Franklin's BBQ
Price
$$
Rating
4.8/5 stars
Franklin's BBQ is one of the most iconic spots in all of Austin. If you are not in line by 7:00am, you will not be served. The brisket is an absolute must but you can't go wrong with any of their meats.
Franklin's opens at 11am but the line starts forming around 7 to 8am, and it moves slowly until the meat runs out for the day. Get there by 10:30am if you want a real shot at brisket. Bring a chair, bring cash for the guy selling breakfast tacos and mimosas to the line, and treat the wait as part of the experience rather than an inconvenience.
The brisket is sliced to order, wrapped in butcher paper, and weighed before it hits the famous blue tray. It's tender with a deep smoke ring and a dark, peppery bark, and it's the reason people fly into Austin specifically to eat here. Beyond brisket, the pork ribs, sausage, turkey, and pulled pork are all worth ordering, and the sides (cole slaw, pinto beans) are simple and done right.
Parking near the East 11th St location is limited. If you're ordering 3-4+ pounds of meat, Franklin's offers online ordering with dedicated to-go parking spots, which skips the walk-up line entirely.