Franklin BBQ Reviews

All of the previous great reviews are 100% accurate. Brisket was my favorite.

Get there early. Wait in line. Drink some cold beverages. Eat some amazing meat. Slip into food coma. Tip... don't get any sides, just the meat

Amazing bbq! Best brisket I've had from a bbq joint. Though I think I liked the pulled pork even better. Sides were nothing to write home about. Making those better would round out the entire meal better.

Worth every second and penny. I would travel back to Austin just to get another taste. The waiting line has a great atmostphere, bring a chair, some beer, and a card game.

You want the best brisket in Texas this is the place to go!

Great food, great service. Hours make you wonder if they're laundering money into you eat the brisket. Then you know.

Showed up at 7:15 am on a Sunday. We were 17th in line.. they have chairs there for you to sit in while you wait. They open up the doors around 8:30 for the bathrooms and for you to buy drinks. Doors opened at 11am and we had our food at a table inside by 11:20. The ribs were some of the best my husband has ever had. The burnt ends and brisket were also delicious 10/10 worth the hype and worth getting up early

Honestly, why are you even reading this? Just go. Literally, best restaurant experience I've ever had. The staff was amazing and it was more than worth the wait, I would've waited 2 more hours for the food, it was that good, and I waited 5 hours. Just get there early like 7:30, 7:40 and you'll be fine. The wait is really an experience and I don't understand the complaining, I thought it was fun.

This place has ruined me for bbq. Best I've had. Well worth waiting in line for!

Hands down the best Brisket I've ever had! I had been to Austin a couple times and was never fortunate enough to get some. Well, we planned ahead and called our order in a week in advance! Haha. Must say, well worth it! The only thing I regret was not getting more! The brisket is PHENOMENAL! The pulled pork was great and the Ribs were insane! They also have these little pies that are amazing. I recommend the Bourbon Banana and the uhhh... I think it was called "pappys dang ol pie" or something haha I'm getting it wrong but it was something like that. 5 stars WILL be back!

Brought a first-timer from Montana, officially got his stamp of approval. Tried one of everything, minus the turkey. Loved all of it! Worth the 1 hour 40 minute wait arriving at 11:05 on a Wednesday.

The brisket is what they're known for. Get some fatty and some lean.

Worth the 4 hour wait. Got in line around 7:00 on a sat.

The hype is real, waited 4hrs, had some amazing brisket and met some good people while waiting and got a picture with Aaron...overall great experience!!

Finally got to try this place and it is DEFINITELY worth the hype! The brisket and the rib was out of this freakin world. Great job, Franklin's!

Hands down the best brisket you'll ever eat. Plus, it's a great atmosphere with a friendly staff.

Best ribs and Turkey I ever had.
Brisket is well done, but I would prefer it spicier and hotter.

My wife and I saw this restaurant on a movie while in Dallas on our 7th Anniversary Vacation. We decided to drive to Austin and try the Brisket which was highly spoken of in the movie. This establishment did not disappoint. We loved it. Worth our trip.Thank You!!! Another Anniversary memory spot for us.

Great food. Great people. This is a must visit!!!! I preordered, showed up to get my order for a family get together, only to find out I had selected the wrong date online and I was a week earlier than I indicated I would be. They had one extra brisket and some sides on hand and sold that to me to try and help me with my situation. They were so awesome and so helpful, I was so grateful. It was completely my mistake. Thanks for helping me out and being so awesome guys! That brisket was AMAZING, best our group of experienced Texas BBQ lovers has ever had, everyone loved it!!!!

Great barbie. Nothing else to add.
It was a long wait (over 2 hours) to get to try their brisket, but it was well worth it. Will certainly be back again.

The 2-5 hour line is crazy. But WELL worth the wait. Absolutely phenomenal food. The sauces only get a 3/5 but the meat doesn't even need it. Melt in your mouth brisket is the American dream.

Amazing BBQ, but it was a gut bomb, even the left-overs.

Get there early before it is all gone! Everything is delicious. Our favorite is the brisket. Flavorful, moist, great bark and smoke ring.

Brisket is amazing but you already know that! No dine in. Order a full week ahead. Not a full work week but a full week week. Curbside was painless. Waited in line about 10 minutes to get to a parking spot where you text a number with your parking space number and confirmation number and open your trunk to have a worker deliver your food without contact. I would have loved to eat in the restaurant but from what I've heard I'm not sure that's ever going to happen again with how freaked out the owner is.
Still.
Stellar brisket!

There are no words to describe how amazing the food is here. The brisket and ribs are especially out of this world. Extremely tender!

