Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Barbecue restaurant · South Congress

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Barbecue restaurant · South Congress

4

217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

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Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que by null

Highlights

Classic BBQ joint with picnic tables serving pit-smoked meats  

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217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 Get directions

coopersbbqaustin.com
@coopersbbqatx

$20–30 · Menu

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217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 Get directions

+1 512 474 4227
coopersbbqaustin.com
@coopersbbqatx
𝕏
@CoopersBBQATX

$20–30 · Menu

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Aug 12, 2025

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@eater

Where Celebrities Ate During SXSW in Austin, 2025 - Eater Austin

"A traditional barbecue spot known for its beef ribs, attracting celebrities for an authentic barbecue experience." - Courtney E. Smith

https://austin.eater.com/2025/3/17/24387849/austin-sxsw-celebrities-pedro-pascal-blake-lively-kyle-maclaughlin-barbecue-food-restaurants-2025
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Best Lunches in Downtown Austin | Eater Austin

"Barbecue for lunch, because it’s Austin. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-lunches-downtown-austin-restaurants
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@eater

The Ultimate Texas BBQ Road Trip | Eater

"Started in 1962 with a humble location in Llano, Cooper’s is now one of Texas’s few honest-to-goodness barbecue chains, with locations in Austin, Fort Worth, College Station, New Braunfels, and Katy, in addition to its flagship. Meat is cooked “cowboy-style” at these restaurants. Traditionally associated with West Texas, this means that Cooper’s beef ribs, brisket, and prime rib are cooked right on the pit over mesquite coals, as opposed to the “low-and-slow,” indirect technique more common in Central Texas. You’ll step up to a pit and select whatever you’d like directly from there (don’t blame us if your eyes are bigger than your stomach). Drenched in Cooper’s special tangy sauce, it’s a mouth-watering meal." - Cynthia Drake

https://www.eater.com/ad/maps/the-ultimate-texas-bbq-road-trip
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Where ATX Television Festival Celebrities Ate in Austin This Weekend - Eater Austin

"Felicity’s Greg Grunberg also enjoyed barbecue from Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in downtown Austin." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://austin.eater.com/2018/6/11/17450242/atx-television-festival-celebrities-austin-restaurnts-felicity-reunion-torchys-tacos
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Mario Daniel Baquedano Aguilar

Google
This place should be in your must list! You can choose any beef cut you like and they are all fresh. It’s juicy, very very delicious. You pay by pound, and although price, it is definitely worth it. I’d recommend to be cautious when adding sides, because you can add pickles and beans with pork and bread for free. You can ask for well done, or for any other term of your preference. When ordering ribs, you can actually as them to remove the bone so you only pay for what you actually eat. Amazing and delicious place! There’s a bar inside as well. Sides are just ok.

Mick Dunn

Google
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in downtown Austin is an excellent choice to experience Texas Hills meats from the pit. I didn’t know any better and went later in evening when the food and atmosphere were not at peak, so I would encourage an earlier visit. This is not like a restaurant where you sit down at a table and steak is cooked to order. Rather, this is more like a backyard BBQ where you sit down at a picnic table after picking your meats from the grill master. If a picnic table is not your thing you can always sit at the bar. At Cooper’s, a friendly server will grab your meat selection and cut it to desired size - you pay by the pound here - then you are led to a counter where another friendly server wraps and weighs your meats while you decide on your sides. After that is the fixings bar where you can get utensils, napkins, and endless bread, sauce, and other options. For me, I had the prime rib and pork loin (both of which were done a little more than I like - see my comment about coming earlier - but were otherwise very tasty), along with cornbread and coleslaw (both very good). The margaritas were also very good. Overall, it was a nice experience in an old-time, saloon-type setting with friendly people and good food. Very much recommended.

Jerry dMann

Google
Consistent barbecue that you get at their other locations. I've frequented their Fort Worth location many times. This was my first time here in Austin. Fun little place in downtown. Very different from the expansive locations in other places. Not sure if pricing was the same, but appeared similar to other Cooper's locations. This time I got the brisket and turkey. Both were done well and were delicious.

