9.9
Franklin Barbecue
$$East Austin, East Austin
The pilgrimage. The brisket that changed everything.
LEGENDARYBRISKET KINGLINE REQUIRED
⚡Opens at 11am, sells out by 1–2pm most days. Arrive by 8am for weekend visits.
AIAI-generated illustration — not a photograph of this restaurant. About our images
9.1/ 10
276 reviews“African diaspora flavor meets Central Texas smoke”
Distant Relatives is one of the most ambitious barbecue concepts Austin has produced in years. Pitmaster Damien Brockway builds on Central Texas smoking technique and threads it with flavors from across the African diaspora — West African spice, Southern soul-food tradition, and Caribbean touches — so the plate tells a bigger story than the pit alone ever could. The brisket is pure Central Texas, dark-barked and oak-smoked, but the sides are where the concept comes alive: jollof rice, collard greens swimming in pot liquor, and a mac and cheese that draws from both Southern and West African kitchens. Smoked oxtails add a deep, sticky richness that most Texas boards never reach for. This is barbecue that honors several traditions at once without diluting any of them — the rare fusion that deepens the smoke instead of decorating it.
Know Before You Go
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 11am until sold out
- Closed
- Monday and Tuesday
- Heads up
- Distant Relatives keeps limited hours and can run out — go early or check ahead before you visit.
- Price
- Mid-range ($$)
- Don't miss
- Brisket, Oxtails, and Jollof Rice
What to Order
1
Brisket2
Oxtails3
Jollof Rice4
Collard GreensWhy It Stands Out
**The sides alone are worth the trip.** Distant Relatives threads Central Texas smoke through the African diaspora — jollof rice, pot-liquor collards, sticky smoked oxtails — around a brisket that stays purely, seriously Texan.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
- Phone
- (512) 766-8906
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 11am until sold out
- Website
- distantrelativesatx.com
- Price Range
- $$
- Established
- 2021
Ratings Breakdown
6 dimensions, each scored 0-10
Smoke9.0
Bark8.9
Tenderness9.2
Value8.5
Atmosphere9.0
Consistency8.7
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Good to Know
Distant Relatives — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at Distant Relatives?
Regulars point to Brisket, Oxtails, Jollof Rice, and Collard Greens.
What are Distant Relatives's hours?
Wed–Sun 11am until sold out
What days is Distant Relatives closed?
Distant Relatives is closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours can change on holidays, so it's worth confirming before a trip.
Does Distant Relatives have limited hours?
Distant Relatives keeps limited hours and can run out — go early or check ahead before you visit.
Is Distant Relatives expensive?
Distant Relatives is mid-range ($$).
What kind of barbecue does Distant Relatives serve?
Distant Relatives serves Central Texas Style barbecue — Central Texas BBQ is defined by its simplicity: salt-and-pepper rub, post oak wood, low and slow in an offset smoker. The meat is the star — no sauce needed. This is the style that put Texas BBQ on the world map.
When did Distant Relatives open?
Distant Relatives has been serving Austin barbecue since 2021.
