Spot on with the comment "80% atmosphere, 20% food". Salt Lick is a gem in the area when you want to get out of town, get some dirt on your shoes, and enjoy the hill country. Sure, you could get better BBQ all over Austin, but this place shouldn't be judged on that scale. It's just super fun to go to, especially with guests that aren't into the modern BBQ scene.
PERFECTLY said JP. Living in far North Austin area, I go to the Round Rock location about twice a year or so. But I started going to Salt Lick when there was nothing else, I still love the atmosphere, enjoy the occasional day trip with family friends, and there is NOTHING like that sauce anywhere.
I have to agree. Salt Lick wasn't may favorite BBQ place in "Austin" but it wasn't horrible at all. Fun place, worth the trip, but I think you can find better BBQ close by.
Quit hemming and hawing around here. The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
I live about 5 minutes from the Salt Lick and your review is spot on. The sausage is tops, ribs are pretty good and the brisket is so so. Their consistency is all over the place though. For me I usually head into town for BBQ at Terry Blacks or Leroy and Lewis. But when company is in town I always take them to the Salt Lick. The atmosphere is classic and the BBQ isn't half bad. One thing you didn't mention is that it's BYOB. So, load up a cooler and settle in for the long haul. BTW the place can get packed on a holiday weekend with hour long waits to get a table... just sayin.
I agree with you and others that it is really more about the atmosphere and the experience as a day trip than it is about the food. Friends and family visiting from out of state will enjoy the drive and the “experience”, but Lockhart is not all that far and you will still get that “Texas BBQ Town” experience there, plus better brisket. And yes, the sausage is the best meat item on the Salt Lick menu.
This is really what most Texas BBQ outside of the classic places in Lockhart and Taylor was like before the craft BBQ boom. The brisket is exactly like what I grew up eating the panhandle in the ‘80s and ‘90s. This kind of place was very common. Franklin and and the other craft places took the Lockhart/Luling/Taylor style and turned it up to 11. It’s a great perspective on how much BBQ has changed so dramatically in the last 20 years.
The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
This is what I was thinking too. I grew up in Austin and near Houston. Salt Like reminds me of the old school mom and pop BBQ from late 80’s. Now BBQ has become a “gourmet” style. I’m not going to wait 4-5 hrs for BBQ when I can go to an East Austin BBQ pit outside of someone’s house!
Definitely agree and get the 'craft bbq' label though has a precious or snob quality to it. I see too many comments putting down Franklin etc because of that sentiment. Spent years at UT Austin and many afternoons at Salt Lick with a cooler of beer and my buddies mowing down mounds of smoked meat. My favorite these days is Terry Black's on Baron Springs in Austin. Much love to Salt Lick.
Best review I've watched on UA-cam. Honest down to earth description, and explanation of where you both are coming from. So much so, I feel like I've been there. This my friends is how it is done.... Bravo
Salt Lick is not overhyped. It’s a destination that is laid back and not part of the current bbq elites striving for perfection. Want to relax, get a seat without lining up at 4am, have some good bbq WITH sauce, Salt Lick is the place to go. Their vineyard is good too if you don’t take it all too seriously. All very enjoyable.
Thank you for the honest review. Hopefully Salt lick doesn't get all butt hurt and puts a little more effort into the food. I traveled 15hrs and spent about $150 for a disappointing experience. I personally would never go back.
I'm a 20+ year Austin area resident. Salt Lick is about quantity and atmosphere over quality. Very few all-you-can-eat BBQ places anymore. More of a tourist attraction in the past few years with tour buses always in the parking lot.
I do like taking visitors there - it’s a good excuse to take a trip out of the city, the location and vibes are real nice, and visitors don’t have a great bbq palette so they usually think it’s pretty good. Plus (sacrilege I know) I do like their sauces.
@@DoctorSess we had Valentina's when we visited Austin for the first time. It was amazing! My only regred is not going back the next day and the next. I don't know much about Texas /Tex Mex BBQ but I'm learning and that place was great!
@@loganramsey1957 yeah Valentina’s is solid. I tried their brisket and ribs, both were great. I actually smoke my own meat in a traditional offset smoker and was wondering how much better could the pros stuff be? Well as soon as I bit into the brisket from Franklin’s I realized that I still had a lot to learn before I mastered the craft. It was just that good, melt in your mouth. Valentina’s isn’t quite on that level but still very good and it was also a lot more chill of an atmosphere with a much shorter line which is a huge plus. Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for quality BBQ in Austin without waiting an hour or two.
Glad to see some real bbq guys review this place. One of my least favorite bbq spots in the area and it gets way too much attention. Rudy’s bbq has better food than Salt Lick and it’s a shame for how much history it has.
Lol, they opened up a Rudy’s here in town and people say my BBQ is better. So thanks for making my day and saving me a trip to this place, my BBQ is twice as good!!!
It definitely used to be one of the best and in past years has fallen away from the top. It’s funny to me that it’s mentioned there’s no difficulty parking, in it’s prime it didn’t matter how much space they used for parking there was always a shortage. Glad y’all enjoyed some of it, Salt Lick was the first taste of BBQ I ever had so maybe there was no “prime” and I’m just biased and remembering it wrong lol. Glad y’all enjoyed some of it though! Enjoy the rest of your time here in Texas!
I agree with this assessment. We live west of Katy and when we traveled out there we would make it a point to go to the Salt Lick. Each time was progressively not as great. Is it bad? No! It is good, but isn’t what it used to be. (judging by our visits, but YMMV) Come on Salt Like. Do better!
