Franklin Barbecue is a barbecue restaurant in Austin, TX. Open: Mon Closed; Tue–Sun 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Phone: (512) 653-1187. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 7,121 reviews. Website: https://franklinbarbecue.com/.
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Busy interior of Franklin Barbecue with patrons enjoying their meals.
4.7 7,121 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Brisket That Rewrites Your Expectations

Austin's most legendary pit stop at 11th Street, worth every minute of the wait.

About Us

Exterior view of Franklin Barbecue with outdoor seating.
Exterior view of Franklin Barbecue with outdoor seating.

People fly into Austin specifically to eat here. That's not marketing copy, that's what the reviews say, and after one bite of Franklin Barbecue's brisket, you'll understand exactly why someone would reroute an entire road trip around a single address on East 11th Street.

Pitmaster Aaron Franklin spent years perfecting a method that turns Central Texas cattle into something closer to religious experience than lunch. The post oak smoke does its slow work overnight, and by the time the doors open at 11 a.m., the bark on that brisket has developed a crust that crackles like a promise kept. The line forms early, regulars bring lawn chairs, and the staff walks the queue selling cold local beer, because waiting here isn't an inconvenience, it's part of the ritual.

With a 4.7-star rating across more than 7,100 reviews, Franklin has earned a reputation that crosses state lines and bucket lists alike. People arrive at 9:45 on a Friday morning not because they have to, but because they've decided this meal matters.

What We Offer

The menu is deliberately short, because when every item is done at this level, you don't need length. The brisket is the headliner, sliced to order, with a smoke ring that runs deep and fat that has rendered into something almost silky. Order the fatty cut. Trust the process.

Beyond brisket, the beef rib commands its own devoted following, a single bone carrying more meat than most plates you've seen. The pork ribs routinely surprise first-timers who came only for the beef, turning into an unexpected highlight. Sides include classic Texas accompaniments: pinto beans, coleslaw, and white bread that exists purely to soak up drippings. Everything is sold by the pound, cash-friendly, and served on butcher paper the way it's always been done.

Franklin opens Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and sells until the meat runs out, which it will. Come early, bring patience, and leave with a story.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 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"
— Kevin Swieda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 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."
— Dan Kubasak
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 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."
— Mark Richter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Brisket was good. Cheddar Jalapeno sausage was good. Pork ribs were the best I've ever had in my entire 50yrs of being alive!! Pulled pork was just okay. The beans were really good, but the other sides were just okay."
— S E
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"We've experienced Franklin a couple times before -- once during COVID for a to go order and once when we won a private dinner experience through a blood donation (still one of the coolest wins ever, unfortunately we didn't win this year, lol). This time, we were actually on our way to try a different BBQ spot when we noticed there was no line?? It was only 30 minutes before opening. This was right before the big freeze at the end of January, so everyone was huddled inside the patio trying to stay warm, but the vibes were still laid back and friendly. One thing we absolutely LOVE about Franklin is how they handle the wait. Doors are open before service starts, you can use the restroom, even grab drinks while you wait. That alone is elite level hospitality in the BBQ world. They also had someone walking around asking what people were thinking of ordering so they could gauge inventory, which is genius and helps manage expectations before you even get to the counter. Service was super friendly across the board. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there and wanted to make sure guests were taken care of. What we ordered: * Turkey - Moist and lightly seasoned, letting the meat shine. Simple and done right. * Beef Rib - Massive, tender, incredible smoke and bark. Surprisingly needed a little extra salt (yes, I said it ), but once we added it? WOW. * Brisket - We didn't think it would taste that different from the beef rib, but texturally it absolutely was. Melt-in-your-mouth tender with beautiful bark and the perfect level of seasoning. * Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage - Great snap, LOVED the gouda flavor * Pork Ribs - Fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, and honestly some of the best we've had. We grabbed some bubbles (basically prosecco) while waiting and a Roadhouse beer. Alcohol prices are on the higher side, but the convenience of being able to sip while you wait, especially since we stopped in last minute, makes it worth it. We did forget to order the sausage initially, but it was super easy to walk over to the drink counter and add it without standing in the full line again. Also appreciate the free bread, pickles, onions, and sauce setup. It's the little things. Only slight hiccup: when it was time to line up for opening, they ask guests to honor the order of arrival. Unfortunately, people are people and not everyone follows the honor system. But that's not on the staff, they can only do so much. Overall, incredible food, thoughtful hospitality, and a super smooth experience even on a cold morning right before a freeze. Franklin continues to live up to the hype, and we'd absolutely go back."
— Samantha Jogoleff

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait at Franklin Barbecue?

Expect anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the day. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before the 11 a.m. opening puts you near the front. Weekends tend to draw longer lines, so a weekday visit is your best bet for a shorter wait.

What time does Franklin Barbecue open?

Doors open at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The line typically forms well before that, so plan to arrive by 9:30 or 10 a.m. if you want to guarantee you get the cuts you came for.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the fatty brisket, it's the dish that built the reputation. Add a beef rib if your group can split one. First-timers are often pleasantly surprised by the pork ribs, so don't skip them either. Bring more appetite than you think you'll need.

Does Franklin Barbecue run out of food?

Yes, and it happens most days. Franklin sells by the pound until the meat is gone, which can happen before 2 p.m. on busy days. Arriving early is the only guarantee. Once it's out, the restaurant closes for the day.

Is there anything to do while waiting in line?

Staff members sell cold local beer to people waiting in line, which regulars and first-timers alike find makes the wait fly by. Bring a folding chair, good company, and a sense of occasion. The community feel in that line is part of what people remember.

Where is Franklin Barbecue located?

Franklin Barbecue is at 900 E 11th Street in Austin, TX 78702, on the city's historic East Side. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, and the location is accessible by rideshare.

Can I order Franklin Barbecue online or for delivery?

Franklin offers some mail-order options through their website at franklinbarbecue.com, but the in-person experience at the restaurant is the full version. For the brisket as it was meant to be eaten, fresh off the block, you'll want to make the trip.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 11:00 AM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday Today 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
80° Partly cloudy Austin
Wed 101° 80°
Thu 101° 76°
Fri 104° 78°
Sat 105° 79°
Sun 106° 77°
Mon 106° 80°
Tue 106° 81°

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