Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Austin

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que restaurant, honored to be the "Best Of The Best" in the barbecue business, known for its two-inch-thick pork "Big Chop" much as for being former US President George W. Bush's favorite barbecue joint, celebrated the history of Congress Avenue in the early 20th century by setting themselves up in a historic building on Congress.

Over the years, the 200 block of Congress has been the home to several pubs, saloons, cafes and restaurants. Now it has been brought back to life thanks to renovation. Back in the day, across the street was home to the International and Great Northern Rail Road Depot, built in 1888. And the upstairs space at 217 was once the Travis Hotel, rumored to have been a cat house!

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is part of the Cooper family's restaurant legacy that dates back to the 1950s. At Cooper's, you can enjoy a variety of smoked meats such as brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, and cabrito. However, what sets Cooper's apart is its famous "Big Chop," a thick two-inch pork chop. The meats are smoked in large rectangular pits, using fast-burning mesquite wood to infuse a subtle smoky flavor, different from the slow-smoked barbecue style.

One unique feature of Cooper's is their barbecue sauce, which is served on the side. It's a special concoction made by smoking a mix of ingredients, including ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, Louisiana hot sauce, lard, and brisket drippings. This sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the delicious smoked meats they offer.

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Austin is more than just a restaurant; it is a vibrant fusion of culinary excellence, historical significance, and a testament to family tradition in the heart of Texas.