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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!
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!!
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
I think this is the disney of bbq lol.... line is really looongg :-( on a rainy Friday, we did not hesitate to go to experience the hype. Finally after 2 hours (12-2pm), we finally made it to the counter, unfortunately they ran out of beef ribs. We ordered 2 lb of brisket to go & the food we plan to eat in. There are a few tables but you'll get seated. Their brisket is really the winner & their jalapeno sausage plus their key lime pie. They have a variety of sauces which is good but few sides. Staff are nice and friendly too. There is also a little shop inside to stall you while in line.
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
In this long barbecue journey, it took me long enough to finally make it to the Texas Mecca, Franklin Barbecue. It's located right off I-35, just a few breaths away from the Texas Capitol. It was always an attainable restaurant to go to in terms of distance, but the rumored line could bring more agony than ever expected. I arrived at Franklin at 9 a.m. on a Sunday. A time too early to some, but experts would suggest I might have been too late. The restaurant itself recommends lining up starting at 9 a.m. on a weekday and closer to 8 a.m. on the weekend to have a better chance to try their full menu. With us losing an hour from daylight saving time the night prior, I assumed people would already be too exhausted to be there as early as I was. I was about the 20th head in line, which didn't seem too shabby. In front of me was a guy visiting Austin from Missouri, and he just had to try Franklin's before returning back home. It's cool how well known this establishment has become that people will travel all over for it. I can only imagine how bad the line can get with SXSW starting up. Two hours in line at this point is nothing. I always think waiting on the front end is always better than the back end because you're guaranteed a good meal if you get there early. Two hours went by in a blink and the doors opened. By 11:15, we were watching our meat get sliced by the pitmaster for the day. It was not Aaron Franklin, sadly. We sat down with our tray just about five minutes later. For our three meats and some extras, Franklin ran us about $40 a head. I'll write about everything I had: Brisket: I know in Texas, brisket is king and Franklin is supposed to be the prime example of it. It was very good, but I think these new school barbecue joints are doing it better. You can't get this level of brisket everywhere though. It was still savory and flavorful. Pork ribs: These are some of the best I've had. I feel like I say that at every barbecue restaurant I go to, but the meatiness, the bark, and the flavor were all exceptional to a point that it made my eyes water. They fall off the bone like every good Texas joint does, but the flavor they brought out on these is next level. Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage: This sausage was crunchier than most. More compact. I think this is pretty middle of the road in my sausage power rankings, but still pretty glorious. Pinto Beans: I'll just quote what my buddy said: "I wouldn't even give these to a homeless person." I don't know what it was about these, but they were not good. Potato Salad: I am a mayo-based potato salad guy, so I am already disappointed when I order it and it's shockingly yellow. It was bland but could work well as a palate cleanser after a meaty meal. I tried their barbecue sauces and was impressed by the existence of their roasty espresso BBQ sauce. It has this rich flavor that blended well with the brisket. I never would have thought this would be good. Now we need barbecue sauce flavored espresso. I am so happy that I got to finally go to Franklin's. I don't think I will be joining the 100 club like some members have because while it is good and worth a visit, it is definitely not the best barbecue in Austin. There are places with better prices or better meats nearby. I don't think it's unimpressive by any means, and it is nice to pay an ode to a legendary place like Franklin. It was honestly a dream come true. RIYL: Waiting. It's kind of its thing.
It's an experience to say the least! We got here about an hour before opening because we had heard there were long waits and oh my they were not lying. People had lawn chairs set up! A worker came out about 20ish minutes to gauge orders and was friendly to talk to. Now is the wait worth it? Unfortunately it is! We ordered the brisket and a sausage, and it was amazing. Brisket was tender and juicy. I don't normally like sausage links but this was something different. The potato salad was a mustard lovers dream. Their key lime mini pie was also well made and delicious. Definitely worth the wait at least once.
