Cooper's is worth the trip to Llano if only for the history. This place practically invented smoked brisket and they have the assortment of sides and desserts that are the envy of other Bar-B-Que places anywhere. The server opens the pit top and and shows you an assortment of meats you won't find anywhere else. Rib Eyes, Sirloins, Goat, Prime Rib and the Big Chop. The variety is so inviting I could spend days eating here. The cooked the brisket the way I expect perfect brisket to be smoked. I had been to Tumlinson's Rocky Top Bar-B-Que shortly before so I didn't go in with that unquenchable lust for barbecue. Which probably says a lot for Cooper's. I loved the food. We purchased brisket, pork ribs and burnt ends. We didn't get any sides but we did get peach cobbler and pecan cobbler. The desserts were top shelf. I only wished I had ice cream! What I didn't like about Cooper's was the atmosphere. No windows in the main dining room which was crowded so we followed the sign that said more seating outdoor. This didn't mean outdoors though. It was an even smaller, windowless room with no music playing and a weird affect that made us want to leave as soon as possible. Here is my comparison of Cooper's with Tumlinson's: We left Tumlinson's SmokyTop and went to Cooper's and as a comparison, I give the edge to Tumlinson's. The briskets were both in the same top echelon of what I expect a smoked brisket to be, but I think Tumlinson's was just slightly better. But where Tumlinson's crushes Cooper's is in the ambiance/atmosphere. Cooper's seating is indoor with no real outdoor tables. So you eat in a confined, windowless room that is not inviting. No music playing. Tumlinson's with no one else in it was memorable. I couldn't wait to get out of Cooper's. Felt a little creepy. Finally, Tumlinson's was selling brisket at $24 per pound while Cooper's was $26.99. This part is insignificant to me for the most part but there is a real price difference. Final verdict - Tumlinson's 5 out of 5. Cooper's 4.8 out of 5.
Genaro Cibrián
Tasty spot. Even better people. Can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sausage, Beef Rib, Mac and Cheese, Brisket
Tom G.
Don't let the outside line scare you away. You order on the outside and eat on the inside. The line moves fast and the food is amazing. In the heart of beef country, this barbecue is known for its pork. The brisket and the pork ribs were a flavorful reward following a days long drive from New Mexico.
Keith E.
First parking was really good, they have a huge gravel lot behind restaurant. You stand in line and pick your choice of meat right out of the pit. Someone cuts the amount you want and puts it on a tray. I was a little sad because I wanted to try their goat but they were all out. I got brisket and pork ribs. The brisket had good flavor but was a little overcooked. The ribs had a good bite to them but they were over powered by the salt and pepper the put on hem. I know in Texas brisket only is mostly flavored with salt and pepper but ribs?
Linda R.
Take advantage of all the friendly locals and have them tell you how the process works. It is a process! Seems whatever choice you get, you won't be disappointed. The food was great!
Diana D.
The staff is wonderful. This is a Texas BBQ staple, so it was nice to live the experience. The food is ok. We ordered ribs, brisket, sausage, Mac n cheese, coleslaw and potato salad.
Michael Dunn
Have been a long time patron of Coopers in Llano, probably close to 15 years, was always a "go to" stopped when I was in the area however today for lunch everything was off unfortunately. Order brisket, prime rib, sausage, and beef rib. Almost every item was way overcooked and way over salted. Not sure what may have changed, but have not been here for over a year and a half. Was a very disappointing and "low to mid" $65 meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sausage, Beef Rib, Brisket
Rhett H
In town for Thanksgiving with family. Always a pleasure dining at Coopers! Ordered the Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage and Brisket. Yum!!
Jonathan Uribe
Great food great service! Loved how they treated
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mac and Cheese, BBQ Brisket
S K
There was a time (1990’s-2000’s)when I would drive to Llano just to eat at Cooper’s. Thought we’d give it another go after avoiding it the last few years due to a bad experience. But the fact is Cooper’s just isn’t what it used to be. There’s no effort in truly offering a Fine Texas BBQ Experience. The current management running the restaurant appears to have opted for expedience at the cost of quality. The meat does not appear to actually be smoked anymore. (No wood in sight). They just pull it from heating cabinets and throw it on the pit and let customers think it’s traditional bbq. Chicken and turkey looked anemic/pale, no smoked flavor. Pinto beans were lukewarm. Young man behind the counter offered to slice meat but just cut it in chunks. I don’t think he knew how to slice it. Restrooms were a bit dirty. I read some of the more positive reviews. Just don’t see it. Disappointing overall.
