Franklin BBQ Reviews

Writing as I am resting from eating too much BBQ cannot wait to wake up to start on the left overs!

Nothing new to say that hasn't been said already. Been dreaming of coming to this place for years. The Covid pickup was seamless. We only waited maybe 20-30 minutes instead of the non-Covid times of camping out for 5+ hours. I love Aaron and have his book as well as watched him on The Chef Show and Masterclass. He and his team do all of the little things right and it shows in the product. Best bbq hands down.

Great place to eat... We had a large group had a good time...

Amazing bbq! You better show up early for a long line before all the Bbq runs out. It's well worth the wait!

Absolutely outstanding. I made the pilgrimage from Charlotte, NC last week it was well worth it. I only wish I could have gone inside for the full experience as they were only doing curbside pickup due to covid. You better believe if I'm ever going to be in Austin again, this is where I will be dining.

As a professional chef, i have to say excellent job to Aaron and the staff at Franklin barbecue. This was truly a unique experience. This barbecue is second to none! Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Amazing BBQ it was worth the 4 hour wait! The sides were okay.

Sooo awesome. Brisket well worth the price. They provide sauces, but you don't really need them. Try them AFTER your first piece (you'll have more than one slice, trust me) they're still good and enhance as long as you don't drown the awesomeness of the brisket. Must stop place.

Do yourself a favor and pre-order online and eat elsewhere. There is a designated pick- up area for the pre-orders with parking. Very quick and simple process.

On to the BBQ, we tried the turkey, brisket and ribs and I'll have to say I was disappointed. The ribs and brisket are very tender, perfect fat to meat ratio. As expected the turkey was a little dry but still decent texture. But the peppercorn rub/seasoning was over powering and detracted from any other flavors. I also think it was a bit too salty.

I'm glad I tried Franklin's but I've honestly had better BBQ and I'm really glad I didn't wait in line.

The BBQ is good, the line is long. The only reason to go here is if you like to sit in line and drink. There is better BBQ in Austin (not many). This also comes down to preference. I've order a large order here also and the food is not as good when you take it away.

Awesome BBQ! Have tried many BBQ places in Austin. Brisket, sausage, turkey, and were excellent. Espresso BBQ sauce was my favorite. Beans and coleslaw were OK.

Great breakfast tacos! Got them for co-workers & they loved them.

Everything was amazing. If they have beef ribs don t pass them up. True art

It's just okay. Didn't mind the wait, but the high cost of the food didn't necessarily reflect quality, so bad for the value.

Although, the people working there are great! The really seem to like being there. The attitude of the people for me added star or two to this review.

Didn't get a chance to get in because of the wait, but I think it's nice that they have chairs to use during the wait.

Austin's best BBQ. Get in line early if you want to know what all the fuss is about.

Long line for below average bbq. The food was bland and the bbq sauces they offer were watery and gross.

All of their food is good but expect to wait in line for a long time! They are a little overhyped restaurant I think.

The bbq here is pretty good. Not the best I've had but pretty good. I don't think I would stand in an hour line for it either.

All the stories about Franklin's are true. Yes you do have to queue, Tuesday and Wednesday are slow days. 45mins to over an hour to wait. BUT it's worth it, best BBQ in Austin. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, amazing sides. Staff are super friendly and give you advice. If you make it to Austin you HAVE to go here!

It's a long wait to get some BBQ from Franklin's but always worth it. The aromas are unbelievable. The meat is tender. I'm a huge fan

Well worth the wait! Would eat here everyday if I could!

We went to Franklins. We waited from 7 in the morning until two. Manager told us to never come back. My friend ( from Mexico) was told to never come back.

The best place to eat some BBQ and only waited for a little over an hour. So worth it!

Good barbecue, but the staff is either burnt out or complacent. Consequentially the 4 hour wait time is totally artificial and unnecessary. They could get people in and out of this place at least 5 times quicker if they wanted to, but it s part of the experience of Franklins. It s a little overwrought, and it s also a real easy way to turn something you spent long hours in front of the fire and great skill making special into something pretty underwhelming at the very end.