Best BBQ I've ever eaten. I am a huge bar-b-que fan, In fact my friend and I have a homemade trailer smoker that can handle 35 racks of ribs. We smoke several times a month and sell our ribs. I like to think that we are very good. But Franklin's has it down. Best brisket I've ever touched, and the ribs were fall apart delicious. I really have some work to do. This was a delight. I highly recommend. Don't wait in line, order and pick up. You must order several days in advance, so plan ahead. This BBQ will change your life.

Best BBQ that I have had in a while. I will be going back soon for lunch.

My husband and I got here at 230pm, a Sunday, was told there may only be chopped beef sandwich available, we were ok with that, as we were surprised there was anything left from what weve heard. Only waited 5 min, and there was Brisket, chopped beef sandwich and Turkey avaialble! Jackpot! It was amazing and delicious and all the good things weve heard!

This feedback is only for Texans! The only thing good/amazing here is the brisket. Do not bother with anything pork, sides, etc. This place is straight up for yuppies that are on vacation. The ribs and pulled pork were a joke. They should be reported and thrown in jail for sides, first the sides are horrible then they make you buy a $5 pint because the individual size is a small sauce cup. The brisket at salt lick or snow's is much better btw!! Also, no need to wait in line, show up at 2-2:15 and they will have the $22 a lb brisket ready for your dumb a**, most expensive place in Texas made for yuppies!!

Moved to Austin 10 years ago and finally today, hit up Franklins for some Q. Thought I would take advantage of the drive through pick up they have set up during the Videmic. Worked like a charm! Only got ribs and sausage and they were delicious! Ribs melted in my mouth and weren t to smoky. The sausage was delicious too. The casing was a hard snap, but that was the only fault I found. I shall return!

Brisket and sausage was all that was available but it was good. Next time I have to get there earlier to try the ribs and Turkey.

Wonderful!! The brisket was like BUTTER, we also tried the pulled pork, sausage and ribs with sodes and pie - YUM!! Worth the wait in line

This is a must have!! The line gets pretty busy but its worth!!

Best place for food, price and service. Highly recommended

Waited in line for about an hour and twenty minutes just to try this BBQ we've heard so much about. I ordered the fatty brisket and sausage, then found a seat inside the establishment. When I began eating, I started to wonder if it was really worth the wait. I mean it was good, but not the best I'd had. It was well coated with seasoning, peppery, generally enjoyable and moist. I couldn't finish my plate and took the rest to go. Later that day when I was hungry again, I returned to my preserved meal only to experience nirvana! It was even better than before! This time the meat had time to rest and marinate with the sausage, onions and side of pickles I stashed away. If I'm ever in Austin again, I'm definitely going back.

Called the day before we were planning on placing an order to confirm they would be able to accommodate our order since we were a large group of eight. The gentleman we spoke to said there would be no issue getting our order in as long as we called at 5:30pm and they would even have our order ready in 10 minutes! Needless to say, we called at 5:35pm, spoke to three different people, and we were eventually informed that they were not taking carryout orders. Either have all your employees consistent with your policies, or make it right when someone makes a mistake. Sadly, Franklin's failed to do either.

Is it an absurd wait? Yes. But there is something about conversing and enduring with others that are just as committed as you to try some of the best (not ready to say THE best just yet) Central Texas BBQ around. They even gave us a few spare ribs (haha :/) at no cost. The fatty brisket was perfection, the ribs 10/10, everything else was 9/10. It was a little uncomfortably cold this morning since a cold front just blew through that caught us out, but that didn t deter the crowd. There at 8:00, eating by 12:15. The first guy was there at 5:20 this morning. If you don t want to wait, you ll never get any.

Feeling incredibly lucky to have eaten here on our first try. Owner said the first guy showed up at 5:30 am for a weekday line!

Not only is this place famous for the best Central Texas BBQ (despite incredibly good competition), it's a social experience not to be missed. Pre-orders in line usually run out long before doors open. Beef Ribs are only available Saturdays, but are the biggest, most tender, tastiest, juiciest, etc. you've ever had. Then there's the amazing brisket, pork ribs, turkey, sides, craft beer, etc. Franklin's should be on any carnivore's bucket list. Just make sure you're there by 9am with a folding chair (5am and you might be 3rd in line).

Bring a snack, a book, a chair, and be prepared to wait but it will be worth it! I got to Franklin's around 9:30am on a Friday and was sitting down at 12:30pm.

Worth the 5 hour wait in line. But remember to pack a lot of beer.

Well it was worth the 3 hour wait and I am not a tourist. It is one of those things you have to try. It was like meat that melted in your mouth.

The most visible reviews mention the great food but not the fact you have to stand in line for about 4 hours (this is true) to get them. I love smokey meats, but not that much.

