Franklin BBQ Reviews

OMG I have never tried such a delicious BBQ in my life, without a doubt the best restaurant in Texas my experience was great fantastic, everyone has to come to taste the cuts of meat

I've never waited 6 hours for anything, let alone been happy about it. This place add incredible!

This is blasphemy!!! How dare I only give Franklin BBQ 4 stars?!?!?!

Don't get me wrong the BBQ is legit. But this is one of those reviews where you weigh out the wait, quality, cost, experience, and have to find a balance.

First off, the wait. I was NOT going to wait anywhere for more than 1 hr after my experience with Hot Doug's in Chicago. NO PLACE becomes worth it after that wait. You're just so worn out that it doesn't ever live up to it.

So my plan was let's PRE-ORDER!!! I wanted to pick it up on a Saturday since I would be driving in Houston. For a saturday pick-up, I had to do it 6 weeks in advance (depending on the weekend, I've seen 3-8 weeks). ($75 deposit)

With online orders you have to get at least 5 lbs of meat. Since it was literally just myself and my wife eating, we opted to get a wide variety since we knew we could not destroy all 5 lbs.

We got 2 lbs of pork ribs, 1 lb of brisket, 1 lb of pulled pork, and 1 lb of sausage.

The online ordering system doesn't allow you to get the beef ribs, which was a huge disappointment.

Our pick up time was about 12:15, however, even though you pre-order it takes about 30+ minutes to get your order prepared after checking in and paying off your balance. I was hoping I could get it right away without any wait, but 30 is fine compared to having to try waiting in the regular line.

After getting all the food, we actually found some friends in Austin that was reluctant (insert sarcasm) to help eat our 5 lbs of meat.

To start off the pork ribs were absolutely the best I had ever had! The brisket was very good, we got extra moist, but I've others that were as comparable (ie: Killen's in Houston and La BBQ in Austin), the pulled pork and sausage was good but nothing to rave about, I did skip out on sides. I did get a chance to try all 3 of the sauces. I liked their straight forward classic and the coffee, was not much of a fan of the vinegar one.

TLDR Version:

Pork Ribs - EXCELLENT
Pre Order - Saves time.

Delish! Got BBQ sauce all over my facemask but it was well worth it!

Great texture but no smoky flavor came through the meat this time.

We went to Franklin Barbecue back in January or February. It's worth getting there early because when the line starts to move your hunger really sets in. The wait was well worth it. If you don't plan to come back to do it again, make sure you try a little of everything. It's all great!

Best brisket I have ever had, but it is not worth the average 4 hour wait. A friend and I waited since 9AM to eat lunch at 1AM on a Tuesday . Keep in mind that I m from Lockhart, TX so I know what good barbecue is. With 4 hours of wait, a better option would be to drive to Lockhart, get barbecue from Kruez, Smitty s, Black s, Chisholm, or even City Market in Luling. Franklin s has the best brisket but it s not well rounded. The rib was over seasoned and the sausage did not impress. Lockhart sausage tops Franklin s. Lockhart sausage snaps, it s peppery, and juicy. And don t believe all the nonsense about the line at Franklins being an experience alone, it s hot, you re hungry, you re probably irritated from the wait and expecting a lot, and you might talk to the people in front and behind you occasionally.

They were nice but couldn't get in due to long line

All my kids and I went to Franklins and one hour later we all had the RUNS!!!!!!!!

Due covid somethings changed but there is not information in the website. Check before go

The line starts at 3 a.m. I got in line at 11 and waited 2 hours and 45 minutes for the best barbecue in the world. Restrooms and drinks are available while you wait along with some great new friends. Definitely the number one place to visit in Austin!!!!!!!!!!

Good Barbecue, the Pork Ribs were really tender and the meat practically falls of the bone. It was a little salty for my taste but I get it that Barbecue needs a lot of salt for tenderness. I'd say a meal here would be at the top of the expense scale but all in all it was worth the 2 hour wait and larger expense. If you come to Austin you should knock this off your bucket list. Locals know that TEXAS is barbecue king!