Ten years ago I used to eat there regularly. I would get the then $22 all you could eat platter and down a couple pounds of brisket and ribs easily. BBQ quality was usually amazing, but also sometimes hit or miss. You are right that parking lot would be completely full with hundreds of people waiting outside in the heat.
I'm happy the way yall reviewed Salt Lick. It was a fair and honest review of their bbq and sauce. Ranch style beans are a staple in Texas that no other state seems to grasp (that I know of) . Heck, I can't remember sitting to a family meal without a bowl on the dinner table. It is nice not to blow out your taste buds on a side, and still taste your dessert. Deter and detour the craft heads away so we can selfishly continue enjoying the hill country views, hot Texas women, local music, to ourselves😁.
Quit hemming and hawing around here. The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
I grew up in Florida and Sonny's BBQ was the definition of BBQ to me. I ate at Salt Lick in 2017 and it was my first (and only) experience with BBQ IN Texas. I thought it was phenomenal at the time and it set me on the path to find good brisket. Been learning from you and Chud's and smoking my own for the last few years. I'd love to go back to Texas and try others eventually. The best Texas style brisket I've found (outside of TX, haven't tried a ton of places) is Firehole BBQ in West Yellowstone.
Glad you mentioned the sauce -- I'm a local here, and while their BBQ isn't up to the top shelf of Central Texas places around here, that spicy sauce is one of my overall favorite BBQ sauces.
The Salt lick is one of the few places that consistently have my favorite part of the Brisket, the burnt ends. I consider their spicy bbq sauce “s” tier. I always have a bottle in my house
The problem with MOST of these BBQ places is they were GREAT when smaller and when quality control was conducted by the owner (pitmaster) but then they grow and get too big for their britches and quality control drops off like a rock....it's why I hover to my hole in the wall BBQ places when the pitmasters are still close and personal to the BBQ they produce.
love your review. every other review on youtube portrayed this place as the most amazing place you can visit. meanwhile, yours is realistic because this is how normal folks would get when they visit
Salt Lick definitely has an A team, but it just depends on when they're on their game. They have a huge problem with consistency from having been there a bunch. It's never bad, but it's not always phenomenal. The atmosphere is always fantastic, especially sitting outside under the iconic southern oak trees during a beautiful day. Your review was generous. I hope Salt Lick sees this and works on their pit management and consistency.
Thanks for an honest review. As soon as I saw the elaborate prep area where they don’t really smoke, I could sense you were going to get over-priced, low-quality barbecue, with inconsistent and forgettable flavors and textures.
Being from Texas I have been to Salt Lick many times and it is definitely a tourist spot. You definitely go for the atmosphere with the family rather than the actual food. It’s not bad but definitely a bunch of better bbq joints
Hey Jeremy great review. To be honest I was kind of worried when I saw the title but y'all were going to tout this place is being phenomenal. Glad to see our taste buds are in line with each other to some degree. When I first moved to the Austin area 12 years ago everyone harped on the place. So I went and was sorely disappointed. Their meat flavoring was mediocre and their mustard-based sauce was absolutely nauseating. To be fair I tried a second time thinking maybe I just got a bad experience the first time. However, my second experience was the same. I will never go back again. It's not the absolute worst barbecue I've had, but definitely could make better BBQ at home and not spend as much money. Honestly I think Dickey's has better flavor even though their food is way over cooked. Hell even a Buc-ee's sliced beef sandwich is better! That was an excellent review as well. In fact I'm on the road to Houston at the moment and I'm about to stop at Buc-ee's to get a sandwich. LOL. Next time y'all are in Austin area oh, y'all need to have an event like y'all did in KC I'd love to attend. Between you and Bradley from chud's oh, y'all have totally changed my barbecue game... Thanks a million!
Ill offer my add on review. 1. location is superb. 2. meat is good (bison rib is what I went for) 3. sides were meh for the area. 4. service was a little tourist trappy. Theres better bbq in the area but this location itself is pretty awesome and worth an occasional trip.
Definitely all about the atmosphere, the driftwood location is BYOB. We live about 20 minutes away and hit up breweries on the way to Salt lick, this is an absolutely 100% legit review. Y’all hit all the points, keep up the great work and videos!
Fair review guys. I lived 10 miles from Salt Lick and used to love love love the stuff. Last time back Salt Lick SUcKED - everything was Old, tough, chewy. And the barker at the entrance had a Joisy accent. Tip - Shockingly Kroger Carolina Style BBQ is a pretty good proxy for Salt Lick sauce - crisp, clean flavors. It's actually not as sweet as SL's. Head out to Lockhart and give me updates on Blacks, Smitty's and the other place I always blank on.
I watched this with remembrance the pit they were cooking on brought 👌 it all back the best BBQ 👌 I have ever eaton was not in Texas but in Iron City GA many years ago thanks for the recall God Bless
Great channel. I like how you give an honest opinion on everything that is on the plate even the side dishes. Also do you have any suggestions for a smoker that is lower to the ground? I’m in a wheelchair and one that’s lower would be easier and safer.
I don't know your budget, but maybe a cabinet smoker, like a Backwoods Chubby. It can be mounted on wheels or on the ground, so it can be accessible from different heights. I've heard it's a solid smoker too.
