Yes, I'm an Aaron Franklin fan

[Lowjiber]

Saw this on Google's daily news brief and thought you'd enjoy.

http://dining.blog.austin360.com/2017/02/15/forget-the-franklin-barbecue-hype-heres-the-facts/

I've stood in line twice for his grub. Worth the wait, but go early and bring a chair.

[Spinaker]

Cool article! thanks for posting. This is defiantly on my bucket list!! I like that link to see all of the quick facts. 650,000 lbs of meat in one year!!!

[Jeff_Carley]

fun post. figured $300 could get you a line jump.

[Huskee]

I'd do it if it weren't the other end of the country from me. I like him and respect his amazing work ethic. He deserves every ounce of success he has.

[Beefchop]

That kind of success doesn't come easy! Up before dawn every day, constantly working a hot fire, dealing with hungry customers and Texas heat...

[stanman814]

I am in the middle of reading his book right now. I thought it was just a cook book but the first few chapters cover his history, technique, etc. Great read and lots of respect for him! I hope to visit sometime soon. Austin isn't too far from me!

[RonB]

It was on my bucket list too, but I never thought I'd get there. Then our son moved to Austin.

It was great - best brisket I have had, but there are too many great BBQ joints in the area for me to go back - unless our son stays in Austin a long time...

I reported on my experience here.

[JCBBQ]

Any more info about him coming out with a line of off set smokers this year?

[DWCowles]

Haven't heard nothing!

[Willy]

I actually did the line too and did enjoy Franklin's a lot. Alas, we never got to see him. I did appreciate a lot that he sold his bottled sauces for about half of what most joints sell 'em for (three for $10). I wouldn't go back as long lines and waits are something I don't like to do, though this was a unique experience and the beer sales (plus umbrella use for free !) for those in line were a real nice touch. Lot's of friendly Q-ers to chat with. We also enjoyed Cooper's in Llano, the Salt Lick near Austin, and Black's in Lockhart, plus a couple of lesser places. I think Black's was my fave, especially the dino rib. I think a tour of the "big three" in Lockhart would be a great way to spend a day.

[kill2grill]

I just did this last Tuesday and it was a lot of fun. Franklin wasn't there at first, but much like Beetlejuice someone must of said his name 3 times and poof – there he be. I asked him about the rumor going around online about him working on his own line of smokers – he confirmed it, that's where he was working before coming in to the restaurant.

Here's a few photos of the experience as well as destroying a 1.5lb beef rib down the street at Mikelthwait's.

The line at 9:30am on a nice, mildly raining Tuesday.




1lb of Prime Angus Brisket tender goodness, and 1lb of pork ribs are being raped and pillaged:



Head shot of Franklin defacing my meat manifesto....



Meanwhile, just down the street a bit a day or two later:

[Spinaker]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing. That is awesome you got to meet the legend!

[Ernest]

I think Micklethwait is actually better than Franklins. There I said it.

[kill2grill]

LOL - Ernest that's what one of the locals felt too! Micklethwait's beef rib was a thing of beauty – regretfully, I was unable to stomach another slab-o-brisket to compare against Franklins. Next time I happen to be in Austin I will fast for a few days so that a comparison can be made.

[kill2grill]

Agreed. He was very friendly and the restaurant was run like if you had a love child between a machine and Craig Ferguson. Efficient yet personable.

[Bukowski's Burnt Ends]

I bought the book after being on this site and seeing a few videos. This one gives a good insight of the work involved in good Q. ...

https://youtu.be/vUDiEQBZL_8

[6th Borough BBQ]

He is amazing. Everyone should read his book. I found it very inspiring. I haven't had a chance to visit his place yet, but have used his recipes and watched all of his videos. I did have La BBQ when I was in Austin, it was very good but I cannot compare.

[gshayd]

had a fire there....

[GadjetGriller]

Watching the Dallas News stations apparently there was a fire at his location (apparently started in one of the smokers area) and I think they said 100's of thousands of dollars in damage could be a while before they get back up and going??

[RonB]

That just means the lines are shorter now.

[GadjetGriller]

Hmmm wonder if he still has his food truck??

[cosmo]

Book is a good read. Little secret - you can pre-order whole briskets to take home with you and skip the line. You just can't sit down and eat it there though. They cryovac them and offer to sell you a little cooler bag if you want. I literally took one back with me to Chicago in my carry on. I was a little worried going through security and let TSA know I had a brisket in my bag. They were like, dude - no big deal we see it all the time!