When I hear Texas BBQ I never even think twice about it. Franklin's changed that. It showed me that with dedication meat consistency can truly change. Yeah there is a huge wait, but if you time it right it might only be an hour. Everything I had was the best version of itself besides the turkey. It was good, but seeing as I'm from the north I've had my share of good turkey. If you can get in Franklin's I would, it's worth it.

The brisket was phenomenal! The food was great! The people/staff/manager were awesome!

Best BBQ!
Everything was so moist. Loved this place!
Going back soon.

We went on a Tuesday. I drove from Corpus got there at 6:30am first in line! Seeing the lines get longer and longer by the hour was crazy but I really love the whole experience we had meeting the people we met in line got some good coffee nearby. Hands down this is definitely the BEST bbq I had a little bit of everything brisket, ribs, turkey and sausage. Everything was great met the owner Aaron himself! I d say if you want the best the wait is definitely worth it! You forget how long you waited after trying his meats lol

I really like the barbecue at Franklin Barbecue, and to be brutally honest, it's good, but not wait in line 5-6 hours good. We wanted to order ahead, so we accessed that online section 2 weeks before we wanted the Q, but that date was disabled. When we called, we learned they were already 'over-committed,' for that date.

Oh well, the sauces are really good, and the brisket is in my top 3.

Worth the wait! The ribs and brisket at top notch. We got there around 10:30 and waited about 3 hours. You can drink while you wait and if you forget bring drinks there is a CVS around the corner.

The line is a minimum of two hours, but it is definitely worth it, the ribs are delicious, I read in a comment that they melt in your mouth and I thought they were exaggerating and no, literally they melt in your mouth. You definitely have to visit this place if you go to Austin.

Amazing food. Worth the hours of wait. Next time, ordering food to go.

Good food and service. They don't check the meat weight and over price. Very expensive. Recomend sandwiches.

Near perfect. Could use a bigger ice machine though...

BBQ was good, but nothing special. Can t imagine it being worth waiting in a long line.

The hype is real. Waited 4 hours and worth every minute :)

awesome place to chow down, brisket was awesome and the pecan pie was spot on.

Lived up to my high expectations. The brisket and ribs were particularly great

This place is Austin's hype joint. People love it people hate it (regardless of whether or not they've tried it yet). Pulling up at 10a and catching a line already at the door in like 25 degree weather left me feeling unaccomplished in my own life.

Picked up a catering order and rolled out. Had a bit of everything and I have to say, damn. Damn this is good BBQ. The sauce was also fantastic. The star though was the turkey, seriously what the heck? Was it even turkey? Are you guys draining people of their happiness and infusing the turkey with it? Stellar.

Everyone out back was nice as well so thanks! Desserts were.... Eh. Nobody was a fan. Beans were ok, slaw was terrific. I think we had one person who swears against slaw comment about how good the slaw was so definitely a testament to it's flavor.

Holy cow....the hype is right...I have never tasted such delicious brisket....May make a special trip just to get this again

Definitely order ahead! The meat was absolutely delicious and the best I ever had, with melt in your mouth brisket and ribs, and super flavorful sausage. I don't know if it's worth 2-3 hours wait (especially in the hot weather and rain).
Street parking, credit accepted. Friendly quick service.

I'm glad I finally tried it. The line adds to the whole experience. It was fun meeting new people. Also the bbq is of course delicious.

Some things in life are worth the wait... like aged whiskey, babies or slow-cooked brisket. They do not sell whiskey or babies at Franklin, so I had the brisket. Amazing.

Delicious as always! Have a great social distancing program in place for easy go-to.

Food is notoriously delicious! Brisket and ribs were just perfect, chopped brisket outstanding. I traveled 5 hrs with it in a small Styrofoam chest and served it for dinner to my family and everyone absolutely loved it. Curbside service was on point, staff was courteous and friendly, they went above and beyond to accommodate.

It goes without saying that the BBQ is incredible here. Well worth the (long) wait and it's great that the staff keep people waiting updated with what food is available. I ordered a to-go order but messed up the date and the staff were happy to help me out. While I didn't get everything I was after because they were close to running out, the staff happily used my non-refundable deposit towards a chilled whole brisket. It was great to get something on the same day instead of being turned away completely! Credit to the staff and the manager who helped us out as we're from Australia and didn't have many days left in Austin!

