Guide To Texas BBQ & Why Franklin Barbecue Is Worth The Wait

Texas IS barbecue. But not the barbecue you might be thinking of…

Texas BBQ isn’t some backyard grill you use to cook hot dogs and burgers. It’s a wood burning smoker that takes hours to cook and perfect the meat – mainly brisket.

So, needless to say, if you’re going to Texas, you need to try the barbecue. And, if you’re a BBQ aficionado, or just a foodie, then you need to try Franklin BBQ in Austin.

Let’s just say my partner is teetering on the BBQ aficionado side, so our trip to Texas was all about finding the best Texas barbecue in a limited time. We tried a few of the bigger BBQ joints and the one and only Franklin Barbecue – and it wasn’t even close!

Here is everything you need to know about barbecue in Texas and how to visit Franklin Barbecue to get the best experience.

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why Is Texas BBQ So Famous?

Before we get into Franklin Barbecue, let’s take a step back to look at Texan BBQ, and why it’s even so famous in the first place… is it really worth going all the way to Texas to try some meat?

Texas barbecue started in the 1930s and is all about smoking the meat. That means, you’re usually cooking the meat at a low temperature with indirect heat for a long time (think several hours!).

The indirect heat is achieved through what’s called an offset smoker. In Texas though, they’ve repurposed large propane tanks into offset smokers. So they have wood burning on one side, and meat cooking on the other.

The type of wood they use in Texas is also what sets Texas barbecue apart. They only use post oak wood, which is known to bring out that iconic smokey flavour, without making it too overpowering. Of course you might be able to find post oak wood chips where you live, but it probably won’t be the standard.

And finally, you won’t find burgers for sale at a barbecue in Texas. Texas is most famous for their smoked brisket, which takes about 12 hours to cook on the smoker. What starts out as a tough piece of meat turns into something that just melts in your mouth.

Where To Try The Best Texas Barbecue?

There are an astounding amount of barbecue joints in Texas, at least one in every city, and countless off the highway. Popular city joints include Terry Black’s, Coopers, and Rudy’s.

You can also often find smoked options at different restaurants. For example, Cidercade (a cider and arcade) serves out of this world smoked chicken wings, which I highly recommend trying!

But if you’re looking for the best barbecue in Texas, then it’s without a doubt Franklin barbecue in Austin.

A Quick Intro To Franklin Barbecue – Meet Aaron Franklin

Franklin Barbecue started as a passion project by Aaron Franklin, local Texan, and his wife Stacey.

Aaron Franklin grew up working in his parents restaurants (even a barbecue joint at one point). He started getting into smoking as a hobby, and then he and his wife started hosting cookouts to serve the meat he cooked (although it wasn’t anything that good at the time!).

Over time, the meat became better, and the cookouts became bigger! Franklin Barbecue started out as just a trailer in a parking lot, until eventually they outgrew it and had to move into a restaurant.

Today, Aaron Franklin has won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest. He’s also started his own Youtube channel (BBQ with Franklin), and has aa masterclass (sign up here) to teach you the tricks of the trade.

Of course, with anything that’s the best, it always comes with a cost. In this case, the cost of eating at Franklin’s isn’t money, but your time. There is always going to be a long line – like 2-3 hours long to wait before trying some of his smoking delicious brisket!

Is Franklin Really The Best Texas Barbecue?

Yes, yes, and YES! Nothing compares to Franklin barbecue.

After trying my partner’s brisket at home, as he was trying to mimic Franklin’s techniques from Youtube and Masterclass, and other BBQ joints in Texas, there’s really nothing that compares to Franklin BBQ brisket (sorry Josh!).

It was melt in your mouth, fall off the bone, smoky goodness! The smokey flavour came through, and all the fat was perfectly rendered. I swear, it almost brought my partner to tears with how good it was! I think the wait, and build up of hunger certainly help too!

Famous BBQ In Texas: What You Need To Know Before Visiting Franklin Barbecue…

Over the years, Franklin has sort of made a name for himself – and not just in Texas. He might just be the most famous BBQ in Texas known worldwide for his smoking techniques.

So with all this popularity, it’s not wonder that it isn’t as easy as showing up and getting food.

You’ll have to wait in a long line, but trust me, it will all be worth it. Here’s what you should know before your visit so you can plan accordingly.

How Early Do You Have To Get To Franklin Barbecue In Austin?

How early you need to get to Franklin Barbecue will all depend on when you’re visiting. From the day of the week to the time of year.

We traveled in early March (the week before Spring Break) and went to Franklin’s on a Tuesday. Don’t forget they’re closed on Mondays!!

