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
It was delicious! We drive from huntsville tx to this place because a guy mentioned that he did not want to say where the best bbq was because he hated giving up his spot but that if you want good bbq you should go to old 300 and 3.5 hr drive later it was super yummy!! Definitely try it and eat a giant beef rib!
Excellent BBQ!
Small town texas bbq. Clealry a community Hotspot. And the service was fantastic. For the price there are way better options down in San Antonio in my opinion.
Moist Brisket was dry somehow. Ribs had a great tug and came right off the bone but we're also on the dry side Mac n cheese... somehow also dry and not very cheesey almost butter and noodles with parm.
No complaints. Everything was excellent. From the tea, to the raw onions. Seriously. We’ve been many places where at least one thing was not so good. But this place has it all. The brisket, dry and wet meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The ribs were just as sensational. The green beans and pinto beans were excellent. Last but not least, Cami, I believe that’s what her name tag said, was the best. It was our first time and we were unsure about what to get. She assisted us all the way through and out the door. But don’t sleep on this hidden gem in Blanco Texas. Ask for her and she will take care of you. ❤️❤️❤️
I ordered the Willie Nelson sandwich with a side of mac and cheese and HOLY cow so much meat the pork was delicious the sausage tasted great the brisket was extremely tender and the banana pudding was the perfect way to finish
First timers and will be back! Had the turkey sandwich with Mac and Cheese and coleslaw. Was enough for two of us! The turkey was very moist and seasoned wonderfully just a dab of BBQ sauce was all that was needed to enjoy the full flavor. The brisket was top notch! Perfect smoked ring and delicious. Will be back again !
Always enjoy eating here. However, They don’t do 1/4 chicken.
What a great find! I was passing through and just handed to see this restaurant. The BBQ was great and the potato salad was so good I could eat 3 sides of it!
What a great historically fantastic Texas BBQ experience!!
Best bbq in blanco