Franklin Barbecue

During the weeks leading up to a trip to Austin, Texas, I clicked #FranklinBBQ on Instagram quite a few times to look at and admire the food visitors snapped at the famed brisket purveyor’s spot downtown. The appetizing pictures made me hungry and convinced me waiting in line for up to five hours to try the smoked meat at the place Texas Monthly dubbed the best barbecue joint in Texas would be worth it.

© A Vandalay | Flickr

After five hours in line one rainy morning in December, I discovered for myself the food at Franklin Barbecue was truly worth the wait. My group of friends and I ordered all the meat on the menu at the old bricking building, including pounds of brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage; unfortunately turkey was unavailable, due to a turkey shortage plaguing the nation.

Pitmaster Aaron Franklin and his crew smoked the hormone- and antibiotic-free meat to perfection. The juicy brisket was by far the star of the show, as the tender pieces melted in my mouth and its crisp and flavorful bark was astounding. The pork ribs were incredibly meaty and featured a yummy pepper-rimmed crust I wish I could eat every day for the rest of my life. Though the beef does absolutely not need assistance, Franklin’s espresso barbecue sauce was a sweet and savory complement.

© A Vandalay | Flickr

We followed bites of juicy meat with forkfuls of delicious sides, including creamy potato salad, slaw and pinto beans, and ended the meal with slices of sweet pecan pie.

After eating every last piece of meat, dabbing any remaining juices with slices of white bread and enjoying our pints of sides, we understood why locals and visitors line up for hours outside every day and Franklin Barbecue continues to sell out daily since its opening in 2009.

Franklin Barbecue

900 E. 11^th Street

Austin, TX 78702