Prolly the best BBQ I've ever had in Texas. Heck, the best BBQ I've ever had anywhere. Worth the waiting in line on a hot and steamy summer afternoon, and forever grateful they didn't run out of brisket before we were able to get some. The staff were personable, considering his busy they were. So helpful and engaged with customers. That alone would bring you back. But the smoked meats are hard to beat! I mean, brisket is the movie star, but the sausage and pulled pork weren't to shabby either. Everyone should go here at least 1 time. Then you'll always know how to tell a good BBQ. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Sampler ... a bit of everything yall - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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. read more

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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 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 from what it's worth. - Buen Provecho! read more

Franklin Barbecue - Lean brisket 1/5 lb - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

Franklin Barbecue - Turkey onion pork ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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 . read more

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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! read more

Franklin Barbecue - Line outside on a random Tuesday at 11:15am - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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! read more

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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 read more

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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!! read more

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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 read more

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Long line, but worth the wait. They have a small parking lot, but there were residential streets nearby, which helped the situation. I also got my order to go as all of the tables inside were filled. There was a girl going through the line asking all of us what we were going to order, which I appreciated as she was able to tell us what meats were still in stock, and if they would have enough for my order. The brisket and ribs were great. I really like their espresso sauce. read more

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. read more

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Best brisket I've ever had! WOW! We got there at 10:45 and the line was already wrapped around the building. The two hour wait was well worth it for getting to try this deliciousness! The staff was 10/10 with customer service! They were making rounds outside making sure people were okay, letting people know wait times, what food was no longer available, lawn chairs available to grab and sit on while you waited. Definitely a must if you're in Austin! The turkey, potatoes, and slaw were good but the brisket was on another level and deserves to be the one food item talked about. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Line was crazy. Started outside on the steps, then wrapped around the whole inside. Once we got in, it was cute and old school. We arrived at 2:45 and they closed at 3. So we missed out on the brisket, turkey and the sausages, but totally still worth it. Once they run out of everything they told us they would give us what they could and what was left over by the time we got to order, they hooked us upppp! This tray was $33 and me and my bf who are foodies were completely stuffed! Tea was a little sweet for me, but my bf liked it. Beans were Smokey, peppery & fire! Everything was amazing! read more

Franklin Barbecue - Potato salad, shredded pork, pork ribs, slaw, baked beans, & pickles - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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. read more

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Exactly 10 years since my last visit to Franklin! Since I've been to ATX, I've been trying other BBQ haunts like Terry Black's but Franklin Barbecue is still outstanding. This time instead of waiting in line for 4 hours, I pre-ordered in advance online (min 5 lbs, max 30 lbs). I appreciate that they slice it fresh when you check-in. This time I also tried the bourbon banana cream pie. While they don't make this in-house, it's absolutely DELICIOUS. ). It's personal sized so my only regret was not trying the other pie flavors. The sides were just OK to me (slaw, beans - didn't try the potato salad). read more

If you are wanting to try this place, be prepared to wait an hour at the minimum. But the wait for arguably the best BBQ in the country is well worth it. The staff is very friendly, taking inventory of food to ensure that everyone is fed. The pork was super tender, fell off the bone, and the best part of the meal. The Brisket was one of the best I've ever tasted. The jalapeño cheddar sausage had a great pop to it when cutting into it. All 3 parts of the meal are a must order and I'd go back in a heartbeat to get it again. If you're in ATX and looking to try some world class BBQ, this should be near the top of your list, or at the top. Worth the 1+hr wait. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage, Pork Ribs (right) , Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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!) read more

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In the land of BBQ, the expectations continue to rise, and the battle of who wears the crown continues year after year. I always heard great praise for the brisket from Franklin's and am happy to be able to admit that they have some of the best. As someone who doesn't typically enjoy lean cuts, their leans came out juicier than some place's fattiest cuts. On the fatty cuts, the meat was very well rendered, and it remained succulent! I will say I was expecting more flavoring from bark, but it was very much a "taste the essence of the quality of craftsmanship of this meat" rather than an emphasis of seasoning. While very well prepared, I did need some bbq sauce to make it hit. I enjoy ribs from a couple other spots more than I did from Franklin's, but ya can't do it all. As for the sides, I was sadly disappointed. The pickles were incredibly salty and the beans were a flavor and textural miss. The potato salad was okay, but I would call it not far off from what you'd get in a bucket from HEB. Had me missing the quality sides from Interstellar 100%! We did pickup to split with friends and skip the line. In ordering ahead, you're not allowed to eat there. Unfortunately, they didn't provide any utensils or napkins for our BBQ picnic. Eat with those hands and lick them fingers! read more

