Long lines in Austin

The viral places people queue for, what to get when you reach the front, how long the wait usually is, and how to beat it. Waits are typical, not live.

4 places in Austin · by Chef Amazing · updated November 8, 2026
Photo: franklinbbq.com

1. 1

   Franklin Barbecue

   Texas barbecue · East Austin

   Get: Brisket by the pound

   Austin's most famous brisket, Michelin Bib Gourmand. Expect: Hours on busy days, four to five during SXSW, ACL and F1. Beat it: Preorder online weeks ahead (5 lb minimum), or arrive well before the 11am opening on a weekday.

   Critics: 85% liked it, from 5 reviews (2013 to 2024). Read Michelin Guide 2024, The Infatuation 2024, Time Out 2024, Austin American-Statesman 2024.

   The crowd: 4.6 of 5 on Tripadvisor (1,798 ratings).

   900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

   East 7th Street

   Get: Breakfast tacos, carne guisada

   Family-run since 1962, James Beard America's Classic. Expect: Long at weekends. Beat it: Go on a weekday morning.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

   South Austin

   Get: Brisket and beef cheeks

   Michelin-starred, Texas Monthly No. 2 (2025). Expect: A queue at lunch since the Michelin star. Beat it: Arrive at opening.

   Critics: 83% liked it, from 7 reviews (2017 to 2025). Read MICHELIN Guide 2024, The Infatuation 2025, The Infatuation 2022, Austin American-Statesman 2024.

   The crowd: 4.3 of 5 on TripAdvisor (42 ratings).

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   InterStellar BBQ

   Northwest Austin

   Get: Brisket, peach tea-glazed pork belly

   Michelin-starred, Texas Monthly No. 6 (2025). Expect: A queue at lunch since the Michelin star. Beat it: Arrive at the 11am opening midweek.

   Critics: 86% liked it, from 6 reviews (2019 to 2023). Read The Infatuation 2023, Time Out Austin, Tribeza 2023, Austin Monthly Magazine 2019.

   The crowd: 4.5 of 5 on TripAdvisor (40 ratings).

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing