There was a time in Austin’s history when The Salt Lick was synonymous with the best Central Texas-style barbecue you could get. But much like the popularity of frosted tips and double denim, that all changed in the early 2010s, thanks to the boom of “new-school” barbecue. Today, The Salt Lick might not be the best barbecue you can get in the Austin area, but it might be the most fun place to eat it. The Salt Lick in Driftwood feels like a Disney World version of Texas. It’s about 45 minutes from downtown Austin, and on the car ride over there, you’ll probably see deer, lots of cows, and the rolling hills that give the Hill Country its name. The parking lot rivals that of even the largest H-E-B (but with a lot more dirt), and there are designated areas for picnicking and kids to play in. And permeating through it all is a thick, savory smoke that will leave your clothes and hair smelling like they’ve just been doused in meat cologne. The dining room feels a bit like a big camp lodge built around a massive barbecue pit centerpiece—take your picture then move on through the expansive maze of tables, or grab a picnic table outside when the weather is nice. You can order meat by the pound or by the plate here, but then you’d be missing out on the whole point—all-you-can-eat barbecue served family-style. Brisket, ribs, and sausage are on an equal playing field here, and plates get refilled until you beg them to stop. Then someone at the table makes a joke about having “a second stomach for dessert” as you all roll your eyes and dig into your peach or blackberry cobbler. The Salt Lick offers an epic day of gluttony, scenic views, and a fun time—it’s something that everyone living in Austin needs to experience at least once.