Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que - Austin, Texas

Introduction

For those seeking an authentic Texas barbecue experience, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que stands as a beloved institution in Austin. Located at 217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, this establishment has cultivated a reputation for serving classic, slow-smoked barbecue with a genuine, welcoming atmosphere. With a strong online presence – accessible via coopersbbqaustin.com and reachable at Phone: 24744227 – Cooper’s offers a comprehensive dining experience suitable for a variety of occasions. It’s a place where families, friends, and solo diners alike can gather to enjoy a taste of Texas tradition.

Restaurant Overview

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is primarily a barbecue restaurant, but it extends beyond that designation to encompass a full-service bar and a vibrant barbecue area. The restaurant’s design reflects its heritage, creating a casual, cozy, and trendy environment. It’s particularly popular with college students, groups, and tourists, often resulting in a noticeable wait during peak hours. Reservations are accepted, adding to the convenience for those planning a group outing. The restaurant’s dedication to quality extends to its extensive beverage selection, featuring a great beer selection and a full range of cocktails, hard liquor, and wine. They cater to diverse tastes with a selection of small plates, comfort food, and desserts, ensuring something for everyone.

Location and Accessibility

The restaurant’s central location at 217 Congress Ave. in Austin’s downtown area makes it easily accessible. Wheelchair accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms are provided, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. Ample free street parking is often available nearby, although paid parking lots are also accessible. The restaurant’s layout encourages both dine-in and takeout options, catering to different preferences. The curbside pickup and delivery services further enhance convenience.

Services and Amenities

Cooper’s offers a wide array of services and amenities to enhance the customer experience. Onsite services are available, including catering for larger events. The establishment boasts outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal in a pleasant outdoor setting. Fast service is a key feature, ensuring a swift and efficient dining experience. The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. A bar onsite provides additional beverage options and a social atmosphere. High chairs are available for families with young children.

Food and Drink Specialties

The core of Cooper’s appeal lies in its barbecue offerings. The menu features classic barbecue staples, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage. Sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans, complement the meats perfectly. The restaurant is known for its late-night food options, catering to those seeking a satisfying meal after evening activities. The happy hour drinks provide a relaxed setting for socializing. The lunch and dinner menus offer a comprehensive selection of dishes, and the quick bite options are ideal for a casual meal. Desserts are available to complete the dining experience.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que maintains a strong online reputation, evidenced by over 6048 reviews on Google My Business. The average customer opinion stands at a commendable 4.4/5, reflecting the overall satisfaction of its patrons. While some reviews note that the brisket could be a bit tough and the sides aren't consistently outstanding, the vast majority of customers praise the restaurant’s friendly atmosphere, quick service, and authentic barbecue. The banana pudding is frequently highlighted as a standout item, and the selection of beers is consistently appreciated. The restaurant's commitment to providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience appears to be a key driver of its positive reputation.

Conclusion

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que provides a truly authentic Texas barbecue experience in the heart of Austin. With its convenient location, diverse services, and commitment to quality, it is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal, a refreshing drink, or a taste of Texas tradition, Cooper’s is undoubtedly worth a visit.

👍 Reviews of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Laura C.

5/5

Friendly bartender and no wait when we came. Banana pudding was great. The main food was just okay—brisket was a bit tough, limited sauce options, and the sides weren’t great. Still, good atmosphere and a nice quick BBQ stop.

Marley

5/5

Incredible BBQ!!! Genuinely some of the best bbq ribs I’ve ever had, not kidding. They weren’t too tough or fall off the bone - perfectly cooked in the middle. Amazing brisket flavor (a little on the fattier side) and the chicken was very moist and well seasoned. Corn on the Cobb is very good, not to buttery or charred. No need for extra sauce of condiments for any of the meats. Quick in and out order/ pick up time.

Justin

3/5

Overall I was underwhelmed. The food was meh but the service was good.

I tried the beef brisket, jalapeño sausage, and the beef rib. My favorite was the sausage. It had good flavor and a great bite to it. The brisket was juicy but was saltier than I prefer. The beef rib was drier than I prefer and wasnt as flavorful as I was hoping. I also tried the slaw and mac n cheese which were both forgettable.

The beef rib is very expensive and there isnt an option to really size down on it (1 rib was $42). The other items I got cost what I expected.

The service was great. The workers were friendly and guided me through the different stations. They got me taken care of really quick.

Silas L. -. S.

5/5

Coopers was authentic Texas BBQ. The brisket is phenomenal. There was a good blend of fat and lean meat. The flavor had a Smokey hint that was mouthwatering. We also had short pork ribs. They were juicy and delicious. As you can see from the menu board pictures, it is very pricey. The four of us had 1 meat and 1 side and waters and it was $94. Yep….$94. Ouch! The atmosphere and decor was like being at an old roadside BBQ shack but in the middle of downtown.
There is also an area called the “Bean Pot” where you can get free, self served pinto beans, sliced pickles, jalapeños, and sliced sandwich bread. Overall, other than dropping almost $100 on a meal, it was a great experience and a must for anyone visiting downtown Austin.

Ionescu C.

5/5

The food was amazing, easily some of the best BBQ I’ve had. The brisket was super tender, the ribs had that perfect smoky flavor, and the sides were just as good. The whole place has a really cozy, laid-back vibe, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. If you love good BBQ, this spot is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back! 🔥🍖

Sonya L.

5/5

Had an amazing experience here! The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The service was top-notch; the staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. And big thanks for the bartender, Jim! He was fantastic, crafting great drinks with a friendly and welcoming attitude. Also, the restroom was spotless, which is always a big plus. Highly recommend this place for a great dining experience!

Jay

4/5

Meats were tender. Sides were great. Banana pudding is definitely a must. Sauce was interesting. Not exactly what I expected from a central Texas joint. Tasted more like a Carolina vinegar sauce. Definitely still liked it. It’s worth eating here

galuh A.

5/5

I had an incredible experience at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que! The food was absolutely delicious perfectly smoked meats with that authentic Texas flavor. The brisket was tender and juicy, and the ribs had just the right amount of smoky goodness.

What made my visit even better was the outstanding service. Jim, the bartender, was fantastic! He was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. His drink recommendations were spot on, and he really added to the overall great atmosphere of the place.

If you’re looking for amazing BBQ and top-notch service, Cooper’s is the place to go. I’ll definitely be back!