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I have had good BBQ brisket before, at least so I thought, until I had Franklin Barbecue. This was the best barbecue brisket and pork ribs I've ever had. We tried the brisket, the pork ribs and house sausage. The brisket and ribs were fall apart tender and impossibly moist. The moistness was what struck me as different and more delicious compared to other barbecued meats I've had. They did keep the meat wrapped in foil until presented to the customer, which must help. The brisket is only seasoned with salt and pepper so the flavor of the meat and smoke comes through. The ribs are also finished lightly with bbq sauce, still preserving the meat flavor. They do offer four different barbecue sauces that are quite delicious. Bread and pickles are free, as are ice and water. Line wait data point: Went on a Tuesday (they are closed on Mondays) got there at 12:20 PM and it took just 80 minutes to get through the line. Left just after 2pm and there was no line - and few if any meats left.
Surprisingly, as someone who's lived in East Austin since 2016, today was my very first trip to Franklin Barbecue. My department is hosting a baby shower (at work), and our mom-to-be had one request: Franklin's BBQ. SO what mama wants, mama gets! Knowing my anxiety wasn't going to let me stand in the famous line, I placed a preorder and scheduled a pickup time. Best. Decision. Ever. When I arrived, I saw the long line outside and immediately felt validated. I drove around back and was thrilled to find dedicated parking for pre-order pickups. There was also a covered waiting area with seating, picnic tables with umbrellas, and a very organized check-in process. I gave them my name, and they started preparing my order while I waited. Inside, they have a great selection of merchandise, from hats, patches, keychains, and engraved YETIs to playing cards, trays, and even adorable baby onesies and toddler T-shirts. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and happy to answer questions. While waiting, I mentioned I live in the Mueller neighborhood, and they told me about their new location (private event) nearby that I'd noticed while out walking. One of my favorite parts of the visit was chatting with another customer. Her family had flown from San Francisco to Houston, driven to Austin, spent around $2,000 on Franklin Barbecue, and planned to pack it in coolers with ice packs before driving back to Houston to catch their flight home. It was all for her brother's 40th birthday. That's when it really hit me how iconic this place is. People literally travel across the country just for this barbecue. When my order was ready, everything was packed perfectly with all the fixings. They even included a thoughtful little gift for the mom-to-be, which was such a sweet and unexpected touch. The hardest part was driving to work with that incredible smell filling my car. And then there was the brisket. Wow. It absolutely lived up to the hype. It was tender, juicy, perfectly smoky, and unquestionably the star of the meal. Every bite practically melted in your mouth. After finally tasting it for myself, I have to admit, it might actually be worth waiting in that famous line. We made our own sides to accommodate everyone, including gluten-free cornbread, regular cornbread, homemade mac and cheese, and fresh fruit cups. The barbecue was the centerpiece of a wonderful baby shower full of games and laughter, and it made our first-time mom's celebration even more special. If you've been avoiding Franklin because you don't want to stand in line, don't overlook the preorder option. It was easy, organized, and completely stress-free. I'll definitely be doing it this way again.
Unquestionably world class Texas Q that has earned its standing among the nation's (and thereby the world's) best. We enjoyed the brisket, chopped beef and turkey very much. Can't say much really for their slaw, potato salad or any of their very thin and vinegar forward sauces. Their pinto beans however were a pleasant treat for a KC BBQ Homer. Staff were great and their signature brisket is as good as I've had but not what many label as head and shoulders above all others. You will find the same great brisket at dozens of spots all over the Lone Star state in my opinion.
Long queue but worth the wait. Service and atmosphere: Very good customer services. The team member kept people waiting in the queue well informed about the food and time to order. The restaurant is small but you get the table as people leave in timely manner. There is also patio and tables outside. Food: Good effort. The BBQ meats were moist and well seasoned. My favourite were the pork ribs. I also enjoyed pinto beans which were on spicy and savoury side. Pricing: $$$ - pretty pricy per pound of meats served.
