Franklin BBQ Reviews

Amazing. Some of the best BBQ I have ever had. The brisket is amazing and turkey. Also check out the pies

I waited for over six hours in SXSW season. Moreover, I was the last man standing! It was excited! The brisket is so juicy that I ordered more 3lbs and ate them within two days! However, I did not think I will wait for a line again in the next year.

Best BBQ in Austin...maybe, the world. I was hesitant to join the herd of people that are always lined around the block for lunch, but it was worth it. The Tipsy Texan was the best chopped beef sandwich I've ever eaten. I love the BBQ sauce here.

How do you not give this a 5-star review? Best BBQ in Austin. Many have tried, few have succeeded at this level. The brisket is a must. The line, legendary, is worth the wait. Get a few beers, make some friends, and before you know it you are crushing epic BBQ you will be bragging to your friends about, local or not.

Having tried BBQ in most states and all around Texas, I was extremely excited to finally try one of few labeled as the best around. We arrived to a line, but nothing more 15 people a head of us. Once inside the building my co-workers and I noted an unpleasant smell. Maybe the age of the building...we quiclkly agreed to get our food to go. Once we arrived at ths counter everything looked delicious. We were able to get brisket. Ribs, sausage, potato salad, and beans. Of course never one to pass on desert I got banana rum pie. We hurried back to the office to dig in. I should have clued into how lacking the sweet tea was, I moved it to the side and started with the sides. Purely preference: too much mustard in the potato salad made it dry and bitter. The beans once again, I prefer a little sweet, spice, w salt, they were none of these things. Strike 3 at this point. I threw both sides away and focused on the BBQ. Sausage was a no for both of us. My love affair with ribs is well known so, I quickly moved no. The meat does fall off the bone, but is very pink on the inside. The brisket also fell apart, but neither had the barbqued look or feel. The pie was more of pudding mix in a Graham cookie crust that had been frozen. We both spent the evening sick for the tremendous amount of grease in our meals. I promised God no more bbq if I made it to the morning....10days clean

My boyfriend ordered ahead for his dad's birthday, so we didn't have to wait in the famous Franklin's line. It was quick and easy and he only had to do it a few day in advance. Staff was super friendly, and most importantly, the barbecue was delicious!!! Would definitely do again for a special occasion!

I have lived in Kansas City. I have tasted what has been reported on by sources that aught to know as the best in the world. This place is better. Best Q I have ever tasted

Best BBQ in Texas hands down!!! The staff is super friendly too. Be prepared to wait in line for a while but it's definitely worth the wait. I guess the wait is part of the experience.

This place is definitely overhyped. Waited in line for 3 hours, didn t really mind that, it didn t effect how I felt about the bbq. But the bbq was the most average bbq ever. You could get this stuff pretty much anywhere. Atmosphere was fun though and staff was very friendly.

This place is the best in the country. There's no better. Seriously.

Wild 50 people in line for lunch at 10am. Bring your chairs... WORLD FAMOUS!!!!!

Prepare to wait in line. Food was very good. Staff was super friendly and helpful. There are restrooms and consessions available while you wait. Did I say the food was delicious?

The wait well worth it some of the best bbq in Austin.

It was the best brisket I've ever tasted. I almost cried it was that good.

I was able to get in and out in one hour-remarkable. I went on a Tuesday at 2PM and they only had Brisket and Chicken left (which I was okay with). I got the brisket and it was amazing.

What is there to say about Franklin that hasn't been said before? Nothing except that the raves are true, this is some of the most excellent 'que that you will ever have the pleasure to let melt in your mouth, slowly crafted into awesomeness by the wonderful proprietors (and yes, the lines are long). Perhaps not the best in the country (I myself am partial to Lockhart's offerings), but why split hairs (or juicy, juicy ribs)? It's scrumdidlumptious, and I've considered bribing them many times for the recipe to that darn banana pudding.

Went on a Sunday Got in line at 9 and had my food by 1. Was it worth the wait? I'd say so if you're a fan of BBQ. To me, there really is no such thing as "The best BBQ ever." Different people like different things so everything is biased on what you like. The BBQ wasn't too smokey but had great flavor. Their cuts of meat are really grade A and very clean. I would definitely recommend the Brisket and the Ribs, I wasn't too big of a fan of their smoked sausage because I like my sausage on the dry and well done side. Definitely worth it for the experience. Met some great people in line and they shared a few brews with my friend and I. The staff was pleasant and kept you informed every step of the way.
If you're not too keen on waiting in line that long for food, they have and option to preorder for a certain date but I hear you'll need to order well in
advance no matter how much you plan to buy.

I'm from Florida and go to school in Alabama, staying in ATX with some family during our Spring Break. I don't know if any of this matters or not, just thought I'd throw that out there.

you can expect a long wait due Franklin's BBQ cooking at half capacity due to a past fire. The wait was going to be 2.5 hours and the line started at 5am per someone who works there.
5 stars for previous time eating Franklin's BBQ.

I first visited Franklin BBQ after living here less than a year in 2011. The wait times were a mere 2hrs (if you can believe it or not) and the only reason I had even ventured to partake in the Russian Food Line fad that Austinites seem to embrace with such fervor and pride was to see if this place actually lived up to the overwhelming hype; I wasn t holding out much hope as my Hype-dar had yet to detect such an anamoly, but in all honesty, Franklin was the exception.

It has been 3yrs since my first visit to Franklin and though the lines and wait times have grown exponentially, the quality of the BBQ and the charm of a grassroots city icon has remained the same.

I was lucky enough to attend a private party at this legendary establishment and even luckier to sample literally EVERYTHING on the menu. It was a feast for senses! Their pulled pork, turkey, sausage, and ribs all deserved their due praise; the slaw and beans (which I am usually not a fan of in general) are delicious and flavorful and I could have their potato salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The key lime tart and banana bourbon tart are the perfect captstone to an epic culinary experience (if you have still have the ability to chew and digest after gorging on the cornucopia of carnivorous delights). All that deliciousness aside, the real star of the Franklin menu is and always has been the brisket. This stuff is like the unicorn of the BBQ world, a mythical thing only known to a chosen few who sweat their worthiness in lines sometimes up to 6hrs long to not only behold, but savor their pot of gold at the end of a what may seem like a very long rainbow. I don t know with what black magic the brisket is made with, but something that tastes this good (sans sauce, of course) and literally melts in your mouth with the charred ends adding such a smoky sweet mesquite crunch is not of this pale blue dot! When you add in local drafts on tap and a selection of canned beers (the best pairing for the brisket is Shiner), sweet tea, and the ubiquitous Austin thirst-quencher, Topo Chico, it just makes the greatness better!

Needless to say, if you are new to the Austin area and are wondering if braving the line here is worth it or if you have lived here for awhile, but not been motivated to see what it s all about , check this place out and block off your calendar accordingly. Everyone should experience what Meat Dreams are made of at least once in their lives!

PS-You can order this stuff for pickup and/or catering and they also have some fun swag for sale!

Excellent brisket, but cold, robotic service.

First off, Franklin BBQ s brisket is excellent and creates the perfect salty, smoky, and beefy combination. We loved it.

The process of ordering (3 lbs minimum, mandatory minimum 10% gratuity) and picking up (confusing process with staff that treat you like an annoyance) make it an experience that you want to forget.

Is their brisket better than other local options? Yes, but not all. Terry Black s brisket is just as good, has no wait, is cheaper, and they actually were actually happy to see me.

You feel like a bother at Franklin s and not a customer, and for that, I won t be back anytime soon.

Amazing BBQ. Worlds best brisket? I don't know for sure but if it isn't, its damn near close.

If they're doing turkey make sure you grab some. Its tender, and butter bathed to perfection. Anyone who says they didn't come to Austin to eat turkey is losing out!

We ate there the Saturday before Labor Day. We got in line at 6:15 and ate at 11:45. There were probably 400 people there that day. If you are going to go, get some to take home. We got a pound of everything to take home as well. You have to appreciate the skill it takes to smoke meat the way he does 6 days a week. There is a reason people wait in line several hours through the good and bad weather We drove from Houston just to eat there and would do it again. People in front of us were from California and flew in for Franklin. We had the pleasure of meeting Aaron and his personality is exactly like his you tube videos. I think if you were in college you would enjoy the line more. To me it felt more like waiting in line for a Black Friday deal. All in all, great experience.

Great meat, delicious sauce. Wish they had a corn dish.

Lived up to the hype. Brisket can be swallowed without chewing. Highly recommended.

Wow... this bbq is amazing! The brisket, ribs, turkey, and sausage were some of the best I ve ever had. Plan on a 3 hour line and don t get there any later than 10:30. The line is a fun experience, make some new friends, bring a lawn chair and some snacks.

Just had a beautiful evening...Love the ambiance and service is awesome as well.

Great food amazing staff. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The food was great. But it's easy to order way too much food because it all looks so good. Worth the hours of waiting in line.