We showed up about an hour before opening and still ended up waiting for 2 hours. Thankfully weather was super nice and we got to the shade after about 30 mins. They have lawn chairs if you get there early enough to grab one! The smell of bbq definitely made me super hungry by the time we went in. While you're in line, they have a very friendly worker who asks you about how much of each cut you are planning to order so that they can see how much they have left since they tend to sell out very quickly. They only offered beef rib for Fri-Sun, which I wanted to try, but they ended up running out before us. Once you make it into the shop. They have plenty of merchandise to browse while waiting! We got 1/2 lb brisket, 4 pork ribs, 1/4 lb turkey, 1 jalapeño cheddar sausage, and one small serving of each side (coleslaw, beans, and potato salad), and banana bourbon pie. You can tell that they really focus on the meat here, since operations are small with only one person slicing and one cashing you out. We also got a few pickled jalapeños for extra flavor. The meat slicing was super mesmerizing and she made sure to soak the turkey and rest of the meats with grease so it stays juicy. Once you get through the cashier, you can find a place to sit inside or outdoors. They only have about 3 long tables and 2 smaller ones so finding seating can be a bit tough, but people rotate out fast and you can share tables with smaller groups. They had four different kinds of bbq sauce (signature, vinegar, espresso, and spicy). The signature sauce was my favorite and I also loved their sliced onions, which are unlimited. They also give you sliced white bread with your meal. The brisket was definitely the juiciest I've had, but it also had lots of fat in it. If you're into fatty and juicy cuts of meat, this is definitely the place for you! The pork rib and turkey were also very tender and I appreciated how it wasn't too salty. The sides were okay; I liked how they weren't seasoned too heavily. The slaw paired especially well with the meat. The banana pie was delicious and I liked the crust!
OVERVIEW: A legend for a reason. The brisket is seriously the best I've ever had, as well as the juicy turkey! Worth the wait if you have a day off or just want to go on a BBQ adventure. Having tried the brisket both secondhand (pre-order pickup/leftovers) and in-person, I can confidently say it's worth the wait for in-person! Huge difference. Fun experience. 10/10 would do it again. QUICK FACTS: - Parking? Yes, there are a few spots in the lot behind the restaurant if you're early enough or street parking around the area. - Reservations? Nope, walk-in only. You can order ahead for pick-up online with min. spend requirements. - What time to get in line? On a Tues. we got in line around 8:15am and were 5th in line. By 9am the line was down the ramp; by 10am it was to the parking lot. Chairs are available. Bathrooms and merch are available around 9am. FOOD RATINGS: - Brisket (5/5, duh) - Turkey (5/5) - Sides (3/5 - nothing to write home about, but let's be honest, no one's visiting here for the sides!) - Pies (5/5 - pricy but delish) - BBQ sauces (5/5 - love the variety; spicy and vinegar were the favorites but espresso was most unique!)
The Holy Grail of Barbeque, the grandaddy of them all. We visited Austin to try out this pitmaster's world famous and legendary Central Texas style brisket. We arrived quite early on a Thursday morning around 6:55 am, and we were about 10th in line. The first folks in line arrived around 5:30 am. By the time it opened at 11am, the line was several hundred people long across 2 blocks, and then wrapped around the street. Luckily, we were able to order and get our food by 11:30am. Our plate consisted of a couple pounds of fatty brisket, pork ribs, and jalapeno sausage with potato salad, pinto beans, pickles, onions, and sliced white bread. While the sides and other meats are great, I definitely agree with many others that the brisket is out of this world and the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the star of the show. The juicy and tender flavor cannot be outmatched by any other brisket that I've tried. Truly a once in a lifetime experience for anyone to feast on.
For me, Franklin Barbecue lived up to the hype. My friend and I arrived at Noon on a Saturday, met with a long line but friendly face. Staff told us the wait was 3 hours and they would be out of beef ribs. I'm bummed on missing out on the beef but the wait only ending up being 2 hours so that was a win. Even though the line is long, it was a happy atmosphere with everyone anxiously awaiting delicious eats. Plus they have chairs you can borrow to sit in! That was so appreciated and a huge bonus for me. I like sitting. All the staff was so pleasant in the line and in the shop, during the ordering process they kept those smiles and cheery demeanors up! Gotta be rough with so many eager eaters so kudos to them. There is enough turnover that even if tables are scarce, after a few minutes you should be able to snag a spot. My friend and I had a nice little two top we sat outside at to take in the Austin sunshine. The pork ribs were absolutely mindblowing. It should be a given to get these but truly, they were the most juicy and flavorful I had not just on my bbq-hopping in Austin but my life. We also had the brisket which was equally tender, the turkey and the sausage...all good...but those pork ribs. And I will forever think of what could have been with the beef ribs. Fomo! As I started out, Franklin's was worth the hype and the wait for me. I love food and this is some downright good eats and a must do for any true 'foodie'!