We arrived at Franklin’s at around 8:00 A.M and there were about 20 people in front of us. We overheard that the first people in line arrived at 6:00 A.M.!

We were one of the first people in the store when the doors opened at 11:00 A.M., and had our food by 11:15 A.M.

Keep in mind, we visited during low season, during the week. It will most likely be busier on the weekends throughout the year. And probably even be busier if you visit during the summer.

I would wake up at a time you’re comfortable with – for us we didn’t want to wake up before 7:00 A.M..

The Benefit Of Arriving Earlier Rather Than Later At Franklin Barbecue

It’s so much better than you think to come earlier rather than later to Franklin Barbecue.

We realized it was about a 2-3 hour wait no matter when you showed up. When we were leaving at 12:00, they were telling people in the back of the line that there was still a 2 hour wait to be served.

So, new arrivals had the same amount of time waiting in line but had it much worse than we did.

Okay, so they got to sleep in. But we had three main benefits over them while waiting for Franklin BBQ brisket…

It’s 2 Hour Wait No Matter When You Come (We Spent Them Sitting On Chairs!)

If you arrive early enough, there are foldable lawn chairs to sit on. These belong to Franklin Barbecue, but they’re for the customers to use while they wait (you can find them underneath the stairs in the back).

So instead of spending three hours standing in line, we had a relaxed three hours sitting. This is a lot less exhausting. We read our books, scrolled through Instagram… etc.

They ask you to put the chairs back at 10:45 A.M. (just before they open the doors). After they open, you can’t sit anymore because the line is constantly moving.

So now you have to stand for two hours instead of sitting for three…

We Were Able To Order Everything We Wanted

The even bigger benefit of coming early is that you have first pick of meats. If you come later, at 12:00 they were already sold out of the smoked turkey and smoked sausage.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they also sold out of the famous Franklin BBQ brisket soon after. Of course, if you care less about trying everything, this is less of a concern.

You definitely want to make sure to try the brisket. It would be a real shame if you made it all this way to find out they’re sold out of brisket (and don’t forget now you have to still wait 2 hours!).

I have to say that the ordering system is very well done at Franklin Barbecue. You will never have to wait 2 hours only to find out they’re sold out of what you wanted. Someone will come around in line and take your order beforehand. So technically, if you show up and they’re out of brisket, you can always choose to leave.

You Actually Have A Place To Sit & Eat

Now, this point is all speculation based on our experience at another Texas BBQ in Austin.

But, by being one of the first to order at Franklins, we also had no issue finding a table to eat at, which was very nice!

I think they do pace it a lot better than at other barbecues in Texas. The line really doesn’t move quickly, giving people time to eat and leave.

But there is always a possibility of getting your food and not having a place to eat because all the tables are full. Obviously, the later you go, the more likely you are to have this issue.

What Is The Wait For Franklin Barbecue Really Like?

If you want to try Franklin Barbecue, then you have to embrace waiting in line. It’s the only way. For us, we found the time FLEW by in line.

It was separated into stages so it really never felt like we were waiting for too long (probably also because we showed up earlier!).

Like I said, we got there early at around 8:00 A.M., so we had a seat almost the entire time we were waiting.

Bring some entertainment as well. We brought our books to read, but noticed someone brought their own table and chairs with tons of board games (Psst! check out my list of travel board games here)!

They actually open the lobby at 9:30. This way you have access to the bathroom and the shop (there are port-a-potties in the back if you need them beforehand!).

So at this point, we got all our souvenir shopping done, and picked up some early morning beers (I mean it’s all a part of the experience right!). We ended up going for the beer bucket for added fun! It also gave us an excuse to try the local brews.

After this point, everyone in line has a beer in them and is starting to wake up a bit. We didn’t even go back to reading, we just spoke to our Franklin’s neighbours for the next hour until it opened.

Around this time, someone will also start coming around to take your order.

Then at 10:45, you have to put the chairs back and the doors open at 11:00!

So yes, the wait is 100% worth it for Franklin Barbecue. It’s also something we’ve never done before so it was kind of fun.

You should see the wait in line as part of the experience, because it really is!

Expect Franklin Barbecue To Take Up Half Your Day (If Not More!)

Normally, a restaurant experience is about getting food and then heading out to your next adventure. That’s not Franklin Barbecue in Austin.

You need to allot a good half day for Franklin’s BBQ. We were there from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

But realistically, it might even be a whole day thing for you because after enjoying the best Texas barbecue you’ve ever had, you might be in a serious meat coma – I know I was.

We pushed ourselves to go to Barton Springs Park after for a walk… but boy, we struggled! We could have both just slept off the afternoon!

