Old 300 BBQ, on the Square in Blanco, is a very civilized place, even during the town’s popular Lavender Festival.

Posse co-founder Chris Wilkins and I met another newspaper veteran, Roy Appleton, there for a late lunch on a recent Saturday.

The joint was packed, as was the festival nearby. But the first sign we saw inside the front door of Old 300 BBQ made us feel very much at home.

“While you wait,” it said, “grab a drink and we will settle up at the counter.”

We did just that. Wilkins was driving, so I grabbed a Corona from the ice filled tub and studied the menu. Appleton also had a beer and Wilkins a soft drink.

Old 300 BBQ is named for the first settlers of Texas in the 1820s. Texas was then a province of Mexico. Stephen F. Austin, carrying out his father’s plan, sold land for 12.5 cents an acre.

Nearly 200 years later, It cost us roughly 130 times that amount for a pound of pork ribs. We also ordered brisket, turkey, pork loin and coleslaw. In a much different time, long, long ago we would have been major Tejas land holders for what we spent on lunch.

At Old 300 BBQ, you can see the meat cutter, but there is not much opportunity for interaction. You place your order, get a number and take a seat. A server brings the food to your table.

The Posse is full of members with strong opinions, but usually we can reach some consensus on the food. There wasn’t much agreement about Old 300 BBQ.

I thought the pork loin was dry but had good flavor. The turkey was moist and good.

Wilkins disagreed: “The turkey is moist but that’s about all I can say about it.”

Wilkins and I thought the ribs were devoid of taste. Not so, Appleton.

“I think this is good,” Roy said, taking a bite. “I’d order it again.”

Wilkins initially called the brisket “funky.” Then, upon further reflection, he said: “That’s the best bite I’ve had here,” wiping his hands, chin and face on a napkin, usually a sure sign of satisfaction.

With such diverse opinions, we need to get back for another taste of Old 300 BBQ.

Old 300 BBQ, 318 4th St, Blanco, 830-833-1227. Open Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-3pm. Website:  www.old300bbq.com