The Best Food Day of My Life (Part 1 - Franklin BBQ)

In preparation of my trip to Texas, I asked a few locals their favorite spots to eat, drink, and be merry.  One spot that was brought to my attention was Franklin BBQ.   Not only was it recommended I check it out, but I was told something I did not previously know - Bon Appetit recently rated Franklin BBQ as the Best BBQ Restaurant in America!   At that point, I knew I had to go and see first hand.   I've been to Austin before and went to the Salt Lick outside of town in Driftwood after having seen it on Food Network's Best Thing I've Ever Ate, as well as Travel Channel's Man vs. Food.   I've also made it a point to go to The Pit in Raleigh, NC after seeing it on Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay.   Considering I have sought out the best of the best in multiple parts of the country, I just had to see what all the buzz was about at Franklin.

Where to begin?   Well Franklin is known for Selling Out on a daily basis.   They have a certain amount of food that is prepared for each day and when it's gone, the day is over.   What does this mean?   Get there early!   At the advice of locals, I got there at 9:30 AM (they open at 11) and was about 35 people from the start of the line.   Wow, was I blown away that people wait on line for this BBQ.   By the time the restaurant opened, there must have been 200 people on line hoping for their signature Brisket. 

After the restaurant opens, everybody goes one person at a time to the carving counter to place their orders of meat by the pound.   After getting in the front door and taking in the aromas, I knew then and there that I had to try everything they had - Brisket, Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Sausage, and the special of the day...Smoked Turkey.

Franklin is known mostly for their Brisket so I had to start there.    After getting myself situated andMy Plate pouring small samples of all three of their BBQ sauces (all delicious), I dove right in.    My first reaction - WOW.   There was part of me that was extremely skeptical of this place.   Clearly the Bon App article and the local recommendations had my hopes up, but could it really be that good?   The answer is most definitely YES.  My taste buds were jumping for joy as I went from the Brisket to the Sausage to the Ribs to the Pulled Pork and finally the Smoked Turkey.   Everything I had was absolutely amazing.    I wasn't sure I'd like the Turkey - i dont really think of that right away when I think of good BBQ, but that might have even been the winner for the dish that most surprised me.  

The staff at Franklin is also very nice and welcoming.   I didn't get to meet Aaron Franklin himself as he was traveling to NYC to showcase his skills at Hill Country BBQ, but the staff on hand was great.   After carving up the Turkey, they were sure to soak the pieces in some of the juices before throwing it on my tray.   They also gave extra for each meat ordered.

In the end, part of me is sad about going to Franklin knowing that all other BBQ probably won't compare.   I have to agree with the folks at Bon App - Franklin BBQ is the best I've had and as mentioned earlier, I consider myself a BBQ nut after having sought out the best of the best.   I cannot wait for my next trip to Franklin.   The morning wait is well worth it.

Be sure to check back for Part 2 of The Best Food Day of My Life - dinner that night at Uchiko, headed up by Top Chef contestant Paul Qui