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“Out of this world brisket”
Aaron Franklin’s parents owned a barbecue stand in his native Bryan, Texas, so it could be said that making good brisket was in his blood. But barbecue runs thick in the veins of every Texan, and when Aaron began experimenting with brisket and a backyard smoker a decade ago, it just so happened that with him it ran thicker than most. With the encouragement of friends, Aaron and his wife Stacy debuted Franklin BBQ in late 2009 on an East Austin parking lot. From the walk-up window of a travel trailer turned brisket stand, patrons quickly noticed the Franklins were selling the best barbecue around. By spring, the line of admirers snaked around the block, and the press followed. In less than two years, the duo could count contributors from The Washington Post, Texas Monthly, and Cooking Channel among a growing chorus hailing Franklin among America’s BBQ elite—mentioned in the breath as Smitty’s, Kreuz’s, and other stalwart temples to the holy craft of smoked meat that line the Central Texas brisket belt. In the summer of 2010, Bon Appetit hailed Franklin BBQ as the best in America. Aaron and Stacy quickly outgrew their trailer, and moved their operation to a brick and mortar location in March of 2011. And despite the new digs and every reasonable effort to increase production, Franklin BBQ’s line is as long as ever, and the restaurant has sold out of brisket every day of its existence.
We got into town and on our way to do some sightseeing, we drove right by Franklin's. The line appeared to be short, so we stopped. We did end up waiting about an hour, but the brisket was worth... Read more
5 stars. 10/10. No notes. Nah I gotta give you more details than that! Now I understand why this place draws crowds. Some may not look forward to standing in line when it's sprinkling or raining... Read more
Apparently it's a right of passage to go through the Franklin BBQ experience. We hear this place has lines starting as early as 6:00 am and after eating here I can see why! We got here around 8... Read more
Franklin Barbecue
Hours
- Sun, Tue - Sat: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- Does not take
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Bar
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Delivery
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Dine In
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Dinner
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Drinks
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Lunch
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Outdoor Seating
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Takeout
Parking, Dining
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