Contact Information
- franklinbbq.com
- (512) 653-1187
- 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Franklin Barbecue in Austin
Franklin Barbecue in Austin isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a full-on BBQ pilgrimage. Foodies and meat lovers from all over flock here for their ribs, sausages, and legendary brisket smoked to perfection. The line is always long, but the reward at the end is a paper-wrapped pile of meat with smoky, juicy Texas magic that’s worth every minute.
The Best Day to Visit Franklin Barbecue
The best day to wait in line at Franklin Barbecue is on a Tuesday, the first day they open for the week. They open at 11:00 AM. If you get in line at 10:00 AM, you will hopefully only have an hour wait to reach the counter. By the time you get there, they should still have enough of everything to complete your order.
If you go on a Friday and get in line at 11:00 AM, you’re looking at a 3-hour wait to reach the counter. Once you get there, they’ll probably be out of some items like sausage.
Parking
Franklin Barbecue has a small parking lot. It’ll probably be full when you arrive. If there happens to be one spot, it might be difficult to get into and out of due to the line of people that’ll be running through the lot. It’s probably easier to park on the street somewhere. Free parking in this area isn’t that hard to find. There’s also a dirt parking lot on the same block as Franklin Barbecue. If you’re looking at the restaurant from East 11th Street, it’s off to the right.
Waiting In Line
This website usually recommends that you take your kids with you to all activities/events. Forget about that when you visit Franklin Barbecue. Leave them at home (supervised), with Wi-Fi access.
The wait will be at least an hour once you get in line. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- The restaurant keeps fold-out chairs under its stairway. You’re free to go up and take whatever you want. Just drop them off as you get closer to the restaurant’s entrance.
- Texas is hot from Spring to Autumn. If you need a drink of water, they have a water cooler out there with cups. Help yourself.
Ironically, waiting in line at the Franklin Barbecue isn’t that bad. You’ll most likely end up talking with your neighbors and making friends. If you make an agreement with them, you can walk right up to the counter, buy drinks, and get right back in line. The staff encourages this.
When you’re up at the counter, buy drinks for your neighbors, too. The line will go so much faster when everyone is drinking beer and talking.
To make it cheaper, consider bringing along a 12-pack of beer. Then pass out cans when you’re in line. You’ll see other people in line doing exactly this. You’ll make friends fast and have a good ol’ time waiting to get up to the counter.
Why Is Franklin Barbecue So Famous?
Brisket! It’s all about their brisket. Aaron Franklin and his wife, Stacy, started Franklin Barbecue. They’ve perfected the brisket smoking process.
If you’re in line and they announce that they’re out of brisket, just quietly swear to yourself and re-evaluate your life. If you’re already in the restaurant, then OK, you might as well keep waiting and get some things. If you’re still outside, it’s hard to say that the additional wait would be worth it. Their pork ribs, pulled pork, and sausage are good. But not really “wait in line” good.
Ordering BBQ and Sides
When you finally get up to the counter, you have to decide how much to order. Usually, a half pound of meat per person is recommended. If you really like BBQ and wouldn’t mind having another meal or snack with it the next day, then get a pound of meat per person.
For the sides, a pint of potato salad and coleslaw will be enough for a family of four, for one meal. Their potato salad is good. The cole slaw is just OK.
Franklin Barbecue’s Sauces
When you get to the counter, you might be so happy to get your order that you’ll forget about the sauces they offer. Their (spicy) and (original) are really good. Be sure to take home at least two containers of each for your family to try.
Seating
There isn’t a lot of indoor or outdoor seating at Franklin’s. It’s more of a take-away spot. So, prepare the kids for a stay-at-home lunch.
Last Bit of Advice
Before getting up to the counter, you’ll pass their merch section. If you know someone who really likes to BBQ, you might think about getting them a book. Aaron Franklin wrote a New York Times bestselling book called Franklin Barbecue, A Meat-Smoking Manifesto.
Have fun with the kids!