There are many places that will build the smoker that will work for you Ryan. There’s a guy here on UA-cam that builds smokers and sells em and I’m gonna order one from him this summer. His name is Alan and I’ll have to double check but I think his channel is under Alan’s Welding. I’ve been subbed to him for years and will double check the name for you. He is in Louisiana and build’s beautiful, functional smokers and I know he would build one that would fit you perfectly. I’m unfortunately going to have to have something similar built for myself Ryan. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to use my legs. My spine was broke in 3 places two different times and I’ve had 14 surgeries and it’s just getting to the point where it’s getting really hard, and painful to get around or stand, and my legs are beginning to get really weak but i refuse to give up and I’m not gonna quit making my bbq! Hang in there brother!! Let me know if you need anything and check out Alan’s channel. He’s a great guy that is an artist with the torch and welder
I put Salt Lick in the same category as Cooper's in Llano. Mediocre and over priced. But "Remember, the Beans are Free!" Inman"s Kitchen Bar-B-Q across the street is MUCH better. And their ones are to die for.
@@brisketwizard8004 Gonna have to strongly disagree with you there brother. I don’t know how you had an experience that made you put those two together. Coopers is consistently top notch. Their worst day is better than Salt Lick’s best. When was the last time you went and what did you get?
A very honest and fair review. I used to live 3 miles from the Salt Lick and we’d always take guests there so they could experience it, but in my opinion the food is a 6 out of 10 and always has been. The ambiance is a 10 out of 10, and it’s very crowded on the weekends, especially on UT football weekends…it’s a lot of fun being there when the place is packed. Used to BYOB only, but I see now there is Salt Lick Cellars next door where you can buy beer and wine. But they still allow customers to bring their own. We used to bring martinis.
The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
When my wife and I first visited Austin, we went to the Salt Lick and loved it. Once we moved there we found that there were so many other better places for actual BBQ, but the atmosphere was always great. Agree on the desserts and sauce. I made my first brisket 2 weeks ago and it was better than what I've had at the Salt Lick. 😅 Now we're in central Oregon, and there's no good BBQ; I'm gonna be stuck making my own (how sad 😉).
Vinegar based coleslaw with black sesame seeds or celery seeds has been typical in the upper midwest. Grew up on those and the mayo style dressing type coleslaw.
Love your videos! Someone needed to tell you that the best thing there is the beef rib!! I’ve tried everything there and now I just get the beef rib plate! (And cobbler).
Accurate review. It's tourist BBQ like Hard 8. Never really great, sometimes disappointing, but usually better than most dads can do in their backyard. Hands down the best atmosphere for BBQ. Roll up with a bunch of friends with a full cooler and enjoy your day. Pro tip, order whatever cobbler they have that day and eat it BEFORE you get into the meats. That way you'll at least be able to enjoy what is consistently the best thing they put out every day.
Wish you could have tried this place back in the day before they expanded. We use to go all the time...BYOB. Still good, but it's become a little too big and touristy and I feel the BBQ and suffered because of it...but the sausage and sides can't be beat. Still a really cool place.
I went the The Salt Lick in the early 80s as a kid and a few times after that.. its a really solid place. They prepare ALOT of food as opposed to some of those food truck/small shops that only have a few hours worth of food.
Salt Lick is for hanging out and drinking, used to live up the road and hauled the remnants of many kegs over on Sunday afternoons to finish off with friends we brought and new friends we met there.
Man. We'd make group trips out there during college back in the day to get their "all you can eat" plates. Loved the sauce and making sammiches there. Definitely not up to the"new" bbq standards, but it's got great nostalgia feels for me.
Salt Lick holds a special place for me. I first went there over 30 years ago after seeing a spot on "great chefs of the west" and it didn't resemble the massive complex that it is today. Sure I've had better Texas BBQ but Salt Lick will always be my first.
IIRC, the owner’s mom is Japanese-Hawaiian. She came up with the coleslaw and sauce recipes so that’s why there’s an Asian Hawaiian influence of sesame seeds in the slaw and pineapple in the sauce. There’s too many great options for much better BBQ in town now so there’s no reason to go out to Salt Lick any more. However, I do have fond memories from the ‘90s when all-you-can-eat was $9.99.
I’ve eaten at Snows and Franklin. Though the meat itself was great at those places, the taste of the Bison rib and Brisket at salt lick takes the cake for me. Whatever they mop the meat with is amazing!
The Salt Lick in Driftwood was my first taste of Texas BBQ. This was back in the late '90s, and I was in Austin on a business trip. Growing up in the Northeast, I thought that "barbecue" was any meat with barbecue sauce on it. My eyes were opened that day.
The all you can eat option is really the main reason to go there. you get the 3 meats you ordered, beans, slaw, bread all unlimited and can even take a plate home to go. You can eat a plate there and take one home to go and its definitely worth it
Been to this place since the late 80's, always loved the experience & always got the Buffet style . This is not a place for bbq connoisseur for sure, this is more for the experience and for someone wanting to visit local things to do in Austin area ....
Have been there 2 times. Coming from MN, It was very good. I have also been to Blacks and Kreuz's as well. Of course they where some what better. Never got to Franklins cause the line was always way too long. Next trip to Texas, I will checking out the Dallas BBQ scene..Salt Licks sauces are very good.
Love Saltlick. One of the best experiences I’ve had eating BBQ. I did the all you can eat and found that I really loved the ribs. They were different but it stands out as one of the best dig in and eat meals of my life. Also the staff was great. I proudly wear my Saltlick t shirts.
Fun atmosphere interesting sauce my fav was the sausage as well. The other meats are better than average but not more. I enjoyed the review very honest.