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'! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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We were apprehensive about having to wait in line for "hours", but Sunday felt like a breeze. In line by 1130am, bellies full and happy by 130pm. I will say the beef rib was sold out by the time we made it in but all the meats were superb. The brisket melts in your mouth like butter! I loved their house sausage and pork ribs as well. It was super cool to hang in line, meet other friendly food enthusiasts, and just start the day off strong. read more

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There has to be a better way that Franklin Barbecue can operate to move the line faster.. I don't know what it is, but the line was very long, and it moved very slow. The food itself was really good, but you should be prepared to wait if the line is long. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Brisket, Single Potato Salad, sliced bread - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've been so averse to waiting in line, I've deprived myself the opportunity of enjoying Franklin since its ceremonious inception (food truck in 2009, brick-and-mortar in 2014) till now - INDEPENDENCE DAY 2026 - America's 250th and my favorite new tradition. Pro-Tip: Come early, but hungry (peak line length around lunchtime was over 90 minutes, half spent indoors being tortured by delicious sights & smells of their award-winning smoked meat). I'm not historically a major fan of protein-heavy meals, but Franklin has me enthusiastically craving BRISKET & BURNT ENDS that are seasoned and peppered to perfection, melty, savory, and crisped all at once, dipped in a dash of Traditional BBQ (sweet, gentle vinegar, expert seasoning to complement smoke flavors) - MEAT NIRVANA. Crisp cool coleslaw and Cheesy Jalapeño Sausage are icing on the proverbial cake. Work-around would be catering and grabbing some custom seasoning or BBQ to-go. Also stocking very cool hats & tees, custom Yeti's & trays! There's something for everyone, indoor/outdoor seating, and delightful staff keeping things moving like clockwork until a momentous return. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Small sampler, leftovers for later - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

We've experienced Franklin a couple times before -- once during COVID for a to go order and once when we won a private dinner experience through a blood donation (still one of the coolest wins ever, unfortunately we didn't win this year, lol). This time, we were actually on our way to try a different BBQ spot when we noticed there was no line?? It was only 30 minutes before opening. This was right before the big freeze at the end of January, so everyone was huddled inside the patio trying to stay warm, but the vibes were still laid back and friendly. One thing we absolutely LOVE about Franklin is how they handle the wait. Doors are open before service starts, you can use the restroom, even grab drinks while you wait. That alone is elite level hospitality in the BBQ world. They also had someone walking around asking what people were thinking of ordering so they could gauge inventory, which is genius and helps manage expectations before you even get to the counter. Service was super friendly across the board. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there and wanted to make sure guests were taken care of. What we ordered: * Turkey - Moist and lightly seasoned, letting the meat shine. Simple and done right. * Beef Rib - Massive, tender, incredible smoke and bark. Surprisingly needed a little extra salt (yes, I said it ), but once we added it? WOW. * Brisket - We didn't think it would taste that different from the beef rib, but texturally it absolutely was. Melt-in-your-mouth tender with beautiful bark and the perfect level of seasoning. * Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage - Great snap, LOVED the gouda flavor * Pork Ribs - Fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, and honestly some of the best we've had. We grabbed some bubbles (basically prosecco) while waiting and a Roadhouse beer. Alcohol prices are on the higher side, but the convenience of being able to sip while you wait, especially since we stopped in last minute, makes it worth it. We did forget to order the sausage initially, but it was super easy to walk over to the drink counter and add it without standing in the full line again. Also appreciate the free bread, pickles, onions, and sauce setup. It's the little things. Only slight hiccup: when it was time to line up for opening, they ask guests to honor the order of arrival. Unfortunately, people are people and not everyone follows the honor system. But that's not on the staff, they can only do so much. Overall, incredible food, thoughtful hospitality, and a super smooth experience even on a cold morning right before a freeze. Franklin continues to live up to the hype, and we'd absolutely go back. read more