The wait was long but it was worth it. Everything was so tender and juicy. The service was great and the atmosphere was calm. I absolutely loved it

This was the best damned barbecue I've ever had. Sure, we waited in line for 3 hours to taste it, but still, it was SO TASTY! I think we got in line around 8:30a on a Saturday and ate around 12p, but I don't really remember the times, all I can recall is the bbq was delicious! I thought it was insane when my friends said we were waking up early on a Sat to wait in line for lunch, but it was actually a lot of fun, it reminded me of the days when we would tailgate for football games in college. Totes worth it.

We came around closing time, and thought that most of the choice cuts were no longer available. But the owner, Aaron, still made sure that we got a good selection. Not only that, he came to our table and spent a few minutes chatting with us. The cuts were all top notch and our family of four came away extremely full and satisfied. What a memorable experience and wonderful owner! We wish Franklin Barbecue great success.

Best brisket I've ever had, hands down. Pork ribs were very tender and just the right amount of spicy. Sausage was good, not great. Overall a great atmosphere though.

Best Texas BBQ I have ever had. Showed up at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning and was 20th in line. Once again best BBQ I have ever had.

Amazing brisket which saves me from having to drive down to Lockhart. Can run out of the good stuff so have to get there early.

Everything you have heard about this establishment is 100% accurate. The sausage is unmatched, the turkey is moist and delicious, and the brisket is the best, bar none. Show up early and try the best barbecue in Texas.

Drool...

Hands down the best brisket I've ever had. And I know BBQ pretty well. Get here early (before 10:00am). Bring a chair and some drinks. Order a two-meat plate and split it with someone. Or just order only meat. Bring your family and friends. All of them. Anyone that comes to visit. It's glorious.

/Commence food coma.

I think Aaron has an inflated ego! Shouldn't have to wait 2 hrs for food when you are #30 in line when the doors open at 11am you should have food ready, customers should not have to wait until 12:30 for food. Very disappointed. Off to mickelthwaits for BBQ just as good!

Absolutely flawless - the best darn brisket I ve ever sunken my teeth into! Queue as long as you need to - you won t be disappointed. Franklin really do live up to all the hype!

When you eat BBQ here, you'll understand why BBQ is so important. This shop is the best spot for well-cooked meat in Austin!

We only had 3 meats which I will rate on a scale of 10: sausage (8), pork ribs (10), brisket (10). This is legit the best brisket you will ever have. It creamily melts in your mouth as soon as it hits your palette. The seasoning on the brisket and pork ribs is also perfection. That being said, I would never wait in line for 4+ hours for any food, so I recommend pre-ordering. In doing so you must purchase at least 5 lbs of food ($100+) but why not go big as you will love these leftovers and it's a great treat to give your friends/family/co-workers/gypsies. I went with 4 lbs of brisket as she is the star on the main stage. You avoid the wait and pick up your meal in the back trailer. We arrived 30 minutes prior to our scheduled time and they were happy to accomdate us early. Parking is easy as there is an abanoned grass and rock laden lot next door. There is also a park 1 minute up the street from the back which is great to eat at. My only qualm with the joint is they ask for tips which is just... no. Franklin should be paying you well on his own.

Have eaten here many times. The last time we visited I was upset the line was so long I could not get my turkey.... will definitely try again the next time we are in town.

Franklin Barbecue is a bit of a joke. The food is ok, but it it is no where near the best barbecue in Texas or even Austin. However it is an experience. If you love tailgating or waiting in long lines with strangers (who will become your friends after 4 hours of waiting ) then this is your place. However, I gotta be real, the food isn't anything special, and I am pretty sure that the staff intentionally take a long time chatting with customers to delay service and keep a line out the door as a marketing ploy. When we got in after a 4 hour wait, and as we used the restroom during our wait, we could see that the dining room was never more than half full.

Shocking. Always love the brisket. But this time the ribs were even better!

When I googled best bbq in Texas this came up as number 2. That's 100% wrong!! Franklin's is by far number 1. I had this place yesterday October 11th. Its curbside pick up only right now, which was a quick and easy experience. The brisket is the best I've ever tasted...HANDS DOWN!! The ribs are really good also. If you are reading this get these 2 things and you can thank me later

Worth the waiting, best brisket around. I recommend going on a weekday.

2 hour wait but absolutely worth every minute. I have never had Brisket or Ribs better than Franklin's in my life.