Franklins is always #1 in my heart. Their brisket is delicious enough to make me get emotional. I would raise the cow myself to eat this. The lines are brutally long but worth the wait. Bring a chair and a console. The only person to bypass the line is Barack Obama and he deserves it. I will always say their brisket is #1 - their smoking tech ique, their fat ratio, moisture, and how it melts in your mouth, so delicious. I got 7 lbs of meat to share with my friends Beef ribs - pretty solid, would get this again Pork ribs - fell right off the bone and so tender in my mouth, would get again House sausage / jalapeno sausage - better than sausage at most bbq I've been to but I am biased towards the jalapeno sausage Turkey - this was okay Vibes are your traditional bbq place with large platters, wooden tables and outdoor vibes
The OG. The start of it all, the godfather and for good reason. It...is.....amazing. So you know the rules, one short review, let's go: Food: yeah this is it. No doubt just amazing. Not super creative or unique but...amazing. A must at least once. Great brisket. Ambiance: it's a vibe. Sit in line. Get a chair. Grab a beer. It's a tailgate for BBQ Services nicest people. Just plain and simple. This is a bucket list. Go at least once. It's great
Listen , no look this past weekend I went to Austin Texas . On the list of places to eat was Franklins , and let me tell me you they didn't disappoint. The wait was 2 hours , we arrived at 11:48 and we finally ate our food at 1:45. Let me tell you it was worth it . Nestled on the corner of the street not to far from downtown Austin. I suggest you get there when they open if not sooner. While waiting for our food , a server does come down to see more or less what you would like to order . Once inside you are able immediately hit with all kinds of smells . We ordered a pound brisket , and a half of pound ribs and a side of coleslaw and pinto beans which all came with a side of bread . Let me tell you it is more than enough. Obviously the larger the party the more food you have to order The brisket was so tender and juicy and well seasoned. The ribs fell off the bone and the side were really good and I don't even like pinto beans . The women at the register were so lovely and nice and they answered any questions you had . There is indoor and outdoor seating so there is enough space . I did not indulge in the desserts but i would next time . Please do me the favor and visit franklins, it is 1,000 % worth it . Until next time .
I *thought* I'd had good BBQ brisket before, but apparently I thought wrong, haha! This Austin institution absolutely blew. my. mind. with its incredibly simple yet perfectly executed 50/50 salt and pepper rub and low-and-slow smoke over cured post oak before resting and slicing. Ribs and sausage were excellent as well, and complimentary sauces, pickles, and white bread much appreciated. The meats sell out fast so get here early! The line is looong but 100% worth it. There's both indoor and outdoor seating in this small but mighty shop, and thankfully the tables turn over quickly so you shouldn't have trouble settling down once you get your food!
Whether a place is worth waiting in line is personal. For me, a 2-3 hour wait for Texas BBQ is worth it. Franklins is a place I would easily wait again in line. Why? Brisket- best in the country. Not sure how anyone is better than this place Turkey- incredible and almost the star of the show- see Brisket Sausage- great! Sides - decent but secondary since the meat is the star of the show. Desert- the individual pies are a must! Overall, love this spot and lives up to the hype. When in Austin, go here!
We arrived around 12:15 and the line was wrapped! By the time we got to the counter it was 1:35. We were the last ones to actually get pulled pork because they ran out. That is the longest weve ever waited for bbq, BUT SO WORTH IT! I do not ever order brisket because it's usually disappointing, dry and bland. However, this brisket was none of those things. It was everything a brisket should be!!! The other meats were delicious as well. The banana pie was incredible, the crust tasted almost like a cookie crumble. The potato salad is more of a mustard base, and cole slaw isn't too wet but I filled up on everything else and didn't eat much of it. After we finished eating, we even got a tour of the smokers! They are on a rotation, always smoking brisket and rotating staff to keep watch over it, and they use post oak wood. The staff were all so precious and friendly. My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would totally stand in line again :D
Every city seems to have their hyped joint when it comes to food. A lot of times, it really is just a tourist trap with an average cuisine that does not reflect what's been shown & talked about. Well, I can tell you that Franklin BBQ lives up to the hype. The BBQ is legit, I had the lean brisket and wow! Delicious, flavorful & tender. A must have. There were other offerings specifically the jalapeño sausage which was the first item to sell out. Get here early and be prepared to queue up. It's a slow process. For one they are very friendly at the stations. They welcome you and usually have someone outside informing the customers of the various options & answer any questions. Stay hydrated if you come during the warmer months with the complimentary water jug station. Is it a tourist trap, yes. Is it worth waiting over an hour? Yes. A final note it's communal sitting inside where there is AC. There is also an outside sitting area. Overall, you can't go wrong stopping by. As you can see from my previous ratings, I rarely give 5 stars, as a matter of fact this my first one. Take it for what it's worth. - Buen Provecho!
So I finally decided to go try Franklins and brave the line. I arrived on a weekday at 1130am and the line was not bad. Maybe an hour. I love how people are giving this place a 1 star because they are popular and the line is long sometimes, I mean come one so stupid. This place is small and it's amazing how they can crank out as much bbq as they do. It's impressive. I got almost to the front of the line around 1230pm and they were already almost out of ribs, so go early. I got a 1/2lb of Brisket, 1/4lb of turkey, 3 bones of ribs, and one link of the jalapeño cheddar sausage, my side I did was potato salad. I'll give my honest review down below on each item. Brisket- 1000/10, best I have ever had. It was well seasoned, juicy, smoky, fatty in the right way and just so tender and delicious. Spectacular. Turkey- another 1000/10, it's so juicy and and tender. They season it but not heavily which is great since Turkey is a mild tasting meat. I would definitely get this again! Ribs- 6/10, and I love ribs. To me the seasoning on these was so thick it just overpowered the taste of the pork. All I could taste was pepper on it. It was good but I would personally pass on this item next time. Sausage- 1000/10, again so good. It was spicy due to the jalapeños but not overly, the cheese was nice and there was a good snap to the casing. The smoke added a nice touch to the fattiness of the sausage. Potato salad- 3/10, to me this was not a good take on potato salad. Not much texture in it like celery or something like that and all I could taste was vinegar. I like acid in my food but this is all I could taste. So it wasn't for me. Overall when I go next time I will be loading up on brisket, turkey and sausage! These items are amazing, maybe try another side, their beans looked really good. GO OUT AND EAT SOME BBQ!!
