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Freedmen's
(Now Closed)BBQ Joint, Beer Garden, and Whisky Bar$$$$
West University, Austin
Has a stamp of approval from Serious Eats and Austin Chronicle
100 Tips and reviews
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Austin ChronicleAugust 26, 2013We love the cozy, 1869 aesthetic of this restored historic landmark. Pick your poison from the impressive Whiskey Wall and enjoy a plate of BBQ on the enchanting, dog-friendly patio. Read more
DavidDecember 29, 2014Delicious brisket and ribs, especially when paired with their selection of old-fashions. We also got the beets for an appetizer, and slaw. Try to not overeat!
Max SirenkoJune 20, 2016Get the brisket, fatty. Best brisket in town. Pulled Pork + Sausage also worth getting. Jalapeno cheese for an appetizer. Banana Pudding is also great.
Serious EatsJune 3, 2014The expansive patio also has a palpable Texas vibe, complete with a view of the building's stonework and the unmistakable smell of the smoker.
Daniel KilkennyAugust 10, 2016We had the holy trinity. A selection of meats. Enough for two with a couple of sides. Definitely try the taco chips they are amazing...
Oskar WildlyMarch 16, 2015The BBQ is amazing! Awesome selection of cocktails and beer too. I found this gem on my Supper app:
Phil WatsonNovember 4, 2016Delicious sausage and brisket, and a good-sized drink menu with specialty cocktails. It's definitely worth fighting the crowd.
Lorenz LammensJune 26, 2015Try the gin and tonic, really worth it. It is home made and not bleached. Hence it's pinkish/brownish color.
- Lorenz LammensJuly 24, 2015Come early. They run out of the good stuff quickly. Feast and try the gin and tonic:
Jeffrey JamesDecember 15, 2017Lunch box if you're alone! Great deal & comes with beer. Staff are friendly & the food is delish.
MëlänïOctober 27, 2017Holy trinity with a side of slaw and a glass of beer....just what a visit to Austin called for. Yum.
Bryan HenryApril 10, 2016The brisket, sausage and smoked bloody Mary are awesome. We loved the patio, music was fkn excellent.
Charles BJune 7, 2014Grab a friend and split the Trinity, side of the pit chili, and finish off with the smoked banana pudding.
Peter TsaiApril 17, 2013The BBQ is so good here - it might be sacrilege, but it's almost as good as Franklins or Lockhart BBQ
SteveApril 13, 2015Terrific ambiance and serious upscale BBQ. Really enjoyed the patio. Parking is the only bummer.
Aaron MontanaMarch 18, 2015The sleeper hit of the Austin BBQ scene. Amazing brisket from a beautiful historic building.
Earl Belcher JrOctober 19, 2017Solid BBQ. Exquisite pork belly. Small but quality collection of local draft taps.
Dawn FosburyAugust 27, 2014The char on the brisket is off the hook!!! Packed with flavor...and the house made pickles rock!
Mel BagsOctober 18, 2015Great food & beer, only downside is 2 beers, 2 sandwiches, and 2 sides is $50.
Jenna FriedmanOctober 27, 2016Brisket is great! Chicken marinated in beer so not gluten free. Cool spot!
Emily EganSeptember 7, 2013Amazing pulled pork. Pork ribs are huge. Brisket burnt ends are awesome. So much flavor.
JenniferNovember 22, 2014Classic cocktails at a legit BBQ joint? Hell, it's worth braving a few drunk undergrads to come here.
KelvinAugust 28, 2015Get the holy trinity. The fatty brisket, ribs, and the sausage are all delicious.
Cora WMarch 12, 2014Named the "Freedmen" for the freed slave who built it in 1869. The building was the center of Austin's first "freed-man" community, Wheatville.
Lockhart SteeleApril 22, 2013This place needs to be on your Austin BBQ radar. Stockbauer, the proprietor and legend, ensures that good times will be had.
The Smoked Banana pudding is amazingly good. I actually ended up ordering two!
Christian RodeckMarch 9, 2014This place is great, try the German potatoes, holy trinity, and the banana pudding for desert....
Nathan MusgroveJune 1, 2015Definitely recommend sitting outside if the weather is cooperating! Excellent BBQ.
Matt FNovember 23, 2013The most amazing brisket I've ever eaten... Absolutely phenomenal cocktails and BBQ
RussellDecember 18, 2012Charcuterie and gourmet BBQ in a super cool environment. Definitely worth a try.
Dave PowersMarch 26, 2016The brisket was good but it wasn't sliced properly unless you like it in big chunks. The beans were really good but the coleslaw was weird. Service is good.
Monika GajdaSeptember 14, 2014Just the best brisket and ribs in town. Yes, more tender than Salt Lick's!
- Shelley MurrayDecember 30, 2012Everything tastes great, but the beans and the smoked banana pudding are a must.
The banana pudding will make you slap your Grandma! No joke. It's that serious
Giovanna JonesJuly 12, 2015Fatty Brisket (ask for the burnt ends). Banana puddin gives my grandmother a run for her money
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A laid back lounge, beer garden, and smokehouse in an historic building with retro-inspired cocktails.
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Tue–Wed, Sun
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Thu–Sat
- 11:00 AM–Midnight
(512) 220-0953
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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