We got there at 6:45 AM. I have never been the type of person to wait 4 hours for anything but godamnit that was the best BBQ I've ever had. The brisket and the beef ribs... well by golly they changed my life. God bless Texas. Get friends and hang out. The line is we much of an event as the actual food.

I've had meals that cost 10x what I paid here that weren't half as good. If you want BBQ, this is the place to go. Be prepared to wait, but it's definitely worth it.

If you want a life-changing experience eat at Franklin Barbecue. The brisket will make you question your existence before that delicious meaty blissful moment.

Definitely worth the wait. They let you use the bathroom and get free water while waiting. They offer chairs and umbrellas for you. They also walk around, greet you, and sell you beer.

I was waiting for more than 20 minutes and one of the staff came to tell us that the waiting time was an hour more!!!!!. Cannot wait that long

Overall great experience and great food to eat. Can't wait to come back already.

Ate 100 dollars worth of Franklin meat. Worth it. Lived up to the hype. Also I got on TV while waiting in line lol. Great incredible outstanding best BBQ in the universe!

This place was recommended by a friend who had visited Austin, he warned me the line would form quickly and early in the morning. That was the absolute truth! I arrived at 9 am and was able to make it to the counter to order my scrumptious BBQ at Noon, yes you read that correctly Noon! Don t fret though, you will not be disappointed. This is some of the best BBQ I have ever had. The owner is so friendly and hands out samples of the amazing brisket before you order. Wow, just wow!!! I never thought I would say I stood in line for 3 hours for BBQ, but I did. I am so glad I took my friends recommendation and tried Franklin s BBQ! Yummy!!!!!

I'd wait 4 hours any day ! This was amazing, moist, fall off the bone, melts in your mouth BBQ ever! My daughter and I loved it!

These guys don't really need another positive review, but my girlfriend and I were treated so well there that I feel obliged to say something good about them. After 9 hours on the road that day, we had been looking forward to closing out that section of our road trip with Franklin Barbecue. We arrived minutes before closing. We figured we were out of luck. Instead of being understandably hurried or even irritable, we were given incredible service. All that was left was pulled pork, but the staff went out of their way to help us add some variety to it and it ended up being an amazing meal. Next time I'm in the area I'll be back, hopefully much earlier in the day, to try the rest of their offerings. A positive, outgoing staff made what would have still been a tasty meal into a truly memorable experience that really made our day.

I had seen this place advertised on T.V. as a place to visit while in Austin, Tx and so I planned a visit. I went with my best friend from college. We had the best time. YES, there is a long line and a wait (we arrived at 11am and we entered the main area of the restaurant around 1:45pm) but it is well worth it. We met 2 fun couples while waiting, one from Washington State and the other from New York. During the wait Franklin's BBQ has their staff update you on your approximate time/wait time until you will be served at the register, they stop once and provide everyone in line a small chopped beef sandwich (yummy), and they have chairs (camping type) available for those that need them. The BBQ was great. It was a great experience and well worth the wait. The Live Oak beer was veey good too!

Some real Texas barbecue! The quality of food is exquisite.

Get there early for mouthwatering barbecue, before they run out! It is worth the wait!

Long line and very good meat.
Still locals would recommend other places

Definitely order ahead. They give you a specific time to pick it up and once you arrive, they cut the meats fresh for you and drop it off in the trunk of your car. Probably the best brisket I've had.

Everything else was also good, but I prefer other places for specific items (lockharts for sausage in Dallas for example)

They say that this is the best bbq in the world. And they are correct. We arrived at 0640 and were over 100 people back in the line for the 1100 opening. The line is beer friendly and they have lawn chairs for public usage We swapped people so no one had to be there for the whole time. No limit on the lbs so we bought for the group. The brisket is so tender and juicy with an absolutely delightful bark. We also did the beef ribs ( sat & sun) and I think Franklin pulled them out of a dinosaur they were so big. Amazing. The sausage was good but the brisket and ribs absolutely outshined everything. Sauces are good. Sides are good. But you have limited stomach real estate so plan accordingly. Not a whole lot of seating inside so no big groups for dining at the restaurant. This was a huge wait but if you split the wait its manageable. The food is absolutely stellar and I highly recommend it.

