This BBQ Joint Will Have You Droolin’ For More
When a BBQ spot has people camping out at 4 AM just to taste their brisket, you know it’s not playing around. Swipe to discover and learn more about this famous establishment.
When the BBQ Gets Food Critics to Agree, You Know It’s Good
Franklin isn’t just good, it’s “first BBQ chef ever to win a James Beard Award” good. Texas Monthly crowned it the best BBQ joint in the state (twice!), and Bon Appétit declared it the best BBQ in the entire country.
Even Presidents Can’t Resist
When Barack Obama visited, he didn’t just grab lunch – he bought food for everyone behind him in line, cementing his status as BBQ MVP. But don’t think you can pull a fast one here. When Kanye tried to skip the queue, they showed him the door. Only two people have ever gotten line-cutting privileges: Gordon Ramsay and one mysterious BBQ enthusiast. At Franklin’s, democracy means everyone waits their turn.
Hollywood is Huge Fan
It starred in Jon Favreau’s “Chef” (with Aaron Franklin making a cameo), got the Anthony Bourdain stamp of approval on “No Reservations,” and has been featured in countless food shows.
The Line is Basically Its Own Social Club
The Franklin line is a morning ritual that draws hundreds. People arrive at 4 AM with lawn chairs and coolers, turning a simple wait into a social event. Seven-hour waits are standard, and regulars say it’s part of the experience. The line has become such a phenomenon that tourists come just to see it.
Where BBQ is a Science
He starts with Meyer Angus beef, seasoned with just salt and pepper. All that beef is smoked for 18 hours using post oak wood. They even start fires with butcher paper soaked in yesterday’s brisket drippings. That’s dedication.
The Beer Selection is Peak Austin
The drink menu reads like an Austin brewery greatest hits album. They keep it local with craft beers from hometown breweries, plus Lone Star because you can’t call yourself a Texas joint without it.
Perfect Sellout Record
Since opening their doors in 2009, Franklin has maintained a perfect sellout streak. Every single day, without fail, they’ve run out of brisket. That’s over 5,000 consecutive days of selling every last morsel.
You Can Turn Your Backyard into Franklin BBQ 2.0
Beyond the restaurant, they’re selling sauces, rubs, knives, lawn chairs, tongs, and even custom-made smokers. There’s even a Franklin BBQ baby onesie, because it’s never too early to introduce a kid to barbecue.
They Ship Now
In late 2020, Franklin Barbecue started shipping their iconic briskets, sausages, turkey breast, and other items. If you want to tailgate Texas style, order the “Tailgate Special” which comes with a whole brisket, bbq sauce, and merch.
The post This Texas BBQ Joint Was Called “Earth-Shatteringly Good” by Anthony Bourdain appeared first on When In Your State.
