Edited for Update: this building still stands due to its historical importance and before it closed, the public was told that they would continue to be a caterer while the construction around it started. I reached out for a quote for my wedding, received it and then asked for additional details a couple months later, and have heard nothing. I've seen construction details saying they'll be back open in 2020, but have not heard anything for sure. Their other location, Texas 46 BBQ out in Comal also closed up, so this isn't a good sign. This was my favorite BBQ joint in Austin and to think I will have to have a wedding without Freedmen's, is a huge bummer. Wish them the best and hope to see Freedmen's back in full swing next year?
Alex Chichester
Food really good. I often order Favor to avoid the pretentious staff. Once the Favor bicyclist complained to me that the staff was pretentious while picking up my order...
Jedah Mayberry
Relatively little known. But one you should know. Great brisket, in the top two or three in Austin. Great list of cocktails. Reasonably priced lunch specials. Beer garden style outdoor seating. Go! Just don't tell the whole world so it remains accessible.
Justus Aaron Shirley
I absolutely love this place. What a fantastically cozy restaurant to sit and enjoy a good meal. And yes, the meal was good. I found the food to be delicious and wonderfully satisfying. But more then anything, I was provided with a priceless experience provided by a peaceful and lovely ambience coupled with diligent and kind service. Along with their wonderful food, I give Freedmen's five stars.
GabbyGotGames
Went here for Sunday brunch with my partner and we loved it. The service was fast and pleasant, the atmosphere is nice, and the food is amazing. We got Bloody Mary's, Eggs Benedict (both salmon and brisket), and banana pudding. It was all tasty. I'm usually really picky about my salmon and hate that it tends to get overcooked at most restaurants. This salmon was moist and mild but flavorful! I left a happy customer and will most likely be back again.
Benjamin Tabibian
Brisket was disappointing. Cut too thick and with the grain. The rest of the BBQ was good. Sides we're very unique; I enjoyed them but the test of my group had mixed reviews. The actual restaurant is rustic and pretty cool. Drinks were good. I got their bourbon on special and it did not disappoint. So if you're local and want something a bit different then your normal BBQ shack this is the place for you.
Francesca P
I really enjoyed the food here. It was my first time visiting so I got the plate to share with a friend to figure out what we liked. The stand out meat for me was the pork belly and though the other meats were decent, they were not on the same level. The drinks are good too and the building is interesting. I would recommend.
Joe Jr Gabaldón‎
Good BBQ. The sausage had too much pepper for my taste, but was edible. Potato salad was a delicious side. My friend said the chopped brisket was good. Their bread pudding with blueberry was to die for. Ice cream would have complimented it. The nana pudding was okay, but I suggest the bread pudding. I need to try more of the menu.
Will Scott
This place has amazing BBQ and an amazing atmosphere. Wait staff is always really accommodating and bartenders know what they're doing. This has been my favorite BBQ in town by far, everything is amazing!!
Chris Monopolis
One of my favorite bars. Their barbecue is top notch and I think it gets slept on a little. I appreciate that they're upgrading their menu - they now serve barbecue salmon on Sundays which is fantastic. It's a little pricier than the brisket but it's not too bad - I normally get a 1/4 lb when I do go on a Sunday and it works rather well. They have great cocktails which rotate every so often and their whiskeys are on point. They have a huge selection of whiskey from all over the world that is worth checking out. I'm a big fan of their happy hour specials too - cheap barbecue sandwiches are always great.
Came here around noon and had the Lunch box special which was a sandwich with meat, a potato or pasta salad, and a drink for only $11 and it was fantastic! Really great bang for your buck and the service is excellent. I personally ordered the brisket for my sandwich and it was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be going back to this place.
Lori Drozd
We both had Lunch Boxes, mine a chopped brisket sandwich and our other was the housemade sausage. This has been the best bark on a brisket I've had in quite a while! Paired with the sweet roll it came on, this made for a very satisfying lunch. The grilled slaw was refreshing and light, but the pasta salad (I swiped from the other plate) was damn delicious and I wanted more. We wrapped things up with the banana bread pudding - perfect for a toasty summer day. The housemade lemonade was also tangy, but sweet and very refreshing.
Julia Chandler
Pretty good BBQ. It's one of the top 50 rated for Texas BBQ so we wanted to try it. They are known for their brisket so make sure to give that a try. A tip for those with kids, this is a place where most everything has some spice to it.... The service is great, really friendly staff.
Hidden little gem located on west campus. The fatty brisket is among the best in the city! Tender and juicy it won't disappoint. Portions are very generous (the sausage is HUGE) and the flavor is amazing. If you are into sauces Freedmans only has one and it's good. IMO great BBQ doesn't need any and here, sauce is definitely optional.