Visiting from the East Coast, this was recommended by a friend of a friend. Waited almost 3 hours from when I got in line to when I sat down to eat, but it was worth it. It's easily the best barbecue I've ever had. Worth a visit for sure

Believe the hype. Aaron Franklin has managed to elevate bbq beyond my sky high expectations, and even manages to make waiting in a 3 hour line enjoyable. Opening the dining room at 8 to allow visitors to use the facilities and purchase coffee/beer, and providing chairs for those that are not prepared. Then, there's the food... The meat is the main attraction, of course, with the brisket and turkey being my favorite. The ribs and sausage were also top notch. Sides we acceptable, but that's not why you are here. They also have individual pies brought in that are wonderful. All in all, a destination worthy of the 800 mile drive my wife and I made to get here.

Was there waiting for 2 and half hours for someone to come tell us they ran out of food, would've been nice to keep people posted every 15 min or so instead of wasting our time, went to Terry's Black's BBQ instead, although there was a line as long as Franklin's i was in line for no more than 30 min, they are well staffed, very prompt service, care about moving thing along and way better BBQ in my opinion, Franklin's is getting overrated just cause they've been on TV a few times, Aaron word to mouth advertisement can make you or brake ya, take care of the customer son!

This place has the best brisket ever. There is a reason why people wait 3-4 hours to eat. It is all part of the experience and it is worth it!! When in Austin, getting in line for Franklin's BBQ is a must-do. The pulled pork sandwich is amazing as well. They give you plenty, I always get extra when I'm there for later on. And the prices are great too!

This was a food bucket list place for us and it didn t disappoint. The brisket is out of this world and well waiting in line for. This si one of Austin s best places.

It's an experience that every BBQ lover should have. That said, the wait in the line can be harsh. In the summer, bring water and shade.

Just as amazing as I hoped it would be. Folks, this is the type of legendary place you visit for the whole experience. You take a day trip and soak it in. There is a reason they are famous and obsessed over by BBQ fanatics from everywhere. And as of November 2016, they have not slowed down their game one bit. That's impressive, considering BBQ is notoriously difficult to do consistently. Hats off to the Franklin crew!

Best brisket in Texas! We get one pre-cooked every year for the Superbowl and it never fails to impress.

HYPE, HYPE, HYPE! They have NO clue how to keep their customers happy and wanting to come back. Sure you can make a business on creating a HYPE, and getting folks to stand in long lines ONCE in their life, but this is NOT a good business practice. I went today with my company for a team builder experience. We got there at 9am, truly expecting the line. I had NO idea that we would be exposed to line drama by the employees! Nothing turned my stomach more, and got me more upset before I ever ate this SALTY, and FULL of pepper, and other spice BBQ then their employees getting in our face! I HATED it, I HATED the food, and i HATED the full experience. That is all I need to say. I will never be back, that is for sure!!!!

Franklin is quite an experience. First there s the line ( during the week they start cueing up as early as 5:30 AM) make sure you get there by 7:30 AM. Bring a chair and a thermos of your favorite brew, some bring coolers with a different brew. I suggest a light breakfast as the doors open by 11:00 AM it will still take at least an hour before you get your food. Make sure you eat there as well for the total effect. As you reach the carving station the excitement builds. Watching the carving process and the interaction with the servers is truly entertaining. You are treated with the utmost care and consideration. All the employees are courteous and friendly . Don t forget to purchase some swag so you can proudly fly the Franklin flag. Now the meats, brisket is beyond explication, heavenly perfection. The pork ribs are the best I ve ever had, tender fall off the bone , and precision smoked. The beef rib (Saturday only) is a must just for the sheer size of it! Turkey is juicy and flavorful, and the sausages were good as well. Try the deserts as the Lemon pie and pecan pie where awesome!

The brisket and ribs are amazing. Definitely worth a visit of you're in Austin.

Not to a huge barbecue fan but my cousin and his buddies waited in line and shared some of the food with me. With me not being a big barbecue fan and also saying that the food was delicious really says something. I know my cousins enjoyed the food and set up some of the best barbecue they ve ever had. There s a reason for the lines right, I m just glad I didn t have to wait in them lol. Thanks cousin!

I have actually never been to this place and am reviewing this based on just word of mouth. Everytime I drive by here I see a line of people standing outside in the 105 degree heat. So this place must be fantastic. I would assume it sucks standing in that line but I bet it's well worth it if that many people are out there. I have heard nothing but good things about the place and I can't wait to try it!

Good but not worth the hype. Prepaid pickup is only way to go.

If you're desiring to experience a BBQ that is so tender, juicy and doesn't even require a sauce than it is worth the two hour wait. Bring beer, games and be open to meet new people while you're waiting in line for a BBQ that is a hit in Austin.