Kevin Chiappone

Google
First night in Austin and Cooper's was on our radar. Went for dinner and the experience was all that and more. Brisket, Turkey, slaw, Mac n' cheese and pecan pie. Couldn't finish it all but it was soooo good. This was so good that it's either what is served in heaven or something that good is a sin and we are going to hell. The staff was great and very helpful with us getting the lay of the land. Sadly we may not need to eat for the rest of our time in Austin. There is Bar-B-Que and then there is Cooper's. We are now ruined when it comes to BBQ and if it's not Cooper's we will never be fulfilled again.

Topher N

Google
It's BBQ, yes please! I had juicy brisket and jalapeño sausage and both were excellent. Mac n cheese side also had jalapeño option and was really good. I wouldn't recommend the corn on the cob... dry and tasteless. The bean pot was pretty good. A little pricey but I would recommend the brisket for sure. Family style seating and plenty of seats at the bar too.

Chanda Mitchell

Google
There are so many restaurants in Austin I could’ve eaten at, but I chose Cooper’s because it’s close to Congress Ave Bridge, the downtown area, and the park. I am confident that I could not have made a better choice. Not only is the ambience very welcoming and unpretentious, but the food is amazing and the staff is great as well. We had pork ribs and jalapeño and cheese sausage with potato salad and green beans. I love that you can have all the onions and pickles you want as well as all the beans you can eat and the barbecue sauce is serve yourself and it’s kept warm. I also like That you have a variety of seating options. I like the community tables myself. There is also an outdoor eating area and a bar upstairs. I highly recommend this restaurant. Even with all the choices, you can’t possibly go wrong eating at Cooper’s.

Margarita Wild

Google
We've had lots of BBQ in Austin. This was our first time here at Coopers. We came hungry and left absolutely satisfied. We sat near the bar, the bar staff was amazing. The food was cooked to perfection. We had a little bit of everything and have zero complaints about any of it. The corn bread was to die for. We would definitely go again.

Sonya Robinson

Google
We arrived at the restaurant about six thirty p m. They had no brisket. The gentleman greeted us from the bar was very pleasant.The food was okay.I'm comparing it to Rudy's barbecue place. The setups, very similar to that. peach cobbler was excellent. $$$$$

Justin B.

Yelp
After watching my plane buddy, Mark Hoppus, rock out at the Austin City Limits music festival wearing a Franklin's BBQ shirt, I was tempted to step out of my comfort zone and give Franklin's a shot over my longtime favorite, Cooper's. But when it came time to open the Lyft app and pick a destination, I couldn't help but think of my good friend, Wade. Now, don't get me wrong--Cooper's BBQ is fantastic. But it's guys like Wade, with his cool hats and laid-back vibes, that keep me and my crew coming back time after time. Wade's got that charm and always brings the energy, making Cooper's more than just a BBQ joint--it's a full-on experience. When you arrive, head straight to the pit, grab yourself some brisket, and don't miss out on that jalapeño mac and cheese. And when it's time to hit the bar, trust me on this--don't just order one old fashioned. Order two, because Wade makes the best in town, hands down. He's not just serving drinks; he's serving good times, and that's what keeps the whole place buzzing.
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Terence S.

Yelp
Quality has a price, and some people might bulk at the price that they pay for brisket at a place like this. But you can be assured, that what you're about to eat is quality. The interior definitely has that feel of old Texas. I'm not sure how long this establishment has been around in this location, but you could easily feel that it was 50 years or more. It has that country, western field, with country western decor. The folks dishing out the food are no-nonsense, but don't confuse that for not having any southern manners. They'll answer your questions and take care of business quickly. The food is good. There may be some better places in town, but the convenience is why you're hitting Coopers. If there was a Brisket Trail in Austin, I'd have this place on the list.
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Pete O.

Yelp
Environment and experience are definitely cooll and great location. When you arrive you see all the meats and choose what you want, then the sides and when you sit down, who doesn't like free beans! TV's everywhere and can see congress. The bad, the BBQ is just not there. The price is at the higher end, and my brisket was to be moist and was too dry and didn't have great flavor. Sausage was bland, and rib wasn't my favorite. For the price, def not worth it, but if you load it with BBQ sauce and want a cool experience then yes I would go.
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Denise T.

