The Salt Lick BBQ: A Culinary Icon in Austin
Sometimes, a meal is much more than just food. It’s an experience that presents a taste of the culture and traditions local to the place. In this regard, one of the must-visit places in Austin is The Salt Lick BBQ, a revered institution, and a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, The Salt Lick has been providing an irresistible dose of smoky, succulent, tempting barbecue to locals and tourists alike for over 50 years. Founded in 1967 by Thurman Roberts, Sr. and his wife Hisako T. Roberts, the eatery’s beginnings were humble but its spirit was enormous.
Thurman Roberts had a dream of recreating the classic community barbecues he had relished as a child. He started with a pit in his backyard and spent years perfecting his recipes, using pecan and oak wood for a unique smoky flavor. The Salt Lick today stands as a physical manifestation of that dream, exuding a sense of homeliness and community.
Riders in the open Texas fields would gather around electric fireplaces to sing songs, exchange stories and enjoy a barbecue feast. This intimate, nostalgic atmosphere is encapsulated at The Salt Lick BBQ. Guests are welcomed into a sprawling, ranch-style space, filled with the aromas of sizzling meats, sweet barbecue sauce, and the warmth of the electric fireplaces — a modern nod to the warmth of heartfelt gatherings.
The menu at The Salt Lick reflects its roots and traditions, complete with mouth-watering meats smoked for hours over an open pit. The highlights include slow-smoked brisket, tender and juicy pork ribs, and savory sausage links tangy coleslaw, potato salad, and beans accompany these dishes, creating a symphony of flavors on a single plate.
Each meat item on the menu has its secret blend of spices, a recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The result is an authentic barbecue that is smoky, flavorful, and melts in your mouth with every bite.
However, what truly makes The Salt Lick a unique food destination is its open pit. A spectacle in itself, the pit is where the magic happens. The meats are flame-grilled to perfection and then, using long tongs, are moved to a cooler section of the grill to slow-cook until they are tender and juicy.
A visit to The Salt Lick is incomplete without trying their legendary barbecue sauce. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this sauce adds the right amount of zing and amps up the flavors of the meats. It has become so beloved that it’s now bottled and sold for guests to take a slice of The Salt Lick home.
Beyond the food, The Salt Lick BBQ is a testament to the spirit of community, the joys of shared meals, and the age-old tradition of Texas barbecues. With every plate served, every story shared around the electric fireplaces, it continues to write its remarkable story as one of Austin’s culinary icons.