Yea! The votes are in! Franklin is the clear winner for me. I saved reviewing two of the best BBQ joints in Austin for last and I came to the conclusion that Franklins has better quality meat but their sides aren't as good as the competitor I reviewed. When we first arrived, the line was out the door and down the street, which was kind of understandable after trying the food. The line moved pretty slow at first and they came out to tell us that by the time we get to the front they may be out of certain meats. Luckily, they had everything we wanted when we ordered. The place totally gave off that Texas vibe, was a decent size and I wasn't sure there would be enough seating once we had our food but it all worked out. They kept the place clean after people left and they were pretty quick to clean the tables. As for the food, we ordered a a half pound of: Beef Brisket - 5/5 Pork ribs - 5/5 Sausage link - 4.5/5 Pulled pork - 4.5/5 Potato salad - 3.5/5 All I can say is, the meat was so juicy and tender and was seasoned to PERFECTION! I was fighting with myself to determine if I wanted to dip the meat in the bbq sauce I had or not. I was literally arguing with myself whether to dip or not because either way it gave you a different experience and each experience was soooo dang good, I don't even know man! Lastly, you don't need any sides (the sides are limited and not as good as the other place I reviewed) or bread or anything with the meat. I was mad at myself for wasting a few bites of getting full on two bites of the potato salad. I wish I could have those bites back and apply it to the meat. Anyway, I WILL be back to Franklin and there is no other choice for me. I was on Zillow looking up house listings and how much it would actually cost to move there lol. No joke! That's how good that meat was. If you are in Austin, please go try Franklin BBQ and let me know if I'm tripping or not because that was life changing for me. OOOOO 5 out of 5 Afros
10 months ago
1 year ago
First time at Franklin's! Got there at 12 and waited an hour and a half. Definitely worth it. While you are waiting, you can go inside and order drinks. The employees working here are extremely nice and very smiley. Creates a great environment. Now, on to the food: the TIPSY TEXAN was amazing! Packed with brisket, sausage, cole slaw, pickles and onions. We ordered 1/2 lb of brisket, turkey and pork ribs, which was way too much food but yay leftovers! Brisket was very moist and not fatty at all. You have to try all the different BBQ sauces. The vinegar, spicy and regular were all delicious. The espresso one wasn't my cup of tea. We got some potato salad as well and wasn't my absolute favorite but still good. I'm kinda super picky when it comes to potato salad so maybe I'm a bit biased. Very delicious! read more
The big question: Is Franklin Barbecue worth the hype? The short answer: Yes. I arrived a little after 9am (2 hours early) and there was already a line. I received my order right before noon, so my total wait time was just under 3 hours. There were 4 sauce options; espresso, original, spicy, and vinegar. The espresso and original were my favorites. As for the food, I ordered brisket, pork rib, pulled pork, sausage, jalapeño cheddar sausage, turkey, a side of potato salad, and a key lime pie. The brisket, pulled pork, and turkey were all the best I've ever had. I wasn't crazy about the rib, but to be fair, I'm not a rib guy. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was significantly better than the regular sausage. The potato salad had a mustard base. I personally prefer a mayo base, but to each their own. Lastly, the key lime pie was a pleasurable way to wrap up the big meal. After the meal, I was leaning towards giving Franklin a 5 star rating. However, I contemplated giving it a 4 based on the pricing and wait time. Once I returned home (Metro Detroit), I went to a couple notable BBQ restaurants to compare them all. Although I enjoyed my meals at both spots, Franklin still had the best brisket, pulled pork, and turkey, by far. In short, the pricing and wait time were well worth it for the quality Franklin provides. If I ever get the chance to go back to Austin, I would come back here in a heartbeat. read more
Hub and I got there at 8:30am to wait in line since everyone say the line can be crazy. We were about 4th group in line which was great. One of the positive thing is that they have camp chairs for customers to use while waiting in line. Friendly, helpful and great recommendations from all the staffs. We ordered little of everything on the menu. The ribs are amazing, lots of favor in each item. Turkey was a little dry, but it's ok. Ordered one of each of the sausage and we wished we ordered more to take home. I'm not big fan of the potatoes salad. We were alittle bum that the day we went they do not make beef ribs, but we will need to go back to try it. read more
1 year ago
It was a 2 hour wait on a Friday afternoon, but well worth it. Luckily my partner and I met another friendly couple while we waited and it helped pass the time. Th pork ribs were my absolute favorite. I don't think I've had better barbecue pork ribs. The meat was flavorful and tender (think fall off the bones but still have texture). We only got half a pound, and regretted it. Brisket's my favorite barbecue meat, so we opted for 1lb. They'll give you a mix of lean and fatty, which works out well because I prefer fatty while my partner prefers lean. The brisket was also really good, but something felt missing. I could not really put my finger on what that was but still enjoyable. Sausages were also good, but nothing that stood out. I would probably skip the text time I visit. The turkey was a nice surprise. It was moist and tender. I don't normally enjoy turkey, but would order it again from Franklin. I recommend the original barbecue sauce to go with the meats. I tried all the other sauces but the original was the best balanced for me. The coleslaw was a good way to cut the fat in between bites of barbecue. We also got the beans, but didn't particularly enjoy them. I would probably come back, but aim for a weekday (or do an online preorder) to skip the long weekend wait. read more