I had BBQ at the downtown Austin location years ago, it was amazing. This one New Braunsfels didn't bring the same experience. I saw people reviewing the brisket was too fatty, and I have to agree. Even the server trimmed part of the fat off before he weighed it, it's still about 1/3 to 1/4 of the brisket was chunks of fat at the edge. The meat also wasn't flavored evenly, some parts were very salty, some parts were very mild. Not enough smoky feeling of a BBQ. The spare ribs were dry, not worthy it. The other side dishes were average, not the best but not bad, we actually ate more sides than the meat we ordered. The highlight of this location was the service and the free beans. I hope this was not the best day that Cooper has to offer, wish them the best since the downtown Austin location was so good.
Teresa L.
Return visit after many years. Still BBQ greatness! Had brisket, ribs, jalapeño sausage and jalapeño Mac and cheese. All were excellent except the sausage, which definitely needed to be cooked longer. Mac and cheese was crazy good. All the beans, fresh bread and condiments you could want. Fairly busy on a Sunday at noon. Friendly service and they provide an area to get anything you would need for taking your left overs to go. One star deduction for the half a dozen flies that wouldn't stay away from our food. We ended up packing it to go to eat somewhere else. 5 star BBQ and service. Highly recommend, best brisket ever.
Tony B.
Stop by on my way home from WF TxPork chop,Beef Ribs, Sirloin and Jalapeño Sausage Awsome BBQ!(make sure you dip your meat)Best Beans Service is always good every one is so nice and helpful.You always get to talk to great people waiting in line.
LeeAnne W.
My husband and I visited the original Cooper's on a huge Texas roadtrip. I was going for the cabrito and I heard that they run out quickly so we arrived shortly after they opened and we bought the last pound. We also chose the turkey and brisket, along with potato salad, coleslaw and the pinto beans as sides. We ordered everything to go. The sides we ordered were superb and because we weren't in the mood to eat anything rich for dinner; we decided to have just the sides that evening in our Airbnb and froze the meat. We DEVOURED the sides and we had a pretty large to go cup container of the beans and I believe we could have eaten another with no problem. We have been enjoying the meats a little at a time and it has frozen rather well. I would love to go again and eat the meat right there next time. Do not fear the goat (cabrito). It is soooooooo good! The restaurant has pretty rustic decor and taxidermy throughout of white tail deer. And why wouldn't they???? Each of the tables have multiple gallon size containers of whole pickled jalepenos that are free to take as well as the pinto beans. You could skip the sides and just get the free beans, jalepenos, pickles, onions and bread and save quite a bit. The servers were very friendly and helpful.I cannot wait to go back!
Nick B.
Good food and very nice ppl.The moist brisket and sausage were very good. The sides were okay.
Cooper's is worth the trip to Llano if only for the history. This place practically invented smoked brisket and they have the assortment of sides and desserts that are the envy of other Bar-B-Que places anywhere. The server opens the pit top and and shows you an assortment of meats you won't find anywhere else. Rib Eyes, Sirloins, Goat, Prime Rib and the Big Chop. The variety is so inviting I could spend days eating here. The cooked the brisket the way I expect perfect brisket to be smoked. I had been to Tumlinson's Rocky Top Bar-B-Que shortly before so I didn't go in with that unquenchable lust for barbecue. Which probably says a lot for Cooper's. I loved the food. We purchased brisket, pork ribs and burnt ends. We didn't get any sides but we did get peach cobbler and pecan cobbler. The desserts were top shelf. I only wished I had ice cream! What I didn't like about Cooper's was the atmosphere. No windows in the main dining room which was crowded so we followed the sign that said more seating outdoor. This didn't mean outdoors though. It was an even smaller, windowless room with no music playing and a weird affect that made us want to leave as soon as possible. Here is my comparison of Cooper's with Tumlinson's: We left Tumlinson's SmokyTop and went to Cooper's and as a comparison, I give the edge to Tumlinson's. The briskets were both in the same top echelon of what I expect a smoked brisket to be, but I think Tumlinson's was just slightly better. But where Tumlinson's crushes Cooper's is in the ambiance/atmosphere. Cooper's seating is indoor with no real outdoor tables. So you eat in a confined, windowless room that is not inviting. No music playing. Tumlinson's with no one else in it was memorable. I couldn't wait to get out of Cooper's. Felt a little creepy. Finally, Tumlinson's was selling brisket at $24 per pound while Cooper's was $26.99. This part is insignificant to me for the most part but there is a real price difference. Final verdict - Tumlinson's 5 out of 5. Cooper's 4.8 out of 5.
Tasty spot. Even better people. Can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sausage, Beef Rib, Mac and Cheese, Brisket
Don't let the outside line scare you away. You order on the outside and eat on the inside. The line moves fast and the food is amazing. In the heart of beef country, this barbecue is known for its pork. The brisket and the pork ribs were a flavorful reward following a days long drive from New Mexico.
