,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripexpert.com%2Fimages%2Fmarker-fade%402x.png(-97.73137,30.270273)/-97.87248529493809,30.20102213022532,9.545241128547914/1280x214@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
Salt Lick BBQvsFranklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue and Salt Lick BBQ are both recommended by experts. On balance, Franklin Barbecue is the choice of most reviewers compared to Salt Lick BBQ. Franklin Barbecue comes in at #3 in Austin with endorsements from 8 sources including BlackBook, Fodor's and Not For Tourists.
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.
Franklin Barbecue Fodor's Zagat BlackBook Gayot Not For Tourists
Bon Appétit The Infatuation
Tasting Table
Time Out Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
900 E. 11th, Austin, TX 78702
From $0/night
Fodor's "If Central Texas is the hub of the state's best barbecue, then Franklin Barbecue is the gold standard." Full review
Zagat "Originally a trailer, this brick-and-mortar BBQ joint in East Austin is "giving the big names a run for their money" with some of the "finest brisket in the entire state"." Full review
BlackBook "Proprietor Aaron Franklin is to barbecue as homebrewers are to beer. He has created his own niche with craft brisket on par with the dispensaries in legendary Lockhart."
Gayot "In less than two years, Aaron Franklin opened a small trailer dispensing barbecue that then evolved into a brick-and-mortar eatery." Full review
Not For Tourists "Pork ribs & peppery brisket. It's good."
Bon Appétit "America’s best BBQ—and the whole world knows it." Full review
The Infatuation9.3
"This truly is the best BBQ in Texas, and maybe in the country." Full review
Tasting Table "Aaron Franklin's notoriety for his distinctive espresso barbecue sauce lags far behind the demand for his legendary brisket. " Full review
Time Out "Franklin’s house-made sausage is spicy, flavorful and oozing with juices. The hype is real, and you should really believe it." Full review
i
The brisket is seasoned and smoked to juicy perfection.
Travel + Leisure "Line up at 10 a.m. with the other ’cue worshippers at Austin’s Franklin Barbecue, run by trailblazing pit master Aaron Franklin." Full review