BBQ Bucket List As we arrived at noon on a quiet weekday, a line was present but looked manageable An announcement soon made clear why: "if you're at the end of the line now, you have a 1.5 hour to 2 hour wait and we will likely be sold out of all items by then" Almost 15 years after first opening, the lines at Franklin Barbecue had become legendary and are reported to reach over 4 hours, especially on weekends I had sampled Texas BBQ before at Terry Black's, Cattleack, and Pecan Lodge in Dallas but was very excited to try Franklin Barbecue, especially their benchmark brisket Luckily, I had preordered (minimum 5 lbs) which they only freshly slice upon check in The brisket is truly sublime with a juiciness and tenderness that surpasses almost any place I've had. The pork rib and the pulled pork aren't far behind and are similarly flavorful and juice. I really only found the sausage pedestrian and wisely skipped any sides After about a pound of brisket, I was very full and we shared the rest of our meat haul with other fellow visitors. Thank you Franklin BBQ! I aspire to cook brisket like you do! Brisket $34 per lb / Pork Spare Ribs $30 / Pulled Pork $28 / Sausage $23 for 5 links / Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage $23 for 5 links Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX) Limited seating is available indoor and outdoors. Credit cards accepted. read more
2 years ago
My rating falls somewhere around a 3.5. Despite having grown up in Austin, I have somehow never been to Franklin BBQ until just recently. As a local, I just never felt the need to wait in line or deal with an early morning crowd. We had guests from out of town, and they were dead set on trying the BBQ here. The wait in line took about 2 hours on a Friday around lunch time. We ordered a spread of brisket, smoked turkey, ribs, sausage, potato salad, and coleslaw. Sliced bread, onions, pickles, and sauces are included. We also ordered a few local beers and a pie. The sides at Franklin are pretty average, and while sides aren't really the focus of a BBQ joint, I do feel like they should complement the meat. I can't say that their sides particularly stood out. The meat is very tender and moist though I found it to be on the saltier side. Overall, Franklin is one of those touristy BBQ destinations that draws people from all over the world, and I think that's great. I do think that there are better BBQ places in Austin as far as taste goes, but if you're visiting, Franklin BBQ is iconic and worth trying. read more
After 10 years, I finally found the opportunity to return to Franklin BBQ in Austin. Was it really as good as I remembered? Was it really worth the wait? WTH am I doing waking up at 6:30 AM to get in line by 7? Read on to find out. My Overall Rating - 5 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Making a trek to Franklin isn't about enjoying the atmosphere of a cool, hipster dive with intoxicating smoke meat smells throughout (which it is). No! It's about standing in line with strangers who had the same idea as you and waiting in line. Bring a folding chair so you can sit and wait. Just know there are two waits: The wait for Franklin BBQ to open, and the wait in line to order. On a Friday (end of Spring Break and SXSW) I was the second in line at 7 AM. It was cold and rainy, and that may have kept people away. But once you're in, you get to continue to wait to place your order. The entire experience is cool. 1 Star. Service - The staff is awesome. They'll help you find a seat after you order and pay. And ordering is the best part. The expert carver will take your order and carefully slice brisket, ribs, or any other smoked meats to your liking. You may get impatient as they slice the meat for the group in front of you, but you'll quickly forget once it's your turn. 1 Star. Food - Franklin BBQs brisket is world renowned, so today I want to spotlight the pork rib. I ordered a full rack and was rewarded with possibly the best rib I've ever had. The perfectly smoked rib was tender, fell off the bone, and had two parts: The meaty end with a little cartilage, which I devoured like a neanderthal. Then the rib bone meat, which was perfectly seasoned and literally fell to the table because of it's tenderness. On this visit, the pork rib reigned supreme. I'm not a big sauce guy, but Franklin BBQ has a regular and spicy sauce. Both are very sweet, but neither are needed. 2 Stars. Will I Return? - Yes. It took me ten years to make my return, but I promise I won't go as long. It was better than I remembered it. Anyone who likes to experience amazing BBQ and doesn't mind a long wait should line up now. 1 Star. read more
1 year ago
Had to wait about an hour, but the food lived up to the hype. First of all, everyone working the counter was very pleasant and hospitable. On to the bbq. Excellent brisket but my son and I's fav were the pork ribs...unbelievable! Don't sleep on the turkey either, it was excellent! Definitely worth the wait to visit a true bbq institution in Austin! read more
3 years ago
