1) Franklin’s BBQ – When ranking Austin BBQ, and really BBQ throughout the world, there’s basically Franklin’s and then everything else. I’m not exaggerating that this would most likely be my death meal. As in, if I had one more day to live I’d wait in line and eat Franklin’s BBQ as my last meal on Earth. Getting Franklin’s BBQ is not easy. You cannot simply walk up to their shop and order BBQ. You must get there around 8-9am and wait in line until they open at 11am. They will remain open only until they sell out of meat which usually happens around 3-4pm. Chances of you getting food if you get there after 9am are slim to none, but there have been those rare Tuesdays when I’ve walked by at 4pm, no one’s in line and they still have some meat left. Don’t count on this though. The first people start to show up around 7am. It’s not as bad as it sounds though. There’s free lawn chairs stacked under the steps that anyone can use, people bring games, movies, beer pong, coolers full of beer and turn it into a tailgate party on most days. If you love BBQ put in the time and tailgate outside of Franklin’s one morning and get this for lunch.
2) la Barbecue – These guys make some outstanding BBQ. It’s about as close to Franklin’s in quality as you’re going to find, but the line can be just as long only they don’t provide folding chairs or a fun tailgate atmosphere so try to go during off times.
3) Freedman’s – Fantastic brisket without the lines of Franklin’s or la Barbecue. An added plus, and a real rarity for Austin BBQ joints, Freedman’s is open for dinner. They also serve up some delicious cocktails and Bloody Mary’s.
4) Lambert’s – This is a straight up restaurant, not your classic Austin smoke truck with a long line. Their coffee-rubbed brisket and crispy wild boar ribs are out of this world.
5) Micklethwait Craft Meats – Your classic Austin meat truck with a couple of picnic tables set out in front. They make outstanding brisket, pork and ribs along with a bunch of other occasional offerings like goat or barbacoa. The wait times are minimal and the sides are some of the best in town. Make sure to get some jalapeno cheese grits with whatever meats you order.
6) Leroy & Lewis – Newcomers to the Austin BBQ seen, pitmaster Evan Leroy, formerly of Freedmans uses unique cuts of meat like barbacoa and beef cheeks in his BBQ repertoire. They also have some of the best sides available from any BBQ truck. If you’re hungry before 11am, don’t miss there BBQ breakfast bagels with homemade jalapeno, bacon and chopped brisket cream cheese.
If you’re in a pinch…do not be scared off by Rudy’s which is typically connected to a gas station. Rudy’s has some of the best moist brisket in Texas.
Whatever you do don’t go to Salt Lick, the atmosphere at their main location is fun, with outdoor seating and live music, but no matter how much people don’t want to admit it, their brisket sucks and their ribs are even worse.