Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que brings the flavors of Texas Hill Country to downtown Austin. This iconic barbecue joint offers a taste of authentic Texas pit-smoked meats in the heart of the city. Cooper’s serves up tender brisket, juicy sausages, and flavorful ribs that capture the essence of traditional Texas barbecue.
The Austin location features country-western decor that transports diners to the Texas Hill Country. Patrons can expect mouthwatering meats seasoned with Cooper’s signature rub and slow-cooked over smoky pits. The restaurant’s bustling atmosphere and efficient service make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a true Texas barbecue experience.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que has built a reputation for quality and consistency across its multiple Texas locations. The Austin outpost allows city dwellers to enjoy the same celebrated Hill Country flavors without leaving town. With generous portions and a wide selection of smoked meats, Cooper’s offers a satisfying taste of Texas barbecue tradition in a lively urban setting.
History and Legacy of Cooper’s Old Time Pit
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que traces its roots back to 1953 when George T. Cooper opened the first “Cooper’s Pit Bar-B-Q” in Mason, Texas. This marked the beginning of a barbecue dynasty that would shape Texas Hill Country cuisine for decades to come.
In 1962, George’s son Tommy Cooper expanded the family business by opening “Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que” in Llano. Tommy’s restaurant quickly gained fame and became the most renowned of the Cooper barbecue establishments.
The Cooper family’s commitment to quality and traditional cooking methods helped establish their reputation as masters of Texas BBQ. Their signature style involves cooking meat over direct heat in mesquite-fueled pits, a technique that has become synonymous with Hill Country barbecue.
In 1986, Terry Wootan leased the Llano location, eventually purchasing it in 1992. Under Wootan’s ownership, Cooper’s continued to thrive and expand its reach across Texas.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que now boasts five locations throughout the Lone Star State, including an Austin outpost opened in 2014. This expansion has brought authentic Hill Country flavors to urban areas while maintaining the restaurant’s commitment to traditional pit barbecue techniques.
Today, Cooper’s remains a cornerstone of Texas BBQ culture, offering nationwide shipping to share its iconic flavors beyond state borders. The restaurant’s enduring legacy is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality and time-honored barbecue traditions.
Exploring the Menu
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que offers a diverse selection of Texas-style barbecue meats, homestyle sides, and classic desserts. The menu showcases traditional pit-smoked flavors alongside contemporary twists on Hill Country favorites.
Signature Meats and Specialty Dishes
Brisket reigns supreme at Cooper’s, slow-smoked to perfection with a tender texture and rich flavor. Pork ribs and beef ribs are popular choices, featuring a satisfying bark and smoky taste. The menu also includes juicy turkey and homemade sausage links.
For those seeking variety, Cooper’s offers a “Big Chop” pork chop and smoked chicken. Prime rib makes an appearance as a specialty item on select days. Meat plates allow diners to sample multiple proteins in one sitting.
Customers can order meats by the pound or as part of combination plates. The “all you can eat” option caters to hearty appetites.
Homemade Sides and Desserts
Cooper’s complements its meats with a range of classic barbecue sides. Creamy mac and cheese, tangy cole slaw, and savory baked beans are staples. Potato salad and grilled corn offer additional options.
The restaurant’s cornbread is a fan favorite, with a moist texture and slight sweetness. For a unique twist, try the jalapeño corn muffins.
Dessert options typically include fruit cobblers (peach is a standout) and rich pecan pie. Banana pudding provides a cool, creamy finish to a hearty meal.
Sauces and Seasonings
Cooper’s signature barbecue sauce is served warm, with a balanced blend of tangy and sweet notes. It’s available on the side, allowing diners to control the amount.
A spicy version of the sauce caters to those who prefer more heat. Dry rubs and seasoning blends enhance the natural flavors of the smoked meats.
Cooper’s also offers bottled sauces and rubs for purchase, allowing customers to recreate the flavors at home.
Dining Experience and Atmosphere
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que brings authentic Texas Hill Country flavors to downtown Austin. The restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional barbecue and modern urban dining.
Hill Country Ambiance
The interior of Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que captures the essence of a Texas Hill Country barbecue joint. Rustic wooden tables and chairs create a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, highlighting the exposed brick walls adorned with vintage signs and Texas memorabilia.
The centerpiece of the restaurant is the open pit, where diners can watch pitmasters tend to the smoking meats. This visual element adds to the authentic barbecue experience and fills the air with tantalizing aromas.
Outdoor seating is available, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in the fresh air and soak up the vibrant downtown Austin atmosphere.
Service and Style
Cooper’s operates in a cafeteria-style format, staying true to its Hill Country roots. Diners line up to select their meats directly from the pit, where pitmasters slice and serve portions to order. This interactive approach allows customers to see and smell the various options before making their selections.