I went to 6th st on my 21st birthday and stayed up all night bar hoping drinking and possibly doing some coke. Then the next day after not sleeping all night went to the salt lick with my best friend and had a bbq feast. I was feeling like shit by this point in the day but the food was so good. I’ll never forget that place.
I live within 20 minute drive of the Salt Lick. I’ve only been there a few times for big group gatherings. It’s a great venue for big groups. It’s not a place to go eat great BBQ. Jeremy, next time you’re in our area, I encourage you to visit Cooper’s BBQ in Llano Tx. Cooper’s is the true OG BBQ restaurant in central Texas and has been consistently good for decades. I also invite you to join me at our family ranch, great outdoor cooking, hog hunting etc. I’ll show you the real Texas.
When I was at UT in Austin my buddies and I would go there. It's all you can eat and byob. I have my own stick burner now and more discerning but no more fun times than me and my rowdy rugby buddies sitting on picnic tables drinking Lone Star and massive amounts of meat.
My wife and I went to a family wedding down in Austin a few years ago and one of the pre-wedding meals was Texas BBQ. Now being from Kansas City MO, and realizing that OUR BBQ originated in Texas, I was expecting quite a tasty treat was awaiting us. When my wife and I took a bite, she quickly looked over at me and said, " Your BBQ is much better than this!" I use an Oklahoma Joes offset smoker and we do Thanksgiving with baby back ribs, brisket and burnt ends. ...................and turkey as an afterthought!
Terry Blacks for me as well....Salt Lick is only good to get sauce from. The mustard style is great and I use it for Pork Butt (lived in Columbia SC for a while) Good review. The thing they do at Salt Lick that is unique is a German flair to their Slaw and Potato Salad. That is my take.
When I was in college, we’d get a bunch of people together, roll a keg into Salt Lick, and get the all-you-can eat. It’s pretty mediocre for TX BBQ, but that was always a fun experience.
Coopers is friggin 🔥 But, I don't think its 17/lb any more, sadly. I have been to all the best spots around central Texas. I live here and love BBQ. Coopers is my personal favorite. I havent been to snows or the newer spots...so, yknow. Take it with that in mind. But the beef rib at Coopers is TOP TIER. Brisket is very damn good too. Life hack: the sirloin is the same price as brisket. Try some, get it dipped.
Sounds kind of like Salt Lick is a good place for families and groups to gather for a nice afternoon, and have some decent food. Nothing mind blowing, but solid for the experience. I may go there next time I am in the area. Sounds cool.
Spot on with the comment "80% atmosphere, 20% food". Salt Lick is a gem in the area when you want to get out of town, get some dirt on your shoes, and enjoy the hill country. Sure, you could get better BBQ all over Austin, but this place shouldn't be judged on that scale. It's just super fun to go to, especially with guests that aren't into the modern BBQ scene.
PERFECTLY said JP. Living in far North Austin area, I go to the Round Rock location about twice a year or so. But I started going to Salt Lick when there was nothing else, I still love the atmosphere, enjoy the occasional day trip with family friends, and there is NOTHING like that sauce anywhere.
I have to agree. Salt Lick wasn't may favorite BBQ place in "Austin" but it wasn't horrible at all. Fun place, worth the trip, but I think you can find better BBQ close by.
Quit hemming and hawing around here. The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
Shit bbq
I live about 5 minutes from the Salt Lick and your review is spot on. The sausage is tops, ribs are pretty good and the brisket is so so. Their consistency is all over the place though. For me I usually head into town for BBQ at Terry Blacks or Leroy and Lewis. But when company is in town I always take them to the Salt Lick. The atmosphere is classic and the BBQ isn't half bad. One thing you didn't mention is that it's BYOB. So, load up a cooler and settle in for the long haul. BTW the place can get packed on a holiday weekend with hour long waits to get a table... just sayin.
this was my exact experience when I went few years ago. Sausage great, ribs good, and brisket was meh. Beautiful place though.
100% agree. I've been several times, and the quality was different each time. and yes the sausages are the BEST
The slaw looks mighty boring i will admit
Well said…. I too am a local. It’s a no go for me!
I agree with you and others that it is really more about the atmosphere and the experience as a day trip than it is about the food. Friends and family visiting from out of state will enjoy the drive and the “experience”, but Lockhart is not all that far and you will still get that “Texas BBQ Town” experience there, plus better brisket. And yes, the sausage is the best meat item on the Salt Lick menu.
This is really what most Texas BBQ outside of the classic places in Lockhart and Taylor was like before the craft BBQ boom. The brisket is exactly like what I grew up eating the panhandle in the ‘80s and ‘90s. This kind of place was very common. Franklin and and the other craft places took the Lockhart/Luling/Taylor style and turned it up to 11. It’s a great perspective on how much BBQ has changed so dramatically in the last 20 years.
The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
This is what I was thinking too. I grew up in Austin and near Houston. Salt Like reminds me of the old school mom and pop BBQ from late 80’s. Now BBQ has become a “gourmet” style. I’m not going to wait 4-5 hrs for BBQ when I can go to an East Austin BBQ pit outside of someone’s house!
Definitely agree and get the 'craft bbq' label though has a precious or snob quality to it. I see too many comments putting down Franklin etc because of that sentiment. Spent years at UT Austin and many afternoons at Salt Lick with a cooler of beer and my buddies mowing down mounds of smoked meat. My favorite these days is Terry Black's on Baron Springs in Austin. Much love to Salt Lick.
