Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas is world famous for its incredibly delicious smoked meats. People line up for hours to get a taste of Franklin’s succulent brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more. However, the long lines and limited daily quantities mean scoring Franklin Barbecue can be difficult and expensive. In this blog post, I’ll share my tips for how to enjoy Franklin Barbecue without breaking your bank. From getting there early to ordering judiciously off the menu, read on to learn how you can experience one of the best Texas barbecues for less.
Get There Early
The key to scoring Franklin Barbecue without blowing your budget is to get there early. I’m talking really early, as in arrive by 8 or 9am for an 11am open. The line already starts forming around that time, and Franklin only cooks a certain amount of meat daily. Showing up early helps ensure you’ll actually get food before they sell out, which regularly happens before closing time. Come equipped with a lawn chair, snacks, drinks (no alcohol allowed), and entertainment. Settle in for a couple hours wait, which is much more bearable first thing in the morning versus mid-day in the hot Texas sun.
Order Off the Menu
Once you do make it inside to order, don’t feel like you need to get the huge, most expensive meat plates. Franklin’s menu offers smaller, more budget-friendly options beyond the gigantic brisket and rib plates. Their turkey, pulled pork, and hot guts (sausage) plates offer smaller 3 oz meat portions. You can also order just a single slice of brisket, pork rib, or half chicken. Sides like pinto beans, cabbage slaw, potatoes, and desserts are also reasonably priced. Taking home leftovers is highly recommended! Order smaller plates you can finish now plus some hearty sides to enjoy later.
Split Items with Friends
Making Franklin Barbecue a group outing allows you to taste more menu items without overspending. Split some larger meat plates with friends so everyone gets a few bites of the brisket, ribs, and sausage without paying full price individually. You can also share sides family-style so there’s enough to go around. Franklin Barbecue’s picnic tables foster a communal environment perfect for splitting dishes. Just come prepared with your own wet naps, utensils, and napkins.
Pack Your Own Sides
While Franklin Barbecue’s sides are delicious, you can save money by bringing your own. The line offers plenty of time for snacking, so come equipped with homemade sides and desserts to enjoy while you wait. A large cooler packed with snacks and drinks helps make the wait more comfortable. Some great make-at-home side dishes that pair well with barbecue include potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, fruit salad, and cornbread. Desserts like cookies, brownies, and fruit pies also complement the meal.
Take Advantage of To-Go Ordering
Franklin Barbecue’s to-go and catering options allow you to enjoy their meats without the long wait. During less busy times, you may be able to walk up and quickly order items to go. Franklin also offers online ordering for pick-up, so you can skip the line completely. Take-out lets you get back to your tailgate or dining room table faster. For larger groups, consider catering. It offers bulk ordering discounts, so you get delicious Franklin Barbecue at a lower per person price point.
Consider Waiting for Leftovers
If the Franklin Barbecue line seems too intimidating, consider stopping by in the last hour before closing. Oftentimes, Franklin will offer leftovers late in the day at a discounted price instead of letting food go to waste. It’s not a sure thing, but definitely worth inquiring about. At the very least, it makes for a shorter wait compared to the early morning rush. Just monitor Franklin’s social media pages for updates on when leftovers may be available.
Conclusion
Franklin Barbecue’s exceptionally smoky brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and perfect sausages come at a price. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy one of the best barbecue experiences in the country without draining your bank account. Wake up early, order judiciously, split dishes, pack snacks, take advantage of to-go ordering, and time your visit right to score both deliciousness and deals. Use these tips to make your Franklin Barbecue dreams a budget-friendly reality. I sincerely hope you find this “How to Enjoy Franklin Barbecue Without Breaking the Bank” article helpful.