A +++++++++ BBQ! I didnt even need sauce! The ribs were the best ever. The crust in the brisket was to die for. Sausage was equally amazing anf the smoke on all the meat was amazing. The hospitality was #1!

So much yes

You may want to start waiting in line from 7:30 to 9:30 though.

Since eating here I've purchased his manifesto but am still unable to mimic his brisket creation which isn't suprising at all. Amazing bbq to the point that I only like his now

Got in line at just before 11 (when they open) was told at 1225 there was no guarantee for food. There was maybe 100 people in front of us. To me this speaks volumes of poor management. Save your time and money. Go to Dickeys, salt lick or somewhere else. You'll only be upset you could of got the same or maybe even better without the wait and atrocious mismanagment or capacity to serve a simple lunch crowd.

The brisket was fantastic, but the people were not exactly friendly.

Worth. The. Hype.

I went there when it was just a trailer and damn was it good...Long lines be damned go check out Franklins you may not find better BBQ in Austin.

Best brisket I've ever had and the sausage is on par with the best I've eaten in NY! If you are in Austin for only one day, this should be your lunch destination.

O-MY-GERD, place was really good. We got great portions of juicy, flavorful, meat that did not need ANY BBQ sauce. Brisket, turkey, fall off the bone ribs, and sausage - all of it really good. Worth the wait and will have to bring family by.

I've eaten A LOT of barbecue since moving to Texas, but Franklin is the best. No argument. We ordered way too much in order to try everything and it was all wonderful. Best brisket I've ever had, perfect in every way. The line is a pain but we were lucky and went on a cold day during the week when it was relatively short. Worth the experience, I hope I can go again someday.

Got there early, line was not that long, but moves ridiculously slow. Won t be going back to waste another 30 minutes for nothing.

If you are anything of a Texas-style Barbecue fan do yourself a HUGE favor and try to get into Franklin Barbecue for lunch one day.
I'd seen it on TV several times, read about it in magazines and newspapers but until earlier this month had no plans to be in the Austin area.
During a Spring Break trip with family my ONLY request for the trip was to TRY and have lunch there. I earned my way there after somewhat enduring stops in Dallas at the Bush Library, the Fort Worth Stockyards, the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas...southward to Waco and the literal "money factories" of the HGTV Fixer Upper folks and FINALLY to Austin for the LBJ Library, the bats on the Congress Avenue bridge, the Pennybacker Bridge, Austin Country Club and THEN it was 240pm on a Wednesday and we were semi-close to Franklin.
I inserted fatherly control of the car and headed to 11th street. Got there at 252pm and the sign on the door said "SOLD OUT". I was crushed but nonetheless followed the aroma just to get a look inside. I was met at the door by one of the serving crew who said they'd found 1 more brisket and did I want to come in? I looked around, told her to "shhhhhh" because a riot might start, and quickly told my wife and 2 kids to get in there.
Fast forward....there were about 2 pounds left. GIVE IT ALL TO ME. It looked wonderful, smelled wonderful. The server handled it with precision and skill as he sliced it into about 6 or 7 pieces.
One bite in and I knew it was the best brisket I'd ever tasted. The perfect combination of fat and meat, expertly smoked to peel apart tenderness. No need for sides, bread or a knife and heaven forbid any added sauce. It needed nothing but someone to eat, enjoy and appreciate it. That was me.
My wife asked for a bite, had never had brisket before (honestly). I warned her she'd love it and prefaced my offering of a small bite with "you've got your turkey sandwich though". She took her bite and said "OMG, that's incredible". I smiled and said, "see what I've been telling you guys about ?" She asked for more, I obliged and now she's a fan as well.
Sorry for the long story but suffice to say MAKE THE EFFORT to get to Franklin and you will be rewarded. It's not the best place for atmosphere but it's perfectly quaint in it's own special way. People don't go there for the tablecloths or chairs or even for a view...they go for the BRISKET !
Loved my time at Franklin Barbecue. Hope to get back there sometime soon.

All the good things I ve heard about Franklin barbecue definitely were not hype this place was by far the best tasting barbecue I ve ever had it was totally worth the wait and I plan on waiting again in the future just whenever I have the time to. The brisket is to die for. But then again anything on the menu was so delicious.