Sooo good! We know there's always a long line so we paid someone to stand in line for 40 mins and buy it for us and deliver it. The brisket was definitely one of the best if not the best I've tasted. So moist and flavorful on the inside with an amazing crusty outside. I also liked the baked beans. No wonder this bbq is is named one of the best in the US! read more
I came here to see if this is indeed the best brisket on the planet, and, yeah, it is. At least that I've had, and I go out of my way to have it. The flavor of the fat, the bark, the meat is why I give it 5 stars. The spareribs are delicious, and the beef rib is great, but just make sure you get enough brisket to take home, especially since you will have to wait a long time to get it. It's totally worth it. They open at 11AM and close when they sell out, we discovered that can be between 2-3PM. On our day it was closer to 2:00PM. According to the very pleasant and hard working EE working the line, there were people there at 6AM that morning. The interior of this restaurant isn't much to look at, and there are also a limited amount of picnic style tables outside. It was odd that there were tables available by the time I got my food. That felt like magic, considering how packed it was. read more
Good bbq, but maybe I overhyped it in my mind because it didn't blow me away. We went at 11am as soon as they opened on a Thursday. We waited a little over an hour to order. Great service from everyone along the way. There is one guy cutting the meat so that does slow it down but even if they had more output it would be tough to find a place to sit so the flow makes sense. As for the bbq...i enjoyed the ribs most, but one of the fatty brisket pieces was awesome. I would skip the coleslaw, not much flavor. The sausage with cheese was the better of the two options. The espresso bbq sauce was my favorite of the 4 types. The buckets of beer have 5 in a bucket and you could mix and match. It is an iconic stop so glad we went but be prepared to wait and try to sit inside to get some ac when it's hot. read more
The wife and I walked to this place which was not far from our hotel. Waited in line for about 35 minutes and it was worth it. The place is cool smells delicious and plenty of seating. But you have to order your food before you can sit down. I got their brisket sandwich and the wife got brisket burnt ends. Besides that we got were coleslaw and potato salad. The food was delicious One of the best briskets I've ever had the coleslaw and potato salad were so yummy. The staff were super friendly and helpful. So glad we tried this place highly recommended it! Cheers read more
I've been wanting to come here for years. It was worth the wait. Got 1/2 lb brisket, 2 pork ribs, 2 sausage, pinto beans and potato salad. It was all absolutely delicious. Best brisket I've ever had by far, even better than what I make. They are super generous with their portions. They gave me way more brisket that what I paid for. I liked all of their bbq sauces as well. The line was down the curb a bit and the overall wait was barely over an hour after being told that it could be 2 hours. So we were happy it was way less time than they predicted. read more
11 months ago
My husband and I took a trip to San Antonio. We decided we wanted to take a day trip to Austin and I knew I really wanted to try the famous Franklin Barbecue. I had no interest in spending hours waiting in line, so I was happy to see that I could place an online order. The big downside is is a very large minimum order. I didn't really want to spend $225+ just to try it, but it was better than waiting in line. They also force you to tip (10% minimum I believe) for a takeout order which is a little frustrating. We ordered: - 2 lb Brisket (sliced) - 1 lb Ribs (sliced) - 1 lb Pulled Pork - 1 lb Turkey (sliced) - 1 Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage Link - Bourbon Banana Tart - Ruby's Dang Pie Our order also came with an entire load of white bread, pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce. They definitely don't give you enough sauce for the amount of meat, but they were happy to give us more when we asked for it. The meats are all great, but the brisket is definitely the star of the show. I love that they provide all of the other things with it so you can make a little sandwich or taco. The pies were both really good too. Overall, the food lasted us for probably 4 meals (2 people). I wish we had gotten more variety with some sides, but none of their sides sounded very good and I read that they're pretty mediocre. They have picnic tables outside that we ate at (we brought our own plates and utensils). All in all, I'm glad we got to try it. I wish the logistics were easier, so I don't really see myself coming back. I definitely think it's worth trying if you're up for the hassle. read more
