Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue

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+1 512-653-1187+ Add website
Hours
Sun
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tue
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wed
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thu
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fri
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sat
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Menu


Is this place primarily a deli?
PRICE RANGE
$1.00 – $1.00
CUISINES
American, Barbecue, Grill
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, BYOB
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,782 reviews
Excellent
1,348
Very good
264
Average
115
Poor
24
Terrible
31

Northern_Traveler00
California78234 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 couples
Holiday weekend + cheap fares = Q in ATX, and Q in ATX means Franklin. We were here in summer 2019, and the line was LONG. 7:30 AM arrival then put us about 70th in line (they open at 11). Today is COLD, it was about 35 degrees at 7:15, we got there at 7:30 and were second in line behind one fellow warrior who arrived at 5:50! They have chairs you can use, so we all lined up. 10 folks or so by 8AM. 30 by 9, when they came out and invited folks in to buy merch, drinks, and use the bathroom. Sun was out by now but it was still chilly. Aaron Franklin opened the doors right at 11AM and greeted everyone. Folks in front of us were buying like eight pounds of meat. We were a bit more cautious and got 1/2 pound of brisket, 2 pork ribs, and 1.5 lbs of turkey and we couldn’t have been happier. Meat cutter was very friendly and gave good advice, and tossed a couple burnt ends into our order when I asked about them. Side gang and cashier also are totally welcoming and your business definitely feels appreciated here. We got a couple containers for half the brisket and most of the turkey and will happily take it home and enjoy over the next many days/weeks,
Written January 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

like2travel2sun
Spokane20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 friends
We were told it was the best BBQ and to go early. The line was long, out the door and down the ramp. The line moved fast and several people were ordering to-go. They have great communication with a gal that keeps you informed while waiting of how to order, what to expect and if they are running low on any meat. It looks like it is in a house and in a neighborhood. You seat yourself after ordering at wood tables and have basic paper plates but it is fabulous. Their sauces are amazing and all of the food was worth the wait. We shared a combo meal with another couple and had left overs. It is a bit pricey but meat is expensive and their smoking was perfect. My husband loved the Espresso BBQ sauce and wished we would have had a checked bag to bring it home in. Franklin's is a definite do-over.
Written January 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DAN C
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 family
I am reluctant to stand in line for 90 minutes for lunch but did just that at Franklin and admit it was more than worth the time. It was a hot, humid day but the fact that you get beer while waiting outside, combined with an interesting crowd from all over the world made the wait time fly. After three beers we got a table inside. You order the various meats by weight and we opted to sample the pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. All were superb but the next time we will go straight for the brisket which was the best we have ever had. Great food, interesting crowd, and incredibly friendly staff. Strongest possible recommendation!
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LoveTravel1847000
222 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 couples
It took an hour to get through the line on a Sunday @ 12:30p to place our order (cafeteria style). Definitely worth the wait! The greeter midline through was incredibly helpful and assisted with how much to order for each party. That sped up the actual order process because by the time you were up front, you already knew what you wanted. Also, she kept a tally of how much meat was left to sell so that no one would be disappointed if they ran out of a particular item. Staff were all friendly. Food was incredibly delicious and flavorful. We tried the pulled pork, brisket, turkey and pork ribs. All were so juicy. Nice touch that they gave free slices of bread. Iconic little place, but BIG on taste! I can see why they were listed as a James Beard award winner.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Josh Tovar
Sachse1723 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 solo
The final day of TASSP conference and I needed to drive back home. Google Maps and traffic made me take a wrong turn to go home. This new route took me to Franklin's BBQ which I had heard about for years but couldn't make it a reality until the BBQ gods granted me the right on this day (Insert harp music). I was driving a large SUV so be aware that parking is horrible there especially with large vehicles. As you walk in, you line up to place your order. If you want some Franklin merchandise you can pick it up as you wait. They were running our of food so I took the brisket and ribs. It's a friendly environment as you order your food. The bathrooms can be found next to cashier. Seating area is small and the temperature was horrible to eat outside so it's a communal Seating environment. I had the pleasure of breaking bread with a couple from Michigan. You can get drinks and fixings in front of cashier. The time was at hand and I was ready to see if the talk was real. The pork ribs were meaty and you can taste the rub. The sauce gave it that special kick. The brisket with fat was very satisfying and well it was ok. For half a pound of each, drink at $40 well for me not worth the platinum talk. It's good and worth a visit when in Rome.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

