Here is my ranking, in descending order. Keep in mind this is totally subjective and based on one visit:
5) Kreuz's Market - Lockhart
The Brisket - This was still pretty good brisket, but relative to the others, this was a distant 5th place. The smoke was much lighter, and the meat was much "beefier", almost to the point of being gamey. Still ate it with a smile. This was the one place that is fully anti-sauce, and I actually wish they had some.
The Others - The turkey breast had great over all flavor, but relative to the other turkey I had, was somewhat dry. The sausage were very good, with just enough spice. I like the option of saltines instead of white bread, as silly as that may be.
Overall - Good, not great. Skippable.
4) Black's - Lockhart
The Brisket - Simple seasoning with plenty of smoke. Nice bark that provides a good texture contrast to the fall apart center. Nice and moist. Very good.
The Others - Literally the best beef rib I've had in my life. Fall apart, stringy goodness. If I went back I would probably get this over the brisket. Ok, I'd get both. Cornbread, sweet and jalapeño, were both pretty good, but nothing life changing.
Overall - Big jump from Kreuz's. Should be on any BBQ crawl list. Get the rib. Maybe 3.
3) Salt Lick - Driftwood
The Brisket - Probably the heaviest smoke, without going too far. More direct heat than some of the other places, so the bark had a bit more crunch.
The Others - Sausage was very good. Smokey and spicy. Turkey was fairly moist. Good pork ribs, not great.
Overall - A lot of food in a fun atmosphere. There is a location in the airport too incase you don't make it.
2) Smitty's - Lockhart
The Brisket - Pretty similar to Black's just more moist. Good bark, with literally fall apart center. More fat running down the middle which, in this case, was a good thing.
The Others - Sausage had great flavor, but was just slightly dry. Pork ribs were perfectly cooked, but maybe could have used a little more rub.
Overall - Watch out when you walk in the door or you may fall in the fire. Apparently Texas doesn't have OSHA. All kidding aside. Awesome brisket. Almost as good as #1 with literally no wait. If you are an impatient person, Smitty's is the best brisket you will ever have, because you will never go to...
1) Franklin's - Austin
The Brisket - As advertised. Beyond moist. This brisket is wet. Because of the way Franklin's rests their briskets they essentially self baste for hours, after coming off the smoker. This leads to melt in your mouth brisket, but sacrifices the bark some other places had. Still, no question the best overall.
The Others - I will never have better turkey again in my life. I can say that with great confidence. This, just like the brisket, was wet. Hidden gem of the menu that is not getting enough attention. Must have if you go here. The pulled pork was very good, not great compared to everything else. The sausage was nice and spicy, probably one of the best I had.
Overall - What's that? You want to know how long I waited? I went on Sunday. Got there at 9am. At 11am they open and the line starts moving. We finally got our food around 1pm. Apparently Sundays are a light day. Is it worth the wait? That depends. Are you a patient person, who can appreciate the whole experience and not focus on a time/quality value analysis? If so, it is absolutely worth the wait. We actually had a great time in line. They come out before they open and sell beer and soda. We had an Australian couple next to us who we ended up basically hanging out with the whole time, and even ate together and exchanged emails. It's kind of like tailgating. And the reward is the best brisket in TX.
Extra Point: One of the few non-BBQ meals we had was at Salty Sow. Can't recommend it enough.
For anyone who was able to check out these place, let me know what you though. I saw a lot of Go Bear tag on Franklin's so I know at least a couple of you made it there.
Overall, had a great time in Austin. Keep an eye out for my 2017 North Carolina bbq pork review.
Last edited:
