That place is Franklin BBQ and considering myself amongst those in-the-know about the Austin food scene I had to give it a try.

But here's the catch about the place. You have to go early or go home. They shut it down once the meat sells out and that usually happens around 12:30pm.

So one not-so-busy Friday afternoon I headed out to secure some BBQ. I got there at 10:30am and this is the line I was dealing with.....

That was long enough to have me worried about securing some meat. But around 11am somebody came around writing down orders to get an idea of the amount of food people were going to order. She took my order and didn't drop any hint that I was SOL. So I figured I was good to go and just waited for the line to move along.

Christy asked me "what did you do while waiting for over 2 hours for BBQ?". And the answer is talk.

I chatted with a nice gal from Los Angeles, who with her husband and child weren't about to let a 2 hour wait come between them and the best BBQ in Texas. I was delighted to see other folks talking and enjoying the wait with strangers as well. Having conversations from why Rick Perry should be president (gasp!) to does Mexican coke really taste better than regular (spoiler alert: it does). That's how Austin rolls, and you got to love it.

As we inched closer to the door, the aroma of smoked meat really started tugging at your stomach. And suddenly the order I had in mind to place about doubled....no reason not to get another pound of brisket, half pound of ribs, and a couple small pies.

You can't help but notice all the accolades and awards Franklin BBQ has got as you get painstakingly close to the prize.

Then when it's finally your turn to step up to the counter, you'll realize that the person taking your order and cutting the meat is none other than Mr. Franklin himself. He'll reassure you about your order, show you the slab of juicy, brisket with pride, and weigh and wrap it all up for you with energy and a smile.

I snuck out with a box full of goods and returned them to our good friends Eric and Iris' place. We all chowed down on the following array of brisket, sausage, pulled pork (and of course the little pies).

Here's the consensus...

Santiago (age 2, but he'll tell you 5) called it "cookie meat." His way of saying it was as good as a cookie, which happens to be my favorite dessert so I think that's the highest accolade he gives out.

Iris and Eric liked the brisket best, Eric giving special mention to the Espresso BBQ sauce you can get.

Christy and I thought the ribs were the best. Cooked tender to perfection and dry rubbed with a heavy dose of my favorite spice, black pepper. Yum, yum and then some.

It's hard to say without having things side-by-side, but when we say "best" above we mean best of all Texas BBQ we've had. And we've tried it all from Dripping Springs to Luling.

So if you're in the mood for some stellar BBQ and don't mind waiting for it do yourself a favor and check out Franklin BBQ. You'll eat well, and maybe even meet a few new friends in the process.

We took advantage of her dining stipend for the day by going to one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants, La Condesa.

This restaurant is very cool, modern, and hip (just my style) with probably one of the best cocktail menus in town. Fresh juices, infused liquors, and creative combinations make getting a drink here a must.

Since we had to wait a bit for a table going at Prime dinner time, we did just that and ordered a round of cocktails and chatted up a bit. Everytime I'm around Christy's mom, I can't help but laugh at how alike they are in their mannerisms and story-telling. It's pretty fun to see.

We started off with some Ceviche that was very tasty and featured ocean trout and an amarillo-mango sorbet...

We then got seated and instead of giving a play by play of all we'll ordered I'll just leave you with another snap of a dish they do really well.  Mexican street-style Corn (Elote)

This place puts out a Groupon every now and then, so next time be sure to secure it and go. It's the real deal and I think you'll enjoy it.

Italian

• Ciola's 
• CP says: Get their Lasagna, it's one of the best you'll have.  Doh, this place is no longer in business.  We'll miss it.
• Vespaio (haven't tried)
• Botticelli's (haven't tried)

Tex-Mex

• La Condesa
• CP says: Try the Pomegranate Guac and Elote as apps, and the Costillas de Puerco as entree, also try one of their awesome cocktails (ask them for the Malverde menu)

Sushi/Asian

• Uchi 
• CP says: Do it up right and get the Signature Tasting for two.
• Uchiko
• CP says: Get the Pao cocktail, and try the Tobacco cream dessert, you'll never have anything like it.  You can get a pretty good value by going to their sake social happy hours

Indian

• Clay Pit
• CP says:  You can take anybody here. Whether they think they like Indian food or not, and they will be happy you twisted their arm.  Order a couple varieties of Naan, and family style some Samosas, a couple Curry entrees, and a Biryani.

American / Gourmet

• Paggi House
• CP says: Great classy menu featuring Tea Brined Duck Breast.  They also have a german chocolate tartlet dessert with smoked caramel ice cream...you know I got that.
• Hudson's on the Bend
• CP says: Specializing in game fare, you'll find things like Wild Boar and Elk on the menu.  Don't let that scare you though, everything is superb
• Olivia
• • CP says: The menu changes often, so ask your server what he recommends.  Saving room for dessert is usually a good idea too.

