Franklin Barbecue is a walk-up barbecue restaurant in Austin, Texas, known for long lines and brisket

Franklin Barbecue is located at 900 East 52nd Street in Austin. It opens at 11 a.m. most days and operates as a walk-up counter service — you order and pay at the window, then eat at picnic tables outside or take your food with you. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. There is no reservation system, no phone ordering, and no way to skip the line.

The restaurant is famous primarily for its brisket, which is smoked overnight and sold by the pound. A typical brisket order includes both the lean "flat" and the fattier "point" cut. Beyond brisket, Franklin serves ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage, along with sides like mac and cheese, beans, and coleslaw. Prices vary by meat type and weight, but a full brisket plate typically costs between $20 and $30 before sides.

Key Takeaways

  • Franklin Barbecue has no reservations or phone orders — you arrive in person and wait in line, which regularly reaches two to four hours during peak times.
  • The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and closes when the meat runs out, usually between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., so arriving early is the only way to may provide service.
  • Brisket is sold by the pound and comes with your choice of sides; prices depend on the exact weight and cut you order.
  • The restaurant is cash-only for payment, though there is an ATM on site if you arrive without cash.

What to expect when you arrive

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening if you want to eat the same day. During weekdays, the line typically forms 45 minutes to an hour before 11 a.m. On weekends, people often arrive two to three hours early. The line moves steadily once the restaurant opens, but a wait of two to four hours is normal even if you arrive early.

There is no indoor seating. The restaurant has picnic tables outside, but they fill quickly. Many customers eat standing up or take their food to a nearby park. Bring water and something to do while you wait — the line is outdoors and exposed to weather.

Once you reach the counter, you order directly from the pit master or staff member. You can ask to see the brisket before deciding on size and cut. Payment is cash only, and there is an ATM in the restaurant if you need it. The staff will wrap your meat in butcher paper and place it in a container with your sides.

Brisket cuts and how to order

Franklin Barbecue sells brisket as a whole packer — both the flat and the point together — rather than letting you choose one or the other. The flat is leaner and slices cleanly; the point is fattier and more tender. You order by total weight, and the price is calculated per pound at the register.

A typical order is a half-pound to a pound of brisket. The restaurant does not have a printed menu, so prices are not posted in advance. The staff will tell you the per-pound price when you order. Most customers order brisket with two sides — beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or potato salad are the standard options.

Hours, days, and when the restaurant closes

Franklin Barbecue opens at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays and Mondays. The restaurant does not have a fixed closing time — it closes when the meat runs out, which is usually between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. On busy days, it can close as early as 1:30 p.m. On slower days, it may stay open until 4 p.m. or later.

There is no way to know in advance whether the restaurant will have meat available when you arrive. The only reliable way to get food is to arrive before opening and wait in line. Calling ahead will not help — the restaurant does not take phone orders or hold meat.

Payment and what to bring

Franklin Barbecue is cash-only. There is an ATM inside the restaurant, but it charges a fee. If you plan to visit, bring enough cash to cover your meal plus a tip. The staff does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payment apps.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat if you are visiting during warm months. The line is entirely outdoors. If you arrive early in the morning, bring a jacket — Austin mornings can be cool even when the afternoon is hot. Some customers bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on while waiting.

Parking and location

Franklin Barbecue is at 900 East 52nd Street in East Austin, near the intersection with Mueller Boulevard. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks, though it fills quickly on busy days. There is no dedicated parking lot. Arrive early if you want a spot within walking distance.

The restaurant is accessible by public transit — the MetroRapid 803 bus stops nearby. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Austin and can drop you at the restaurant, though pickup can be difficult because of the crowded street.

What makes Franklin Barbecue different from other barbecue restaurants

Franklin Barbecue became famous because of the quality of the brisket and the willingness of the owner, Aaron Franklin, to smoke meat overnight and sell only what he makes each day. The restaurant does not try to maximize volume — it closes when the meat is gone, which means some customers leave without food. This scarcity, combined with consistent quality, created the reputation and the long lines.

Most barbecue restaurants take reservations, have indoor seating, and stay open for set hours regardless of inventory. Franklin operates the opposite way. The experience is part of the draw — waiting in line, eating outdoors, and knowing the meat sold out because it was good, not because the restaurant ran out by accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to arrive before opening to get food?

Not always, but it is the safest approach. If you arrive after 1 p.m., there is a real chance the meat will be sold out. Arriving 30 to 60 minutes before opening guarantees you will get a spot in line before the restaurant closes for the day.

Can I call ahead or make a reservation?

No. Franklin Barbecue does not take phone orders, reservations, or hold meat. You must arrive in person and wait in line. Calling will not change the wait time or may provide availability.

Is the brisket worth the wait?

That depends on your priorities. The brisket is well-regarded by barbecue enthusiasts, but you will spend two to four hours waiting for a meal that takes 15 minutes to eat. If you are visiting Austin and want to experience a famous restaurant, it may be worth it. If you are hungry and want to eat quickly, other barbecue restaurants in Austin have shorter waits.

What if I arrive and the restaurant is already closed?

If the meat has sold out, the staff will tell you at the door. There is no refund or compensation because you did not purchase anything. Your only option is to return another day and arrive earlier.

Can I bring my own drinks or food while I wait?

Yes. Bringing water, snacks, and entertainment is common. The restaurant does not prohibit outside food or drinks while you are in line, though once you order, you are expected to purchase sides and drinks from Franklin if you want them.