How to get killer BBQ in Austin without waiting in line for hours

Franklin’s (4-6 hr wait) and La Barbecue (1-2 hr wait on the weekends) are two of the top spots for BBQ in Austin. Both of these places have some crazy good BBQ but also have crazy lines.
La Barbecue will take pre-orders, but you have to get it in at least 3 days in advance.
Most of our BBQ places stay open until they sell out that day.
Below are our recommendations for dope BBQ with less of a wait (approximate wait times are for weekends):

Brown’s BBQ (30 minute wait)

Superb BBQ from an Austin food truck that is a little out of the way (South Lamar) with the shortest wait we know of. (Map)

Browns BBQ sandwiches

@brownsbarbque. Photo by @eatingatx

Micklethwait (30 minutes to 1 hour wait, can pre-order)

Somehow pronounced “Mickle wait” but has less of a line than the big two. High quality, artisan-type meats similar to Franklin and La Barbecue. If you’re organized enough to order in advance for your group (and we recommend you do), you can make a pre-order on their website (minimum $200). (Map)

Micklethwait Craft Meats

@craftmeats. Photo by @thesmokingho

Kerlin BBQ (30 minutes to 1 hour wait)

Served out of a trailer right next to Veracruz Tacos. (Map)

@kerlinbbq. Photo by @austinfoodheads

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