IRAAN, TX — Salt Creek BBQ in the small town of Iraan is currently being featured by Texas Monthly.
Known for its brisket grilled cheese, meat-stuffed baked potatoes, and homemade fruit cobbler, the restaurant is a passion project for owners Mike and Katherine Baker.
The Bakers opened Salt Creek BBQ in 2023, after Mike transitioned from his career as a tow truck driver. Covering vast stretches of West Texas in his previous job, Mike developed a deep appreciation for barbecue during his travels. “We went all over the States and stopped at barbecue places,” he said in the Texas Monthly interview.
Salt Creek BBQ operates in a space once home to Mesquite Wood Bar-B-Que, which closed in 2022. The couple kept the smokers and brought their own approach to the craft, using hickory, oak, and pecan woods to create distinct smoky flavors.
The restaurant has also endeared itself to the small community of Iraan with its personal touch. Katherine bakes beer bread and cobblers from scratch, rotates witty chalkboard signs, and prepares sides like creamy mac and cheese. The couple’s mission is to “brighten each customer’s day,” a principle Mike carried over from his tow truck days.
Open four days a week, Salt Creek BBQ’s hours align with local football schedules, highlighting the Bakers’ commitment to their community. For visitors navigating the remote stretch between Ozona and Fort Stockton, Salt Creek BBQ offers a flavorful and welcoming stop in the heart of West Texas.
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