• South Congress Cafe 
• CP says: This is my favorite breakfast place.  Great menu and haven't ever been disappointed.  I usually get one of their Eggs Benedict or the Smoked Brisket Hash.  The tortillas are something you don't want to miss
• 24 Diner 
• CP says: Fried Chicken and Waffles. 'nuf said.
• Moonshine Patio 
• CP says: Good brunch place, buffet style but it has a good variety.  Come hungry.
• Haddington's 
• CP says: Good and interesting cocktails where they take mixing drinks seriously.  I like the Devil's Moustache. Haven't tried anything other than apps, but I can vouch for spicy almonds and pork cracklings.
• Paggi House
•  CP says: Their brunch has a mix of buffet options, and made to order options as well.  One of them featuring Chicken and Waffles.  I'm not sure if I like theirs or 24 Diner's more.
  
• Jack Allen's Kitchen (haven't tried yet)
• Juan in a Million  
• CP says: Get the Don Juan with 4 tortillas.  Best breakfast taco in Austin.

Tacos

• Taco Deli
• CP says: My favorite taco place, get the cowboy taco.
• Torchy's Tacos 
• CP says: Second to Taco Deli in my opinion, I usually get the Green Chile Pork and Brush Fire.  Their monthy special is usually interesting and worth trying too.
• Chilantro
• CP says: Another great place with interesting menu.  Try the Beef Bulgogi Taco or Burger, and the Kimchi Fries...scrumptious.

Pizza / Italian

• Mandola's
• CP says: Fun place in Triangle shopping center.  I usually get the Parma Pizza, I think that's what they do best.
• Flip Happy Crepes
• CP says: A great food truck featured on Bobby Flay's Throwdown.  I like the Roasted Chicken with caramelized onions and a Nutella w/strawberries for dessert.  Might be a bit of a wait on the weekend.

Asian

• Lulu B's  
• CP says: Best Bahn Mi sandwich you'll have. I like Lemongrass Chicken, and the Chinese BBQ Pork

American

• Walton's
• CP says: Awesome sandwiches and pastries.  Turkey sweet sandwich is my favorite, and I usually get one of their special desserts.  Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Blackberries is my fave.
• Perry's Steak House
• CP says: Go here for Friday at lunch and get the Pork Chop special $11.95.  Don't tell me you don't really like pork chops, take a chance and I guarantee you'll be happy you did.
• Mighty Cone
• CP says: From the same folks who run Hudson's on the Bend.  Get the Chicken & Avocado, and they'll put their famous Hot n' Crunchy batter on it, it's Mighty tasty.
• Mmmpanadas
• CP says: Ever have an empanada?  Try one here, I like Spinach Mushroom and Green Chile Chicken.
• Hot Chix (haven't been)
• Waterloo Ice House
• CP says: I like the burgers here, and usually go for the Guac and Bacon Cheeseburger.

American

• 24 Diner
• CP says: Get the Lamb Burger, and a good brew (like the Ommegang Whit).  Perfect.
• Black Star Coop
• CP says: Really good, casual joint featuring local brews with unique tastes.  I like Shrimp and Grits and one of the Burgers.  Their fries are awesome too.

Tex-Mex

• Takoba
• CP says: Cool, Loungey, and no frills joint on the East Side.  I've only been here once, but I got a Michelada and the Bistec Encebollada and was happy enough to put this place over Trudy's in this category.
• Trudy's
• CP says: The Mexican Martini is the start of a good night.  I like their version the best, and usually get the Chorizo stuffed chicken or one of their specials.

Italian

• Backspace
• CP says:  Best Pizza in Austin.  They do it up right in a wood-fired oven and crust is perfect.  Get a draft Peroni, and any pizza that tickles your fancy.  You'll be coming back.

"Come on, do we really need another burger place?"
"That sign looks inviting 8|"
"Burgers and Dogs next to Taco Deli? Seriously?"

In fact, I would have never stumbled into this place if I wouldn't have stumbled across the Yelp! reviews when looking for a lunch spot.

OK, Gabbi's...I'm going to give you a shot.

I'm sure glad I did. The burger at Gabbi's is definitely no joke.

I got a blue cheese burger and it was dominant! Great taste, great toppings, didn't cut any corners with bun or fries either. I would say that perhaps there
was a little bit too much blue cheese and bacon, but flavor was definitely in your face.

Christy got the Jalapeno burger, and was also impressed. Again, perhaps a little too generous with the toppings, but overall burgers were fantastic. Better than Mighty Fine. Better than Waterloo. Better than your expectations.

Gabbi's, please accept my apologies. I should have known better than to judge a restuarant by its cover. Now I got to go back and try that Chicago Style Hot Dog (just got to make sure the fiance is not around).

-CP