Brisket lives up to the hype! Got here around 8 AM on a Friday, and I was about 10th in line (pretty close to the front). Grabbed their complimentary folding chair, of which they have plenty for everyone, and sat around on my phone for the next 3 hours. Note that they open at 11 AM, NOT 10:30 AM. It was a fine experience waiting, especially hearing how this is standard practice. Go early so you don't end up waiting in the blazing summer sun. Everyone is patiently waiting, so it can be quite a good time! Regarding food, they suggest 1/2 pound of meat per person. You can even order the meat in 1/4 lb portions, if you want to have a taste of a certain meat. We ordered the brisket, pulled pork, pinto beans, and Bourbon Banana Pie Brisket- the king. you have to get it, and lots of it. This is what they're known for, and you can't go wrong with it. Compared to other bbq places in Austin, this was obviously the best. Makes the wait worth it!! Fatty, melts in the mouth, without too much bite. 1/2 lb per person is enough if you have enough sides! You'll be full, and not an uncomfortable amount either. Pulled Pork- I didn't find this to be extraordinary. Texture was slightly dry, without too much of the smoky flavor that I found in the brisket. Goes well with bbq sauce. Pinto Beans- has meat in it! They give you a generous portion for the Pint, and it should be enough to share between 3-4 people. Bourbon Banana Pie- crust is buttery, baked to perfection. Filling tastes good with a nice bourbon touch, but tasted like standard banana cream filling to me. The crust was the major standout for me. Be sure to get plenty of onions + pickles + sauces + bread (all FREE!!!) to go along with the meal. read more
Famous for a reason. Meat candy. Brisket is top notch. Pork ribs were actually better than expected, even though my expectations were high. Good sausage and pulled pork. Grab a Lone Star or Big Red and a Bourbon Banana pie for dessert. Great crust on the pie. The line was about 15 deep on a Wednesday at 11 am. Stayed at about that level throughout our meal. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
6 months ago
One of the GOATs in austin, the brisket here is still amazing, definitely one of the best Ive ever had. Cut to order its juicy and flavorful. Also tried the ribs which were fall off the bone good. Seasoning was perfect. The service here is super friendly and they move the line fairly well. fyi it is a small space hence the long lines. The dining area is also small but cozy and most folks know not to linger with a long line. Its really good but would I wait more then an hour? na, if you cant come at a good time the hack is to order ahead the night before, the only this is you have to order a full meal/full brisket but if youre with a large group it makes so much sense. Its a spot to try if youre a bbq nerd but if youre just a tourist looking for good bbq, austin has plenty of options which you wont have to wait too long. read more
6 months ago
You've gotta do it. Wake up early; bring your camping chairs, games, and a cooler of drinks to stay hydrated. Again, I'll reiterate: you've gotta do it - but only once. The sides are meh, so fill up on the meats. If you're only going to commit to two meats, get the beef rib and the brisket. The bbq is good, but there are so many other options in town for a lesser wait and sides that are truly to die for. read more
2 years ago
Long wait but kind service and amazing bbq. I ate too much though. Didn't need the turkey the guy at the door recommended. I had brisket (perfect), 2 ribs (bone so soft and chewy), jalapeño cheese sausage (unreal and juicy), and turkey (unnecessary but good). read more
-Giving this a 5 because nothing compares back in CA, and the workers are incredibly friendly!! *Beef Ribs are only on weekends and are limited in supply (~30) *They provide lawn chairs for you to sit and wait in before they open *Doors will open at 9 for merch/drinks/restroom Sunday 8:15am- 30th in line 11:00am- OPENED 11:40am- Received Food What I ordered for 2 people: 1/2 lb brisket 1/4 lb pork rib 1 beef rib (1.1 lb) 1 jalapeño sausage + Cole slaw Bread Went back-to-back with Terry Blacks to compare BETTER at FRANKLIN: Brisket- What people wait in line for, and deservedly so. THE BEST of all the meats tried. Perfectly seasoned and tenderized. Easily the star of the show. Beef Rib- For all you heavy meat lovers, this is for you. The fattiness can be quite overwhelming, so best to share amongst 2-3 people BETTER at TERRY BLACKS: Jalapeño sausage- Franklin sausage lacked much flavor, and was a little dry All the sides!!- Franklin basically kicked this aspect to the curb.. don't expect much from these TIE: Pork Rib- all depends what you like Franklin if you care more about meat texture- soft and fell off the bone! Terry Black if you care more about flavor- seasoning and sauce was superior Overall, it was quite the fun experience waiting in line and mingling with other customers. Something about waiting in line together BEFORE opening makes it more tolerable. Also thankful for the shade! Tl; dr: Meat lovers- go to Franklin No patience to wait in line and want a complete meal with sides? - go to Terry Blacks read more
2 years ago
