Why is Franklin BBQ in austin so good?

[brayhaven]

he uses black angus prime.

Black lives matter [emoji]128521[/emoji][emoji]128522[/emoji]

 

[smokesontuesday]

Chopped beef, I.e. Chopped brisket seems to be something that people outside of Texas do with brisket a lot. I think it comes from the prevalence of pulled pork, so they chop their beef also.

Here in Oklahoma, at most places if you just order brisket they usually chop it. I always have to specifically order sliced brisket to make sure I get it sliced.

I'm not beyond a chopped brisket sandwich, or using it as a topping for a baked potato or breakfast hash, but sliced is always best.

Also, Oklahoma seems to do smoked Bologna, which I find to be disgusting, personally.

Guess I truly am an Okie then cause I love me some smoked Cherokee round steak (that's bologna for you non-natives).

It's one of those regional things that stuck I guess. It does improve significantly when you use good bologna (homemade from some of the recipes here preferably) but that's like anything else smoked. Use good product to start with and you usually get a good result. It's definitely a low floor, high ceiling food though. The good is really good and everything else is pretty bad.

Chopped brisket is a chain thing that caught on I think. All the good places either don't serve chopped or only serve it because of customer demand. In its defense, it is a pretty good way to get rid of pieces of brisket that didn't slice well because they are too dry. It still has good brisket flavor usually. It just isn't good enough to serve sliced.

 

[gary s]

Chopped or Sliced ?

Here in East Texas (Tyler Area)  We have several Chain stores and some Independents , I've seen a few, that when chopped is ordered they uncover a warmer and scoop out some chopped. You know right away that is leftovers and brisket that would not stand up to slicing.

I went to Dickey's BBQ the other day, just to give them another try. (Should have saved my Money) The brisket was over cooked and falling apart was a mess on the plate, should have put that in the chopped pile.  One of My favorite Places has consistent  BBQ if you order chopped they slice it off a brisket and chop it in front of you.

Gary

 

[mtnsmoke7]

Have been all over the us and texas kicks ass !! Franklin's one of the best !! The brisket melts in your mouth. Salt Lick another great bbq !! Franklin's pits very basic, but smoking process hard to beat!! If you're serious about smoke, bbq connoiseur get out and about !!
mtnsmoke7

 

[quicksmokinq]

So I am planning a trip down in February to get me some of that brisket! What time should I plan to head over and get in line if I want to make sure I am able to get some?? Thanks in advance for the advice!!

 

[mtnsmoke7]

You want to be there 6:00 to 7:00 am. The line starts around 5:00am. It actually is cool talking to everyone in line. They have chairs and they sell beer for the people in line.
mtnsmoke7

 

[jcbigler]

 
Chopped or Sliced ?

Here in East Texas (Tyler Area)  ...

Gary

Hey Gary, you ever eat at the Purple Pig in Flint? 

Ate there over Labor Day weekend while staying at a friend's place in Tyler. I thought it was ok. Better than chains, but not as good as Pecan Lodge or Lockhart Smokehouse in Dallas. 

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• jcbigler
• Jan 16, 2016

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• jcbigler
• Jan 16, 2016

 

[sport45]

I've lived in Texas all my 55 years. The  and can honestly say the best brisket doesn't 

Salt Lick is to real Texas bbq as Taco Bell is to real Mexican food and Fazoli's is to real Italian food

Taco Bell isn't real Mexican food?

Damn, now I'll have to start going to Taco Bueno. That means good taco, after all. :)

 

[gary s]

Yeah, I've eaten there several times it's OK kinda of inconsistent  Not one of my favorites  Better than the Chain's though.

Gary

 

[mickhlr]

 
Hey Gary, you ever eat at the Purple Pig in Flint? 

Ate there over Labor Day weekend while staying at a friend's place in Tyler. I thought it was ok. Better than chains, but not as good as Pecan Lodge or Lockhart Smokehouse in Dallas. 