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While in Austin for a team offsite, we had a private dinner at Franklin BBQ and whew... it was worth the hype. And this is coming from someone who is not a BBQ person at all. Our meal was served family-style with classic sides: coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, pickles, onions, and bread. Everything complemented the meats perfectly without trying to steal the show. Now let's talk about that brisket. ‍ It was incredibly tender, flavorful, and basically melted with every bite. The turkey? Hella moist which is not easy to pull off. I don't eat pork, but the rest of the table devoured the ribs and sausage, so I'll take that as a glowing review. Each table had three BBQ sauces: original, spicy, and vinegar. The spicy was my favorite - bold but balanced. The original was solid. The vinegar sauce wasn't my personal vibe, but I appreciate having options. Beyond the food, the service was excellent. The team was kind, attentive, and on top of everything. I'm sure they rolled out the red carpet since we were hosting a private event, but great service is still great service and I notice it. The restaurant itself is quite large, with long rows of tables that are perfect for big groups or communal dining. There's also an outdoor space that I imagine is amazing when the weather cooperates. There's a bar as well, though not much bar seating. Even as someone who doesn't typically gravitate toward BBQ, I genuinely enjoyed this experience. Franklin lives up to the legend. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Brisket, turkey, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Yes, there's a line, and yes, there is a bit of a wait, but the food and service are amazing and well worth the wait. Awesome lady came out as I'm standing outside and was helping me make decisions about what I was going to eat. I asked for a fatty brisket on white bread instead of a roll and the barbecue concierge gentleman who helped not only accompanied me, but engaged in a wonderful conversation. He even put another chunk of beef brisket on top of the sandwich as a decoration. Topped off with a Mexican Coke and still couldn't finish it all. The pies look amazing and I'll probably come back tomorrow to try them. If you are In the Austin area, this is by far the best place to eat. Get here early to avoid a long wait in mid day. It's 2 o'clock right now and there's probably 15 people in line. An hour ago there was over 50 people in line. They also have whole briskets to take with you if you wanna make a party read more

Franklin Barbecue - Brisket on Light Bread - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I got here at 10:10 or so on Tuesday morning and came down to eat around 11:40am. I was at the front side by the stairs that has the chairs underneath. So the brisket was good, and sliced more thinly than Cooper's as a comparison which I appreciated. I got the pork ribs and jalapeño sausage as well. Again, all good but was it the best bbq? Hutchins in Dallas holds that for me, but honestly it's probably all comparable. I can say that I don't think it's worth waiting in such a long line for. I did like the 4 different sauces - the spicy and original were my favorite. Jalapeños are an extra charge and the coleslaw is not as saucy and taste healthier than most. You can ask for as much bread as you want. The service was great though. And there's a person who gets your order in line who can answer questions but you can always change your order when you get in front. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Two pork ribs, half pound brisket, jalapeno sausage, and pint of coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It's been about three years since I had the pleasure to eat at Franklin BBQ. I decided to go on a Tuesday morning and I got there about 9:30 am. I was number eight in line. Tuesday is the slowest day for them and showing up around 9:30 am is the way to go. After they opened up at 11am,I ordered and sat down to eat at 11:20 am. I got a pound of brisket($39 a pound), a pound of pork ribs($34 a pound)and three links of jalapeño cheese sausages($13 for all three links). I also got a bourbon banana pie($8). All the meats were delicious. The brisket and pork ribs were well seasoned and tender. The jalapeño cheese sausages were flavorful with a nice amount of cheese in them. The bourbon banana pie was a tasty treat to end my meal. In the end, I would definitely recommend trying Franklin Barbecue or going back if you've eaten there before. They are a great example of how Texas bbq should be done. read more

