While I was in Austin, I tried to look for some healthy eating spots near the hotel I was staying at, but it was harder than I expected… Instead, I found a place that had a long line outside on my way to a business function around 7pm on Tuesday. After the event, my coworker and I decided to check it out. It was pretty late, around 9:30pm! We figured they won’t have any line at that point, and we were right. However, 30 minutes before closing, they still had a good amount of people there.

At the entrance, the first thing I saw was a large bar counter seats that goes all around the bar. More than half the chairs were taken by the customers who were enjoying the food and drinks.

They have a large room next to the bar area, mostly separated by the brick wall. The interior was…well, Texan to me. Bricks, woods, old-fashioned light fixtures and decorations. Making the huge space feel cozy and welcoming. We only got to see the main dining area on the street level, but they have a rooftop garden and an oak-shaded back patio. It is surprising to see that with that much space, they still get a long line that goes out into the street…can’t imagine what it is like on the weekends!

 

As we were leaving, I saw fun couches with dairy cow design, fitting right into the atmosphere. The last thing I saw before leaving was an interesting wooden figure with a cowboy had and an apron. Maybe it is Mr. Cooper, greeting customers coming in and out.

Now, let’s talk about their food. Here, it is all about the meat. When you walk in, just go all the way to the back. The ordering counter starts with the meat, side dishes, desserts and then pay at the cashier. Since it was almost closing time, most of their meat offerings were gone. They had turkey, sausage and brisket left. Luckily for me, what I wanted was Brisket, so I was happy they still had that left. After you choose the meat, a staff will get the meat out for you. The staff asked if I wanted sauce on it, and I said no with a little hesitation. I kept hearing that their meat is so good on its own, it doesn’t need any kind of sauce.

Then it is hand off to the next staff with a power tool. He asked if I wanted them sliced and I said yes. He went right in to my meat and sliced them up nicely. It was wrapped up and ready for the excitement of being unwrapped… And then time for a side and dessert. The meat does NOT come with any side or dessert, so these are optional.

At the end was a cashier stand. You get a cup if you wand some soda drinks. I wanted a bottled water, which you can grab from the area near desserts. Then, off to find a place to sit. The whole transaction took only five minutes! Quite the efficient team they have there.

We had no trouble getting a seat, as it was not as busy late at night. They had a few giant jar of Japapeño Peppers on each communal tables, with paper towels and other condiments.

A jar of Japapeño Peppers was not the only complimentary thing they had there. They had a few kinds of breads on the counter by the wall. This is also where you can get your silverware and soda drinks. I was not super hungry, so I didn’t take any bread. But it is a very nice option to have.

On top of that, they had complimentary Bean Pot too! I didn’t take any of that either, but if I did, the bread would definitely be a good companion. With these, you don’t have to get any sides if you just wanted meat, beans and bread with a side of Japapeño Peppers and pickles.

Now, the MEAT! My Brisket which was a bit over half the pound came out to be $12.15 ($18.99/lbs). Without the sauce, it might look somewhat dry on the photo, but it was incredibly moist and juicy! No words can describe how tender and juicy it was…pure perfection!!! The seasoning on it was amazing, perfect amount of salt, super tasty! One of the best brisket I’ve ever had. Packed with flavor, and yes, it didn’t need any additional sauce or condiments. The flavor of meat on its own was fantastic. How good were they? It was like a total crazy happy party in my mouth with unicorns and rainbows good. It was so much meat, I didn’t get to finish them all.

I bought one side to go with my meat, Japapeño Bacon Mac N Cheese ($3.89). It was packed into a small Styrofoam cup. And I mean, packed!  It was creamy with good kick to it from japapeño. It was great, nice and cheesy and quite rich. Very comforting and super filling. I didn’t get to finish this one either, so I took more than half of it back to my hotel.

For the dessert, I got Peach Cobbler ($3.75), you know, the classic! All the others looked good too, but the staff who was getting me the dessert also agreed, that the peach is the best! And you know what, the cobbler was like the way your grandma from country-side made for you back in the days. Sweet, decadent, welcoming and warm. Makes you smile from inside and out. Worth the calories! I was actually quite full before I got to the cobbler, but I couldn’t even put the lid on with it being overflowing from the cup. I had to eat a bit more before I can close it securely. They really give you good amount of food!

And for your convenience, they do have a “doggie bag” section along the wall, thanks! I ended up taking about the half of Brisket and Mac N Cheese, and most of the Cobbler. I certainly enjoyed them all the next day.

Staffs here were not overly friendly but that might have been because we got there about half and hour before they closed. I am sure they were tired and ready to close up. Still, if you talk to them, they are nice and polite. And the food, my goodness, after one bite into the meat, I understood the crazy popularity of this spot. Some say they have the best BBQ meat in town, and that might be true with the quality and flavor that they offer. And it might not be the healthy choice of food, but everything here was worth the calories! If I ever go back to Austin, I will definitely go back again!

 

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que – 217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701