Edited for Update: this building still stands due to its historical importance and before it closed, the public was told that they would continue to be a caterer while the construction around it started. I reached out for a quote for my wedding, received it and then asked for additional details a couple months later, and have heard nothing. I've seen construction details saying they'll be back open in 2020, but have not heard anything for sure. Their other location, Texas 46 BBQ out in Comal also closed up, so this isn't a good sign. This was my favorite BBQ joint in Austin and to think I will have to have a wedding without Freedmen's, is a huge bummer. Wish them the best and hope to see Freedmen's back in full swing next year?
Food really good. I often order Favor to avoid the pretentious staff. Once the Favor bicyclist complained to me that the staff was pretentious while picking up my order...
Relatively little known. But one you should know. Great brisket, in the top two or three in Austin. Great list of cocktails. Reasonably priced lunch specials. Beer garden style outdoor seating. Go! Just don't tell the whole world so it remains accessible.
I absolutely love this place. What a fantastically cozy restaurant to sit and enjoy a good meal. And yes, the meal was good. I found the food to be delicious and wonderfully satisfying. But more then anything, I was provided with a priceless experience provided by a peaceful and lovely ambience coupled with diligent and kind service. Along with their wonderful food, I give Freedmen's five stars.
Went here for Sunday brunch with my partner and we loved it. The service was fast and pleasant, the atmosphere is nice, and the food is amazing. We got Bloody Mary's, Eggs Benedict (both salmon and brisket), and banana pudding. It was all tasty. I'm usually really picky about my salmon and hate that it tends to get overcooked at most restaurants. This salmon was moist and mild but flavorful! I left a happy customer and will most likely be back again.
Brisket was disappointing. Cut too thick and with the grain. The rest of the BBQ was good. Sides we're very unique; I enjoyed them but the test of my group had mixed reviews. The actual restaurant is rustic and pretty cool. Drinks were good. I got their bourbon on special and it did not disappoint. So if you're local and want something a bit different then your normal BBQ shack this is the place for you.
I really enjoyed the food here. It was my first time visiting so I got the plate to share with a friend to figure out what we liked. The stand out meat for me was the pork belly and though the other meats were decent, they were not on the same level. The drinks are good too and the building is interesting. I would recommend.
Good BBQ. The sausage had too much pepper for my taste, but was edible. Potato salad was a delicious side. My friend said the chopped brisket was good. Their bread pudding with blueberry was to die for. Ice cream would have complimented it. The nana pudding was okay, but I suggest the bread pudding. I need to try more of the menu.
This place has amazing BBQ and an amazing atmosphere. Wait staff is always really accommodating and bartenders know what they're doing. This has been my favorite BBQ in town by far, everything is amazing!!
One of my favorite bars. Their barbecue is top notch and I think it gets slept on a little. I appreciate that they're upgrading their menu - they now serve barbecue salmon on Sundays which is fantastic. It's a little pricier than the brisket but it's not too bad - I normally get a 1/4 lb when I do go on a Sunday and it works rather well. They have great cocktails which rotate every so often and their whiskeys are on point. They have a huge selection of whiskey from all over the world that is worth checking out. I'm a big fan of their happy hour specials too - cheap barbecue sandwiches are always great.
Restaurantji Recommends
Came here around noon and had the Lunch box special which was a sandwich with meat, a potato or pasta salad, and a drink for only $11 and it was fantastic! Really great bang for your buck and the service is excellent. I personally ordered the brisket for my sandwich and it was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be going back to this place.
We both had Lunch Boxes, mine a chopped brisket sandwich and our other was the housemade sausage. This has been the best bark on a brisket I've had in quite a while! Paired with the sweet roll it came on, this made for a very satisfying lunch. The grilled slaw was refreshing and light, but the pasta salad (I swiped from the other plate) was damn delicious and I wanted more. We wrapped things up with the banana bread pudding - perfect for a toasty summer day. The housemade lemonade was also tangy, but sweet and very refreshing.
Pretty good BBQ. It's one of the top 50 rated for Texas BBQ so we wanted to try it. They are known for their brisket so make sure to give that a try. A tip for those with kids, this is a place where most everything has some spice to it.... The service is great, really friendly staff.
Everything was amazing at this Texas BBQ restaurant but the fatty brisket and roasted beets were to die for. The bar is very pretty as well. 🙌🥩ðŸº
Hidden little gem located on west campus. The fatty brisket is among the best in the city! Tender and juicy it won't disappoint. Portions are very generous (the sausage is HUGE) and the flavor is amazing. If you are into sauces Freedmans only has one and it's good. IMO great BBQ doesn't need any and here, sauce is definitely optional.
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