It was my first experience trying out bbq from texas and I'm glad I got to have it at Franklins! There was already a line formed an hour before it opened, but it seemed that it was the norm, as people already had portable chairs, fans, and umbrellas. The staff there did some checkins with the customers to see what they wanted, and helped them predict whether or not theyd be able to get the food they wanted, as their meats are limited in quantity. Thankfully, I was able to get the things I had wanted to try; we got their Jalapeño cheddar sausages, brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and pulled pork. Every order came with slices of bread, and there were different sauces and pickles that you could get in the condiment area. My favorites were the brisket and the pork ribs, the meats just melts in your mouth, and the flavors were amazing! The turkey surprisingly wasn't dry and was very moist. Overall, I really think its worth coming to the restaurant early and waiting!! read more
Franklin Barbecue is a must-stop if you love Texas Barbecue. I have driven past quite a few times and the line out the door is a bit much for me. Then it happened just the other day, maybe 3 people out the door, mid day. Quick turn, parking and off I go. Everything was perfect. There is a reason for all the hype. Just go. Get the brisket. Likely the best brisket you will ever taste. They guy is a master. read more
The food was 4/5 but did not blow my mind. I just cannot justify waiting 2 hrs in line for food when I honestly can go to Pinkerton's and the food be on par with only about a 20 min wait. This is obviously no fault to the company but, I cannot recommend anyone staying in line and when we left they were running out of meats while others were still waiting. The staff was friendly though! read more
5 months ago
Being a tourist in Austin I had to hit up the classic spot. We went a little past peak hours and waited around 30 mins. The service was efficient and they have a lot of signs to get you ready to order. Overall the taste was good but it was not worth the wait in Texas heat in the summer. It's a check off the bucket list place but I would not come back and wait in line again read more
1 year ago
Spontaneous trip to Austin from Dallas just to try Franklin BBQ. Lined up at 7am on Sunday, was 6th in line. Then around 9:30am, 5 ppl came up and joined the 4th person in line, putting up at 11th. They offer complimentary fold out chairs while you wait. An employee came out at 9am and advised that we could come in and use the restrooms if needed (they have 2 available), buy merch and purchase beverages. They started selling beer/wine at 10am. At 11am, we entered and placed order with the butcher. They only had 1 person taking meat order and cutting meats to order. One cashier. There only 6 or 7 tables inside, a few 4-seaters and a few 6-7 seaters. There are about 5 picnic tables outside. The brisket was everything I dreamed about. Thick cut, smoky, so tender, a great bark and wonderful flavor. The por rib, favorite of all time. It threatened to fall off the bone just picking it up. It was so meaty, so packed with flavor. The bark was a bit spicy. They offer 4 sauces for dipping, although not needed. The vinegar sauce was surprisingly good. The espresso sauce was really good. They sell all the sauces and the rubs on-site. The jalapeno sausage was amazing. Worth the wait. read more
11 months ago
We pre-ordered for pick-up and it was the move--no lines, no stress, just straight to the good stuff. The brisket was insanely tender with that perfect bark, and the ribs practically fell off the bone. Everything was smoky, juicy, and seasoned just right. Sides were solid, but nothing mind-blowing. The meat was definitely the star. Pick-up was smooth and on time, with friendly staff and organized service. Overall, Franklin lives up to the hype and quality of the barbecue speaks for itself! read more
11 months ago
I don't like lines, so my favorite move is to order "bulk" at Franklin's. There's a special spot on the side where you park and pickup. I get a whole brisket and order an other things from the menu to pick up and take to go. It's great if you have a large group/for parties, etc. I took the brisket home to Los Angeles and it comes vacuum-packed and traveled very well. read more
3 months ago
Hands down the best brisket I have ever had so far and I also like the turkey meat. Keep in mind the line here is long and you're going to be waiting for a while but it's definitely worth it in the end. Staff here is very nice and professional. You can skip the line if you order 5 pounds of meat online in advance. read more
6 months ago
Waited 3 hours on a Saturday like a true Austin rookie, only to find out Sundays are way less busy. Would probably do it again because apparently suffering in line is part of the experience. They were sold out of a few things, but I managed to snag the brisket and pork ribs. The pork ribs are unreal...I'm still thinking about them. The BBQ sauce was really good too; honestly could've drank it. The staff was super friendly and everything lived up to the hype. The potato salad was a little too mustard-forward for me, but the bourbon banana cream pie was worth the wait. Easily my favorite BBQ in Austin so far read more
It's hands down excellent and lives up to the reputation. The main con, of course, is the wait (we lined up at 8:30am on a cooler Sunday and got everything we wanted). Standout meats were, yes, the brisket and also the beef rib and pork ribs. I however was most impressed with the turkey. Sausages and pulled pork were the least impressive items. The meats were all very excellently seasoned too. The seasoning is more peppery and no bit of oversaltedness that can often happen with barbeque. It seems they clean the smokers regularly and I think this results in a clean pleasantness (no hint of acridness) in the smoke flavor Prices were actually not outrageous too, with the limited number beef rib being the most expensive item. Worth a visit! read more
I'm still full as I write this! The place gets busy and the seating is first come first serve basis. You have to wait in line to order your food then look for your seat, which seems to work out ok. Ordered a pound of brisket , which I forgot how much a pound really is. Also tried the ribs and each side. Sides were pinto beans, Cole slaw, and potato salad with some jalapeños for a kick. The brisket was soft and smoky and the ribs were tender and delicious. The beans were my favorite side, as the potato salad had too much vinegar for my liking but the slaw was good as well. The bbq sauces were ok but the meats really didn't need any sauce which was a great sign. I see why oieole line up early to eat here. read more
I've always heard that everyone's gotta go to Franklin's at least once, to really have the Austin experience! But I think it really is more for the experience rather than for the food itself. Waiting in line for several hours, and then getting to eat the hot food right away probably also enhances everything. But for someone that wasn't starving and preordered so they didn't have to wait in line, I thought it was decent. But I've definitely had better barbecue. Also to be fair to them, all the food had cooled down a bit so it wasn't as fresh as it would have been if you ate there. But still, a 25 min drive couldn't have cooled the food down that much. Also note: if you're preordering, you need to order at least 5lbs of meat (easy), and I would recommend preordering more than a week out. I looked over the meats a week in advance to see the options, and ribs were already out. Two hours later, after checking with my friends if the order was good to go, the sliced brisket was sold out too. The meat itself was good. My personal favorite was the jalapeño cheddar sausages. And then the chopped beef. I wish the brisket was a bit more tender/fatty. And the turkey was a little too salty. But the sauces were good, I liked the espresso one the best. And they were pretty generous with the bread, onions, pickles, etc. Also, they don't have many side options, whereas I'm a big sides fan when it comes to bbq. I love corn, and macaroni, etc etc. But they have cole slaw, potato salad, and beans. I understand the focus is more on the meat, but that's just another reason why I would probably prefer a different spot next time I want BBQ. The desserts were really good too! I liked the bourbon banana and key lime pies a lot. The Ruby's dang pie (coconut) was good, but idk if I would get it again. Also the customer service is really nice and quick to answer. After putting my order in online, I realized I had ordered the pecan pie instead of the banana bourbon, so I emailed in. They replied immediately making the switch for me! I know in my case, it was a relatively easy switch in terms of item and pricing, but still! read more
1 year ago
Amazing. We stopped in a couple months ago after doing some research on how best to visit. Friday morning we got breakfast early and walked around Austin before hitting Franklins to get in line. It's definitely a vibe! We grabbed some folding chairs and hung out for an hour or so before they opened. It sounds crazy but it just felt like part of the experience! A super nice girl was walking around talking to people in line to help with their order. Once inside we grabbed a t shirt and some stickers. We caught a glimpse of Aaron and I almost screamed! By the time we got to the counter he was gone. The BBQ was the best we have experienced. Amazing flavor, texture, and color. We got the ribs and the brisket, coleslaw and pickles. We also had to try all the sauces. All paired well with a white claw lol. This is a must stop when visiting Austin. Come early and come hungry! read more
Let me say I came to franklins with a buddy got there at 7am. We were the 6th people in line. We brought a cooler full of beer and camping chairs and were right at home. The staff also had a bunch of camping chairs they brought out for people in line to use. We waited about 4 hours until they opened and were served right away. Staff are very welcoming and more than willing to let you choose the cuts of meat you'd like. The brisket was the best, in a category entirely on its own. Super tender and the perfect amount of smoke and fat. It is very rich (has a lot of fat, salt and pepper) and can be overpowering for someone not used to central Texas bbq. I've had terry blacks brisket and thought it was dry and a bit bland in comparison (franklins is so much better in my opinion). The house made sausage was incredible. Like a Smokey polish sausage with a perfect snap. The ribs were pretty good, flavor wasn't the best maybe I'm used to ribs on the sweeter side. But they were cooked perfectly all the way through. I did not care for any of the sides I had, the meat was the star of the show. The beans and coleslaw were pretty bland, my buddy ordered the potato salad (not pictured here) and we agreed the sides weren't very good. Their house made bbq sauce wasn't my favorite either. Again I prefer a sweeter sauce and they had an espresso based and a jalapeño based sauce that I didn't particularly care for. I would 10/10 recommend franklins for the brisket alone. Next time I go I plan on trying the beef ribs as well as more brisket and sausage. read more
3 months ago
The 90 minute wait in line was worth it! Even though they were out of everything but brisket and turkey it was worth it! The brisket was pull apart, juicy, tender, and flavorful! Plus we got a small smidge of sausage. Would definitely come here again if ever back in Austin. read more
3 months ago
This is one of the best BBQ I ever had. Warning! Line up earlier than 9am otherwise you will risk waiting long past opening and won't get certain meats when they run out. My family and I lined up around 8am and I'm glad we did because we were about 10th in line. We ordered lots of foods such as beef ribs, pork ribs, brisket, and sausage. We also ordered potato salad, coleslaw, and pinto beans for sides. The meat: OMG falls right off the bone and is super tender!!! Good flavor and melts in your mouth. I love the coleslaw! Not too much mayo. It is very well balanced. Potato salad has a nice tang. Pinto beans were okay. In my opinion, it needs more flavoring such as garlic, salt, etc. Despite the long line, the experience with the foods and awesome staff members are amazing! I can see why people are raging about this place! If you are visiting to Austin, please try this place. I know waiting sucks, but it is so worth it! I once talked to the customer who was waiting and he was from LA and came to Austin again to eat at Franklin. read more
1 year ago
Enjoyed this very much. From the people you meet waiting for the open to the employees who were all so nice. Shout outs to Hannah and to the pit master who was kind enough to show educate us on his craft. BBQ was very good (brisket and ribs) with only the house sausage being a little disappointing. A MUST visit for all BBQ lovers! read more
My friends and I came July 4 weekend and wanted the whole Franklin's experience. We lined up around 6am and were the first 20 people in line. It was pouring rain and we made it under the awning thankfully and were happy that there were lawn chairs provided (I was prepared and had a couple in the trunk just in case). Time went by fast with us chatting and scrolling on our phone. They did allow us to shop their merch inside and use the bathroom. When it opened, we ordered some of everything (guy who took our order while in line recommended the turkey and said it was a sleeper item on the menu). Faves were def the prime rib (fell off the bone), brisket (everything you want a brisket to be: crusty bark, moist, and tender), and the sausage (juicy). Franklin's was worth the hype, the line, and the wait. Prob the best Texas bbq I've had. read more
1 month ago
1 month ago
9 months ago
Was the wait real? Yes. Was the beef rib and brisket like no other bbq I've had in my Lifetime? YES!!!!!!! This is an experience to be had with the greatest reward at the end. Unctuous, meaty, savory, fatty deliciousness- you won't regret it!! The ambiance is everything you'd expect- just a bunch of folks wanting the best bbq in the world!!!! Thank you Franklin!!!! read more
Last meal before we head out to the airport to go home! I can't remember what time we got here but my earliest photo was at 10:54am. There were benches and lawn chairs around and it was about 12pm when we got to the front and ordered. We were able to get a table out back which was kind of nice in the drizzly weather. We got some souvenirs - 2 mugs and a tshirt. I'm more of a pork ribs kind of girl but the brisket was pretty good too! The house special and jalapeño cheddar sausage were favorites amongst the group. The banana bourbon pie was also chefs kiss! Highly recommend the spot! We were here on a Monday holiday morning and the wait wasn't bad - totally worth it! read more
3 months ago
Absolutely amazingly good wow- Holy Smokes. Holy Cow. Insanely good worth the wait. Got there before 8- read more
3 months ago
9 months ago
TLDR: Legendary meats worthy of five stars and the long wait. Sides and desserts underwhelm. Still worth a pilgrimage. Overview Franklin started as a humble trailer in 2009 and has likely sold out of brisket every day since. It moved into a permanent location in 2011 and picked up a long list of big moments along the way, from an Anthony Bourdain feature to a 2014 presidential visit. The accolades have piled up, too, including a James Beard Award for Aaron Franklin and repeated features on Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints list, plus a mention in the Michelin Guide for Austin. With that kind of pedigree and the steady stream of notable fans, expectations run high, and the line reflects it. I went on a Saturday and joined the line around 7:15 am, which put me roughly tenth. The parking lot behind the restaurant is extremely limited, so you will likely need to search the surrounding neighborhoods. By 9 am, the line had at least 30 people; staff came by to chat, take rough orders, and open the doors so we could check out merchandise and use the restroom. By the 11 am opening, I couldn't even see the back of the line. Food I ordered one and a half pounds of brisket, split between lean and moist, four spare ribs, one regular sausage link, one jalapeño cheddar link, one beef rib, a half pound of turkey, singles of potato salad, coleslaw, and pinto beans, plus a bourbon banana pie and Ruby's Dang Pie. The brisket is the real deal: deeply beefy, perfectly smoky, and tender, with fat that melts beautifully. However, the spare ribs stole the show. They are incredibly juicy and tender, and easily the single best bite of the day. The beef rib was a close second. It was wonderfully succulent, with fat rendered to a buttery drip that runs down your fingers and a fantastic peppery rub that forms a craveable crust without overpowering the beef. The sausages are full of flavor, with that snappy outside and soft interior you hope for; the jalapeño cheddar version adds gentle heat and a little creaminess. Turkey can be dull elsewhere, but here it is moist and makes a fantastic vessel for their sauces, especially the coffee sauce that adds a roasty sweetness. The sides are fine but basic, with the beans the most interesting, followed by the coleslaw, then the potato salad. They are all competent but forgettable next to the meat. Desserts were uneven: the bourbon banana pie tastes like a small tart with a custard-like filling and good flavor, while Ruby's Dang Pie has nice texture but a muted taste and needs a lift. The prices run higher than many Austin spots, with brisket at $39/lb, spare ribs at $34/lb, turkey at $32/lb, sausage at $26/lb, and sides at $5 for a single. Their reputation clearly explains the premium. Final Thoughts If you come for the meat, you will leave happy. The wait can be long, but the brisket, beef rib, spare ribs, sausage, and turkey justify the hype. The sides and desserts lag behind and do not compete with the star attraction, which tempers the overall experience a bit. If you are a barbecue fan planning a pilgrimage, Franklin still deserves a spot on your list, so plan for an early arrival and put most of your appetite toward the meats. read more
2 months ago
SO GOOOOD! First time in Austin. We placed an order for pick up and headed straight here from the airport. They have a few tables for pick up customers which is nice! Though it's outside, it was nice to have somewhere to sit and enjoy our meal. The brisket was DELICIOUS! Super tender. I have nothing bad to say honestly! The potato salad as well as the bbq sauces and vinegar were good too! Only thing is I wish they had more/ better sides. read more
I was in line at 9:30 am and was down on the street (about 20th). It opened at 11:00 and I did not get up to order until about 11:20 I got the jalapeño cheddar sausage, turkey, and brisket. The food was wonderful, probably the best brisket that I've ever had. The sauces were excellent. If they were just more efficient with the service, then I would give Franklin five stars. I cannot believe they just have a single file line while all the barbecue and all the sides have already been cooked and is just waiting to be served. read more
I've heard about Franklin's BBQ being the country's if not the world's best BBQ for many many years and I finally had the chance to try it. I went to Joe's in Kansas City a couple of months ago and was severely disappointed. I waited in line for over 3 years but the moment I tasted the BBQ, especially the Beef Rib, I realized that what I tasted was without a doubt one of the culinary masterpieces in this world. It reminded me of the first time trying A5 Wagyu or King Crab years ago. To start off, we got in line on Saturday around 8:30 AM and thankfully we got there because a couple of parties after us weren't guaranteed to be able to order the beef rib anymore. Time flies when you're speaking with others in line, telling stories about your travels and adventures as we all anticipated to indulge in the "world's best bbq". From the tender moist brisket (which was a 10/10) to the ribs (for Texas this was a solid 8/10), the best part had to be the beef rib. I've never tasted anything that engulfed my mouth with the flavors and textures that this beef rib had. It was life-changing without a doubt. I've had tons of BBQ in my life, but this one was not only huge but tender and packaged with flavor. Not one ounce of the beef rib was tough or disappointing. Everything else is just as impressive with the brisket, sausage, and ribs all great. The one slight downside or perhaps my lack of knowledge was why the potato salad was mustard-based. The staff was friendly, responsive, and helpful while offering recommendations. If you are looking for one spot to devour beef in America, I can not recommend any other place more than Franklin's BBQ. It's not just a BBQ meal, but it's an entire experience. read more
15 days ago
More info about Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702
East Austin
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(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… Read more
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,… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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.… Read more
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… Read more
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 June 2026
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