get your money back.
Feature image courtesy of Anthony Quintano via Flickr.
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[…] my last trip to the States I spent some time in a few of Texas’s cities, but I also discovered a gem out in Texas Hill Country that fit that bill perfectly. Just an hour […]
Great post – I’m getting hungry just looking at the pictures. 20 bucks for beef ribs, pork ribs, brisket, sausage and turkey seems incredibly good value! What better combination, amazing food at cheap prices!
Yeah it’s incredible value and even better meat! The sides are also surprisingly good…but as far as I’m concerned that’s just wasting stomach space!