Review #800 for me should be something special, so let's celebrate at Franklin Barbecue! And I even got the VIP tour! Years in the wishing, I finally planned this foodie trek by myself from Cali to Texas to try Franklin Barbecue. I'm no BBQ expert, but after trying Texas Top 50 BBQ place Tyler's BBQ in Amarillo years ago, I had to come back and try more BBQ. So many strong spots on that stretch from San Antonio to Lockhart to Austin, but Franklin is where the new traditionalist movement started! Try to get there an hour before it opens and earlier on weekends and holidays. Typically you'll wait that hour plus another 60-90 minutes so total wait time could be up to 2.5 hours. I came on a Tuesday and arrived about 20 minutes before they opened at 11:00 am. Some people have lawn chairs set up for the wait and there is a place to stash them under the stairwell while you go in and eat. About 15-30 minutes before the restaurant opens, someone comes out to take your pre-order and can help you to estimate the wait time. This is not an order you have to hold hard and fast to, it is basically to get an idea of who wants what meet and at what point they might run out of certain meats. When you get to the counter inside, you can choose to do more or less meat than your original plan if you want. It was supposed to be about 90 minutes for me to get to the counter after the restaurant opened but the line moved fast and it was only another hour. Total wait time on my Tuesday including pre-opening... 1 hour 20 minutes. Waiting in line is part of the fun. You get to meet locals and travelers and talk meat. Once inside, you can see all the other fun stuff they have for sale... BBQ Sauce, dry rub, charcoal briquets, t-shirts, hats, cookbooks, mugs, cafeteria trays and even a smoker! I picked up shirts, sauce and the sky blue cafeteria tray which I thought was a random and cool way to serve up bbq at a future house party. Did you know you can even buy refrigerated brisket slabs for $170 that are ready for you to take and bake? Meat is sold by weight, sausages are sold in whole links. Brisket ($34/lb) - If you aren't here for the brisket, then what are you doing? The brisket takes 42 hours to prepare, including 14 slow smoked hours in the smoker. That blackened crust on the outside where the peppercorns glisten like black diamonds, my God. Under that is a layer of fat that melts before you can cut it and under that is a thick, dark pink smoke ring. They cut you some of both, lean and moist (fatty) and both are wonderful. The brisket is well-seasoned, juicy and smokey and needs no BBQ sauce. Pork Ribs ($30/lb) - I loved the pork rib. The whole thing was a pink smoke ring all the way through. Its brine and coat seemed more tangy than the brisket but also equally smokey and wonderful. The meat did fall off the bone after I bit into it. Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage - I got this just to try something different but it blew me away. Smokey, strong jalapeno kick, juicy gobs of white cheddar oozing out on the inside as my knife broke through. Must get if you love a spicy sausage! Coleslaw - This was aite. I needed some veggies to break up the meat party it. It's not heavily coated in creamy sauce so it did the job. Potato Salad - Creamy with a little mustard mixed in, I liked it. Bourbon Banana Tart - They get these from Cake and Spoon and these are must get. Just take it home if you can't fit it in your stomach. Smooth banana cream with the bourbon activator that makes it full flavored. The crust was thick but crumbly and still a little graham cracker crunchy when I had it two days later. It is sooo good. BBQ Sauces - They have Original, Spicy, Vinegar, Espresso. Original was my favorite. Spicy is mildly spicy. Vinegar was too watery and sour for me. Espresso is very interesting because it is infused with coffee flavor. They did it well, but I still prefer original or spicy. Their original sauce is lightly sweet and a bit more tart than other joints' original sauce. After eating I ventured out back hoping to take a peek at their smokers and they said, "Go upstairs ask them for a tour, they can probably give you one." WHAT the WHUT? I took myself back up to the dining room and ask if it was possible to get a tour. They said, "Sure! Just wait outside this door." By that time most people had been served and it wasn't too hectic. One of their master smokers opened the door and let me in. They have five submarine like smokers that had 106 briskets in them when I was there. They are always working on about 200 briskets at any given time, whether smoking or prepping. The room is always around 85 degrees so it's insanely hot in the summer. So that was my awesome trip! ***Hot Tip - Go at 1 pm if you only want brisket and there might be no line!*** read more
1 year ago
11 months ago
2 years ago
Worth the wait in line and then some! About ten minutes after we arrived we were told that from where we were standing it would be a two hour wait. However, we were through the line, finished eating in about two hours. It is worth any amount of waiting time! The restaurant had coolers of water and cups for those in line. They had camp chairs you could use if you couldn't stand during the long wait. They know it's hot outside and do their best to offer comfort to those who know waiting for lunch is part of the experience. Once you arrive at the order counter be prepared to hear that they are out of one of the meats you were dreaming about while standing in line. Be prepared ahead of time with a 'plan B' choice;) Brisket- Melts in your mouth. Pork spare ribs - flavorful and tender, tender, tender! Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage- yum!! Potato Salad- 'woah, that's good!' Bourbon pie- yeeesssssss. Drinks...soda fountain. There is BBQ sauce that you choose to add to what meat you ordered. The sauce can be pumped into little containers. There is seating inside and outside. Take your tray to an open table with your crew and enjoy! read more
2 years ago
6 months ago
2 years ago
