Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Llano

Llano, TX
Cooper's is located in Llano, TX and is the first of three locations, another location is in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and the third location in in New Braunfels, TX. Cooper's was pretty much the first to coin the term  "Hill Country" barbecue. Hard 8 and Opie's are some other joints that have joined this niche in past years.  I've been to Cooper's about three to four times in the past three years.  It's one of my favorite places not just for the barbecue but also for the drive.

Spring wildflowers outside of Goldthwaite

The Drive
If you're coming from the north especially DFW area I suggested taking the back roads through Cleburne and San Saba.  If you're coming from the south, Austin area, take Highway 71. If you're coming from the west (Georgetown) take Highway 29.  The drive is part of the experience, it's beautiful and no matter what direction you're coming from it's worth it.

Serving Pit

Cooper's has pretty much set the standard of what "Hill Country" barbecue is.  The cooking process is the same but what makes it a bit different is how they serve it.  You start at the serving pit and order right off of it.  You point and the pit master cuts or pierces what ever your heart desires.  You then take your tray inside and hand your'e tray to the guy behind the counter and he slices it up and weighs it for you. You pick your sides from refrigeration cases but hold on a minute "podnah".  Don't be too quick to buy sides.  Located on both sides of the dining room are drink stations that have complimentary pinto beans, sauce, and relishes.  So you can get by without really any sides.  Complimentary sliced bread and butter is also located on each table as well. The dining room is fitted with Hofbrauhaus style seating so cozy up to your neighbor and start enjoying some great barbecue.

Prime Rib

Rib, brisket, sausage

Cooper's is known for their "Big Chop" which is a big pork chop.  I haven't had it myself but will say they offer a variety of cuts of meat other than straight BBQ for example prime rib.  I of course  had their ribs, sausage, brisket, and recently prime rib. The ribs are really good with a salt & pepper rub and the brisket is top notch.  The sausage is alright but is of grocery store quality and you can tell it's not made on location. Something to mention about Cooper's barbecuing process is the use charcoal to fire their pits and they make the charcoal on-site. Cooper's is worth the drive and worth the wait, so go try it out!

Wood pile

Charcoal "Ovens"

Me and the Group

Cooper's Old-Time BBQ

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM

Friday-Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM

604 W. Young St. Llano, TX 78643

Phone 325-247-5713

http://www.coopersbbqllano.com

I'm heading to Austin tomorrow and might enjoy some live music, second weekend of ACL, but will definitely be enjoying some BBQ. I have Chisholm Trail in Lockhart, Opie's in Spicewood, and Franklin BBQ in Austin on my barbecue radar. I will report back my findings next week!

Keira just enjoyed the bread & butter

The line - it moves fast