This is a summary of the Franklin BBQ adventure that I recently took. I had a hard time finding recent information, and a lot of posts I read seemed dated.

I visited Austin last week and wanted to try Franklin BBQ. Yes I went to 2 other BBQ establishments as well. I went to Franklin's on a Friday (7/14). I was staying at a hotel in the down town area. 5 minute uber ride cost about $8 including tip. I arrived at Franklin at 7:45 am. I was the 20th person in line. I was concerned about a chair, as I had flown into town and was not able to snag one. Fear not, as there is a giant stack of them free to use piled up on the patio. My spot in line was perfect. Much earlier, and I would have been seated on the ramp going in, which puts your body sitting at an uncomfortable incline. About an hour or so later, I would have not been under the awning and baking in the hot sun.

Around 9-930ish am an employee opens the door, and they put out water jugs and turned on fans. They also open the inside to allow access to the restrooms, and you are able to buy soft drinks and beer, as well as merchandise. If merch is your thing, I suggest doing it at this point, because, once the food line gets started, it is pretty crowded and far be it from anyone to hold a horde of hungry people that have waited hours to eat. Also it avoids the chance of getting food on your new swag. Around 10:15 an employee went to each person on line asking what they were going to order, and were able to make a prediction as to what point on the line things would be close to being sold out.

At 11am on the dot, the door opened and the line moved up to the counter. Remember I was 20th on line. By this time the line stretched beyond the length of the building and into the back parking lot, possibly out to the next street behind Franklin. By 11:20 I was seated with my order and eating. I walked out close to about 12:30, and there was still a line to the parking lot. I started walking back to downtown but I was so full, and the weather was so hot, I ended up hopping on a lime scooter and riding that the rest of the way.

If you are interested in seeing the cookers, just ask an employee and they will give you a tour. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The food was great, I actually liked the beef rib better then the brisket, but they were both delicious. The pork ribs were alright, but I would skip those next time time, as I have had better. The sausage was good, but didn't blow me away. I did not try the turkey, or the pulled pork. And of the other places I went, I have to say Franklin was better in my opinion, but I also know if you ask 10 people who has the best BBQ you very well may get 10 answers. Regardless of such, enjoy your self, chat with some people, bring a book, do what ever makes you happy, and you will leave with a full belly. Ohh...there is also a station with rolls of butcher paper and plastic bags so you can wrap up and carry out your left overs. I turned some heads warming up my food at the hotel microwave.