We're new to the area, and so we wanted to try some good BBQ so we decided to try out Franklin. The first thing you should know is that the lines are LONG! We went, and spent about an hour waiting. Now according to another person in line this is considered short! Once you get through the line everyone who helps serves you is super friendly and helpful! Honestly they make me want to give a higher rating. The food on the other hand is okay. It wasn't terrible, but definitely not worth the wait! We ordered brisket, 1 jalapeño cheddar sausage, pulled pork, pork ribs, potato salad, and a slice of pie. The area is a typical BBQ joint and you're not allowed to sit and save a seat until you get your food because there is little space. Also be aware that they do run out of food so you might want something and you get up there to order and they can be out! read more
Came on Juneteenth and the line was not terrible. Lined up for about 2 hours. A waitress came outside and tallied up what we wanted to order to make sure it wasn't sold out when we got to the front. The staff is extremely hospitable. Now the bbq, brisket melts in your mouth, jalepeno cheddar sausage sells out pretty quick and it is juicy and flavorful. I am not a huge bbq person so i dont know if it's the best bbq but it did not disappoint. Their coffee flavored bbq sauce is absolutely delicious! Loved the atmosphere and the experience, i would recommend it! read more
5 months ago
Without a doubt, best brisket I have ever eaten period!!! Literally falls off the fork. I was here years ago and didn't and couldn't wait 90 minutes, but today got lucky and worth every second of 45 minutes. Potato salad epic. read more
Biggest question, is it worth it? Yes! If you pre-order a month in advance. Takes some planning but it's worth avoiding the 3 hour wait. You do have to order 5 lbs of meat but share with friends! I went to Zilker Park after picking up my haul and had a little picnic next to the water. The brisket is a must - tender, smokey, perfect also in a sandwich with the pickles and coleslaw. Ribs are also fall off the bone - I like pork more. I also picked up some of the sausages which were good but spend your 5 lbs on the ribs and brisket. read more
I'm way overdue for an updated review, this being my 11th visit! Franklin's BBQ is really incomparable to anywhere else in Austin's BBQ scene. I know, a bold statement, but well deserved truth. The brisket is superior, tender, flavorful, and with a wonderful seasoned bark. The pork rib is fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and very flavorful. The jalapeño and cheddar sausage is delightful as you slice into it and the cheese oozes out. No BBQ sauce is necessary here....but if that's your thing then their sauce is great too. They've really become pros and managing the line! There's someone that comes down the line to collect people's meat orders to better gage availability for those further back. They also have stacks of portable chairs for guests to use, and air-conditioned restrooms and drinks upstairs before they open. On today's visit (June 25, Tues) the line was surprisingly not long and we were able to hang out in the shade arriving by 10 am. read more
1 year ago
I read other Yelp reviews so knew what to expect. If you come around 8 am there will be 30-40 people already in line but I think that's ok. I went on a Friday and they first people got in line at 5:30 am which I don't think is worth it. I got there at 8:10 am and about 35 people ahead of me. Note there are complimentary folding chairs available under the stairs for you to use. They open the side door so you can use the bathroom and buy drinks or merchandise. A worker took our pre-order to let people know when brisket will run out. You still must place your order once you get inside. 10 minutes before the doors open at 11 am they will tell everyone to return the chairs and stand up against the wall. The doors open at 11 and you wait for the line to move. One person slices every type of meat you want so it is a slow process. Another person adds any sides you want. The cashier adds any drinks or pies plus rings you up. By the time I got my food it was 11:55 am. The workers are very friendly and the meat carver will chat with you as they slice the meats. There are some tables inside and outside. Tables turn over relatively quickly as people realize they ordered too much like I did! I got 1/2 lb each of brisket and pork ribs. 1/4 lb each of pulled pork and turkey. The brisket was soft, moist, smokey and had a nice bark. It's everything you want from a brisket! The pork ribs were also very good being fall off the bone soft with smokey flavor. The pulled pork was ok. I prefer Hawaiian kalua pig more! The turkey had a smokey flavor with pepper outside. It wasn't dry which is always the worry with turkey. I got pinto beans on the side which were just ok. I got a bourbon banana pie but was so full I didn't get to eat it yet! Is the wait worth it? I'd say yes if you're from out of Texas and don't have access to good barbecue. If you're from Texas maybe it's not worth it as there are many other places or preorder to not have to deal with the line. It was an expensive meal but one I don't regret! Nice to splurge and treat yourself very now and then, especially when on vacation! read more
11 months ago
Going to franklins is an experience. You wait in line for hours and then you get rewarded with some delicious bbq. Waiting in line with friends/family is not bad at all. You meet people from different places and it has a tailgating feel to it. Once inside the staff are very friendly and it's a great atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and visit franklins bbq you will not regret it. read more
More info about Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702
East Austin
Directions
(512) 653-1187
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https://franklinbbq.com
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Ask the Community - Franklin Barbecue
It appears that the dining area is small and the food is very popular. Are there any parks with picnic tables nearby?