Waited about 3.5 hours on a Friday in January to get the legendary brisket here! They ask you while you're in line how much you plan on buying so that they can better estimate when they will sell out so no one has to wait in line without getting food. Don't be afraid to order too much after all you waited so long and you can take leftovers home. They have some free chairs to borrow or you can bring your own. Drinks are for sale before they open and the restroom is open. The star of the show is of course the brisket moist and lean cuts. You don't need sauce on anything here, in fact the sauces aren't that great in my opinion anyway ha! Of note, the pies are good too!

Visited my sister in Austin last week. She said I had to try the Brisket at Franklin's. She was right, it was the best brisket I have ever eaten. But it was not worth the two hour wait. I'm perfectly happy with Rudy's. At least I can eat very soon after arrival.

Waited 2hrs in line for this place; best bbq I've ever had! So worth the wait and made friends while waiting. Had a great experience!

Wow, what an experience! My girlfriend and I got there for lunch at about 1:30pm for lunch. We waited in line for about 30 minutes. During that time, a young man kept us informed of what meats were left, and gave us the run-down of the place. The wait was worth it! We got to the butchers counter and the gentleman cutting the meat was very nice and friendly. We got our food and a couple of t-shirts, and a waitress offered to take us to see the smoke house. We got to see where they smoke all their meat for the next day.

This is such a cool place. If you haven't been, you need to. Also, be prepaid to have the best brisket you have ever tasted!

Love this place! We got there at 7:05 am and were 17-18 in line! Met the people that were there first and they arrived at 6 am. We brought our cooler with beer and tailgating was so much fun talking to the people around you. They open at 11 am and sell out everyday by 2-3pm! We will definitely be back. Food is awesome!

Its good, but I don't understand the hype, definitely not markedly better than other Austin places I have tried. Did not like the BBQ sauce.

Amazing brisket and barbeque in general! Fantastic!

Worth every second of a 4 hour wait. Bring beers and chairs. Only problem is every thing else after this is inadequate.

It's good but highly overrated. There are many cheaper and better bbq places. One thing i recommend not getting is the sausage. Very porky flavor with no smoked taste at all. Left Dissatisfied for the travel and long waiting periods.

I'm sure there is better BBQ out there somewhere, but the owners of Franklin BBQ sure make a mean brisket and deserve every bit of praise they've been getting. It's a bit nuts that you need to arrive so early to score a feast, but everything on the menu reheats really well - so buy lots and eat it over the week!

They dont open till 11am, but the time I went on a Saturday I got in line around 9:45am and was at the bottom of the ramp near the entrance. Shortly after I arrived, the line started getting super long. Around 10:30am they sent a girl down the line to check how much brisket each person was going to buy, so they could estimate whether everyone in line should stay. This particular morning, a whole half hour before they even opened, they put their "sold out, sorry" signs on their doors!

Long story short...believe me when I say. Arrive early!! It's worth it.

Best brisket in town, 10 out of 5, but their sausage is...meh.

Two New Year's ago, I came with some friends to celebrate in Austin and I had heard a lot about Franklin's. My girlfriend and I waited in line in the cold for a few hours to make sure we for sure got inside and got to taste the BBQ. It was very worth it since to this day, it is the best BBQ I have had. The fatty brisket is cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth with amazing flavor. Franklin himself even came up to us to ask how everything was and when he saw we had just ordered little food just to try since we were college students and couldn't spend a lot, gave us more food on the house. Very nice guy and would definitely recommend. Worth the wait.

We have been dreaming of getting to Franklin's (from AUS) for years...Well it finally happened and it was incredible. The brisket was KING, but I don't think it matters what you order, it was all amazing (even the pecan pie). The whole process is great, they even supply chairs for the line (make sure you get there early people, like 2-3 hours early to line up), music playing etc. They take your meat order in the line so people don't miss out, and even throw out some samples when you are confirming your order...bliss. Such a great experience, make a day of it with new friends!

Franklin is seriously one of the best BBQ places in the world. I highly recommend getting the Tipsy Texan - it's mind blowing. You want to make sure to get there a couple hours in advance as there is always a wait and they always sell out of meat by lunch time.

Got there at 9am on a Friday for a 3.5 hr wait.. Definitely worth it

Exceptional experience! Line was only 45 min after 1:30pm. Had to select what was left. Delicious Brisket and Sausage with great sides. Be patient, it's worth it!

How could you not give this place 5 stars? You have to wait in line for an hour but the food is on another level. The brisket is so tender and smoked just the right amount. The pork ribs fall off the bone and the turkey is succulent and beautifully seasoned. The sides are simple but they all work, the espresso sauce is a must.

Finally made my first trip to the Mecca of Texas BBQ today. Waited in line for a short 2 1/2 hours on a Wednesday, and it was well worth it. Everything was great. The brisket was every bit as delicious as I've read, and the ribs were unexpectedly amazing as well.

