Last month, I had a serendipitous meeting while I was at Owl Tree Roasting for a chat with proprietor, Travis Kizer. (Stay tuned for that post soon!) As I was leaving the Owl Tree building, I noticed a flurry of activity in the back lot. A couple of people were raking leaves, moving rocks, and clearing weeds from the fence line. Travis took me over to meet Aaron and Stacy Franklin, who were prepping the lot for their new business: Franklin BBQ. The newest among trailer eateries, their concept is simple – fresh BBQ served in a laid back, family friendly atmosphere.
UPDATE (12-2-2009): Franklin BBQ is now officially open for business! Please visit their website at franklinbarbecue.com for more information, or check out their Grand Opening on Sunday, December 6th 2009.
UPDATE (05-04-2012): Make sure to check out the Franklin BBQ menu on our menu search site
When Peter and I walked up to the Franklin BBQ preview party last weekend, I was delighted with what I saw. The lot, which had looked like a construction site on my first visit, had been transformed into a cute backyard with picnic tables, small paper lanterns, and shade trees. The recently renovated trailer stood in front of a gigantic BBQ pit/smoker. We each got a beer from the keg, and Peter returned from the trailer with an overflowing tray that we shared among friends.
Here are some of our tasting notes:
Sausage – We both agreed that it tasted hand made – not dense and super firm like other more processed brands. It had a wonderful strong flavor.
Brisket – It was absolutely delicious – tender with a nice flavor. We speculated that it might be grass fed beef. The burnt edges were great, but sometimes they were a little too burnt for Peter’s tastes. I say, bring on the burnt edges!
Pulled pork – Peter says: probably my favorite thing besides the sausage. It’s hard to get pulled pork in Texas, but this seems to be the real deal. I totally agree. It was delicious when still warm – tender and packed with flavor, and it went great with each of the BBQ sauces. Peter felt it was not as flavorful when cold.
Three BBQ sauces – Sweet sauce: very good, probably vinegar based, and not too overpowering; Pork sauce: Peter’s favorite with the pulled pork; Espresso sauce: just a hint of coffee flavor to accent the meat – my favorite.
Sides – Cole slaw: Peter thought it was pretty good, but nothing super special. I’m a fan of vinegar based cole slaw vs. mayonnaise based slaw, so I enjoyed it. Potato salad: We both agreed it was good but not spectacular.
Franklin BBQ is set to open in October, and I can see it becoming a favorite lunch time spot. We will be back with some updates on the full menu, pricing, and hours of operation.
Cheers!
Kristina
I hope it’s grassfed beef! That would be awesome. Where exactly is this trailer? I want to go!
Hey Lyssa! The trailer is on the same lot as Owl Tree Roasting.
It’s on the I-35 north access road at the intersection of Concordia Ave. It’s right next to the Kayak store… If you get to Fiesta you’ve gone a couple of blocks too far!
Hi Lyssa – they don’t officially open until sometime in October. Stay tuned for that info..we’ll post it as soon as we get it!
Wow, I love your Austin Food Website! I actually ran into it looking for Austin Pizza on google. I love the pictures and info! Kristina I also recognize your avatar from Twitter, but do not remember your username. I am going to have to get me some Fraklin’s BBQ due to this post! http://twitter.com/texeyes
Do you know what time the grand opening party is held? And it’s about time Austin expands the BBQ horizons!
Hey Jennie! The time is 11am – 2pm.
Aaron is indeed open for business & smokin’ the good stuff! I’ve been there 4x now & am certain my cholesterol count reflects it.
He has changed the trailer for the smoker in that he’s got it fully encased for protection from the weather & business appears to be steady. When I stopped by yesterday (a Friday), he had some help inside the trailer & this did move the line along a bit quicker.
Quality was OUT – STAND – ING. The pork ribs were phenom & the brisket exactly what I needed on a cold Texas afternoon.
You need an update for the next Grand Opening: Brick and Mortar BBQ restaurant and BBQ smokin pit has grand opening March 12 at 900 E. 11th, Austin. Stuff is even better than 2009 because of the Prime meats Aaron uses. Now, no reason to miss out. Whoa
I’ve been enjoying all of this sight! Great photos makes me want an internship! Sure looks like the BEST place ever to be & Enjoy!
BEST of Luck to you FRANKLIN BBQ!!
Nice review! I hope to try this some day!