valuevacati0ner
92 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 couples
You will not find better bbq anywhere. The brisket was moist, smoky and otherworldly. The pork ribs were also tremendous. Yes, it will be a long wait but so worth it. Get there at 9 am or earlier to ensure you get brisket and ribs. Franklin has chairs to loan you under the stairs and has friendly staff who will let you know if you honestly have a chance to get the meats you want ( they run out everyday) so sit back, read a book, drink a beer or 2 and await greatness
Written February 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gordon Ramsey
Japan25 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 family
I’m gonna be honest and cut straight to the point… It’s not bad but, not great either 😑🥱 In Texas, everywhere you go is bbq, do not go out of your way for this unless you’re curious. The only place that ain’t good here in Texas is stubmans and quite “frankly” no one comes for the food. I’d suggest to take your business elsewhere if there’s more than 2 people in line. Coopers or the Salt lick makes great bbq plus you’d be supporting a small local restaurant/community that loves bbq😋
Written December 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dominic
5 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 business
I waited about 2 hours in line at my coworkers behest. The food was great, but they have clearly worked very hard at having false scarcity in order to create more hype and exclusivity. The way they serve and ring up food is unbelievably slow and inefficient - I am sure they do this on purpose. They also kept saying they were running out of certain meats, which I don't believe either - I mean, this is Texas. Again it's good, but there are other places just as good with short waits that will respect you and your time.
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Justin R
Kingwood115 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 couples
I spent a weekend in Austin and I tried several barbecue places. The food here at Franklin's is good, but I don't think it's as good as all the hype that it gets. There are so many other great barbecue places where you can get barbecue that's just as good for only a 15 or 20 minute wait. Like Micklethwait or Terry Blacks. Plus for me, beef ribs are my favorite. And Terry Black's have beef ribs everyday and Franklin's only has them on Saturdays.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tardykat
New York City2348 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 family
This was a journey to come here. I researched when to arrive by to make sure things don't get sold out and how to order. Not a big meat eater, I don't know how many pounds of meat I can eat. We arrived on a Tuesday morning 8:45am and counting the number of adults on the line, we were 25th and 26th. This count changes as joiners came late to be with their person designated to wait on the line. Staff put out coolers of iced water for waiting patrons and opened the shop about 9:08am to allow people into the restrooms, get some AC, get some souvenirs. By 10am someone came to take our order though it really wasn't our order per se, it's more so the kitchen knows how much to prepare for those on the line before opening time. 10:45 people started to get up and put away the provided foldup lawn chairs and 11am the restaurant was open. It was still quite some time before we made it inside to order. By 11:39am, we got our order and found a table. For the 2 of us non-big meat eaters, we got 1 lb brisket, 1/4 lb turkey, 1/4 lb pulled pork, 1 Jalapeno cheddar sausage and a single portion potato salad. We finished everything except for the bread, some brisket and the potato salad. We packed that up, of course. The brisket was so tender and not overly fatty. It has the perfect ratio of lean to fat and broke apart with the slightest nudge. Heavenly. America's Best Brisket? I don't know I'm not an expert but it was worth the journey!
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Oscar K
Mesa6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
When we got there the line didn't look to long(compared to many pictures). Decided it would not be that long, but it was. Well over an hour. When we finally got inside we soon found out that there was only one person going the meat service for every order. The young lady worked as fast as she could, but one person can only do so much. We shared a brisket sandwich. The meat was seasoned very well with out over powering the meat. It was greasy good,& very tender. If they could speed up the serving time I would have given them 5 stars.
Written April 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kim T
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 couples