Yelp
Service - everyone was super sweet and helpful. If you haven't been in the rest before they have a unique method for ordering your food. They sell everything by the pound. Ribs- they were so salt. Inedible for me. I peeled over the outer layer and ate the inside meat. Brisket - it is moist and tasty. They were voted best in Texas/Austin in 2018. Sides are fine but nothing to write home about.
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Craig P.

Yelp
Overall: 5/10 Food: 6/10 Service: 5/10 Atmosphere: 5/10 Value: 4/10 Decent Bbq but far from the best in Austin. You order everything ala carte which starts with your meat selections. It's VERY challenging to know how much you're actually spending. Basically you learn once you get to the register at the end. It's shared picnic table seating, the beans are included along with the other bbq condiments. The picture shoes everything got and how it is served on your tray. Found this place is pretty for what you get and the quality of the food.
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Rachael O.

Yelp
Wow wow!!! The brisket here was so good. The perfect amount of juicy & fatty! I really liked the Cole slaw too, it wasn't too mayo-y like some and had a good sweet blend to it. Would highly recommend!!
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Angela C.

Yelp
Not sure why all the bbq places seem to close on Monday, but we didn't have many choices when we arrived in Austin. The family wanted bbq, and we weren't able to find any parking when we got to Terry Black's, and Franklin's was closed. We were near downtown and found that this location of Cooper's was open. We were welcomed by the bartender when we walked in and he explained how to order. It's cafeteria style, we go to the pit master and tell him how much of what meat we wanted. Then we go to the cold counter and order our sides (salads, cornbread, cobbler, etc.) and then pay. At the end, there's self serve drinks (pay at the counter first), and free beans, white bread, pickles and onions, etc. There are plenty of picnic tables to dine at, and there's a full bar if you want some adult beverages with your meal. We got the brisket, beef ribs, chicken and sausage. Food was flavorful and juicy. Sides were ok. My husband liked the cornbread, but it was a bit dry for me. Glad we were able to try some TX bbq!
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Joneice B.

Yelp
Dined at this location which is right downtown off Congress and 3rd. No reservations needed. As soon as you enter you will be expected to pick your meats so have a loose game plan. We opted for beef ribs, brisket and sausage with cheese. Upon getting our meats, someone weight them and wrapped them for us. We proceeded to the cold items and then hot items. For sides we got corn bread, Mac and Cheese and Green Beans. Our total was $60 dollars for two people. After paying we found a spot on a shared picnic table. Before diving into our meats, we checked out the free items and grabbed some complimentary white bread, bbq sauce, beans, pickles, onions and ice cold water. Our food was delicious. We ate every thing and was happy that we didn't quite over do it as we don't have a microwave in our hotel room. The beef ribs were so tender. They needed no sauce. The cheese sausage as good but spicy which I liked. The brisket was good too but slightly fatty. All the sides were good, Mac and cheese was just okay but the free pinto beans made up for that. Before leaving we grabbed some peach cobbler which was recommended over banana pudding. Delicious items but would have paired great with ice cream. All in all, would hands down recommend this bbq joint. Definitely research meats before you enter and don't go overboard because price can add up quickly. Can take items to go and they have doggie bag supplies. Tip: Make sandwich with that brisket as free bread, sauce/onions/pickles are provided.
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Sudeshna B.

Yelp
It's one of the best barbecue I have had in a long time. We ordered brisket, chicken, sausage and rib eye. The briskets are super moist, and it's by far the best bbq chicken I have had in Austin. The skin of the sausage was a little too tough for my taste though. The great thing I loved about it is they had complementary beans stations. The service was good, staff was super friendly and there was not much of a line. Loved the location. It's right on Congress Avenue, so street parking is tricky, we found one though, there are lots of paid public parking within one block.
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Kenny V.

Yelp
I don't know if it was an off-night for them, but I left not very impressed. Our large party got a variety platter that included: brisket, beef rib, pork rib, sirloin, and sausage. The only item that I genuinely enjoyed was the beef rib. The brisket was just okay, with my main complaint being way too fatty. The pork rib and sirloin were just too much on the dry side. The assortment of sides are par for the course but nothing special: mac & cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. Great location right downtown with lots of seating downstairs and upstairs. I almost feel like I owe Cooper's a redemption visit, but only after hitting the rest of the Austin 'Cue circuit. Thus far, my ranking goes: Terry Blacks, Rudys, then Coopers
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Brenda J.

Yelp
This is the second barbecue place that I tried in Austin. I understand why it's been around for so long. The meat was juicy and tender. the barbecue sauce they had made the meat taste even better. The restaurant is two floors. They have bar on both if you like beer and meat you gotta go.
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Auston T.

Yelp
Great brisket! That's all I had, and it was more than enough. I got a fattier cut. I did end up getting more than I asked for (asked for a half pound and got a full pound) so it was pricier than I expected because I didn't notice until after I paid, but the leftovers reheated well in the air fryer, which is not typical for barbecue! I'm not sure I'd put this at the top of Austin brisket spots, but it's not bad and could be worth a try for the brisket at least.
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Gloria T.

Yelp
Good traditional Texas bbq with great service. Meat was soft and tender. Flavor wasn't overly marinated and strong in a good way. It's located very close to other cute shops. Outdoor dining on the deck or outside of the restaurant. Street parking.
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Mike O.

Yelp
Cooper's has become our go-to late evening option for good barbecue in Austin! It's open fairly late, especially for this genre of cuisine, and moreso than that, they typically have actual meat left after 7:00 pm (even after 9:00 pm!), which has come in clutch for us on visits to Austin more than once! On our latest visit, we happened to arrive right around 8:45 pm on a Wednesday evening, to absolutely zero line! They were only out of one meat, but still plenty on offer to satiate two grown boys! We ordered three different bulk meats to share, a side, and a dessert for each. Right after we checked out and sat down, the line grew and moved out the door and down the sidewalk! Amazing timing! And, there's a reason for the line: while not in the first tier of joints you name off with regard to Austin barbecue, Cooper's is absolutely holding down some strong 'cue game! Smokey, well seasoned, full-flavored, incredible meat of all sorts! Beef and pork were featured for us, and nothing disappointed. Of particular strength on this visit: a pork kebab! The beef brisket this time around was fine, by Texas standards (the highest of high), but not the best we've had either here or elsewhere in town. The atmosphere is always rockin', any time we've been, which adds to the fun and flair of the joint! TL;DR here: very solid barbecue, open late, but not quite top-tier by Austin's or Texas's extremely high standards. Food = 4/5 Facility = 3/5 Service = 3/5 Ambiance = 4/5 Value = 2/5
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Natasha B.

Yelp
Very pricey and not worth the amount. The pork ribs were okay- didn't like that there wasn't a variety of bbq sauces. I typically like something a little spicy. The Mac n cheese was good. The brisket; from what I heard from multiple people, was that it was either fatty or dry.
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Brian G.

Yelp
Place is fine at best. Had lunch on my own. I was confused when they asked if I wanted bbq meats that I ordered dipped in a vat of sauce sitting on the stove. Well smoked BBQ should not need sauce as a crutch. Food was fine, but I would not put this in any "top 20" for BBQ in Austin. Would be curious if it's a real locals Joint or more of a tourist spot. One and done for me.
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Olivia P.

Yelp
As far as the bbq in Austin goes, this one is okay. Overall it's fine and decent compared to places outside of Texas, but I had better during my visit. The ribs are good but are on the tougher side. They are good don't get me wrong but not fall off the bone. The sausage is good and so is the brisket. I really don't like their bbq sauce. It is way too vinegary for me. Super thin too, it doesn't have that nice thick consistency I like. Mac and cheese is fine. Banana pudding was disappointing as well, I could have thrown it together. Cornbread was average. Overall nothing crazy but good ribs and you can actually get the food without waiting in line for hours, so that's a plus.
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Stephanie S.

Yelp
Great food and drinks!! This was my first experience with Texas barbecue, and it did not disappoint. You order by the pound and add your sides - think cafeteria style with HUGE portions! The sauce brushed on my half-chicken was really good. The ribs were flavorful. The string beans had bacon and the grilled corn both had great flavor. The baked potato with my toppings of choice was spot on. The pinto beans were excellent. I forgot to take a picture of it. The service to receive my food was very kind and helpful. The bartender Dusty was awesome!! I had plenty leftover and it made for a great second meal :-) They have tables and bar seating. You can also grab pickles or a dessert (cobblers galore with ice cream). Yum!
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Lana C.

Yelp
Came here for lunch on Sunday. The line was not long but even if it were, you would get through quite quickly. All Servers were courteous and smiled. You order your meats cafeteria style and they cut it to weight order. All of the meats you order are wrapped together in butcher paper and handed to the next station where you select your sides. You can opt to purchase some sides like potatoes salad, Cole slaw, Mac and cheese, green salad and a few more items. As you head for the picnic table community seating, you can grab all of the other extra sides and condiments that they offer at no additional charge. Beans, dill pickles, jalapeño, onions, and bread. All meats were tender and juicy; slightly overly salted for our taste. Also, we didn't really care for the bbq sauce so good thing it comes in the side. Tried Rollin Smoke food truck yesterday and liked it there more. Don't let that comment deter you from coming to Coopers; still very good here. I do recommend and would come again.
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Fat Man Reviews K.

Yelp
Cruising into Austin, the Fat Man and his wife wanted some real-deal Texas BBQ. So, we headed over to Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Cooper's is a classic BBQ joint with picnic table seats serving brisket, ribs & more pulled straight from the pit. We tried the Beef Ribs to start. They were tender and had good bark and flavor. They were dense, but the sauce they were dunked in coated them better than any other option we tried. Next up was none other than the Texas Brisket. The meat was tender, juicy, and fatty in a good way with great flavor--some of the best brisket I have ever had. The BBQ sauce was very thin but flavorful, with a little sweet and then a tomato vinegar hit. You have the option of dry or wet when ordering. We got wet on everything. I wanted to try the Sausage. It had a good snap on the casing with a great chew in the meat. The heat builds over time from the spices in the sausage mixture. We also tried several sides with our meal. The noodles in the Mac and cheese were cooked perfectly, creamy, cheesy, and ooey gooey. The cheese sauce was flavorful, with just a little pepper and a good salt level. The Potato salad was mashed, not cubed, with a heavy mustard kick, and the red peppers gave it some texture. Their green beans were tender with some heat on the back end. They were cooked with bacon but could still use salt. The cornbread was moist and fluffy but a little dense. It did have a great sweetness and good texture. Cooper's is a counter service where you order everything offered from the pit and select your hot or cold sides. They offer several different types of meats, cuts, and amounts. They also serve beer and alcohol. The servers were nice, but it can be overwhelming because of how fast the ordering happens. The Fat Man says that Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is Fat Man Approved with 3 chins.
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Harry B.

Yelp
Bbq at its best. No frills, well except if you want the gear and souvenirs. But walk in choose your meats, your sides and eat!! Came here a year ago and a must stop every time we're in town. Jim, bartender not only took care of us but gave some great insight and suggestions! I had the brisket and beef ribs and my wife had the pork ribs. Man. So tastee. Like bbq? this is a Mecca, no religious offense. We came, ate meat, and left fat and happy. See you next trip coopers.
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Kimberly C.

Yelp
Gets busy, but the line to order moves smoothly. Everything is a la carte. There are several meats to choose from, then you get your sides, dessert, and finally make it to the register. Once done, you'll find a case with free bread, beans, pickles, and more. Help yourself. The brisket was tasty, but to me, the pork ribs were a bit overseasoned. The mac and cheese was tasty, as were the free beans (some white rice would be perfect with them). FYI, they also have tables upstairs and in the back.
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Brian B.

Yelp
I visited here two years ago, and loved the well cooked chicken. I came back for more, cooked well, seasoned well, and yes please Dip it in the sauce! Great service all around! Good food, I'll admit the sides are good but the meat overshadows them by far. And my grandmas recipes are better. Not complaining just saying! Visit here it's worth a stop or two or three/
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Anthony B.

Yelp
Very delicious brisket. Juicy and tender and full of flavor! Sausages were great as well, and the ribs fall off the bone! Highly recommend if you don't want to wait in line for an hour, we were able to get our food in 5 mins (and DURING SXSW) Ambiance is very lively full of families, in a great area as well in close proximity to tons of bars!
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Peter I.

Yelp
Wade at the bar was fantastic, interesting way to order food pick your hot entree then pick out cold or hot sides and find a table. Luckily we sat at the bar and talked with Wade. Baked potato was epic. Best ever. Ribs ok Brisket ok Sauce (one choice) Sirloin good not great So maybe a baked potato and drinks w Wade?
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Jeremy S.

Yelp
Pretty authentic Texas BBQ experience without having to travel outside the downtown ATX area. We tried about 6 different smokes meat options. All good, but the brisket stands out above the rest. Particularly that flavorful thick bark with buttery, fatty fall-apart beef! I really wanted to get outside the downtown area and try one of the other "famous" options, but ran out of time. My disappointment melted away with the first night of brisket. It's a bit pricey as others will suggest, but ultimately worth the downtown convenience up charge unless you have your own vehicle. Another advantage of this place is its convenient location to everything else in downtown ATX, without the hassle of finding one of several semi-permanent food truck locations. Service is quick, helpful, and polite. Would Definitely go back. In fact, we did 2 days later! LOL
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Atiya G.

Yelp
When in Texas, you eat barbecue. I visited three bbq locations in Austin and this was by far my least favorite. The meat, especially the brisket, was dry and tough. There just wasn't great flavor either. Pretty basic and underwhelming. We all reached for bbq sauce cause the meats needed something, but that didn't do the job as it was very thin and runny. It was like barbecue hot sauce. The sides were what you'd expect at a cafeteria. Everything just lacked something. The space is really large which was great since we had a large group and didn't have to worry about finding seating.
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Greg M.

Yelp
First time for me having a beef rib. It was out of this world and worth every penny! (One rib is about $34...). Excellent flavor, tender, light smoke, and salt. It was enough meat for an entire meal and I enjoyed every bite. The pork Kabob was perfectly cooked and not dry (hard to do with a kabob). The spicy mac n cheese was a solid paring to the beef. Simple style restaurant in which you order your meat, grab your sides, pay and then sit at community style tables. Fast service, clean tables, and solid food!
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Regina N.

Yelp
Cooper's BBQ isn't just about the incredible brisket (though that's a huge part of it); it's also about the whole down-to-earth, feel-at-home vibe. You can choose to eat at the bar, which is always buzzing with friendly energy, or grab one of the picnic-style tables. Both options add to the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that makes Cooper's feel like a backyard BBQ at a friend's place. The brisket, as I mentioned before, is out of this world. We ordered a pound of it and paired it with their fantastic potato salad. The meat was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor - every bite was a testament to their BBQ mastery. But back to the ambiance - there's something so comforting about the simplicity of the setup. Whether you're perched at the bar or seated at a picnic table, you're in for a relaxed and unpretentious dining experience. It's the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy some amazing food, and just feel at ease. Eating at Cooper's is like being at a family gathering where everyone's welcome and the food is always the star of the show. If you haven't experienced their brisket yet, you're missing out on not just a meal, but an experience. Cooper's BBQ is a must for anyone who loves great food and good vibes.
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Nam D.

Yelp
As a Californian native, I had only eaten BBQ once before my trip to Texas, and after a disappointing experience at Salt Lick, I was surprised to actually like Cooper's BBQ as much as I did! The restaurant is primarily self-serve and buffet-style in which you go up to the counter and ask them to carve you up how much meat you want. I never really understood the fascination with BBQ, and because we didn't want to wait 4+ hours in line for Franklin BBQ, we opted for Cooper instead. The beef rib was fall-off tender, as was the brisket, in that it was tender, and it didn't break under its own weight. The sausage was good, but I'm not a big fan of sausage, so no complaints! The bacon mac n cheese was okay a well; not amazing, but I'll give them a pass since we came at a weird time, so it was likely sitting out. Banana pudding was yummy as well. Overall, it was a lovely experience, and Coopers made me see why BBQ is so popular in Texas.
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Mark T.

Yelp
1/14/2024 Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que 217 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 On an Austin BBQ odyssey this was close to my hotel. Western ambiance inside with bench and table dining area. I placed my order at the pit on the RHS, moved to the left where you can get sides then further left to pay at the register. At the extreme left are stations for setups, condiments, bread and the complimentary simmered pork bits and pinto beans. I chose a half pound of Brisket that was cut, sliced and weighed by the pit master. I skipped the sides because of the complimentary Pinto beans. The Brisket was tender, a little dry, had a mild smoke flavor and a very salty crust. The beans were also a little salty, mildly smoky flavor with bits of pork belly; very good. All staff was friendly and extremely helpful with instructions and advice. I liked the food excepting the high salt level of the brisket crust. I will need to try another meat to determine if the saltiness is pervasive. Maybe repeatable.
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Brianna R.

Yelp
Cooper's came highly recommended by some friend who were once local to the area, so I knew I had to check it out. I ordered a few different portions of meats. Specifically, I tried the turkey, brisket, and sausage. I also had a side order of mac and cheese and cornbread. I really liked the meats as they were well smoked and had a really robust flavor. The sides were great as well. The employees at the bar where you order were very helpful and made great suggestions, as this was my first time. Seating was ample and everyone was friendly. I think I would say this was the best barbecue I had in Austin.
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Kathleen M.

Yelp
I like coming here for brisket and sausage, but the baked potatoes are a bit too peppery and the chicken always seems to be a smidge too dry with a very heavy smoke flavor. The corn is pretty standard, but nothing to write home about. If you're coming here, I'd recommend just getting the brisket or sausage as mains. Service is great and prompt, and the employees are very nice! If you're not familiar with BBQ joints like this one, it's a bit like a cafeteria-style line. Parking can be a bit challenging with the restaurant being downtown, but if you can find street parking, it's always way cheaper than parking in a garage. The restaurant itself is quite large inside, with plenty of seating options so you can bring all your friends and family! All in all, I think this is a pretty decent BBQ place, but it's not my favorite.
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Elizabeth H.

Yelp
I really liked Cooper's. Barbecue was good, but the serving sizes for brisket were huge. I ordered 1/4 lb and got 1/2. Since they charge by the lb, this was frustrating. The grilled corn was tasty and as a pickle lover I had to get the giant deli style dill. There is bench seating and it fills up at lunch time, but the line moves fast. It's worth trying if you are downtown, as I was for a conference, but I've had better bbq in TX for a better price. That said, compared to bbq outside TX, it's hard to find this quality.
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Melodi S.

Yelp
Holy salt Batman! While the food was satisfying, it was insanely salty! I couldn't taste anything but seasoning and salt. Service was wonderful and there was plentiful seating.
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Jeff P.

Yelp
hello! walked into the restaurant and there was a bar. it was like cafeteria style, grab a tray, inform the customer service reps what you would like and select what you want then pay at the very end. you can sit anywhere there is a spot. there is a long bench for dining. the brisket was mediocre, way too salty on the top rub, some parts of the brisket was hard, consistency was not up to par. the bbq sauce was weird, hot and runny water. mac n cheese was mediocre. corn was flavorless, small, and was ok. banana pudding was good. overall bbq was mediocre.
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Chih-yun T.

Yelp
I enjoyed my dinner with my friends at this Texas style BBQ! Since I know too less for BBQ and only lived in one midwest city, Kansas City , I learned that pulled pork is not supposed to be a norm in the Texas BBQ restaurant. We were four people, 3 guys and 1 girl, and the staff was really friendly to introduce the meat and how to order and also helped to put a kind of family meal together without overwhelming our stomachs. The price was quite fair for me, after tax and tip, it was $25 per person and we were so satisfied and full. The restaurant has a really cool vibe, it's a canteen style. And after the order has been paid, you will need to find your own seats, grab yourself some napkins/utensils/sauces and such. It truly reflects its restaurant name and which is really cool.
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Mayte C.

Yelp
This is located in downtown.. was expecting a small space but very surprised there's more than enough room between downstairs. Outside, and upstairs. Staff was nice. Went with a small group so we ordered as a whole for the table--- beef rib, chicken, and brisket. The chicken was good! The beef rib was good because it had some fat but it wasn't overwhelming. The brisket was my favorite-- so juicy and flavorful. Shared some sides-- Mac and cheese which was ok, corn on the cob, and a corn bread. Would have loved to see a better quality butter to go with the bread and maybe even some honey too. Overall, it was a good spot. I would recommend checking out this place!
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Alex V.

Yelp
I love BBQ and try to go to the places with most reviews wherever I go. Usually they don't disappoint, but unfortunately, I'm not a fan of Cooper's. The brisket was pretty dry, and the ribs were fatty and not "fall of the bone". Idk maybe that's their style and that's what they are famous for, but definitely not my style. The sausage was great though, if I'd ever go again - probably just for the sausage, and maybe to try other meats as well. The vibe is great though!
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Janelle H.

Yelp
For my first time in Austin I definitely needed to try some BBQ! My friend found this place and we were not disappointed. The price point is worth it for what you get! When you first walk in there is a bar in the center with seating. To order, you stay to the right and walk straight ahead. It's pretty much cafeteria style. You can view all of the meats and choose what kind you would like and purchase by the ounce/pound. It looks a little messy but it's good. After you choose your meats you head to your left for sides, condiments and desserts. We got there kind of late so the desserts (I believe a few cobblers) were pretty picked over and didn't look appetizing at all; so we skipped that. Next is where you choose your beverage and pay. Then, you find seating which is open family picnic style. The food was delicious! We got brisket, sausage, Turkey, green beans and Mac n cheese. No complaints besides the desserts! I really loved the atmosphere. Gave a very homey feel. Like we were in a family owned log cabin. As far as Peking it's mainly street parking but there are a lot of parking lots and garages in the area. Great service all around and I would definitely come here again.
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Alik W.

Yelp
I really like that the ordering system lets you try a bunch of meats without having to order a giant pile. I also think beans with jalapeños are great and went back for seconds on those. I had brisket and pork ribs, of which the brisket was better. I disagree that it's too fatty, I think mine was too lean, and really needed the fat cap to make it not dry. It had great smoke flavor and good bark. It WAS very salty, both meats were. I personally don't mind that, but if you're salt sensitive, not your place. It was good and super convenient, I'd try other things from that menu.

Deb F.

Yelp
Driest brisket I've had in a long time. I was very disappointed based on the price and the hype. Wouldn't recommend.
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Sam R.

Yelp
Loren ipsum this says I need to write words Thank y'all reminds me of my hometown in llano. Busy and yummy, how many words does this have to be lol
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John A.

Yelp
Great food and a lot of it. Pork and beef ribs, brisket, sausage. The cornbread was great. I had excellent collared greens with beens and pork. Loved the bbq sauce. The service was excellent. The bartender was cool. Felt like a cafeteria style place. The beef was flavorful but salty. It was very good. Downtown location.
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Hannah R.

Yelp
Cooper's is a great place to go for some downtown fast barbecue. The brisket is good and I liked the sausage as well. We particularly liked the blackberry cobbler as well. It's nice they have beans, pickles, and bread available for free as well. Service was fast and it was not that busy. The mac and cheese was meh.
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Joseph E.

Yelp
Toooooooo expensive overrated this is not Texas BBQ We got there 1h before they close service - and food was horrible
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Lizzie R.

Yelp
As this was our 4th stop on the tour, we had to try it. According to our guide this was one of the best places to have Brisket. The Brisket that was brought out was dry. You had to use more bbq in order to get it to taste decent. I'm sure their brisket is usually on par, however, this was not the case when serving people on a food tour. Their beans and pork were good, yet a bit too salty for my taste. We didn't get try to any other items however, I may try to give it a chance when in town as the interior was very cool and although lightly dimmed, was very I guess picturesque if you're looking for the type of old time furnishing within the restaurant when going to the 2nd floor.
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Tomaszek C.

Yelp
Ahh, what a place. Come hungry. They sell meat by weigh. Ambience amazing - you'd wanna come here with a family or some buddies. Full bar. Bench seating all around.
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Chris B.

Yelp
Downtown BBQ joint with a bar. Cafeteria style brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken.... Don't forget the sides. And a dessert too! Food is really good! I feel the price for the amount of food is really good as well. Bean soup, extra pickles , sliced bread are available as well at no charge. Bean soup is excellent.