The Hill Country is blessed with several open pit style BBQ places named “Coopers”. But the original Coopers is located in Mason, TX and it is in no way associated with the other Coopers. Coopers in Mason was established in 1953 by the late George Cooper, later purchased by Duard Dockal in 1983. When Duard (pronounced doo-erd) took over the business, he decided to make the business more family friendly, and the rest is history. They’ve been using the same delicious recipe for over 50 years now, and over the years they’vde become an institution. Mr. Dockal and his great staff serve visitors from all over the world, and people routinely drive hundreds of miles out of their way just to have lunch in Mason. Drop by and try their unique ‘homemade’ barbecue sauces.
In 2003, when Texas Monthly did its statewide review of the 50 best barbecue restaurants, Cooper’s in Mason was among the top five, while other imitators ranked 39th at best. Cooper’s Mason brisket was also ranked the best in Texas in Delta’s Sky magazine. With numerous write-ups in newspapers all over Texas and the rest of the country, the original Cooper’s Pit Bar-B-Q is without a doubt one of the best places to visit if you enjoy excellent barbecue.
Cooper’s Mason serves beef brisket, chicken, pork chops, sausage, cabrito, pork ribs, beef ribs, sirloin steaks and pork loins. And great pinto beans! First you visit the pit and tell the pit master what piece you want. Then, the meat is carried inside where it is cut to your liking. You can take it with you or eat it in their air-conditioned dining room.
If you’re out of state, and would like Cooper’s to ship an order to you, call and they’ll figure out a price for you. They’ll send their famous barbecue to you anywhere in the country.
Cooper’s Mason is located at 502 San Antonio Street (Hwy 87 South, next to the Super Grocery Store). Their phone # is (325) 347-6897. Hours 8 to 5:30 (or earlier if they sell out), daily.
Post a comment with your thoughts about Cooper’s in Mason or about another favorite BBQ place in the Hill Country.
Tell’m “365 TX Hill Country” sent you and maybe I’ll get lucky to have them toss in a free bag of chips with my purchase!
Come hungry!
-Don Gray
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