Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a barbecue restaurant in Austin, TX. Open: Mon–Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (512) 474-4227. Average rating is 4.4 stars from 6,665 reviews. Website: http://coopersbbqaustin.com/.
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
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Exterior view of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que restaurant.
4.4 6,665 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Real Pit BBQ, Right on Congress Avenue

Austin's legendary wood-smoked barbecue served fresh off the pit, seven days a week.

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About Us

Cozy interior of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que restaurant.
Cozy interior of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que restaurant.

Some restaurants talk about tradition. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que on Congress Avenue just cooks. You walk up to the open pit out front, point at what you want, and a pitmaster carves it off right there. That's the whole system, and it works better than anything a menu board could replace.

The brisket is the draw, but regulars know the beef ribs are the move. The dining room has the look of a Texas saloon, all wood and brick, loud enough to feel alive but not so loud you can't talk. It's the kind of place where you grab a tray, find a table, and settle in.

With a 4.4-star rating across more than 6,600 reviews, Cooper's has earned its reputation the honest way: consistent smoke, friendly staff, and portions that mean business. It's the spot Presidents and locals share without anyone making a fuss about it.

What We Offer

Cooper's runs a classic Texas pit barbecue operation, open every day from 11 AM to 10 PM. The menu covers all the cuts: brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and rotating specials. You order at the pit, which means you see exactly what you're getting before it hits your tray.

Sides run deep, from pinto beans and coleslaw to jalapeño creamed corn. Cooper's Bar is on-site, so cold beer is never far away. The space handles everything from a solo lunch break to a group gathering, with room to spread out and a vibe that makes lingering feel natural.

Catering inquiries and large-group visits are welcome. Check the website at coopersbbqaustin.com for the latest specials and any event details.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Old school classic BBQ in a saloon like atmosphere that feels very Texas--in the best way. Food: 4.5 Service: 4.5 Atmosphere: 4.5 Cost to worth it rating: 2.5 (can get more expensive than you expect but good stuff--2 people getting 6 pork ribs, 1/2 brisket, few sides, ice tea was $100) Opentableable: no reservations Return worthiness: yes Highlights: - Solid BBQ and fun atmosphere - Brisket: super tender and juicy with a big fat layer to insulate the flavor. My fave type of bbq of any style (to the chagrin of my pulled pork Carolina hub). 4.5 stars - Pork ribs: longer than I thought and not as tender but great flavor. 4 stars - Sauce: thin and a bit tangy and some spice. 3.5 stars - Mac and cheese: the creamy velveeta-like version. If you get the Jalapeño bacon version prep for the hidden spice and big slices of bacon. 3.25 stars - Corn on the cob: black peppery which I like but maybe not for everyone. Could've been a bit fresher. 3 stars - Loaves of bread to make it a sandwich - Butcher paper as your plate to eat on the shared picnic table benches - Bar in the middle - Pies: sadly didn't have room for any but cool they had trays of different types Midlights: - For a newbie hard to know how much to order of each bbq item, but staff was helpful Lowlights: - Wish could've tried more meats"
— Eve Kosol
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Outstanding - this place always delivers friendly staff, great bbq, so many choices. Friendly and fun atmosphere We tried every meat on the menu, you cannot go wrong with any of the choices. The brisket tender and moist, the jalapeño sausage was juicy and not too hot. Beef rib and sirloin outstanding. And the turkey smoked to perfection and mouthwatering juicy and full of flavour. Lots of side choices too - particularly enjoyed the cream corn. Guaranteed your eyes are bigger than yours stomach. Highly recommend"
— Mike Ortegon
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"A long-running Texas barbecue joint known (for better or for worse) as being George W. Bush’s favorite, Cooper’s largely lived up to its reputation. The restaurant has a classic look (wood, brick, and ducts), and the menu – meats priced by the pound on a chalkboard – adds to the retro appeal. Those meats are cut to order by a pitmaster. After making your selection, you proceed down a cafeteria-style line and pick your sides. Sauce, pickles, and Wonder Bread are free. We opted for some brisket, a jalapeno sausage link, potato salad, and creamed corn. The brisket was tender and flavorful if a bit fatty while the sausage boasted a firm bite and a winning combination of spicy and cheesy. Unexpectedly, the creamed corn ended up being a highlight. If that’s a side you usually avoid, Cooper’s version may end up converting you. That said, the potato salad was nothing special and the sauce was very tomato-and-vinegar-forward. As to be expected given Cooper’s location and reputation, prices are also quite high (as in almost $40 a pound for brisket). That’s not outrageous for a “name” BBQ place in Austin though if I had to pay that after waiting in a long line, I might walk away disappointed. Cooper’s is not the best Texas BBQ you’re likely to find, but it’s a pretty damn solid representation thereof."
— Zac Goldstein
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"My coworker and I stopped in here for dinner on our first night in Austin. This came as a recommendation from a few locals and they were right on the money. When you walk in the restaurant, you pass a fully-stocked bar and an order line where you can see all the food! As for the food, this place has unbelievable brisket, 🍖 🐷 🥓 pork, ribs, 🍗 chicken, 🌭 sausage, and more. The smell is amazing. They also have amazing Mac and cheese, corn read, corn, beans, and desserts. They also have a whole wall of free beans, sauces, and cutlery. This location also has ♿ handicap accessible 🅿️ parking, 🚻 restrooms, and tons of bar and bench seating."
— Jordan Burleson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"This place was fantastic! A true Texas old timey pit bbq! Every meat we tried was to die for. We had the half chicken, regular sausage, brisket, and turkey. Everything was moist and seasoned well! Then we had the mashed potatoes and the free beans for sides. The food was on the saltier side but perfect for our tastes. The service was fantastic with the classic small town charm! The person cutting our meat did a great job cutting exactly what we wanted. Meat is priced by the pound in the board but you can tell them how much you are looking for and go from there! If we didn’t live 1.5 hours away this would be a regular joint for us."
— Theresa Keller

