Drink and Picnic in Dripping Springs When Proof & Cooper Opens on July 4

Proof and Cooper, from the people behind whiskey bar The Blackheart, aims to become a Hill Country drinking and dining destination beginning on Saturday, July 4. Eater spoke to partner Jeremy Murray about the new eatery. The location was appealing because "it’s separate from everything," he said. "It’s a beautiful piece of property." The space took over the former Bert & Ernie’s General Store building on 18710 Hamilton Pool Road in Dripping Springs. Russell Dougherty, formerly of Little Brown and Barrel, will run the kitchen.

The ground-floor of the two-story building will have both takeout and dine-in offerings, focusing on locally-sourced Southern picnic food, including fried chicken. There will be a pantry for to-go items, like salads, beer growlers, and pickled produce. Along with 22 beers on draft, the program will highlight new takes on classic cocktails, and will feature local liquors and beers, such as Swift’s, Treaty Oak, and Real Ale Brewing. There are stages for live music as well as a wraparound porch.

Upstairs will be home to a whiskey library, where members get branded glassware and access to lockers for specially-sourced products. The space, with a 130-year-old Brunswick bar, will also host a monthly supper club which will center on fine dining fare. It’s meant for people who want to have "something unique to themselves," explained Murray.

There will be live music all night long during the grand opening party on the Fourth of July from 4 p.m. to midnight. Proof & Cooper will be open every day from 4 p.m. to midnight, with plans to add lunch and brunch in the future.