Mini Road Trip to Driftwood

Every time my family is in town I try to take them to places they've never been before. My parents came to visit so I decided to take them to a BBQ restaurant called SaltLick. We had to make a mini road trip, since this restaurant is located an hour away from San Antonio, in a small town called Driftwood, Texas.

This was the second time I have been to this restaurant and it’s always packed (which means it’s really good)! We were on the waiting list for about an hour, so we waited in the patio while enjoying the live music. They also had a small stand with popcorn and fresh lemonade. It's worth mentioning that you can BYOB! Also, this is a cash only establishment.

When you enter the place you can admire and smell (they smell good) the big BBQ pits. Remembering the delicious smell makes my mouth water. They served our food pretty fast. I ordered the Thurman’s Choice, which consists of sausage, brisket and ribs, this plate comes with beans, potato salad and coleslaw as sides. The food was delicious, it was totally worth the wait and the drive.

After finishing our succulent lunch we went next door to see the wine cellars. For only $10 you can taste 5 wines. I would've try them if I wasn't so full. We sat under a tree and enjoyed each other’s company and the cellars.

This is a great place to have a nice family day.

For more information visit: www.saltlickbbq.com

Smoke Shack BBQ + Southern Kitchen

STOP what you're doing! If you love BBQ ribs and southern food, Smoke Shack is the place for you!

Smoke Shack started off as a food truck and after 4 years they finally opened a restaurant and it happens to be located near my job, 3714 Broadway St. This small shack smokes everything from tender ribs to juicy turkey. 

I recommend you order the plate with 2 meats, and if you are extra hungry order the plate with 3 meats. Both come with 2 sides and a roll, order the mac and cheese with bacon and the spicy cream corn, you would not regret it. They have other unique sides like, tangy vinegar slaw, loaded potato salad and seasoned fries. 

For more information visit smokeshacksa.com . 

Eat and Drink on Rainey Street

My cousin's birthday was last Saturday and she decided to celebrate it in Austin, Texas. I asked some people for recommendations of where to go and everyone told me I should check out Rainey St. 

Rainey St. Historic District is located near Lady Bird Lake and Interstate 35, close to downtown. The street is full of historic bungalows turned into bars. You will find a laid back atmosphere, people with their dogs and a sea of cyclists. 



Our first stop was Scotty's BBQ, which is a food truck. Order the platter with sausage, ribs and brisket, also the cream corn is a must, its absolutely to die for.  

 

Brisket, Ribs and Sausage Platter - Perfect for sharing

Ribs make him happy

I licked my fingers...

Two ribs down and counting...

She doesn't even like pork

After licking our fingers and having an amazing dinner we headed out to bar hop.

First we went to Lucille's Patio Lounge to have some drinks. Lucille's has a hip and relaxed atmosphere, it is also dog friendly. The crowd varies from young college students to older adults. The bar counts two bars, one inside and one outside. It also has signature drinks, and I highly recommend ordering the Rainey Roma, it's just fresh and delicious. After a drink, we soon ended up on the patio playing corn hole and having a great time.  If you love your dog and feel bad leaving him home on a Saturday night, happen  to love good drinks, then this is the place for you. There is no food, but they are so nice that you are welcome to bring your own.

Signature Drinks

Cheers



Birthday Girl





"Hamacas" are also available to chill



Next stop was Bangers , it's a beer garden that has over 100 beers on tap and the biggest variety of sausage in Austin. "I am in heaven", the reaction of a guy when seeing the 100 beers on tap. Although we had our fix of BBQ earlier, we couldn't leave without trying something. Try the Fried Bacon Mac & Cheese balls, you will not regret it.

100 beers on tap

Waiting to be seated

Fried Bacon Mac & Cheese Balls  

Enjoying his Turkey Bacon Avocado Sausage

Framboise - Picture provided by Heriberto Morales Jr.

 After stuffing our face with sausage and fried mac & cheese, we headed over to Icenhauer's. This bar had a younger and rowdy crowd, the newest music and people seemed to be more dressed up than the other two bars.

Picture provided by Rainey Street Bars

Icenhauer's has a younger crowd

Of course we did not go to every single bar, but I will definitely come back and check out the rest. If you want to learn more about Rainey St. Bars visit http://www.raineystbars.com