The service is efficient and friendly, with staff members ready to offer recommendations and explain the different cuts of meat. Sides and desserts are self-serve, giving patrons the flexibility to customize their meals.
Despite the casual setup, Cooper’s maintains a high standard of quality and cleanliness. The restaurant strikes a balance between a laid-back diner atmosphere and a more polished downtown eatery, appealing to both barbecue enthusiasts and curious tourists.
Visitor Information
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que brings authentic Hill Country flavors to Austin. This guide provides essential details for planning your visit to this popular BBQ joint.
Location and Accessibility
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is located at 217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701. The restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Austin, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.
Street parking is available, but can be limited during peak hours. Several public parking garages are within walking distance.
For those using public transportation, multiple bus routes stop nearby. The restaurant is also a short walk from popular downtown attractions, making it convenient to include in a day of sightseeing.
Hours of Operation and Best Times to Visit
Cooper’s is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Weekday lunch hours (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) tend to be busiest due to the downtown office crowd. For a quieter experience, try visiting between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Weekends can be busy throughout the day, especially during events or festivals in Austin. Arriving early (around 11:00 AM) or later in the evening often means shorter wait times.
During peak hours, expect a line, but it typically moves quickly.
Dining Tips and Recommendations
At Cooper’s, you select your meat directly from the pit before entering the restaurant. This unique ordering process is part of the experience.
Popular items include:
- Brisket
- Pork ribs
- Beef ribs
- Sausage
Don’t miss the free pinto beans, a Cooper’s tradition. They’re flavorful and complement the meats perfectly.
Portion sizes are generous. Consider sharing plates if you want to try multiple items.
For large groups or catering, calling ahead is recommended. Cooper’s can accommodate parties and offers takeout options for those on the go.
Community Involvement and Local Reception
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que has become a beloved fixture in the Austin community since opening its downtown location. The restaurant actively participates in local events and fundraisers, supporting various charitable causes throughout the city.
Austin residents have warmly embraced Cooper’s, appreciating its authentic Hill Country flavors in an urban setting. The restaurant frequently receives praise for maintaining the quality and traditions of its Llano roots.
Cooper’s involvement extends to the broader Texas BBQ scene. It has been featured in numerous food festivals and competitions, often earning accolades from both judges and attendees.
The restaurant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients has strengthened its ties with Texas farmers and ranchers. This farm-to-table approach resonates with Austin’s food-conscious population.
Cooper’s has also become a popular spot for community gatherings and celebrations. Many local businesses and organizations choose it as a venue for team events and meetings.
Social media buzz around Cooper’s remains consistently positive. Customers frequently share photos of their meals, contributing to the restaurant’s strong online presence and reputation in Austin’s competitive barbecue landscape.
Sustainability and Sourcing
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Austin takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing practices. The restaurant prioritizes using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Many of the meats served at Cooper’s come from ranches in the Texas Hill Country. This regional focus supports local farmers and reduces transportation-related environmental impacts.
The restaurant also emphasizes using sustainable wood sources for its pit smoking process. Mesquite wood, a traditional Texas barbecue fuel, is sourced from managed forests in the region.
Cooper’s implements waste reduction strategies in its operations. Food scraps and trimmings are composted or repurposed when feasible. The restaurant uses energy-efficient equipment and lighting to minimize its carbon footprint.
Packaging for takeout orders is chosen with sustainability in mind. Biodegradable containers and utensils are used whenever possible to reduce plastic waste.
Cooper’s engages in community outreach efforts to promote sustainable practices. The restaurant participates in local food recovery programs, donating excess prepared food to local shelters and food banks.
By combining traditional barbecue techniques with modern sustainability practices, Cooper’s aims to preserve both culinary heritage and environmental resources for future generations.
Catering Services and Private Events
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que extends its renowned Hill Country flavors beyond its restaurant walls through catering services. The establishment offers fully staffed, offsite catering for events with 100 or more guests.
For smaller gatherings, Cooper’s provides a convenient “drop-off” catering option. This service allows customers to enjoy the same mouthwatering barbecue at their chosen location without the need for full staff.
The catering menu features Cooper’s signature dishes, including their famous “Big Chop.” This allows event hosts to bring the authentic taste of Texas Hill Country to their functions.
Cooper’s caters to various types of events, from corporate gatherings to weddings and family reunions. Their experienced team works closely with clients to tailor the menu and service to meet specific needs and preferences.
Catering services are available from all Cooper’s locations, including their Austin establishment. This enables customers throughout central Texas to access their favorite barbecue for special occasions.
To inquire about catering options or book an event, interested parties can contact Cooper’s directly. The restaurant’s website provides detailed information on their catering services and how to get in touch with their team.