The Salt Lick
Driftwood, TX
The Rancher
Dish Score: 84
Overall Score: 84
Price: $$
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SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Presentation & Creativity: 14/20
- Portion Size & Nutritional Value: 7/10
- Ingredient Compatibility: 8/10
- Flavor, Taste, Texture, & Doneness: 36/40
- Service: 9/10
- Restaurant Appearance: 5/5
- Cost vs. Value: 5/5
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REVIEW
Located practically in the middle of nowhere, we couldn’t help but wonder, “How can a restaurant located this far from anything prosper so well?” Upon arrival, the question was immediately answered.
Surrounded by a beautiful winery with the owner’s mansion overlooking the property, the exterior of the restaurant is a sight to be seen. Upon entering, it felt as if you are walking into someone’s home… and that home happens to have a very impressive BBQ pit right inside the doorway churning out delicious smells of smoke and various cooking meats.
Entering the dining area, laden with customers from near and far alike, we were greeted by our friendly and informative waiter, Matt, who offered an simple explanation of the menu. Deciding we wanted it all, we went with The Rancher, a sampling of their meats. In addition, it was served with potato salad, cole slaw, beans, bread, pickles, & onions.
Starting with the bread, we noted how fresh it was: baked so the crust formed a thin layer surrounding a very soft interior. Shortly after, the rest of the meal arrived.
Let’s begin with the meats: brisket, pork ribs, sausage, and turkey covered in Salt Lick’s signature BBQ sauce, a tangy, but not too sweet, concoction. I began with the turkey, which has a tendency to become dry; this was not the case. Perhaps some of the best turkey I’ve ever had, it was cooked perfectly, tender, and full of flavor. Second, I tried the sausage. Again, it had a great flavor and was cooked to perfection. Next came the brisket, which was good, but a tad chewy. Lastly, I tried the ribs. Although they weren’t fall-off-the-bone perfection, they had a nice, smoky flavor to them.
The sides were equally as good. The cole slaw was crisp and fresh. With a sesame flavor, they were unlike any I had tasted before. The potatoes were unique as well, tasting more like a deviled egg than the typical potato salad you’ll find at your family reunion.
Besides leaving with a full stomach, I also picked up two bottles of their sauce (they have original and spicy, which has some added habanero) and a bottle of sangria from their winery. In the end, Salt Lick did not disappoint. Being some of the best BBQ I’ve had, it’s well worth the out-of-the-way trip to Driftwood.