The tasty Tipsy Texan sandwich is definitely Texas sized and not for the faint of heart. It is piled high with chopped beef, sausage and sprinkled with coleslaw. My friend devoured his sandwich in five seconds flat, perhaps fearing having to provide his friends with additional samples. I ordered brisket (a leaner cut), turkey and sausage. The sausage had a good flavor, but I can't say it was better than all other sausage I've tried before. The brisket and turkey were all together a different story. Since I usually get lean brisket it's never that great, usually lacking in moistness and flavor. But Franklin's had a delectable smoky, peppery crust, was tender and moist and had a through and through delicious. I don't know what he does differently, but it was certainly the best I've ever tasted. For me the definition of brisket going forward will be "Franklin's." The turkey was incredible and was falling-off-the-fork moist and juicy (the brine juices are poured over the turkey slices). The accompanying BBQ sauces were complex and tasty, but honestly I used the sauce sparingly because I did not want to mask the flavorful goodness of the meat itself.

WHERE DO I BEGIN!!!!! The brisket literally falls apart as you pick it up, so flavorful that no sauce is needed. The lean & moist brisket is foodgasmic and so are the ribs!!! Ribs literally fall off the bone and the meet is so tender and succulent... those words are an understatement. I got there at 6 am & yes it was worth it.

It was delicious but the wait was too long. There are several other bbq places nearby with comparable que without the long wait. All in all it was a good experience.

1. Its so ridiculous how people wait in line for hours and hours to eat.
2. Its the nasties place i have ever ate in the world.
3. What has the world came to that you are literally waiting in line for hours at a time and sometimes you dont even get to order.
4. People like the ones who own this restaurant are a waste of life.
5. If you dont like what i said oh well. Freedom of speech

Brilliant food. Great staff. The experience was amazing. Yes there'll be a lineup... But it's worth it in the end. The brisket is so soft and tasty.

Great place. Great food. The hype was real. Got there around 10:30 and waited till 2:00. On a hot summer day they offer chairs and umbrellas for the wait. You can also pre purchase drinks(beer included) and drink them in the line. Or you can get free ice cold water. It was my first time so I don't know if they offer samples durring the wait. Sad I didn't see the legend Aaron though. I wanted him the sign the hat I bought. Wanted to eat there ever since I've seen him on The Chef Show.

The brisket was heavenly. Salty, juicy and moist. Best ribs I've had so far.

Omg....the brisket here is the BEST I have ever had. Not sure there is a comparison. We got here at 7am and waited in line which was a bit crazy...but glad we experienced it.

I have to be completely honest, I do not understand what the hype is all about. The barbeque is not bad but it's definitely not the best in Austin. Nor worth standing in line as long as people do. I thought everything was cooked well... juicy and tender but it all lacked a lot of flavor to me. Plus, the turkey was lack luster and sat in a bath of brothy buttery something that was unappealing.

Franklin Barbeque is one of the top rated barbeque places in Austin. To guarantee we were able to get lunch, we got in line at 6:45am and there were still 3 people ahead of us. Apparently they sell out by the middle of the day. I got brisket, turkey and some pork ribs. The meat was delicious. The seasoning on the brisket was awesome and I really liked the turkey. They did have a special sausage that was fig and blue cheese. I tried a bite but it wasn't for me. I wouldn't call the brisket the best I've had and I would have a hard time justifying the wait again but for the experience, it was worth it. Also, major props for the guy cutting the meat. Here want afraid to interact with the customers and added to the experience.

The wait IS the experience. The BBQ is good, the atmosphere is great. Obviously its fame attracts a lot of tourists. Rumor is that you can call in your order and pick it up without waiting in line.

Love the brisket, I skip the lines by ordering online.

This is the best BBQ you can get anywhere. I waited in line for 6 hours and had a great time doing so. It is an experience in an of itself waiting in line with everyone else to get a taste of his BBQ. I am so glad I did it and I will come back again someday to do it again. We had the Brisket, sausage, and ribs and all were fantastic. Stop by when they open back up. They will also give you a tour of the pits if you get a chance.

Incredible food...they continue to live up to their famous reputation! Biggest surprise was how friendly and kind the staff are...they really accommodated their customers and were sincerely friendly and fun! Thanks for the great culinary experience...it was well worth the wait! Also, we loved the tour of the smokers!

Deserves all the hype. Perfect brisket. Sometimes brisket places can't do ribs right. Not so here. Delicious Turkey as well. Ordering ahead and picking up was seamless.

Best BBQ I've ever had overall. People talk about their brisket and it was good. The smoked turkey was alright (I do better IMHO), but their ribs. OMG.. Nobody seems to talk about them but they blew me away. So good.. Not sure if it's worth half a day wait in line, especially when it's hot, but it's the BBQ that others are measured against.