Tuesday 2 May. Got in line at 9:15 am & ate at 12:20 pm; 3 hr wait. There was a coffee trailer serving cafe things and snacks. Franklin's was open for bathrooms, beer, Mimosas, and merchandise prior to opening. There was a container full of umbrellas to shield you from the sun. Had a blast hanging out with the other people in line. We ordered brisket (best we'd ever had), ribs (damn good), sausage (damn good), turkey (alright, not the best), pulled pork (alright, not the best), beans (not good), potatoe salad (standard). The pitmaster showed us some behind the scenes action as well! Would definitely do it again if only for the experience & brisket.

Honestly not very good. Way too salty and disgusting. Franklin was impressive back in the day but having come back after all these years and bbq experience this is not worth it. I don t think it has much to do with method either, but the very beef quality has decreased considerably. The protein is basically tasteless and bland, the salt and smoke attempts to cover it up but to no avail.

Frankly, nothing compares. The reviews speak for themselves. This is the best craft Texas BBQ anywhere and everywhere. With COVID protocols, it s advisable to order a week ahead if possible. The brisket sells out first. You get a time slot and pay online. When you show up, they have you park and put your order in the trunk. Couldn t be easier. The brisket is otherworldly, but a shout out to the sausage and turkey as well for flavor. Worth coming to Texas just to experience this place.

Best meal I ever had....twice! The meats are incredible, but the equal love and care that they put into their sides as well separates them from the rest. It's a complete meal full of deliciousness.

Over rated to say the least! Considering I'm from Texas, I've had a considerable amount of bbq. Was the last in line and told we would get pretty much leftovers. It was far worse than that. 3 people and spent 95$ and walked away not at all feeling I had received even half of my $ s worth.. when asked how it was we were honest. Which seem to offend. Don't ask unless you want an honest opinion.

Good but of course overrated. If waiting 4 hours to see if they have food left is hip to you, fantastic. I think it just made my expectations too high.

What to say? I have been to the most famous bbqs in Austin and some of other cities in the United States. Is bbq the one that I liked the most? I think not. It's great? Yes. I mean, it's all an experience. Get up early to stand in line, meet people, his place is beautiful and his meat is brutal. It is all VERY JUICY, that cannot be denied. Do not disappoint, hopefully we will return to Austin one day.

Flew all they way from Phx to visit and we were not disappointed! You do have to wait in a line for awhile but after you eat the wait is worth it. We got a combo of different meats, and all were delicious! And the potato salad is amazing!

Call me crazy, but flew all the way from Minneapolis to try their BBQ and wasn't disappointed. 1.5 hour wait, line goes by quick, but worth the wait. The brisket you can cut apart with just a fork, super tender, simple, meaty. Turkey was the same way. Can't wait to go and visit Austin again!

The reason for the long wait lines:
1. The restaurant is really small...indoor seating for maybe 35, another 20 outdoors.
2. Open only 4 hours a day. 11am till around 2:30pm or whenever the meat runs out. (Hopefully, you haven't stood in line for 3 hours when the meat is SOLD OUT)
3. Closed on Mondays.
4. Franklin also closes for vacations...this summer it's July 30 through Aug. 9. Last summer they closed for 3 months due to a small fire.
5. Slow employees who seem in no hurry to fulfill orders.

So basically the infamous long lines is a marketing ploy that garners them alot of press. If they're so popular, then expand the restaurant or open another one. Yeah, the meat is ok but nothing you can't get else where in town. But my main beef is that their brisket is $22 a pound and it isn't even USDA Prime.....go to Lockhart or Terry Blacks.

Disappointed.. on 3 day mini and trip advsor recommended the place. We arrived about 215 after waiting in line was informed. We could wait another 45 minutes but there may not be any food available.

What can I say that hasn't already been said. This places is THE BEST. Waited almost 5 hours to get my food, and it was worth it. I've been trying out all the good BBQ places since coming back home and they just don't compare. If you ever have the time, GO TO FRANKLINS!

