Where authentic Central Texas barbecue meets generational mastery, The Salt Lick BBQ + Driftwood stands as the Hill Country's most revered smokehouse, transforming family tradition into a legendary dining pilgrimage that draws barbecue devotees from across the globe.

Founded in 1967 by Thurman Roberts Sr. and his wife Hisako on their ancestral Driftwood land, The Salt Lick emerged from humble family reunions where Thurman's exceptional barbecue skills—inherited from his great-grandmother Bettie Howard's 19th-century wagon train cooking—captivated every guest. The restaurant's signature sweet barbecue sauce reflects Hisako's Hawaiian heritage, creating a unique "Texafied" flavor profile enhanced with regional spices like chili, cumin, and cayenne. Recognized as a Texas Treasure Business in 2022, this iconic establishment continues under third-generation leadership by Scott and Susan Roberts, preserving four decades of smokehouse excellence while serving thousands of guests weekly.

The cuisine centers on Central Texas-style barbecue featuring legendary beef brisket, pork ribs, and house-made sausage, all slow-smoked over the original limestone pit quarried from the family property. Signature offerings include melt-in-your-mouth brisket with perfect smoke rings, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs glazed in that famous sweet sauce, and spice-packed sausage links crafted using time-honored techniques. The celebrated Family Style all-you-can-eat experience allows diners to sample the full spectrum of barbecue specialties alongside classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and crowd-pleasing baked potato casserole. Prime rib, turkey, and pulled pork round out the extensive menu, ensuring every palate discovers its perfect match.

Set across 500 acres of pristine Texas Hill Country, the restaurant accommodates over 800 guests in expansive indoor and outdoor seating areas built around the dramatic open-pit fires. The rustic dining rooms, constructed from smoky limestone bricks salvaged from early pit structures, maintain authentic charm while offering panoramic countryside views. The legendary BYOB policy, pet-friendly atmosphere, and live music create a festive, communal environment where wait times become part of the anticipation. Shaded outdoor porches and the visible original salt lick bed near parking reinforce the deep connection to this historic land.

Reserving your place at this barbecue institution requires patience—weekend crowds are legendary, but the experience justifies every moment. Whether choosing the famous Family Style feast or crafting your own combination platter, dining at The Salt Lick represents more than a meal; it's an immersion into Texas barbecue heritage where every bite connects you to generations of pit-master tradition.