Franklin Barbecue in Austin draws crowds that wrap around its East 11th Street building, requiring hours of waiting for a taste of its award-winning brisket. To bypass the worst of the congestion, MySA reported that visiting on a Tuesday morning significantly cuts down wait times compared to weekend visits.
How to Beat the Tuesday Line at Franklin Barbecue
Arriving early on a Tuesday changes the logistics of dining at the renowned Austin smokehouse, located at 900 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702. MySA noted that arriving at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, put them 30 people deep in a queue that stretched down the block by the 11 a.m. opening time. This early arrival window also guarantees decent street parking. While guests still face a two-hour wait before the doors open, actual service moves quickly once it starts. MySA reported taking just 30 minutes to walk up, place an order, and secure a table once doors opened at 11 a.m.
Amenities and Atmosphere While Waiting
Managing the queue in the Texas heat requires preparation, but the restaurant provides several built-in comforts for patrons. Franklin Barbecue supplies multiple foldable chairs for guests to use while waiting, eliminating the need to bring personal seating. An overhead structure provides shade along the building exterior, allowing visitors to read books or enjoy drinks comfortably while the queue moves forward.
Menu Highlights: Brisket, Ribs, and Turkey
The menu centers on heavily smoked meats that have set benchmarks across Texas barbecue. MySA described the brisket as exceptionally juicy with a picturesque, peppery bark, noting it stands out as the juiciest slice the publication has experienced to date, though cautioning that heavy consumption of the fatty cuts can lead to stomach aches. Beyond the brisket, the pork ribs feature a sweet rub paired with black pepper that causes the meat to fall off the bone. Meanwhile, the turkey achieves extra moisture through a specialized broth bath, complemented by a peppery exterior bark.
Limited Side Options at the Smokehouse
While the proteins earn high praise, the smokehouse offers a restricted selection of side dishes. Patrons seeking options beyond traditional pinto beans, coleslaw, or potato salad will find no alternative choices like creamed corn, macaroni and cheese, or green beans on the menu. This limited side menu requires diners to plan accordingly before joining the line.
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