YUMMY!
I was not lucky to get inside but we ordered for pick-up!!
OH MY! the sausage is to die for and the brisket is delicious!
I am not a big fan of barbecue but this place,
Gotta check it out!
Definitely worth the wait!

I've never been - but Matt F. raved about it! He doesn't know how to post reviews so I'm doing it on his behalf.

Waited in a line on a Thursday for 3.5 hours. Came away with pulled pork and brisket (turkey was sold out), cole slaw, and potato salad. Absolutely the best tasting, most moist and tender BBQ I've had in my life.

I'm gonna have meat sweats for days.

The line is long but well worth the wait. Great BBQ!!

Franklin's is an experience that should be on every bucket list if you're in Austin. We came here on a Friday morning after a night on sixth street so imagine that! We arrived at around 7 in the morning and we were around 10th in the line. Remember to bring things to do otherwise those hours will seem like forever! Food wise, it's as amazing as every makes it out to be. The brisket was tender and soft, the sausage was made to perfection and the ribs were superb. We also got the coleslaw to make us feel a bit better from having a pound of meat first thing in the morning and that was also great. The line moves relatively quickly and the staff were super nice. We also got to meet Aaron Franklin so that was a nice touch! Totally worth the 4 hour wait if you have nothing better to do!

The way the staff give updates to folks in line is the reason we stayed in line.. that and the promise of the best BBQ. Everyone in line even received a free pulled pork sandwich to tide us over. Lives up to the hype. The pork ribs were the best I've ever had and of course the brisket is phenomenal. Bonus: got a tour of the pits!

A six hour wait but...the staff makes it as comfortable as possible with courtesy camp chairs, passing out snacks and samples while you wait...even a few free beers for our extra long wait. The brisket is worth it...sides are very average. Get there by 9am or they'll sell out before you reach the front of the line. #ProTip: you can order meats to go (8lb min) 3 months in advance.

Best BBQ I have ever had, anywhere. Briscuit was simply amazing. Ribs and turkey was just a step behind at delishious. Pullled pork was delightful.

If you are in Austin and not eating at Franklin bbq, you are making a mistake.

Warning: you will stand in line. It is worth the wait.

Incredible! The wait wasn t that painful, beef rib was extraordinary.

The food here is absolutely amazing, but I give it 4 stars because I believe they can manage the waiting line much better, but they just let it be because it has made them famous. We went there on a Thursday and waited from about 10 am to noon to get the food. Must have been one of the best bbq I have ever had and the staff are extremely friendly and nice. Perfect location in walking distance (long walk) to many places in downtown. Pretty much everyone in line is visiting Austin and the residents don't go here often.

My goodness. The best BBQ I've ever had. I'm from California, and so I've never had real BBQ before. The ribs just fell off the bone, and the meat was just so tender. I ate, was full, and kept eating because it tasted so so good. A+

The Winner (Awesome BBQ)

We ordered on-line & (have to wait long line to pick up. They put your ordered in the trunk of your car, check your order before taking off
the parking lot)

We ordered 1 lb of each (brisket, pork ribs and sausage. We also requested extra lean and more crust on our brisket. (2 different kind
of BBQ sauce - vinegar & BBQ flavors)

Ribs - The meat fell right off the bone and melted in our mouths. Super tender and juicy even after reheating the next day.

Sausage - Amazing sausage, well done!. Very good quality meat well blend! Smoked just right!

Brisket (Extra crust) - Best brisket. Cooked to perfection.
No sauce needed.!
Great quality meat and the crust to helped to seal in the flavors.

The Franklin is a must try as they're very consistent with everything
in quality and taste!

Compare with La Barbecue the Franklin BBQ is the winner,
because their seasoning are more in deep flavor, juicy & just a
little tastier!

Love it.......

Heaven in your mouth. I literally have never felt myself get happy while eating besides the times I've eaten at Franklin BBQ. People like to complain about the wait, but it really isn't that long. If you get there early with a good group of friends, bring breakfast, board games, and good conversation, you'll basically be set! The wait usually flies by. On top of that, once you get to the front of the line, there's usually some delicious brisket samples waiting for you. I always get the brisket and rib plate. However, you seriously can't go wrong with anything here. I usually don't see the point of barbecued turkey, but it is perfection here. BBQ can be pretty expensive, but it really is a bargain here. Everyone must try this place at least once!

