About Old 300 BBQ
The story of the Old 300
The name “Old Three Hundred” refers to the settlers who received land grants in Stephen F. Austin’s first colony in Mexico. Although not originally enthusiastic about the project, Austin continued the colonization activities after the death of his father, Moses Austin. Therefore, he traveled to San Antonio, where he met with the Spanish governor Antonio Maria Martinez. The governor acknowledged Stephen F. Austin as his father’s successor, allowing the colonization activities to proceed.
Austin agreed with Martinez to be responsible for all administrative tasks after he arranged for settlers to come to Texas in exchange for land; in payment for services, Austin would collect 12-1/2 cents an acre in compensation. Austin returned to New Orleans and sought willing colonists and by the end of the summer of 1824, most of the Old Three Hundred were settled in Texas.
Meet Our Pitmaster, Ladd Pepper
Ladd was born in Kansas City, a legendary BBQ town in its own right. He began first grade right here in Blanco and grew up along the banks of the beautiful Blanco River, where he learned to fish, hunt, climb trees, jump off rocks, and catch bullfrogs. After graduating Blanco High School first in his class, he headed off to Texas A&M University.
Although his degree was in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, it was while at Texas A&M that he became a true student of Texas BBQ. His first mentorship was centered on a small, but highly successful family-owned smokehouse not far from College Station. There he learned the art of cooking Texas-style BBQ in large quantities. Ladd's passion for Texas BBQ has steadily burned since.
Highlights of Ladd's professional career include serving legendary Texas A&M football coach RC Slocum, hand-cutting and serving over 8,000 premium grade beef briskets, setting up the largest "live fire" cooking demonstration in American history, and being personally selected to prepare BBQ in Washington DC during President Obama's first inauguration.
He's met and cooked for his fair share of celebrities along the way: Tom Hanks, Garth Brooks, and Beyoncé, to name a few. But his favorite customers are "regular Joes". His passion to cook and serve Texas BBQ to people who truly appreciate family, friends, and God's blessings is second to none.
Take a tour of Old 300 BBQ
Interested in working at The Old 300?
Want a great job? Want a great career? At Old 300 BBQ, we are always searching for potential new teammates. We value who you are and what you will add to our team. Whether you seek part- or full-time employment, we look forward to watching you grow with us!
Want a great job? Want a great career? At Old 300 BBQ, we are always searching for potential new teammates. We value who you are and what you will add to our team. Whether you seek part- or full-time employment, we look forward to watching you grow with us!
What Our Customers Say
We made the hour drive from Austin to Old 300 BBQ in Blanco this Saturday, and it was absolutely worth it.
I ordered the Saturday special - three mega beef ribs for $52 - along with a half pound of Wagyu brisket ($22). We also added chopped barbecue, two pork spare ribs, and a loaded baked potato. For a family of five (two adults, a six-year-old, and a four-year-old - and I’m a pretty big eater), our total came out to about $130.
Honestly, I couldn’t believe the value. The quantity of food we received felt comparable to what would easily cost $300 at places like Terry Black’s in Austin - especially when it came to those massive beef ribs. Even knowing they were on special, it still felt like an incredible deal.
But value aside, the quality is what really stood out. This was some of the best barbecue I’ve had anywhere in Texas. The beef ribs were absolutely mind-melting - rich, perfectly smoked, tender, and packed with flavor. The brisket was outstanding, and everything we ordered hit the mark.
The staff was friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in, helpful with recommendations, and the food came out promptly. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant - perfect for a family meal.
The portions were so generous that we’ll easily get two or three more meals out of the leftovers. For $130, the amount and quality of food we walked away with was unbelievable.
We’ll definitely be back. Old 300 BBQ is well worth the drive.
I've followed them on Facebook for a while. People have rated them high. It's worth the rating. The Angus brisket sandwich was tender and the Mac and cheese was, to me, just okay.
They have awesome new line dancing and partner dancing available! Found it on Blanco Boots and Boogie.
Espectacular, just clean Texan ambiance and great BBQ
Nobody has anything negative to say. Small town Blanco, some of the best barbecue you'll ever have.
One of the best briskets I’ve ever had! I will definitely return next time I’m driving through town. You won’t be disappointed!!
My wife and I were on the hunt for some good BBQ, and Old 300 BBQ definitely hit the spot. We decided to go with the sampler, and let me tell you 1.5 lbs of meat is plenty for two people! It came with three sides, and everything was on point. We went with the mac and cheese, potato salad, and beans, and each one was full of flavor and paired perfectly with the BBQ.
The food and staff were both excellent friendly, welcoming, and you can tell they take pride in what they serve.
If I had one suggestion, it would be to swap out the metal folding chairs for something a bit more comfortable maybe some bench seating or padded chairs to match the quality of the food and atmosphere.
Overall, my wife and I really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be coming back again. If you’re looking for solid Texas BBQ done right, Old 300 BBQ is the place to go!
The barbecue was great. The servings are large.
My husband and I stopped here while passing by visiting family nearby. We were pleasantly surprised at the service and food! Unsure what to try Kammy gave us some good recs. The mac n cheese and pulled pork was our fav! My husband is a sucker for Banana Pudding too. We will definitely stop by when passing through again!
Old 300 catered our wedding and it was phenomenal. Their bbq is top knotch, potato salad & beans get 10 stars & their cobbler. OH MY GOD melt in your mouth goood