This place lives up to the hype. The barbeque is delicious. The wait time is no joke; we got there at 750am on a Sunday and reached the counter to order at approximately 1245. Totally worth the wait, though. We brought chairs and cards and made a morning out of it.

I drove 600 miles. Made it in time before they ran out. Was let down. They where preparing for a huge Texas monthly party so their attention may have been focus on the pending affair.
The pastrami from Harolds deli in Woodbridge new jersey is the best brisket I have ever eatten.

As good as they say. The brisket kinda rocked my world.

There has to be a better system so that people that make the trip hoping to try the famous brisket and wait in line for hours at least get to try a few slices. We were disappointed that we didn't get to try the brisket.

We did however get chopped beef, saisage and a few sides, but we just didn't find anything to be special or worth the wait.

Worth the wait for those who like this type of food.

The best brisket I've ever eaten. This is the place to go for great bbq. I give it my highest recommendation. Get there early because it goes fast and once it's gone, there is no more. It is worth the wait in line.

What to say about Franklin's that hasn't already been said? Was the BBQ stellar, absolutely, easily some of the best I've ever had. That being said, you can get comparable BBQ at La Barbecue down the street without waiting in line for five hours. I guess to some the line is part of the fun, and I don't regret my time waiting for the food, but I probably won't be doing it again for a long time.

Ordered a brisket and a rack of ribs by preorder on their website. No waiting in line. Food was great! I wouldn't wait 3 hours for it, but it is some really good stuff.

Yearly sabbatical from Seattle just to have this meat sent from the top of Olympus!

The folks at Franklin Barbecue have a good sense of humor.
They provide knives in their establishment knowing full well that all it takes to break apart a slab of their brisket is a slight breeze sneaking in through the doorway.
Yes, it s that tender.

Waiting in line at Franklin one begins to question the wisdom of their decision to dine their. Yes it s supposed to be wonderful, but after an hour and a half shifting your weight from one foot to another, you begin to doubt. However, this doubt falls away by degrees as first you step into Franklin and the aroma of sizzling meat assails your nostrils, then you see others eating with gusto, and finally a cutter lops off your very own slab of brisket glistening with fat.

And if any shadow of a doubt persisted, the second that first piece of brisket hits your tongue it is utterly banished, run away to the very corners of the universe to waste away in darkness eternal.
Skewering a slice, you raise your fork only to find the meat falling apart before your eyes. Then that first delectable morsel passes through your mouth and you are vaulted into rapture. A savory blend, a full bodied meat that dissolves effortlessly, mingling with the drippings of fat that melt instantaneously upon contact with your tastebuds. Any stray thought is chased out of your mind to make room for an absolute fixation upon this newfound ecstasy one you hardly know existed, and could only have dreamt of until now. The oh so spectacular now.
I actually forgot my own name for a second.
All that was and would ever be was that glistening hunk of brisket, inviting me to take yet another mouthful, and another, and another.

You slip in and out of consciousness, losing all regard for those around you and finding yourself reduced to an insatiable beast using its hands to shovel more and more down its gullet.

And then, as quickly as it began, it s over. The tray lies empty, only flecks of grease and sauce remaining.

Can this be real?

Yes, yes it can.
At Franklin Barbercue.

Best and most tender brisket. Cut it with a plastic fork. Nice people also.

Ok, so it is definitely a great spot.

I d never heard of Franklin s until googling good restaurants in the area on a small trip to Austin from Houston. I was a little apprehensive on trying it out since I read the reviews of the wait and how they run out of food frequently due to the demanding business. I decided to just drive by and wasn t going to wait if the line was around the block because I wanted something quicker. They don t take same day to go orders over the phone. I went on a Wednesday around 1:30-2PM. The wait was literally 45 minutes, guys! They would frequently come out and thank everyone for waiting and to update on what they ran out of. Staff would also come by and write down what you planned on ordering to keep track of what they could possibly run out of. By the time we were up to the front they were out of every meat except for sausage and brisket. It was a simple, authentic bbq spot with a limited menu. No to go boxes, they give you paper to wrap your leftover meat in, glass bottles for their drinks with the exception of teas, and their dessert pies looked great although I hadn t tried any. The brisket was soooo moist, melted in your mouth and the sausage snapped when you take that first bite and had a great flavor with minimal spice. The sides don t get much talk but I had potato salad and pinto beans, both paired well. They are pricey, you will wait, seating is first come, first served and limited inside. I m biased because I wouldn t wait anywhere for 3+ hours if I have a pocket of money and time to spend. BUT I will say, if you aren t opposed, it s worth it and it s a special experience if you re not a Austin area frequenter. I ll come back if ever in the area, for sure!

Absolutely wonderful. DO NOT GET CARRIED AWAY WITH YOUR ORDER or do so and get ur leftovers tomorrow. Show up early 5:50-6:20 for the first spots.