• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Kids Events in Austin this Weekend
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Savor the Past and Present at Freedmen’s Bar

February 3, 2014 by Matthew Champion 3 Comments

Freedmen's Bar Austin

Freedmen’s Bar exterior at 2402 San Gabriel St. (Credit: Freedmen’s)

Editor’s Note: Freedmen’s is closing Aug. 31, 2018, at its West Campus location.

These winter months provide an ideal opportunity to savor mouth-watering BBQ and enjoy a warming cocktail or two. Freedmen’s Bar over in West Campus allows you to do just that in a cozy atmosphere that has aged like a fine wine or a hard cheese – well. The bar sits in a historic landmark that was built by former slave George Franklin nearly 150 years ago. Over the years, the building has housed everything from a church to a grocery store.

When Cuatro’s owner Cuatro Kowalski saw the space, he envisioned a place where you could drink fine whiskey and eat smoked meat with both your friends and your ancestors. He renovated the building with some modern touches and imported an antique bar from Brownsville, all while maintaining the classic elegance and charm that a century and a half naturally provides.

Freedmen's Bar

Freedmen’s interior and bar (Credit: Eric Johnston)

DO NOT skip the brisket. They offer some of the best in town, incredibly moist and tender. The hickory practically dances around inside your mouth while you chew. I’d seriously recommend their Holy Trinity Plate. It’s seventeen bucks, but it’s possible to split between two people and it provides a decent helping of the three main food groups: brisket, pork ribs, and sausage.

Holy Trinity Plate at Freedmen's Bar

The Holy Trinity Plate (Credit: Freedmen’s)

You don’t want to skimp on the sides while you’re here, either. Their Smoked Beets are incredible, with herbed cheese and a balsamic glaze. The Grilled Cabbage Slaw with honey will flat out make you want to sing. For dessert, they offer a smoked banana pudding and a salted and smoked chocolate mousse. Yes.

Be sure to check out their Whiskey Wall while you’re there. One of the things they pride themselves on is their unique selection. They offer a variety of craft cocktails, which seem to be catching on throughout the city these days. I simply ordered an old fashioned and it was solid – standard, by the book, the way I like it and the way it should be.

Craft Cocktails at Freedmen's Bar in Austin

Craft Cocktails at Freedmen’s (Credit: Freedmen’s)

Happy Hour is a big hit at Freedmen’s. From 4-7 PM Tuesday-Friday, they offer $2 Lone Star, $3 Whiskey of the Month, $3 Tacos and Tamales and $2 off wine and wells. During my visit, the Whiskey of the Month was  Tullamore Dew, which you could also get for $3 any time of day during All-Day Whiskey Wednesdays.

If it happens to be nice outside, check out Freedmen’s beer garden out back and join the community seating for one of the most delicious picnics you’ve ever been to. Knowing their Austin clientele, they wisely made the beer garden and patio dog-friendly.

Freedmen's Beer Garden

Outside in Freedmen’s Beer Garden (Credit: Freedmen’s)

Last thing I’ll mention is brunch. I haven’t been, but I hear it’s wonderful. With dishes like the Barbecue Benedict and the Barbeque Breakfast Sandwich, why wouldn’t it be? I’m sure I’ll be making the trip soon to find out about it myself.

 

@mattchampionatx asks:

Have you been to Freedmen’s? Tell me about your experience in a comment below. 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Matthew Champion
Matthew Champion
Matthew Champion
Latest posts by Matthew Champion (see all)
  • 10 Free Things to Do in Austin This Summer - May 21, 2015
  • 6 Things to Eat and Do in Austin on Mother’s Day - May 7, 2015
  • Elizabeth McQueen Debuts Interactive Musical Experience - April 22, 2015

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: bars, bbq, happy hour

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Comments

  1. Hot Mitts says

    February 11, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    I’ve been to Freedmen’s once and loved the pork ribs and banana pudding. The patio is great to sit with a bunch of friends to chow down and drink up!

    Log in to Reply
    • Brittany Highland says

      February 11, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      Yes – the banana pudding! Good call, @hotmitts:disqus. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  2. Paul E. Hendricks says

    February 21, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    I haven’t been there, however after reading this I’ll be going very soon.

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Right Now

Top Kids Events in Austin June 20-22, 2025

Top Kids Events in Austin June 20 – June 22 include DRUMLine Live- Juneteenth Tour, Young Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, and More!

Juneteenth Events Austin

Juneteenth Events Austin 2025 – Celebrations, Concerts, and more!

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 20, 2025

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 20 Include Jaws on the Water, City-Wide Vintage Sale, and More!

Top Father’s Day Picks Austin

Top Father’s Day Picks in Austin – Jun 15, 2025

Father's Day Deals Austin

Father’s Day Deals Austin 2025| Brunch, Retail, Tech & More

Recent Posts

  • Top Kids Events in Austin June 20 – June 22 include DRUMLine Live- Juneteenth Tour, Young Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, and More!
  • Juneteenth Events Austin 2025 – Celebrations, Concerts, and more!
  • Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 20 Include Jaws on the Water, City-Wide Vintage Sale, and More!
  • Top Father’s Day Picks in Austin – Jun 15, 2025
  • Father’s Day Deals Austin 2025| Brunch, Retail, Tech & More

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in