Best review I've watched on UA-cam. Honest down to earth description, and explanation of where you both are coming from. So much so, I feel like I've been there. This my friends is how it is done.... Bravo
Salt Lick is not overhyped. It’s a destination that is laid back and not part of the current bbq elites striving for perfection.
Want to relax, get a seat without lining up at 4am, have some good bbq WITH sauce, Salt Lick is the place to go.
Their vineyard is good too if you don’t take it all too seriously. All very enjoyable.
Highly disagree it doesn't even compete with joints in the hill country that aren't considered as part of the elite.
No.
Rudy's has better food, lol
Bullcrap. It's just not very good. Slightly better than Bill Miller. Which, you should NEVER eat.
Thank you for the honest review. Hopefully Salt lick doesn't get all butt hurt and puts a little more effort into the food. I traveled 15hrs and spent about $150 for a disappointing experience. I personally would never go back.
Shit bbq
As a born and raised person from Austin im sorry
I'm a 20+ year Austin area resident. Salt Lick is about quantity and atmosphere over quality. Very few all-you-can-eat BBQ places anymore. More of a tourist attraction in the past few years with tour buses always in the parking lot.
All I know is that Franklin’s brisket was amazing. Also had Valentina’s which was good as well.
I do like taking visitors there - it’s a good excuse to take a trip out of the city, the location and vibes are real nice, and visitors don’t have a great bbq palette so they usually think it’s pretty good. Plus (sacrilege I know) I do like their sauces.
Totally, the experience is fun for visitors, foods fine, but better bbq other spots
@@DoctorSess we had Valentina's when we visited Austin for the first time. It was amazing! My only regred is not going back the next day and the next. I don't know much about Texas /Tex Mex BBQ but I'm learning and that place was great!
@@loganramsey1957 yeah Valentina’s is solid. I tried their brisket and ribs, both were great. I actually smoke my own meat in a traditional offset smoker and was wondering how much better could the pros stuff be? Well as soon as I bit into the brisket from Franklin’s I realized that I still had a lot to learn before I mastered the craft. It was just that good, melt in your mouth. Valentina’s isn’t quite on that level but still very good and it was also a lot more chill of an atmosphere with a much shorter line which is a huge plus. Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for quality BBQ in Austin without waiting an hour or two.
Glad to see some real bbq guys review this place. One of my least favorite bbq spots in the area and it gets way too much attention. Rudy’s bbq has better food than Salt Lick and it’s a shame for how much history it has.
Totally agree
Rudy’s In Houston is always bitter papas bbq is the best chain bbq in Texas
Went once. Never again… Great atmosphere, below average BBQ & sides.
Lol, they opened up a Rudy’s here in town and people say my BBQ is better. So thanks for making my day and saving me a trip to this place, my BBQ is twice as good!!!
Tons of better joints in the Hill Country than Salt Lick. Though their meat shrine is pretty iconic.
It definitely used to be one of the best and in past years has fallen away from the top.
It’s funny to me that it’s mentioned there’s no difficulty parking, in it’s prime it didn’t matter how much space they used for parking there was always a shortage.
Glad y’all enjoyed some of it, Salt Lick was the first taste of BBQ I ever had so maybe there was no “prime” and I’m just biased and remembering it wrong lol. Glad y’all enjoyed some of it though! Enjoy the rest of your time here in Texas!
I agree with this assessment. We live west of Katy and when we traveled out there we would make it a point to go to the Salt Lick. Each time was progressively not as great. Is it bad? No! It is good, but isn’t what it used to be. (judging by our visits, but YMMV) Come on Salt Like. Do better!
Ten years ago I used to eat there regularly. I would get the then $22 all you could eat platter and down a couple pounds of brisket and ribs easily. BBQ quality was usually amazing, but also sometimes hit or miss. You are right that parking lot would be completely full with hundreds of people waiting outside in the heat.
When I lived in Austin 15 years ago it was so much better
I'm happy the way yall reviewed Salt Lick. It was a fair and honest review of their bbq and sauce. Ranch style beans are a staple in Texas that no other state seems to grasp (that I know of) . Heck, I can't remember sitting to a family meal without a bowl on the dinner table. It is nice not to blow out your taste buds on a side, and still taste your dessert.
Deter and detour the craft heads away so we can selfishly continue enjoying the hill country views, hot Texas women, local music, to ourselves😁.
Quit hemming and hawing around here. The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
Joe, I love your rib tip shout out. Highly overlooked bbq treat. Go Bears!
I grew up in Florida and Sonny's BBQ was the definition of BBQ to me. I ate at Salt Lick in 2017 and it was my first (and only) experience with BBQ IN Texas. I thought it was phenomenal at the time and it set me on the path to find good brisket. Been learning from you and Chud's and smoking my own for the last few years. I'd love to go back to Texas and try others eventually. The best Texas style brisket I've found (outside of TX, haven't tried a ton of places) is Firehole BBQ in West Yellowstone.
Glad you mentioned the sauce -- I'm a local here, and while their BBQ isn't up to the top shelf of Central Texas places around here, that spicy sauce is one of my overall favorite BBQ sauces.
Spot on man!
The Salt lick is one of the few places that consistently have my favorite part of the Brisket, the burnt ends. I consider their spicy bbq sauce “s” tier. I always have a bottle in my house
The problem with MOST of these BBQ places is they were GREAT when smaller and when quality control was conducted by the owner (pitmaster) but then they grow and get too big for their britches and quality control drops off like a rock....it's why I hover to my hole in the wall BBQ places when the pitmasters are still close and personal to the BBQ they produce.