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ordering process work at Cooper's?

You walk up to the outdoor pit where the meats are displayed and smoking. A pitmaster carves your selection right in front of you, then you take your tray inside to grab sides and a drink. It's simple, fast, and part of what makes the experience feel authentically Texan.

What meats does Cooper's serve?

The menu includes brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, sausage links, pulled pork, and rotating pit specials. Reviewers consistently say you cannot go wrong with any choice, though the beef ribs and brisket are the most talked-about cuts.

What are Cooper's hours?

Cooper's is open seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. No reservations are required for walk-in dining.

Is there a bar at Cooper's?

Yes. Cooper's has a full bar on-site where you can order cold beer, cocktails, and other drinks to go alongside your barbecue. It adds to the classic Texas saloon atmosphere the restaurant is known for.

Where exactly is Cooper's located in Austin?

Cooper's is at 217 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, right in downtown and within easy walking distance of the Texas State Capitol. Parking options are available in nearby garages and street spots.

Is Cooper's good for groups?

Absolutely. The dining room is spacious with a lively atmosphere that works well for groups of all sizes. The pit-style ordering also moves quickly, so large parties don't have to wait long. For large catering inquiries, visit coopersbbqaustin.com for details.

How much should I expect to spend?

Reviewers note that costs can add up faster than expected, especially with premium cuts like beef ribs. Budget around $20 to $35 per person for a full meal with sides and a drink. The portions are generous and the quality is worth it.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 10:00 PM
Monday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday Today 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
83° Clear Austin
Sat 87° 74°
Sun 96° 76°
Mon 98° 73°
Tue 75° 73°
Wed 76° 71°
Thu 89° 71°
Fri 91° 74°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Map showing Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Open in Maps
Open Now Closes at 10:00 PM
Call Us (512) 474-4227
Visit Website coopersbbqaustin.com
Get Directions 217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
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