Everything you've ever heard about how amazing this place is 100% true. The food in undeniably good and the staff is so friendly. The brisket melts in your mouth. No knives necessary. Come early and be prepared to wait. It will be worth it.

Franklins was amazing today! The staff is so friendly and accommodating. The brisket was so delicious and just melted in your mouth. I would suggest getting there early and experiencing the wait for some great smoked meat!

Absolutely fantastic food. Was everything I was hoping for. We got there around 7:30 in the morning and there was already a line. Make sure you get there early if you want to be sure that everything will be available. They have a good stock of outdoor chairs that you can sit in while you wait for them to open up. A lot of people bring drinks or games while in line. The food itself deserves its stellar reputation. We tried everything (except the beef rib, which I think is only available on Saturdays) and thought everything was great. In my opinion, this is the standard by which other bbq should be judged.

The experience is beyond terrible, but they can do it anyway because their barbecue is good, and the hype machine is on overdrive.

Brisket ($20 / lb): The moist part of their brisket is very good, though not necessarily better than some of the other top BBQ joints around town. Meltingly tender and bursting with beef and barbecue flavor. The lean part does nothing for me whatsoever, but lean brisket never does.
Ribs ($17 / lb): Absurd tender and moist. Among the best barbecue pork ribs.
Pulled Pork ($17 / lb): Surprisingly, I would say these are actually below average. Dry meat with nothing standout.
Turkey ($17 / lb): It's good, for barbecue turkey. I enjoy it. However, unlike the brisket and ribs, it doesn't remotely justify waiting in line. I'll probably give the turkey a pass in the future.
Sausage ($12 / lb or 3 / link): Mediocre. I like my sausages with more texture inside, whereas these are more just mush.

I like their classic dark red barbecue sauce, and don't particularly care for their watery lighter red vinegar sauce or their coffee barbecue sauce.

It's pretty obvious they are intentionally engineering the line to be as long as it is. They sell drinks to people in line, and a giant line builds up their hype and mystique. I got there at 9 am on a random Thursday, and didn't get my food until 12:15. They open at 11 am, but they only have one person slicing the meat, so even after you get in the door, it's still another 45 minutes of wait for a tiny line. They sell out every day, would it really hurt their profits that much to have the slightest bit of respect for their customers and hire a second meat cutter so the line at least starts moving quickly after they open?

BBQ and the setting here is super good. I love eating here.

Worth every bit of the wait. Even got to tour the smoke room. This place is fantastic. Try everything!

An expert pitmaster, Aaron Franklin only does it to find out about your day. Got there at 930 and wasn't the first ones, and a little before they opened, a lady comes and takes a survey of how much you plan to order. The line is always cut short. The encounter at the counter is warm and earnest. And the bbq was delicious and tasty to the end. I sampled a Tipsy Texan, turkey, and ribs. Everything meets and beats expectations. The dark sauce is curious and astounding. Will be going back.

In from out of town and this was the first stop on my Austin "to do" list. I got here around 12:45pm on Tuesday and waited about an hour in line. Though they were already out of pulled pork, I lucked out with the ribs and the sausage. Well worth the wait.

Excellent customer service. Awesome food. Worth the wait even when it's cold and pouring.

I was only able to try the brisket but it was amazing!

Unrivaled taste experience. Extraordinary taste, texture, juices ... Everything is perfect balance. I don't mind the 2 hours of queue and the risk that everything will end despite arriving earlier minutes before it will open.

We came from Chicago just to try Franklin. I wouldn't change a thing. They really are the gold standard for smoked meats.

I took 3 hours on the line. The food is really good. You can order online ( at least 5 lb) and skip the line.

It was the best brisket I have ever eaten
I would go there again and again! We did have to wait in a long line and only and down to just to brisket and sausage. Again the best brisket

Online order process is stellar. We were walking the area. When our order time came we walked to their parking lot, checked in, and waited about 10-15 minutes. Staff was great. They direct you how and where to park when you're driving up.