Hey JCBigler.  I have to agree with gary s.  We go through there on the way to College Station at least once a month, sometimes more often.  And, it used to be pretty good 5-6 years ago...especially on the pork ribs.  But, the last few times we've stopped, even the ribs have been pretty bad.  We just don't stop there anymore.  Same thing in Palestine...we used to stop at Bishop's Brisket House, and it was good.  But, the last couple of times, it's been so bad that we stopped going there as well.  So, now trying to find a new barbecue stop between Texarkana and College Station.  And, there's about 5 different ways to go to College Station from here.  The only one we know of now is Joseph's Riverport Barbecue in Jefferson, but it's only about an hour away.  It is really good though...great brisket, and is ranked #28 on the Texas Monthly 50 Best BBQ Joints in the world.   

 

[gary s]

 
Hey JCBigler.  I have to agree with gary s.  We go through there on the way to College Station at least once a month, sometimes more often.  And, it used to be pretty good 5-6 years ago...especially on the pork ribs.  But, the last few times we've stopped, even the ribs have been pretty bad.  We just don't stop there anymore.  Same thing in Palestine...we used to stop at Bishop's Brisket House, and it was good.  But, the last couple of times, it's been so bad that we stopped going there as well.  So, now trying to find a new barbecue stop between Texarkana and College Station.  And, there's about 5 different ways to go to College Station from here.  The only one we know of now is Joseph's Riverport Barbecue in Jefferson, but it's only about an hour away.  It is really good though...great brisket, and is ranked #28 on the Texas Monthly 50 Best BBQ Joints in the world.   

Hey Mick    Try Stacey's in Jacksonville   Right on 69 in front of Wally World

And there is Stacy's here in Tyler, Rated pretty good in Texas Monthly,   I thought it was over rated Try it and see what you think

Gary

 

[mickhlr]

 
Hey Mick    Try Stacey's in Jacksonville   Right on 69 in front of Wally World

And there is Stacy's here in Tyler, Rated pretty good in Texas Monthly,   I thought it was over rated Try it and see what you think

Gary

Hey Gary, I have tried Stacy's in Jacksonville before.  I thought their brisket was typical East Texas brisket, no bark, and pretty bland.  And, it was dry, definitely from the flat...after I'd requested it from the point...like I do in all barbecue joints.  I'm actually amazed at the ones who don't know the difference.  BTW...if you ever come through Texarkana, checkout Naaman's on Stateline, just north of I-30.  They are the real deal...best brisket and beef ribs this side of Taylor, TX. 

 

[gary s]

 
Hey Gary, I have tried Stacy's in Jacksonville before.  I thought their brisket was typical East Texas brisket, no bark, and pretty bland.  And, it was dry, definitely from the flat...after I'd requested it from the point...like I do in all barbecue joints.  I'm actually amazed at the ones who don't know the difference.  BTW...if you ever come through Texarkana, checkout Naaman's on Stateline, just north of I-30.  They are the real deal...best brisket and beef ribs this side of Taylor, TX. 

I'm sorry I meant Stanley's here in Tyler.  It's been a long time since I ate a Stanley's in Jville  They use to be pretty good, I guess everything changes.

Just Like Bodacious BBQ,   Roland (the guy who started it) always had exceptional BBQ  He tried to maintain that in the Franchise stores, Before he would sell a franchise you had to come work at his Bodacious for a long time, then he would decide. After you opened a store he may show up and spend months working with you in your store. But Roland got sick and just couldn't do it anymore.

He eventually closed his original location due to health, recently his son-in-law reopened it, I haven't tried it since he did.

Roland was was of the most passionate BBQ guys I ever met  He wanted it right, or he wouldn't sell it. I miss that guy.

Sonny Bryan was the same way in Dallas, but Sonny passed. His kids run it now.

Gary

 

[mickhlr]

 
Hey Mick    Try Stacey's in Jacksonville   Right on 69 in front of Wally World

And there is Stacy's here in Tyler, Rated pretty good in Texas Monthly,   I thought it was over rated Try it and see what you think

Gary

Hey Gary, I have tried Stacy's in Jacksonville before.  I thought their brisket was typical East Texas brisket, no bark, and pretty bland.  And, it was dry, definitely from the flat...after I'd requested it from the point...like I do in all barbecue joints.  I'm actually amazed at the ones who don't know the difference.

 
I'm sorry I meant Stanley's here in Tyler.  It's been a long time since I ate a Stanley's in Jville  They use to be pretty good, I guess everything changes.