An honest and accurate review. Kudos.
love your review. every other review on youtube portrayed this place as the most amazing place you can visit. meanwhile, yours is realistic because this is how normal folks would get when they visit
Yeah I agree
Salt Lick definitely has an A team, but it just depends on when they're on their game. They have a huge problem with consistency from having been there a bunch. It's never bad, but it's not always phenomenal. The atmosphere is always fantastic, especially sitting outside under the iconic southern oak trees during a beautiful day. Your review was generous. I hope Salt Lick sees this and works on their pit management and consistency.
Loved the SNL throwback to Da Bears skits!
This should be a permanent thing. Joe Yim is like robin to your batman. Absolutely awesome contributions.
Thanks for an honest review. As soon as I saw the elaborate prep area where they don’t really smoke, I could sense you were going to get over-priced, low-quality barbecue, with inconsistent and forgettable flavors and textures.
Yeah, there's a reason that there was no line.
Honest but not harsh. You guys are a class act. Like your memory of Terry Black's mine is Salt Lick. Now I'm afraid to go back and ruin that memory!
awesome review coming from people that knows bbq. U guys make a good duo.
Being from Texas I have been to Salt Lick many times and it is definitely a tourist spot. You definitely go for the atmosphere with the family rather than the actual food. It’s not bad but definitely a bunch of better bbq joints
loving these on the road type videos.
Love seeing Joe in the videos!
What they’re actually thinking in their minds: “man this brisket NASTY!” 😂😂
Love the Chuds shirt Jeremy 😉
Hey Jeremy great review. To be honest I was kind of worried when I saw the title but y'all were going to tout this place is being phenomenal. Glad to see our taste buds are in line with each other to some degree. When I first moved to the Austin area 12 years ago everyone harped on the place. So I went and was sorely disappointed. Their meat flavoring was mediocre and their mustard-based sauce was absolutely nauseating. To be fair I tried a second time thinking maybe I just got a bad experience the first time. However, my second experience was the same. I will never go back again. It's not the absolute worst barbecue I've had, but definitely could make better BBQ at home and not spend as much money. Honestly I think Dickey's has better flavor even though their food is way over cooked. Hell even a Buc-ee's sliced beef sandwich is better! That was an excellent review as well. In fact I'm on the road to Houston at the moment and I'm about to stop at Buc-ee's to get a sandwich. LOL. Next time y'all are in Austin area oh, y'all need to have an event like y'all did in KC I'd love to attend. Between you and Bradley from chud's oh, y'all have totally changed my barbecue game... Thanks a million!
Pretty cool idea going 'round, reviewing all the classic BBQ joints.
This review series has been a lot of fun to follow.
Haha I’m glad you put the clip with the bears and the packers in here almost spit my soda out lol. Also loved the sandlot reference!
Ill offer my add on review.
1. location is superb.
2. meat is good (bison rib is what I went for)
3. sides were meh for the area.
4. service was a little tourist trappy.
Theres better bbq in the area but this location itself is pretty awesome and worth an occasional trip.
Definitely all about the atmosphere, the driftwood location is BYOB. We live about 20 minutes away and hit up breweries on the way to Salt lick, this is an absolutely 100% legit review. Y’all hit all the points, keep up the great work and videos!
Fair review guys. I lived 10 miles from Salt Lick and used to love love love the stuff. Last time back Salt Lick SUcKED - everything was Old, tough, chewy. And the barker at the entrance had a Joisy accent.
Tip - Shockingly Kroger Carolina Style BBQ is a pretty good proxy for Salt Lick sauce - crisp, clean flavors. It's actually not as sweet as SL's.
Head out to Lockhart and give me updates on Blacks, Smitty's and the other place I always blank on.
Good to see you guys made it there.
I watched this with remembrance the pit they were cooking on brought 👌 it all back the best BBQ 👌 I have ever eaton was not in Texas but in Iron City GA many years ago thanks for the recall God Bless
Great channel. I like how you give an honest opinion on everything that is on the plate even the side dishes. Also do you have any suggestions for a smoker that is lower to the ground? I’m in a wheelchair and one that’s lower would be easier and safer.
A Kamado grill might work for you. It isn't the best smoker but they sure are versatile and without a stand they can be pretty low.
I don't know your budget, but maybe a cabinet smoker, like a Backwoods Chubby. It can be mounted on wheels or on the ground, so it can be accessible from different heights. I've heard it's a solid smoker too.
There are many places that will build the smoker that will work for you Ryan. There’s a guy here on UA-cam that builds smokers and sells em and I’m gonna order one from him this summer. His name is Alan and I’ll have to double check but I think his channel is under Alan’s Welding. I’ve been subbed to him for years and will double check the name for you. He is in Louisiana and build’s beautiful, functional smokers and I know he would build one that would fit you perfectly.
I’m unfortunately going to have to have something similar built for myself Ryan. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to use my legs. My spine was broke in 3 places two different times and I’ve had 14 surgeries and it’s just getting to the point where it’s getting really hard, and painful to get around or stand, and my legs are beginning to get really weak but i refuse to give up and I’m not gonna quit making my bbq!
Hang in there brother!! Let me know if you need anything and check out Alan’s channel. He’s a great guy that is an artist with the torch and welder
Are you looking for an offset? Where are you located?
I suggest you try Coopers BBQ in Llano for old time Texas Style Q.
One of my all time favorite bbq spots.
I put Salt Lick in the same category as Cooper's in Llano. Mediocre and over priced. But "Remember, the Beans are Free!" Inman"s Kitchen Bar-B-Q across the street is MUCH better. And their ones are to die for.
@@brisketwizard8004 Gonna have to strongly disagree with you there brother. I don’t know how you had an experience that made you put those two together. Coopers is consistently top notch. Their worst day is better than Salt Lick’s best. When was the last time you went and what did you get?
Not a bbq joint regular myself, but got to thank you two for covering the lick with honesty.
A very honest and fair review. I used to live 3 miles from the Salt Lick and we’d always take guests there so they could experience it, but in my opinion the food is a 6 out of 10 and always has been. The ambiance is a 10 out of 10, and it’s very crowded on the weekends, especially on UT football weekends…it’s a lot of fun being there when the place is packed. Used to BYOB only, but I see now there is Salt Lick Cellars next door where you can buy beer and wine. But they still allow customers to bring their own. We used to bring martinis.
The BBQ is crap at OUTRAGEOUS prices. Not worth the time or trouble. Salt Lick has NEVER fooled locals and now even the tourists (that gave been to Franklins, Terry Blacks etc) aren't fooled anymore. Why people till flock there amazes me. Hell RUDYS serves far better brisket than Salt Lick.
I agree old bbq joints like Salt Lick and Snows aren’t as heavy and rich like craft bbq joints so you aren’t miserable the rest of the day.
Schoepfs in Belton is amazing
When my wife and I first visited Austin, we went to the Salt Lick and loved it. Once we moved there we found that there were so many other better places for actual BBQ, but the atmosphere was always great. Agree on the desserts and sauce.
I made my first brisket 2 weeks ago and it was better than what I've had at the Salt Lick. 😅 Now we're in central Oregon, and there's no good BBQ; I'm gonna be stuck making my own (how sad 😉).
Vinegar based coleslaw with black sesame seeds or celery seeds has been typical in the upper midwest. Grew up on those and the mayo style dressing type coleslaw.
Very polite way of saying the BBQ is trash… “I’m making a sandwich out of everything if I come here” 😂
If you feel like traveling, head to Seguin, TX to Burnt Bean Bbq
Travel further South to Sinton, TX to Butter's Bbq
Love your videos! Someone needed to tell you that the best thing there is the beef rib!! I’ve tried everything there and now I just get the beef rib plate! (And cobbler).
Accurate review. It's tourist BBQ like Hard 8. Never really great, sometimes disappointing, but usually better than most dads can do in their backyard. Hands down the best atmosphere for BBQ. Roll up with a bunch of friends with a full cooler and enjoy your day. Pro tip, order whatever cobbler they have that day and eat it BEFORE you get into the meats. That way you'll at least be able to enjoy what is consistently the best thing they put out every day.
Wish you could have tried this place back in the day before they expanded. We use to go all the time...BYOB. Still good, but it's become a little too big and touristy and I feel the BBQ and suffered because of it...but the sausage and sides can't be beat. Still a really cool place.
Have you been to Hard Eight BBQ? Several locations in Texas..my favorite location is in Roanoke TX 😊
love that you're wearing the Chuds shirt !!
I went the The Salt Lick in the early 80s as a kid and a few times after that.. its a really solid place. They prepare ALOT of food as opposed to some of those food truck/small shops that only have a few hours worth of food.
the Camping ACR0SS THE STREET IS AWES0ME
Salt Lick is for hanging out and drinking, used to live up the road and hauled the remnants of many kegs over on Sunday afternoons to finish off with friends we brought and new friends we met there.
its their ability to service the customer is why its good
Man. We'd make group trips out there during college back in the day to get their "all you can eat" plates. Loved the sauce and making sammiches there. Definitely not up to the"new" bbq standards, but it's got great nostalgia feels for me.
Great review. Very interesting insight. Also...is that Keegan-Michael Key at 13:46?
Nice analysis. Gotta try Green Mesquite, and Hard Eight as well.
Great video Jeremy, thanks! Are the ribs cooked all the way on that grill, or smoked and finished on it.
Salt Lick holds a special place for me. I first went there over 30 years ago after seeing a spot on "great chefs of the west" and it didn't resemble the massive complex that it is today. Sure I've had better Texas BBQ but Salt Lick will always be my first.
IIRC, the owner’s mom is Japanese-Hawaiian. She came up with the coleslaw and sauce recipes so that’s why there’s an Asian Hawaiian influence of sesame seeds in the slaw and pineapple in the sauce.
There’s too many great options for much better BBQ in town now so there’s no reason to go out to Salt Lick any more. However, I do have fond memories from the ‘90s when all-you-can-eat was $9.99.
I’ve eaten at Snows and Franklin. Though the meat itself was great at those places, the taste of the Bison rib and Brisket at salt lick takes the cake for me. Whatever they mop the meat with is amazing!
The Salt Lick in Driftwood was my first taste of Texas BBQ. This was back in the late '90s, and I was in Austin on a business trip. Growing up in the Northeast, I thought that "barbecue" was any meat with barbecue sauce on it.
My eyes were opened that day.
His comment about the "meat shrine" was awesome, i made the same exact comment my first time there.
The all you can eat option is really the main reason to go there. you get the 3 meats you ordered, beans, slaw, bread all unlimited and can even take a plate home to go. You can eat a plate there and take one home to go and its definitely worth it
Hill Country BBQ is a taste of its own...and it's GOOD!!!
