Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Smoked meats, family-style tables, bustling downtown energy
Aggregated Reviews
4.5
5.7k reviews
Review Summary
About 75% of reviews praise the brisket, ribs, and sausage for being flavorful, tender, and authentically smoky, with the brisket and jalapeño sausage most cited as favorites and sides like jalapeño bacon mac and banana pudding also highlighted.
Roughly 15% of guests express disappointment with dryness, saltiness, or inconsistency in some meats and sides (notably turkey, corn, and mac & cheese), and several mention the BBQ sauce's tangy, vinegar-forward style is not for everyone.
Atmosphere is commonly called "welcoming," "laid-back," and "authentic," with family-style or communal seating, a rooftop terrace, and efficient counter service; the bar and staff, especially individuals like Jim and Kelly, receive frequent positive mention.
Pricing is a consistent con, with about 20% finding the cost high for the portion or value, and a few note parking difficulties and the experience at closing time can impact food quality.
Free self-serve beans, pickles, bread, and a variety of seating (indoor/outdoor, bar) are cited as perks, and Cooper’s is repeatedly recommended for both casual meals and events in downtown Austin.
*This Review is an AI summary based on overall user ratings.
4.5
Food
Brisket, ribs, sausage, turkey praised for flavor, tenderness, authentic smoky Texas BBQ; cornbread, jalapeño mac & cheese, banana pudding, green beans highlighted; some inconsistent quality—issues with dryness, saltiness, or bland sides; BBQ sauce more vinegary than expected for Texas style.
Location
Prime downtown Austin spot, close to hotels, Congress Ave Bridge, and local attractions; downtown parking noted as expensive and challenging.
Service
Staff generally described as friendly, welcoming, efficient; bartenders (notably Jim and Kelly) receive special mention; occasional complaints of inattentiveness or rushed experience at counter, especially late in day.
Value for Money
Pricing higher, especially for beef ribs and overall meal; some note better value than nearby competitors, others disappointed by cost-to-quality ratio; complimentary beans, pickles, and bread appreciated.
Vibe
Family-style seating, casual communal atmosphere, Western BBQ shack decor, bar area social and lively, suitable for groups; authentic and laid-back; some find atmosphere unremarkable for private events.