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The Salt Lick BBQ

4.1(5,881 reviews)$$Restaurant
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours including wait time, eating, and play time👶 The outdoor play areas are ideal for preschool through middle school kids who have energy to burn, while the finger-friendly BBQ appeals to even toddlers. Teens enjoy the authentic Texas experience and generous portions.

About

The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood is a legendary Texas BBQ experience that goes beyond just great food,the sprawling outdoor campus features playground equipment, wide open spaces for kids to run around, and picnic-style seating that makes dining with messy eaters stress-free. Kids love the casual atmosphere where they can get up and play between courses, and parents appreciate the family-style portions that make feeding hungry kids easy and affordable.

Highlights

  • Authentic Texas BBQ experience with family-style portions
  • Outdoor playground and open spaces for kids to explore
  • Relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids,no need for perfect table manners

Pro Tips

  1. 1.The Driftwood location is BYOB,bring your own drinks (including juice boxes and water for kids) to save money since they don't have a full bar at this location
  2. 2.Arrive before 6 PM on weekends to avoid the longest waits; the line moves faster than it looks because of family-style seating
  3. 3.Ask for the family-style all-you-can-eat option if you have big eaters,kids can try everything without committing to a single meat

Best Time to Visit

Weekday lunches (11:30 AM - 1 PM) or early weekend dinners (4-5:30 PM) before the dinner rush. Spring and fall offer the best outdoor weather.

What to Know

Full BBQ menu with brisket, ribs, sausage, and sides. Kids typically love the sausage and bread. Limited vegetarian options but sides are plentiful Large gravel parking lot with ample space; can get crowded on weekends but overflow parking available Basic restrooms available; can have lines during peak times. No dedicated changing tables in outdoor facility Not ideal,the venue has gravel walkways and picnic-style seating. Better to use a baby carrier or let toddlers walk Mostly accessible with some gravel areas that may be challenging for wheelchairs; outdoor seating is at picnic tables

Seasonal Notes

Summer can be very hot since most seating is outdoors under pavilions. Spring wildflower season (March-April) makes the drive especially beautiful. The restaurant is closed on major holidays, so call ahead.

Nearby Eats

The Salt Lick is the destination itself, located in rural Driftwood about 30 minutes from Austin. Plan this as your meal stop, though there's a winery next door if adults want tastings while kids play.

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