Sure. But not from here. 🤣
Just, go to Coopers. 🤣
My favorite part of this video is Jeremy wearing the Chud's shirt 😊
"I don't know what it is, why it's more fresh" - also has film crew actively filming ;) hehehe
Been to this place since the late 80's, always loved the experience & always got the Buffet style . This is not a place for bbq connoisseur for sure, this is more for the experience and for someone wanting to visit local things to do in Austin area ....
Wish you could have tried 3Halves Brewpub and BBQ when you were in KC a few weeks back. Excellent BBQ.
Have been there 2 times. Coming from MN, It was very good. I have also been to Blacks and Kreuz's as well. Of course they where some what better. Never got to Franklins cause the line was always way too long. Next trip to Texas, I will checking out the Dallas BBQ scene..Salt Licks sauces are very good.
Love Saltlick. One of the best experiences I’ve had eating BBQ. I did the all you can eat and found that I really loved the ribs. They were different but it stands out as one of the best dig in and eat meals of my life. Also the staff was great. I proudly wear my Saltlick t shirts.
Lmao your opinion is worthless if you enjoy Salt Lick
Great vid! I’m in BBQ groups and they always say this place is top notch I figured they just didn’t know BBQ
I've been twice and have been under impressed both times. Spot on review in my opinion
I live a couple miles from Salt Lick… I go to Leroy and Lewis for bbq.
Hey Jeremy,
Next time you're in Ventura County, Let's go to Busters BBQ in Ventura.
I like their pork ribs. The bison ribs are fantastic.
Jeremy, you should have had the potato salad. I really enjoy it.
Come down to Houston if you haven't already. Lots of amazing BBQ places
"there's no line" i've never heard jeremy roast a bbq joint so bad in my life
Fun atmosphere interesting sauce my fav was the sausage as well. The other meats are better than average but not more. I enjoyed the review very honest.
I went to 6th st on my 21st birthday and stayed up all night bar hoping drinking and possibly doing some coke. Then the next day after not sleeping all night went to the salt lick with my best friend and had a bbq feast. I was feeling like shit by this point in the day but the food was so good. I’ll never forget that place.
I live within 20 minute drive of the Salt Lick. I’ve only been there a few times for big group gatherings. It’s a great venue for big groups. It’s not a place to go eat great BBQ. Jeremy, next time you’re in our area, I encourage you to visit Cooper’s BBQ in Llano Tx. Cooper’s is the true OG BBQ restaurant in central Texas and has been consistently good for decades. I also invite you to join me at our family ranch, great outdoor cooking, hog hunting etc. I’ll show you the real Texas.
When I was at UT in Austin my buddies and I would go there. It's all you can eat and byob. I have my own stick burner now and more discerning but no more fun times than me and my rowdy rugby buddies sitting on picnic tables drinking Lone Star and massive amounts of meat.
Born and raised in Austin. Go to Kruez. Simple. Wait. If you don’t have that kinda time to make that trip…go to Stile Switch
Great video!
Nice shout out to chuds! Love you guys!
You guys need to check out Kileens bbq in Pearland righ outside of houston and Gatlin’s bbq in Houston
My wife and I went to a family wedding down in Austin a few years ago and one of the pre-wedding meals was Texas BBQ. Now being from Kansas City MO, and realizing that OUR BBQ originated in Texas, I was expecting quite a tasty treat was awaiting us. When my wife and I took a bite, she quickly looked over at me and said, " Your BBQ is much better than this!" I use an Oklahoma Joes offset smoker and we do Thanksgiving with baby back ribs, brisket and burnt ends. ...................and turkey as an afterthought!
Great review, totally agree. Social BBQ on a big scale in a cool restaurant, and the food is not great but suits that set up.
I like the contrast of opinions
Love the Ronnie Coleman reference. You brought my two hobbies together there for a minute.
They prep everything ahead of time because they served quantity. They smoked the briskets and keep them in holding ovens until they’re needed.
Terry Blacks for me as well....Salt Lick is only good to get sauce from. The mustard style is great and I use it for Pork Butt (lived in Columbia SC for a while) Good review. The thing they do at Salt Lick that is unique is a German flair to their Slaw and Potato Salad. That is my take.
When I was in college, we’d get a bunch of people together, roll a keg into Salt Lick, and get the all-you-can eat. It’s pretty mediocre for TX BBQ, but that was always a fun experience.
Make the drive out to coopers in Llano. It’s great and about half the cost of the other big BBQ joints. A Dino rib is $17
Coopers is friggin 🔥
But, I don't think its 17/lb any more, sadly.
I have been to all the best spots around central Texas. I live here and love BBQ. Coopers is my personal favorite.
I havent been to snows or the newer spots...so, yknow. Take it with that in mind.
But the beef rib at Coopers is TOP TIER. Brisket is very damn good too.
Life hack: the sirloin is the same price as brisket. Try some, get it dipped.
Sounds kind of like Salt Lick is a good place for families and groups to gather for a nice afternoon, and have some decent food. Nothing mind blowing, but solid for the experience. I may go there next time I am in the area. Sounds cool.
You need to visit Fredericksburg and go to Eakers Barbecue. Best bbq in the Hill Country.
It's good for the price and for families.
Y'all should stop by San Antonio and try B Daddys BBQ. Love the show.
The all you can eat “family style” allows you to take a full plate home. Eat 2 meals there take 1 to go. Can’t beat that value