Every great Texas barbecue joint has a story behind its name, and Old 300 BBQ in Blanco has one worth telling. It’s named for the Old Three Hundred, the original settlers who came into Texas alongside Stephen F. Austin. Without those folks, there might not be a Texas at all, and that means no Texas barbecue, which would be a sad, sad existence. At least owner Ladd Pepper thinks so, even though he’ll be the first to admit he’s a Johnny-lately compared to those original settlers. His deepest connection to Texas history runs through the deep tradition of Texas barbecue itself, which he smokes up daily in this very Texan establishment.
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What Goes Best With Hill Country Beer? Hill Country Barbecue.
The pit is the heart of this restaurant, and it runs seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, except for about three hours on Sunday when Ladd shuts it down and gives it what he calls a little Sabbath rest. Brisket cooks twelve to fourteen hours a day on a rotisserie pit that can smoke 500 pounds at a time, all of it over live oak sourced right in Blanco County. The dry rub is Ladd’s own, twenty five years in the making and just three ingredients. He’ll admit there’s black pepper in there, and probably some salt, but the third one stays a trade secret.
Brisket, Ribs, and a Rare Shot at Akaushi Beef
A sampling plate here means brisket, sausage, pork loin, and pork ribs, and every one of them earns its spot. The brisket has just the right amount of saltiness and needs no sauce to prove it, though Ladd won’t judge you for adding a little sweet sauce to the ribs. Show up on a Saturday and you might get a shot at the Akaushi beef brisket, made from a rare and remarkably flavorful breed of cattle raised right here in the Hill Country. That’s the kind of find that turns a quick drive through Blanco into an all afternoon detour.
Barbecue for Every Walk of Life
Ask Ladd what kind of folks come through Old 300, and the answer is all kinds. That’s the beauty of barbecue, he says. It speaks to every level of person. It’s not just serving food, it’s shaking your hand and saying thank you for being at my place. And in a town like Blanco, where nearly every establishment keeps a good local beer on tap or in the fridge, that hospitality goes both ways.
Final Thoughts
If you’re making your way through Blanco, save room. Old 300 BBQ turns a quick pit stop into the kind of meal you plan your whole trip around, and it does it with a name that keeps three hundred years of Texas history on the menu right alongside the brisket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Old 300 BBQ located?
Old 300 BBQ is in Blanco, Texas, in the Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio.
Why is it called Old 300 BBQ?
It’s named for the Old Three Hundred, the original settlers Stephen F. Austin brought into Texas.
What should I order at Old 300 BBQ?
Start with the brisket, then work through the sausage, pork ribs, and pork loin. If you visit on a Saturday, ask about the Akaushi beef brisket.
I’ll see y’all on the road.
The Daytripper
