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Salt Lick BBQvsSmitty's Market
Both establishments are recommended by writers. On balance, Salt Lick BBQ is preferred by most writers compared to Smitty's Market. Salt Lick BBQ has a TripExpert Score of 92 with endorsements from 10 reviewers like Zagat, Time Out and Afar Magazine.
Salt Lick BBQ
Concierge
Fodor's
BlackBook
Gayot
Not For Tourists
Zagat
The Infatuation
Travel + Leisure
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
18300 Fm 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
From $21/night
Concierge "If, in your mind, Texas food = barbecue, the Salt Lick is the place for you."
i
It's BYOB, so make sure to bring a cooler of ice-cold Shiner Bocks (brewed in nearby Shiner, Texas).
Fodor's "When Texans argue about the relative merits of barbecue joints, the Salt Lick usually winds up at or near the top of the heap." Full review
BlackBook "This smoky barbecue depot is about a 30-minute ride of town. On the way there you can admire classic Hill Country terrain."
Gayot13.0
"In a land that prizes its barbecue, few pits are more famed than The Salt Lick." Full review
i
Try to avoid overeating to save room for a hubcap-size portion of homemade peach cobbler.
Not For Tourists "World-Famous BYOB BBQ. 20 mins from downtown."
Zagat4.4
"Provides a “quintessential Texas BBQ experience” to loyal locals and “out-of-towners” thanks to “moist” brisket, “terrific” ribs, “first-rate” sausage and its famous “tangy” sauce." Full review
The Infatuation "Barbecue isn’t just a food group." Full review
i
Just make sure you have the foundation of some brisket and some sausage on your plate, and the rest is up to you.
Travel + Leisure "Salt Lick these days is so renowned it's almost bursting out of two big buildings; plentiful outdoor seating...watch the servers deliver black-crusted pink beef, glistening ribs, and crispy sausages " Full review
i
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner; be sure to bring cash, because credit cards aren't accepted here.
Afar Magazine "They have the best smoked sausage!Make a day trip out of this and stop by the nearby Driftwood wine cellar as well." Full review
Afar Magazine "It is the perfect place to gather with friends and family and celebrate all things Texan. On the weekends, there'll be live music to entertain you or dance to during the wait for your table." Full review
i
All you can eat 'Family Style' is $19.95 per person and make sure that you bring cash, they don't accept credit cards.
Smitty's Market BlackBook Gayot Zagat Travel + Leisure Fodor's
208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644-2737
From $0/night
BlackBook "A half-hour drive out of Austin proper is a small price to pay for 'cue from the gods. Orders are placed next to the scalding fire."
Gayot12.0
"Quality meat is smoked daily over seasoned oak firewood in brick-lined pits that have been in operation since the turn of the century." Full review
Zagat4.6
"“Locally owned” by members of a longtime BBQ family (the owner's father ran Kreuz Market at this site), this Lockhart meat market/restaurant is praised for its “outstanding” brisket and pork ribs." Full review
Travel + Leisure "You’ll pass open fires on your way to the casual dining room at this barbecue joint; eaters get a stack of white bread and one plastic knife with each order of hot rings (sausages) and fat brisket." Full review
Fodor's "A stop at Smitty's is an absolute must: it's still housed in the original 1948 Kreuz Market...the brisket, sausage, and turkey are not to be missed, but they also offer a decadent smoked prime rib " Full review