What To Order At Franklin BBQ

On a regular day, a normal portion of meat for 1 person is a half a pound. Of course, when you have the opportunity to try famous bbq in Texas, this isn’t a normal day. I mean, you’re at Franklin friggin’ Barbecue!!

The main thing to try is the smoked brisket because it is to die for. You could honestly, just order that and be completely satisfied.

But we wanted to try everything so ordered it ALL!

P.S. We were told that our order was considered a ‘small order’, so we actually added a 1/4 pound of brisket to the order.

And we walked away with a 1/2 pound meat for leftovers, but at least we got to try everything!

Our Franklin Barbecue Order (For 2 People):

• 3/4 lbs brisket
• 1/2 lbs ribs (1 rib)
• 1/2 lbs turkey
• 1/4 lbs pulled pork
• 1 Jalapeño sausage
• Single potato salad
• Single pinto beans
• Single coleslaw
• 1 pecan pie for dessert
• They also give you pickles and bread if you want.

We saved the turkey, pulled pork, and half the sausage for leftovers for the following night. The brisket was too good and figured it would be the best fresh, so focused on that to eat in the moment.

Loopholes If You Don’t Want To Wait In Line For Franklin BBQ

If you really don’t want to wait in line (which is understandable), there are a few options.

First, if you’re enough people, or hanging around Austin for a few days, you can actually place an order in advance for pick up at Franklin Barbecue (see here).

The minimum to order is 5 lbs of meat, but it doesn’t just have to be one kind of meat so you can try everything this way.

Another option, though it’s a bit risky, is to show up at the end of the day. The line will be a lot shorter and you can order whatever they have left. During low season, this is probably around 2:00 P.M. or 3:00P.M. – I have no idea about high season though!

They pretty much sell out every day of the turkey, but you might be able to score some brisket this way.

When we were leaving around 12:00, they were already sold out of turkey and one type of sausage.

This is a good option if it’s your first day in the city and it’s on your way, you can stop by and see what they have. You may or may not be able to save the wait time if you get lucky.

Other Texas BBQ In Austin

If you don’t have the half day to spend waiting in line for Franklin, there are a lot of other Texas barbecue places you can try. It won’t be Franklin’s quality, but it’ll still get your Texas BBQ fix!

Terry Black’s Barbecue

Terry Black’s is just on the other side of Lady Bird Lake in Austin and was very good. It was actually recommended to us twice by locals to try!

The brisket was good, just lacked a bit of the smokey flavour. For me, it was just the size of the cut was way too thick for brisket, but still way better than anything we could get back home!

We did have a bit of a wait, but the line moved very quickly (unlike at Franklin).

We did find it to be a bit more expensive than Franklin Barbecue as well. I enjoyed the more diverse menu though, with a lot of side options, while the sides at Franklins were lacking in my mind.

It’s also nice that Terry Black’s is open at night for dinner, unlike Franklin’s which sells out by then! If you don’t want a wait though, get there earlier rather than later.

I would recommend Terry Blacks also for the unique experience and for the free pit tours. If you want to learn more about Texas barbecue this is a great place to come. They offer free pit tours that show you the cooking process and the giant propane smoking tanks.

Coopers Barbecue

Coopers BBQ is all about convenient Texas barbecue in my mind. There’s one in the heart of downtown Austin and even in the Fort Worth Stockyards (which is the one that we went to).

The thing I appreciated the most about Coopers was the side salad they offered. Yes, I’m all about a balanced meal!

Coopers brisket wasn’t for me but my partner still enjoyed it. From his smoking knowledge, he thinks  Coopers is smoking the brisket high and fast, instead of low and slow.

You end up with a different texture this way, and can obviously make it A LOT quicker. But it ends up being a chewier and stringier meat . The fat doesn’t render as nicely so that’s why I wasn’t a fan of it.

But, if you’re pressed for time in Austin, this isn’t the worst option.

Need A Place To Stay In Austin?

Hotels in Austin are EXPENSIVE! There are a lot of options and a lot of different areas you can stay in so it can also become very overwhelming to find the right place. 

We ended up at the Fairmont Austin because we found a reasonable deal and we liked the location. Also… rooftop pool… need I even say more!? See room rates and availability here. 

If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option with an apartment style hotel, we were considering Mint House At the Hatchery. But you do sacrifice location a bit to stay here (alternatively, they also have a Mint House on South Congress). They offer reasonably priced, modern and updated style apartments, and a more local experience to your stay. See room rates and availability here.

For a brand name hotel, we were also considering the Homewood Suites in the Rainy Street Historic District. Homewood Suites offers larger rooms with a full kitchen and even has breakfast included! See room rates and availability here.

For more hotels in Austin Texas, click here.

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Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API