Great food but the wait in line is too much for me to spend my time. I really liked their brisket. Nice renovation on the outside. Huge smoker pits!

Everything you heard is true. The moment you have a bite of the brisket is a religious experience. Absolutely worth the wait. We ordered everything but the turkey. I never wanna have brisket again unless it's from Franklin's. Also, the pies are amazing. Forget where they're from but they're bomb.

Unsure if it is worth a 4 hour wait more than once, but definitely lives up to all the hype.

It s good, but def not worth the queue imo. Ribs and brisket was pretty well done but there re equally good bbq out there without the queue. Didn t really like the links, the skin was real tough

It seems to be hit or miss, which is not to say they have bad food, but after having really great brisket from them once, I know what they're capable of. It was really moist and had a lot of flavor in it. The second time I went, the meat was a little drier. It was still great, but not all the way up to where I know they can do.

Very good food. The pulled pork is great. However, there is a very long wait.

After reading so many great reviews and articles, I was worried that this place would be overhyped. Boy, was I wrong. We arrived at about 8:30 Saturday morning (stopped on the way for breakfast at Easy Tiger, I highly recommend this spot too).

The waitress came out to take orders so they could tell you whether the meat you wanted would be available. We wanted beef ribs, and the people before us had ordered the last expected available ones. Luckily, they left at the threat of rain!

We got to the front at 12:45 (exactly when the waitress estimated we would) and immediately the carver gave us a free sample of the brisket burnt ends. It was so flavorful and soft, with a beautifully crisp edge. Flawless smoke ring. We ordered 1lb fatty brisket (two sandwiches worth), 1/2 lb pork ribs (three ribs), and 1/2 lb beef ribs (one giant gorgeous rib).

ORDER THE BEEF RIBS. The brisket and pork ribs were delicious and amazing, but HOLY COW, THAT BEEF RIB. I never wanted it to end. The meat was tender and perfectly salty. There was a delicious bark on the outside. The meat felt somehow silky. I was literally licking the bone when it was over.

I would drive the 4.5 hours there and wait the 4.5 hours in line all over again to get at that beef rib one more time.

Does it need to be said? The most wonderful barbecue! !

I was very excited to pay a visit to what I thought would be the best barbeque in TX. Our group woke up at 5AM to get there before the sun came up. The line had a great atmosphere and we met some amazing people. It's essentially a huge tailgate for bbq and what's better than that.

My experience was soured, when I was greeted at the door by someone that I can only describe as a loser. The employee who wore red shoes and glasses (I hope management sees this) had one of the worst attitudes and communication skills I had ever experienced. This started with him questioning the legitimacy of a service dog and ended with an argument about our order. Statements like "oh really... what kind of service is your dog providing you" and "your order is your order there are no changes allowed to be made when it is placed" are completely unwarranted.

As I sat outside with my dog, I pondered... What kind of person in this service industry was trained to act this way? Obviously franklins is paying too much attention to the bbq and not enough to the employees. The BBQ was fantastic (Beef Rib and Brisket were bomb).

Red shoes and glasses, I doubt you're going to last long. Good luck with your life. I hope you find happiness somewhere other than taking it from others.

Waited 4 hours in line, food is good but not worth a wait.

Best BBQ I've ever had. The brisket was fantastic and melts in your mouth! Would come back here in an instant!

Was not disappointed. Loved every bit of the brisket, ribs, sides, and service. Got there at 0700 on a Friday and was fed five hours later.

Worth the wait. It's kind of amazing. I've had really good BBQ at classes in GA and Franklin's bests those meats. Can't wait to visit again.

I don t think I can really say anything here that isn t already known. Get here early, bring some chairs and a few beverages for the wait. The Beef Ribs are ridiculous, melt in your mouth ridiculous.

Best barbecue in Austin, perhaps in Texas, which means in the world. Seriously. Just go early and get in line!

We visited Franklin Barbecue and waited 1 hour and 30 minutes. To find that the food was not what we expected. Making people wait is not worth it, might as well go to McDonald s.

You go to Franklin s for the experience. You know you re going to wait in a 4 hour line. But once you get in and order you re food, you know it was all worth it.