bbqhop
Crawls of the Heartland
Plan
Heritage · Austin, TX

Franklin Barbecue

The pilgrimage. James Beard. The benchmark every other joint is measured against.

Franklin Barbecue — photo 1
Franklin Barbecue — photo 2Franklin Barbecue — photo 3Franklin Barbecue — photo 4Franklin Barbecue — photo 5
Vitals
Est.
2009
Wood
Post oak
$/lb
$32
Pay
Cards OK
Hours
Tue–Sun 11a–sellout
Sells out
2:15p
Line
Legendary
Score
9.5 / 10
What to get
  • · Brisket
  • · Pork ribs
  • · Turkey
Sides
  • Slaw
  • Potato salad
  • Pinto beans
Reviews
9.5 / 10
bbqhop 9.5 · Google 4.7★ (7,207 reviews)
  • BBQHOPbbqhop editors2026-06-119.5 / 10

    The line is the tax and the brisket is the refund. Fatty end, no sauce, eaten off butcher paper before you find a seat — the bark cracks, the smoke ring runs deep, and you understand why every joint in America gets measured against this one. Go on a weekday, bring a chair, make friends in line.

  • GOOGLEKevin Swieda★ 53 months ago

    THIS is why I picked Austin for this leg of my trip! While there can be up to a 3 hr wait, only about a dozen people were in line when I arrived (40 min before opening). I saw in an interview once, Aaron said winter is a good time to come to minimize the wait. I got 1/4 pound of everything and both sausage styles. This was hands down the best bbq I've had! I got to chatting with Taylor who gave me great info on the place as well as other recommendations for while I'm in town. She also hooked up a behind the scenes tour with one of the pit crew, Mattie. He is an awesome dude and I greatly appreciated his time! While it was all delicious, my top 3 on the plate: the jalapeño sausage, the turkey, and of course the brisket (in that order). Props to Theo on the smoked sausages! Highly recommend! (And hopefully i spelled everyone's names correctly ha). IG: That1GuyTravels

  • GOOGLEKevin Swieda★ 53 months ago

    THIS is why I picked Austin for this leg of my trip! While there can be up to a 3 hr wait, only about a dozen people were in line when I arrived (40 min before opening). I saw in an interview once, Aaron said winter is a good time to come to minimize the wait. I got 1/4 pound of everything and both sausage styles. This was hands down the best bbq I've had! I got to chatting with Taylor who gave me great info on the place as well as other recommendations for while I'm in town. She also hooked up a behind the scenes tour with one of the pit crew, Mattie. He is an awesome dude and I greatly appreciated his time! While it was all delicious, my top 3 on the plate: the jalapeño sausage, the turkey, and of course the brisket (in that order). Props to Theo on the smoked sausages! Highly recommend! (And hopefully i spelled everyone's names correctly ha). IG: That1GuyTravels

  • GOOGLEDan Kubasak★ 52 months ago

    Been on my bucket list for a while. Everything it is cracked up to be. Brisket was fantastic. The beef rib was amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by the pork rib! Maybe not what they are known for, but it was delicious! Everyone was amazingly friendly and helpful. One of the staff even offered us a tour of the pit room to see where all the magic happens. Those smokers are something! Had a great time in line as well. Lot's of friendly customers to keep you company while you wait.

  • GOOGLEDan Kubasak★ 52 months ago

    Been on my bucket list for a while. Everything it is cracked up to be. Brisket was fantastic. The beef rib was amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by the pork rib! Maybe not what they are known for, but it was delicious! Everyone was amazingly friendly and helpful. One of the staff even offered us a tour of the pit room to see where all the magic happens. Those smokers are something! Had a great time in line as well. Lot's of friendly customers to keep you company while you wait.

  • GOOGLEMark Richter★ 52 months ago

    Arrived Friday am around 9:45. Brought our chairs and started waiting. A staff member was selling local beer so I tried the large which was very tasty. Around 11 the line started to move and then another staff member came out to the line and informed how long the wait is based on your approximate position, ours was 2 hours. She also took a soft order prepping your expectations like how much 2 ribs weigh, how much brisket you might like etc. The wait is long but ultimately worth it. The BBQ is awesome so juicy and flavorful. All in all a must try.

Address

900 E 11th St
Austin, TX