Franklins BBQ Austin

Only an hour away...report.

Pics??

Tipsy texan add slaw is a damn good sandwich

Will be closed for vacation in 3 weeks

It is the mecca- and worth the wait (sort of- see below). I rode my bike around downtown for the scenery, then headed to Franklin's. Got in line at 9:30. Doors open at 11. I ordered about 11:20 and was eating by 11:25. By the time I got my food there were a few empty chairs left inside and the outside tables were still empty. If you go, I rec 9:30- 9:40, no later.

As far as the line goes, I was on the downramp by the exit stairs. This west side of the building is in the shade and quite comfortable. Once the line gets past the corner of the building, you are in the SUN and it looked hot. I would estimate by 9:40-9:45 would put you in the sun. By 10:00 you are way out in the parking lot.

The brisket is outstanding, melt in your mouth tender. Does not need sauce although I tried 2 types. I ordered the fatty brisket with burnt ends. The bark on the burnt ends are to die for. These barbarians eat everything with their hands which I can understand for ribs, but pulled pork? Brisket I can see either way. Sides are just fluff- nothing special.

Was it worth the wait? Yes since it was just me. But if I was with my wife she would be bitchin the whole time about waiting for BBQ which she does not like anyway. So the line in only worth it if you are with others who really like and respect nirvana Q.

Big Tip: Avoid the line and order 'to go'. I noticed several cars pull up starting about 10:30. Walk out with large boxes of packaged BBQ and drive away. Looked like for office lunches and the like. I guess you could do it for a few people as well but not sure. Next time I go (with my wife), I'll call in a 'to go' order and just pick it up and sneer at the waiting line.

I'll upload a few pics when I get back in town if I can remember.

I was in Austin last month. A local said to go to John Mueller's. As good as Franklin, but MUCH MUCH MUCH shorter line. We heeded the advice. We waited in line 20 minutes and it was AHHHMMMAAAZZZZIIINNNGGG!!!

Franklin, not Franklin's...

Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine.

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Big Tip: Avoid the line and order 'to go'.

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You have to reheat it yourself. I've heard people complain it gets dry and/or the bark gets steamed and soggy.

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I'll call in a 'to go' order and just pick it up and sneer at the waiting line.

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I believe its internet order only and 2 weeks in advance.

The pics on yelp do a pretty good job of showing the greatness. The bark is perfect.

I'm still a big fan of centex "hots" and City Market in Luling has everyone beat there IMHO. Even after lunch, mouth watering thinking about it.

Got in line at 9:30 a couple weekends ago. At 10:15, an employee came out was announcing estimated times of being served. She told us 2:00-2:15, and could not guarantee what they would have left.

We went to Salt Lick instead. I liked that it was family style, but I'm sure Franklin is WAY better.

Is this La Barbecue the new 'best' BBQ, or is Franklin still the must-have? Imagine I'll be in Austin again soon.