We abstained from breakfast in preparation for a pilgrimage of sorts to the Salt Lick barbecue joint about 30 miles outside of Austin. I was really looking forward to the all you can eat, Texas pit goodness. I can go ahead and tell you I wasn't disappointed.
The restaurant itself is massive, setting on a rural property of several acres. It had rows of wine grapes out front, a building for every type of gathering, and a burning hickory smell that sets the mouth to watering. The friendly staff seated us in a large rustic room near a fireplace. And then the food began
Endless pork ribs, beef brisket and pork sausage. Two types of sauce. Burnt ends, lean or fatty brisket. It was absolutely amazing and I indulged. We were able to get a single refill of our unlimited supply but no more. As a huge fan of smoked meats and all things fire related, I can tell you with some certainty that this is some I'd the finest BBQ you will ever eat.
The restaurant itself is massive, setting on a rural property of several acres. It had rows of wine grapes out front, a building for every type of gathering, and a burning hickory smell that sets the mouth to watering. The friendly staff seated us in a large rustic room near a fireplace. And then the food began
Endless pork ribs, beef brisket and pork sausage. Two types of sauce. Burnt ends, lean or fatty brisket. It was absolutely amazing and I indulged. We were able to get a single refill of our unlimited supply but no more. As a huge fan of smoked meats and all things fire related, I can tell you with some certainty that this is some I'd the finest BBQ you will ever eat.
Menu: ★★★☆☆
It's a barbeque place so the menus is relatively simple. Plenty of different meat options, some decent sides, and the family style option really go me going.
Food: ★★★★☆
This place is about smoked and savory meat. If you can't get behind that, I doubt anything I say will convince you. Piles of delicious, succulent brisket (best I've ever had), fall off the bone pork ribs, smoke sausage that is unfortunately overshadowed by it's meatier brethren. Sauce is amazing: just the right blend of tangy South Carolina style and peppers from the southwest, with a subtle sweetness. The star off is for the almost afterthought sides. In a cowboy state, I really expect the beans to be top notch. And the slaw was wimpy. But who eats side when you have a pile of barbecue in front of you?
Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
You feel as if you're on a ranch. You are, actually, on a ranch. Seated near a fireplace with the smells drifting through the air. Home.
Service: ★★★★★
Really on point. Fabulous waitress that kept the good stuff and the refills coming.