There was at least 1 long picnic table outside. I took my food back to my hotel so I'm not sure about nearby parks. Looking at the map there are a couple parks nearby, but I don't know about tables there. What I do know is that they are camping…
Are there restrooms available or nearby for those that choose to line up early?
Yes you can use the restrooms at the restaurant as well as buy water. They also provide lawn chairs.
Is there a way to "miss the line"?
Yes, not go. It does slow down around 1 or so on certain days. However, the later you go, the greater the chance of them running out of stuff
What Gluten Free Options do you have?
All of our meats by the pound, as well as all 3 of our sides are gluten-free: Brisket, Pork Ribs, Turkey, Sausage, Pulled Pork,…
What us the chair situation while you wait?
There are folding beach chairs under the steps for customers to use while they wait.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
In the main line, it actually goes through a ramp, but if you also use the sidewalk and go around up to the front door, there's only one step to get inside. Hope that helps!
Take out versus Dine in, is the experience the same? Or is the experience dining in worth the long wait?
I've only been there once (visiting from Las Vegas). I waited an hour and a half or a bit longer and though the weather was nice and the line conversation was good, I hate waiting that long for anything. Upon getting in, it is very small inside…
Can they do half pound when ordering meat? Or does it have to be 1 lb
You can order 1/2 lbs
What do they mean by chilled meats only?
It means we have sold out of our hot/ sliced meats for preorders on that date.
What's the least busy day of the week to visit? I'm hoping to come up during the week with the hope of minimizing the wait.
Go when it's raining! Doesn't matter which day of the week, the stronger the weather, the shorter the line. There will still be some folks there, but just bring a rain slicker and grab a beer. 😊
We did a pre-order to pickup next week. Will we be able to eat there or is the Lee-order takeout only?
Thank you for thinking of us! Pre-orders are to go only.
Going to Texas in March, what is the process of ordering here? Is it strictly pick up or is dine in available ? If there is dine-in, how long is the wait and when should I start waiting if they open at 11am?
I literally just visited yesterday (from Las Vegas). We were told to get in line before 11 but we ended up getting there around 11:30 and the line was already pretty long. An employee came down the line saying what was available and getting your…
How early have people started to get in line on Saturday?
It varies, I have heard as early as 7am.
Is Franklin BBQ open for dining on Saturdays? I am a little confused as to what the website says.
Yes, we are open Saturday. The only day we are closed is Monday. We are only open for lunch and folks start lining up a few hours before we open.
Do they serve beef ribs every day?
If we have them in stock, we have them available Saturdays and Sundays at the restaurant. We do not offer them for preorders.…
If I am by myself and I have a dog with me, can I bring him inside simply to order and eat outside?
I don't think they want dogs inside but I saw a lot of people with them and order. I'm sure they can figure it out and help you!
Is merch available for pickup. What's stocked in the restaurant for pickup?
Yes they do. If you go to their website and do the "order ahead" all the items that they sell can be selected at the bottom of page after all the food items. I think it's all the merch that they will mail you: shirts, stickers, hats, etc. Take a…
Hi, I am going to stay in Austin next week for two days and planning to get around the city without driving a car. Will I be able to show up not in a car to pick up the preorder? Thanks!
Yes you can. Just be prepared to perhaps wait up to 15-20 min. There were other people who picked up without a car. You can always arrange a ride to and from pickup.
Do they provide side of bbq sauce with curbside order?
Yes, they sure two. We got two types. One coffee based and the other I believe was their pork bbq sauce.
Is it possible to walk up and order same day, or is it only preorder asking due to COVID times we live in.... Thinking of making a trip and don't want to drive and get nothing?
Check their website for what's still available for the day. You must preorder online. They do not accept walk-ups and I saw people get turned away while we were picking up our online order.
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Franklin Barbecue - bbq - Updated September 2026
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