Just Like Bodacious BBQ,   Roland (the guy who started it) always had exceptional BBQ  He tried to maintain that in the Franchise stores, Before he would sell a franchise you had to come work at his Bodacious for a long time, then he would decide. After you opened a store he may show up and spend months working with you in your store. But Roland got sick and just couldn't do it anymore.

He eventually closed his original location due to health, recently his son-in-law reopened it, I haven't tried it since he did.

Roland was was of the most passionate BBQ guys I ever met  He wanted it right, or he wouldn't sell it. I miss that guy.

Sonny Bryan was the same way in Dallas, but Sonny passed. His kids run it now.

Gary

Ah yeah...Stanley's in Tyler is good.  I actually think it's a lot better now than it was a few years ago.  Didn't they have a change of ownership?  But, that was Stacy's in Jacksonville.  I talked to a guy in there who told me it used to be a lot better, but Stacy retired in 2008 and it went downhill from there.  Now, the son runs it.

Do you ever go to the Red Dirt BBQ and Music Fest in Tyler?  It's on May 14th this year...this is the 3rd year they've had it, and will be our 3rd year to attend.  They have some of the best joints in the state there.  Last year they had 18 barbecue joints...this year will be 20.  All the big boys, except Franklin's, Pecan Lodge, and Snow's.  And, you get a good-sized sample from them all included in the ticket price.

http://reddirtbbqfest.com/

 

[gary s]

Never attended, But its a big deal lots of good eats.   Yeah Stanley's changed owners, finally started leaving some fat on their briskets, The guy and his wife that own it now have really improved it, To me it use to be terrible, better now but not the top of my list.  There is a little place over by Lake Tyler about 5 min. from me that is open Thur - Sat.  He has some great BBQ, first time I went he took me out back and showed me his pit.  Real deal straight flow and uses red oak. (Katie's)  But I like my own the best so we don't eat much BBQ out.  We go with the neighbors every once in a while to Spring Creek (a franchise out of Dallas) usually get chicken, their chicken is great. 

Gary

 

[mickhlr]

I hear you Gary.  I actually like mine pretty well too.  But, always looking for real Texas joints to try. 

This is what I did this past weekend.  All the guys ate the beef ribs and the ladies were watching their figures and ate the turkey breast. 

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• mickhlr
• Jan 20, 2016

 

[gary s]

 
I hear you Gary.  I actually like mine pretty well too.  But, always looking for real Texas joints to try. 

This is what I did this past weekend.  All the guys ate the beef ribs and the ladies were watching their figures and ate the turkey breast. 

IMG_6969.JPG

• mickhlr
• Jan 20, 2016

Oh, If I see a new BBQ joint, I have to try it. And I do have some favorites that I always eat at if I'm in the area

Gary

 

[bigred77]

a few days ago, Aaron turned Kanye West away when he tried to cut in line at Franklin's

Just one more reason Franklin's is awesome  

 

[sidpost]

 
Chopped or Sliced ?

Here in East Texas (Tyler Area)  We have several Chain stores and some Independents , I've seen a few, that when chopped is ordered they uncover a warmer and scoop out some chopped. You know right away that is leftovers and brisket that would not stand up to slicing.

I went to Dickey's BBQ the other day, just to give them another try. (Should have saved my Money) The brisket was over cooked and falling apart was a mess on the plate, should have put that in the chopped pile.  One of My favorite Places has consistent  BBQ if you order chopped they slice it off a brisket and chop it in front of you.

Gary

Tell me more!  What's best between Tyler/Longview and Sulphur Springs/Mount Pleasant!

 

[gary s]

 
Tell me more!  What's best between Tyler/Longview and Sulphur Springs/Mount Pleasant!

I just don't know anymore, seams like they have all gone down hill, Best bet is look for an independent that has a real smoker and try it.  There is a guy here in Whitehouse out by the lake  "Katie's BBQ"  open Thurs, Fri & Sat.  A nice guy with a SF pit that smokes over Oak  I like his. all the rest are just so so for chain stores. Since Roland got sick and closed the original Bodacious in Longview they have not been the same.

Got a Prime Rib Smoking as we speak

Gary