First parking was really good, they have a huge gravel lot behind restaurant. You stand in line and pick your choice of meat right out of the pit. Someone cuts the amount you want and puts it on a tray. I was a little sad because I wanted to try their goat but they were all out. I got brisket and pork ribs. The brisket had good flavor but was a little overcooked. The ribs had a good bite to them but they were over powered by the salt and pepper the put on hem. I know in Texas brisket only is mostly flavored with salt and pepper but ribs?
Take advantage of all the friendly locals and have them tell you how the process works. It is a process! Seems whatever choice you get, you won't be disappointed. The food was great!
The staff is wonderful. This is a Texas BBQ staple, so it was nice to live the experience. The food is ok. We ordered ribs, brisket, sausage, Mac n cheese, coleslaw and potato salad.
Have been a long time patron of Coopers in Llano, probably close to 15 years, was always a "go to" stopped when I was in the area however today for lunch everything was off unfortunately. Order brisket, prime rib, sausage, and beef rib. Almost every item was way overcooked and way over salted. Not sure what may have changed, but have not been here for over a year and a half. Was a very disappointing and "low to mid" $65 meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sausage, Beef Rib, Brisket
In town for Thanksgiving with family. Always a pleasure dining at Coopers! Ordered the Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage and Brisket. Yum!!
Great food great service! Loved how they treated
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mac and Cheese, BBQ Brisket
There was a time (1990’s-2000’s)when I would drive to Llano just to eat at Cooper’s. Thought we’d give it another go after avoiding it the last few years due to a bad experience. But the fact is Cooper’s just isn’t what it used to be. There’s no effort in truly offering a Fine Texas BBQ Experience. The current management running the restaurant appears to have opted for expedience at the cost of quality. The meat does not appear to actually be smoked anymore. (No wood in sight). They just pull it from heating cabinets and throw it on the pit and let customers think it’s traditional bbq. Chicken and turkey looked anemic/pale, no smoked flavor. Pinto beans were lukewarm. Young man behind the counter offered to slice meat but just cut it in chunks. I don’t think he knew how to slice it. Restrooms were a bit dirty. I read some of the more positive reviews. Just don’t see it. Disappointing overall.
Food: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
I had BBQ at the downtown Austin location years ago, it was amazing. This one New Braunsfels didn't bring the same experience. I saw people reviewing the brisket was too fatty, and I have to agree. Even the server trimmed part of the fat off before he weighed it, it's still about 1/3 to 1/4 of the brisket was chunks of fat at the edge. The meat also wasn't flavored evenly, some parts were very salty, some parts were very mild. Not enough smoky feeling of a BBQ. The spare ribs were dry, not worthy it. The other side dishes were average, not the best but not bad, we actually ate more sides than the meat we ordered. The highlight of this location was the service and the free beans. I hope this was not the best day that Cooper has to offer, wish them the best since the downtown Austin location was so good.
Return visit after many years. Still BBQ greatness! Had brisket, ribs, jalapeño sausage and jalapeño Mac and cheese. All were excellent except the sausage, which definitely needed to be cooked longer. Mac and cheese was crazy good. All the beans, fresh bread and condiments you could want. Fairly busy on a Sunday at noon. Friendly service and they provide an area to get anything you would need for taking your left overs to go. One star deduction for the half a dozen flies that wouldn't stay away from our food. We ended up packing it to go to eat somewhere else. 5 star BBQ and service. Highly recommend, best brisket ever.
Stop by on my way home from WF TxPork chop,Beef Ribs, Sirloin and Jalapeño Sausage Awsome BBQ!(make sure you dip your meat)Best Beans Service is always good every one is so nice and helpful.You always get to talk to great people waiting in line.
My husband and I visited the original Cooper's on a huge Texas roadtrip. I was going for the cabrito and I heard that they run out quickly so we arrived shortly after they opened and we bought the last pound. We also chose the turkey and brisket, along with potato salad, coleslaw and the pinto beans as sides. We ordered everything to go. The sides we ordered were superb and because we weren't in the mood to eat anything rich for dinner; we decided to have just the sides that evening in our Airbnb and froze the meat. We DEVOURED the sides and we had a pretty large to go cup container of the beans and I believe we could have eaten another with no problem. We have been enjoying the meats a little at a time and it has frozen rather well. I would love to go again and eat the meat right there next time. Do not fear the goat (cabrito). It is soooooooo good! The restaurant has pretty rustic decor and taxidermy throughout of white tail deer. And why wouldn't they???? Each of the tables have multiple gallon size containers of whole pickled jalepenos that are free to take as well as the pinto beans. You could skip the sides and just get the free beans, jalepenos, pickles, onions and bread and save quite a bit. The servers were very friendly and helpful.I cannot wait to go back!
Good food and very nice ppl.The moist brisket and sausage were very good. The sides were okay.