More Details on Cooper’s Barbecue's Austin Expansion

While there is still no opening date for Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que’s much-delayed Austin expansion on Congress Avenue, the smoked meats restaurant let KLBJ radio program The Todd and Don Show take a tour of the space this week. There is still no opening date.

The visit of the in-progress space included the cafeteria-style service counters, where guests can order drinks while they wait to pick out smoked meats, sides, and condiments. Outside, the back patio has picnic tables and horse head decorations. The indoor dining room includes communal tables. The Llano Lounge, a tribute to Cooper’s original location, will be on the second floor. The bar setup came from Camp Warnecke in New Braunfels, and there’s a stage for music. The pits will be located the covered outdoor area. Eddie Solis will serve as pitmaster, who has been undergoing training in Llano.

Bruce Evans, partner at the new location, told Eater earlier that they wanted Cooper’s to become "the Hopdoddy of barbecue." There are three other locations in Texas: the original location in Llano, Fort Worth, and New Braunfels. The building was previously home to Tex Mex dance club Copa Bar and Grill.