The Salt Lick

On a hot Austin day after a fun day floating the river, my cousin decided to take me and Sol out to this bar b que place out west of the city. Now when he said west he might as well have said New Mexico, because this place was far.  We pulled off the road on to a dirt road that led us to this place.  The parking lot was packed, every row I looked down was full.  Looking at the restaurant, it was constructed of wood, I didn't understand how all of these people fit in here it looked like a shack.  I was afraid I might be waiting for hours and I'm not the most patient person in the world.  But lucky for us, we walked up and they told us it would be only a few minutes, pfew. 

They had a country singer performing with his guitar sittin' on a stool.  Man I'm telling you I felt like I was in a damn music video on CMT.  But it made for an authentic atmosphere.  I saw people bringing their own ice chests which means it was BYOB.  Yes California residents in Texas they have BYOB restaurants everywhere.  We sat down at a long wooded picnic table inside the restaurant.  There were rows of them, it was family style seating.  Sitting next to complete strangers at the same table is not my cup of tea. Since we had a party of 8 we didn't have a problem, or shall I say I didn't have a problem.

When you walk into the restaurant you see a giant bar b que pit with ribs, sausage, brisket and turkey.  As you can see it is a very nice looking set up and the picture really doesn't do it any justice.  It's your choice of a plate or family style.  A plate comes with beans, potato salad and your choice of three out of the four meats.  Family style is unlimited meat and sides.  Crazy right?  Well, knowing that my aunt cooked for me as well I went with the more modest of the two, the plate.  I know, totally not my style but hey, I had to make room for both.

Since the food was prepared already the food arrived swiftly.  Thank god - I was starving.  When it landed it front of me I immediately wished I had ordered the family plate.  Everything was fresh of the grill and oozing juicy goodness.  It also came with a loaf of white bread, also cooked fresh at the establishment.  I think I ate the turkey before I took the picture, my bad. It was all good but the turkey, oooohhhhhh man, it was the best.  I know you are probably thinking, barbecued turkey?  I am here to tell you yes.  The smokiness really got into the meat and was the predominant flavor.  It was also very tender, needless to say it wasn't on my plate by the time I remembered to take a picture for you guys.  The rib was fall off the bone and the sausage was yummy too.  I am guessing the secret here had to be in the wood they used.  This place is bar b que at its best.  I was pretty pissed though.  I was in Texas for 3 years and my cousin didn't take me here until I left.  The good news is, I am going back next month and I HAVE to make a stop here. 

I mean really, "The Salt Lick", how could you not like a restaurant with salt in the name.  Folks I know this place sounds good and you are upset cause most of you will probably never go to Austin.  Well I have news, it was so good they built one in Vegas!  You know Vegas finds the best from around the world and brings it.  They did it again.  It is at the Red Rock Casino so I am interested to try that one out and see how it compares.