After debating whether Franklin's would live up to the hype, I can say that it did! We arrived at 7:30 on a Sunday and were eating by 11:30. The BBQ is solid, the brisket and pork ribs had melt in your mouth consistency. While I enjoyed the food, what really made the experience worthwhile was the staff. We have waited in our fair share of lines for food and I've never waited somewhere that seemed so genuinely appreciative of our business. Lots of thank you for waiting signs, the staff did regular check-ins starting at 8 to let us know when they would open the store and direct us to bathrooms. They even provided water and turned on the fans. As another reviewer mentioned, someone else came out to help guide the order process and tally what meats everyone planned on ordering for the day. You can do partial orders, so we were able to get a half pound brisket, a few ribs, and a sausage to be able to sample everything without having excessive left overs that we couldn't take with us. Great and memorable experience all around!
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tb911
1027 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 couples
Wow. First time. We pre-ordered, to skip the line. Easy to do but the minimum order is five pounds. Brisket was fall-apart fork tender and moist, as it should be. Good flavor too. Pulled pork was excellent, my wife saying it was some of the best she’s had, moist, tender yet firm and also flavorful. Perhaps a little more smoke flavor than the brisket. The ribs were amazing, extremely moist and tender, with a serous peppery rub and vinegar/mustard mop (I think). Different, but to die for. All those flavors kinda hid any smoke flavor, but still, so very good. Nice coleslaw too. They were nice and let us use the outside seating even though to-go orders aren't supposed to use it. We had enough for dinner that night as well. Worked great as leftovers!
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Taylor B
Chicago8439 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 couples
In our travels, my wife and I have visited barbecue restaurants in Memphis, Kansas City, Chicago, St. Louis and Charleston. And now Austin. Our experience at Franklin Barbecue was unlike any other with a long line that formed well before the lunch hour for brisket, pulled pork and other smoked meats. Located at 900 East 11th Street, in the Central East Austin neighborhood, Franklin Barbecue open from 11 to 3 Tuesday through Sunday. It is the brainchild of Aaron Franklin, who has earned a reputation as the country's most celebrated pitmaster. Franklin is a James Beard Award recipient for Best Chef and is author of a New York Times best-selling book detailing the wonders of Franklin Barbecue. He was inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020. Customers line up to purchase brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, sausage and jalapeno cheddar sausage by the pound. We heeded warnings to arrive early to avoid the crowd and managed to join another couple for a delightful and delicious lunch of brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, potato salad, pecan pie, bourbon banana pie and St. Arnold root beer. Franklin Barbecue is all that it is cracked up to be. The lines of hungry and adoring customers attest to that.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fj49_49
Portland137 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 couples
We arrived and got in line outside in over 100 degrees, there was an Igloo cooler that apparently at one time had water in it but in the 40 minutes we were outside nobody came to fill it. After 40 minutes we got to the door and I couldn't wait until we got inside... and found out it really wasn't much cooler, 4 tiny little AC units that were barely on. So, after 20 minutes sweating inside we get to the station, and I order ribs and brisket, he ask me if I want lean or marbled which was great because I didn't know there was the option and got the fatty cut which was so much better than the brisket I had a couple days ago elsewhere (also reviewed on TA). The ribs were also better, we loved the potato salad, and she really liked her pulled pork sandwich. Being from the Pacific NW I don't deal with anything over 80 degrees very well, so for me to walk out of there as happy as I can be after sweating for 2 hours tells you just how much I loved their BBQ. This would've been an easy 5 if based on the food alone and when we're back to visit new to Austin family this will be the place we're all coming to at least 3 times, it just won't be in August!
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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FRANKLIN BARBECUE, Austin - East Austin - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

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