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Franklins meat never disappoints. That sandwich is your best bet if you're trying to drop a stupid amount of money but still tryna fill up Meat again is like... amazing. Out of this world. But this place has its drawbacks though. While the line is an experience, you gotta do it right to have fun. Bring cards. Bring booze. Be with friends. Lines long every day of the week (I live next door, it's fucking down the block at 10am on a fkn Tuesday it's insane). Line typically is shortest when there's rain if you're tryna slip in and get lucky Other drawback is sides. I typically go elsewhere cause there's shorter lines and better sides. The meats good at a lot of places but not to justify this. With that said, everybody should tailgate and rip it at least once in their lives. My friends and I all gambled with coolers and a speaker in the Texas sun all morning on a Saturday once and it's a core memory. read more

Worth. The. Wait. I came with a visiting friend for the first time this past summer, I wanted to show her some Austin legends and while I had never been myself always heard great things. They held true. We went on a Saturday morning around 11 AM, we weren't in a rush and knew the line would be lining, this was also true. Nothing a bucket of beers and ciders couldn't fix, I think as long as you come with the expectation of having to wait and know what you're getting into you'll be fine. They have a water station set up and lawn chairs/benches you can easily utilize. We got a little big of everything (minus the turkey, they were sold out) and it was all incredible. I think the take aways were the beef rib and brisket, both incredibly moist and filled with flavor. I went back again another day with my boyfriend and we went at 1PM this time, one worker who we were talking to at the original visit said it was usually dead by this time. We walked up the ramp were through the door within 20 minutes as opposed to the original 2 hours on the first visit. I believe more items were sold out (turkey, beef rib, and sausage) but we had come for the brisket we were perfectly okay with this! TLDR: If you want to wait and drink some cold ones while talking and hanging out with friends and want to try everything - go early and be prepared to wait a couple hours. If you don't want to wait and are okay with a more limited menu go after 1PM. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

This beloved award-winning BBQ icon is worth the wait (come early as they can sell out QUICKLY.). The moist brisket is TENDER with a good "bark" on it. Pulled pork is tasty and the vinegar based sauce adds a nice zing. Jalapeño cheddar sausage rounds it out nicely! The spicy sauce is my fave. Great service (lawn chairs and restrooms available for the long but fun wait) and fun merch, too. read more

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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. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Brisket, Ribs, Sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Omg !!!! Franklin Barbecue is One Of The Best BBQ Restaurants In America!!!! Aaron Franklin is a Master Pit Master!!! Franklin Bbq is a Mecca for Foodies from all over America!!! I made a Pilgrimage to Franklins and encountered a line around the Block. I parked my Rental Car and joined the line !! I was in line for Hours!!! It was a Festive Atmosphere!!! I eventually got a hold of one of Franklins loaner chairs from under the Porch. When I finally made it in side of Franklins , Still in line !!! A Cowboy eating at a Table stood up and asked me if I wanted to try some Brisket?? I said Hell Yeah !!! He told me to Grab a few Slices of Brisket off his Platter and I Did!!! Those 2 Pieces of Brisket were a Revelation!!! I was Transported to Bbq Heaven!!! Best Brisket I've ever had!!! I thanked my new Bbq Friend! When I made it to the Front of The Line !!!! I ordered 3 Pounds of Brisket , Rack of Ribs and 3 Sausages!! I paid Cash !!! The Cashier was very nice and Offered me a Behind the Scenes Tour after I was done Eating!!! I Secured a Table and Started eating!!! Heavenly Bbq Experience!!! My Table mates 2 Women I was traveling with Hit My Platter like 2 Vultures and started scarfing my Bbq when I went to get a to go container. I grabbed what was left and Packed it to go !! My new friend gave me the Behind The Scenes Tour and I was impressed!!! I thanked her and bought a. T Shirt before I left!!! For All These Reasons This Is A Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!! I keep my Pimp Hand Strong !!! read more

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Food: The hype is real! One of the best meats I've had, although the brisket was the clear winner. Meats were so flavorful and cooked perfectly! Service: Expect a line and for it to go slow but it's def worth it! We got there an hour before opening and there was already a line. Atmosphere: Both indoor and outdoor seating suitable for large parties. Very casual ambiance. It's also common to sit with people you don't know as there's more people than tables, but everyone is pretty friendly and you get to meet people from all over the country. read more

Franklin Barbecue - Beef Rib, Brisket, and Single Potato Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas