A Decade of Barbecue on Congress Avenue
This month (January 2026) marks an important milestone for Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Austin. Nearly ten years ago, Cooper’s brought its Hill Country barbecue roots to Congress Avenue, planting itself in one of the most historic and heavily trafficked streets in the city. Over the past decade, it has become a reliable stop for locals, tourists, lawmakers, and anyone looking to experience Texas barbecue without leaving downtown.
From Llano to the Heart of Austin
Cooper’s story begins in Llano, Texas, where the family started cooking barbecue in 1962. What began as a small-town operation slowly expanded, staying within Texas and growing with intention rather than scale for scale’s sake. Today, Cooper’s operates five locations across the state—Llano, Austin, College Station, Fort Worth, and New Braunfels—but the Austin location stands out as the most urban expression of a deeply Hill Country tradition.
Austin: 217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Fort Worth: 301 Stockyards Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76164
College Station: 3055 Earl Rudder Fwy South, College Station, TX 77845
New Braunfels: 1125 TX-337 Loop, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Llano (Original): 604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643
Home of the World-Famous Big Chop
One thing Cooper’s has never outgrown is the Big Chop. The two-inch-thick pork chop has become legendary over the years, drawing first-timers and return visitors alike. It’s bold, unapologetic, and cooked with confidence—exactly the kind of dish that reflects Cooper’s overall approach to barbecue.
Cowboy-Style Cooking Over Mesquite Coals
Unlike many Central Texas spots that rely on slow, indirect smoke, Cooper’s cooks meat cowboy style—directly over mesquite coals. This method produces a stronger, more immediate flavor with char and texture that sets it apart. The open pits aren’t hidden in the back; they’re front and center, letting guests see the fire, the meat, and the process that defines the Cooper’s experience.
A Space That Feels Transportive
Step inside and the space tells its own story. Exposed brick walls, heavy wood details, and taxidermy throughout the restaurant give it a rugged, lived-in feel. It doesn’t try to modernize or soften the edges. Instead, it leans into character—making it feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of old Texas, even though you’re standing in the middle of downtown Austin.
A Downtown Patio You Don’t Expect
Out back, Cooper’s surprises people with one of the more memorable patios in the area. A massive tree grows straight through the center of the space, creating natural shade and a laid-back atmosphere that feels rare for Congress Avenue. It’s the kind of patio that invites long meals, unplanned conversations, and a second round.
Upstairs Rooms With Real History
Above the main dining area are the Llano Room and Llano Lounge, which together can accommodate up to 250 people. These upstairs spaces carry their own bit of Austin lore. The building once operated as the Travis Hotel and has long been rumored to have been a Prohibition-era cat house. Whether legend or fact, it adds another layer of intrigue to a building that has seen many versions of Austin come and go.
Why Cooper’s Still Belongs on Every BBQ List
After ten years on Congress Avenue, Cooper’s has proven it isn’t just surviving downtown—it belongs there. It offers something increasingly rare: a place where tradition hasn’t been diluted by location. Cooper’s delivers a distinctly Texas barbecue experience in the middle of the city, grounded in history, fire, and consistency.
