Austin's Brisket Mecca Franklin Barbecue Is Popping Up in SF

Barbecue aficionados, prepare to pass out with joy: Austin's acclaimed Franklin Barbecue is making a pit stop in SF. Brisket king Aaron Franklin says he's still working on nailing down a location, but that he plans to pop up in the city for a few days in mid-May. (We're guessing Smokestack and 4505 Burgers & BBQ are the most likely candidates for his arrival on the local scene, but nothing's been confirmed.) "I'm super excited to come to SF," says Franklin, who's planning the trip to celebrate the release of his forthcoming cookbook (written with SF-based writer Jordan Mackay and put out by local publisher Ten Speed Press).

For those who are unfamiliar with Franklin, it was named the best BBQ restaurant in America by Bon Appetit back in 2011. It's on Bill Addison's Eater National 38. Anthony Bourdain adores it (see below), as does President Obama. Even Texas Monthly's 'cue critic named it "the best BBQ joint in the world." And at its Austin headquarters, lines are epic, often starting at 7 am and lasting as long as three or four hours—we can't imagine how bad they're likely to get in our BBQ-starved environs. We'll have more on the location and dates once Franklin gets them confirmed, but diners can expect his famous brisket, sausage, and ribs, and a whole bunch of crowds.