Where Aaron Franklin actually eats in Austin
pitmaster & owner, Franklin Barbecue (Austin) · 6 picks
Where does Aaron Franklin eat in Austin? Aaron Franklin has named 6 places in Austin: Leroy and Lewis Barbecue, Matt's El Rancho, The Little Longhorn Saloon, Este, Canje and 1 more. Each one is listed below with the source, in their own words where they gave them.
Aaron Franklin started Franklin Barbecue in 2009 as a trailer beside an Austin interstate; it now has its own building on East 11th Street, and he has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef. These are his own picks around the city: another pitmaster’s barbecue, his pick for old-school Tex-Mex, seafood and margaritas, and two bars he loves for the music.
Matt's El Rancho
Best Tex-Mex old school spot, this, Matt's El Rancho.
Said on TopJaw · watch
The Little Longhorn Saloon
Rad old country bands play, they do chicken shit bingo on Sundays and it's just a great bar.
Said on TopJaw · watch
Este
Este. I love seafood, I love margaritas, who doesn't?
Said on TopJaw · watch
order: margaritas
Equipment Room
Best bar or pub, EQ Room. It is so cool. It's sonically the most delicious place I've ever been.
Said on TopJaw · watch
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Published 2026-10-17