The original is good, but I honestly think Llano is better. We went for lunch, it was after 1, so not real crowded. Normal Texas put BBQ setup. Order at the pit, they cu it at the pit and then slice, weigh and wrap at the counter. The brisket was good, a little dry even though we got the moist cut. The pork ribs were overcooked, as was the chicken. Sausage was good. The beef ribs weren't cooked long enough, but they were also burnt. Too hot of a pit? Not worth the price at all. Beans were good, cole slaw was OK, had a different taste. read more

The original and historic Cooper's (purportedly a GW favorite) serving Southern charm and excellent tater salad! Search carefully, this is one and only, worth the drive if you're on the hunt for classic quality BBQ. I'm not always a fan of brisket, but this one has a beautiful caramelized sear more reminiscent of meat candy than something out of a fire pit. It's hearty, smoky, and delicious. Peach cobbler was a bit crusty, but comforting nonetheless. Thanks to their lovely team for making us feel like family! read more

Cooper's Original Bar-B-Q - Meat & taters - Barbeque Near Me - Mason, Texas

I visit this area every year or so, have lived in SE, South, & West Texas for decades. Have some Fav BBQ places like Pappas, Salt Lick, County Line, Joe Cotton, Mikeska's, Black's, Swinging Door, Praseck's, etc. The meats at Cooper's are absolutely the BEST, by far. Worth a long drive to sample. Caveat: Overloaded foam to-go boxes may break, spilling your loot. Keep a hand under it while carrying. Bring me some, PLEASE ! read more

Best BBQ I've had in as long as I can remember!! Can't wait to go back and get more beef ribs. A must try if you're in the area. You will not regret it!! read more

Cooper's Original Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Mason, Texas

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The BBQ was so good. Sauce was perfect, beans really good! Employees very friendly and place nice N clean. The Blackberry cobbler was outta this world ! read more

Just as good as the famed location in Llano Texas which I have been to 3x before this one. It is the same exact concept and quality meats but cheaper by a bit and faster service due to far shorter lines. I actually think that I would rather make the drive to Mason (closer to home for me anyway) than make the drive to Llano to get great BBQ since it's so similar if not identical at lower prices and faster service. I love the view you get over the pits to point and choose what you want, how much, pending whats available at the time. The half chicken, smoked turkey, and brisket are big winners for us. My wife and I loved all 3 of them. The coleslaw is great, my favorite classic side to BBQ other than beans or sweet cornbread. The baked potatoes are big and soft, tender and tasty, load it up with toppings as you wish. We paid about $70 for all our goods and leftovers as well. read more

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This is BBQ! Stand in line, point and grunt, get meat on tray. Everything is fantastic. A must stop on anyone's BBQ journey.

Are you confused about all the BBQ joints named Cooper's? I am. But these folks say they are the mother of all of them, and their story seems valid. And their product is very good, so I'm not refuting their story. (By the way, they don't claim to own all those other ones.) read more

Best BBQ in Texas, hands down! Historic feel inside and out. Very kid friendly kid too! read more

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Mediocre barbecue joints are the most difficult to review, as they elicit so little passion from yours truly, Dark Prince of Yelp San Antonio and South Texas barbecue gourmand extraordinaire. The crème de la crème inspire fervid, multi-paragraph tomes in which I extol the indubitable, alchemical talents of their respective pitmasters: men and women who've spent years, possibly decades, honing their craft and transforming primal slabs of meat into tender, smoky, crusty slices of heaven. At the opposite end of the spectrum, extraordinarily *bad* barbecue joints (mainly corporate fare such as Dickey's and Bill Miller's) are fun to lambaste (often with scatological humor) on a public forum such as this. Cooper's BBQ in Mason, Texas falls somewhere between both extremes; most of the mesquite-kissed meats (and all of the sides) are average at best. Contrary to what other Cooper's BBQ locations throughout Texas claim, the Cooper's in Mason, Texas is *the* original location, the one founded by George Cooper in 1953. The pit has changed hands only twice, with longtime employee Duard Dockal assuming ownership in 1983 and the Estes family purchasing the property in 2014. The Estes' young son Dillon mans the three steel pits and does his best to keep the Cooper's tradition alive. The building still looks charmingly ramshackle, and the tantalizing aromas (yummy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) wafting through town have no doubt enticed many a hungry traveler. Dry "moist" brisket (yes, an oxymoron) was the biggest disappointment of the afternoon. I should have trusted my eyes when Dillon's associate lifted the pit and I spotted several slabs of brisket with desiccated edges and no discernible fat cap. The edges were tough and difficult to chew, while the center was lined with rivulets of spongy, unrendered fat. Based on these signs, I suspect that young master Dillon utilizes the "hot and fast" approach to brisket, a technique best left to a seasoned professional like Roy Perez at Kreuz Market in Lockhart. In this case, the brisket would have benefited from the more traditional (and far less risky) "low and slow" method, imbuing the edges with a slightly crispy, mahogany ring of smoke and rendering the intramuscular fat and collagen. Goat sausage fared considerably better with just a hint of gaminess and plenty of snap from the pit. Dillon informed me that he follows the same recipe (a blend of pork, goat, and proprietary spices) handed down from the late George Cooper. I could have made a meal out of several links and a side of Cooper's tangy, vinegary mop sauce. Less successful, however, was a jalapeno-cheddar variant, which bore minimal heat from the peppers and an overpowering, heavily processed American cheese flavor. The biggest hit of the afternoon was a huge slab of goat shoulder. Given my disappointment with the beef brisket, I was pleasantly surprised to find the goat shoulder moist throughout, suggesting that Dillon applied the aforementioned "low and slow" method to the latter. Goat meat has a unfair reputation (at least in the US) for being tough and gamey, but the shoulder I devoured with my bare hands was delicate, grassy, and reminiscent of lamb. Regrettably, everything else I sampled was mediocre. Pork ribs veered dangerously close to "fall-off-the-bone" tender (i.e., they were overdone), and both poultry options (chicken poppers and turkey breast) were dry and stringy. Thimble-portioned sides of coleslaw and potato salad were bland, as were the complimentary pinto beans. The latter were also watery and lukewarm (or "piss warm," as my father is fond of saying). Whenever possible, I visit an establishment at least twice (preferably three times or more) before passing judgment, but I doubt I will ever return to Cooper's in Mason. On a positive note, Dillon and his team were ingratiating and receptive to feedback, two traits I seldom observe from justifiably narcissistic pitmasters at Texas's most acclaimed barbecue destinations. Road trips are fun, but when I crave barbecue (which happens with alarming frequency), I will embark on a much shorter trip to B Daddy's in Helotes or Blackboard BBQ in Sisterdale, two semi-local temples of 'cue (see my reviews). If you do visit Cooper's, then consider limiting your order to goat, goat, and more goat. read more

Cooper's Original Bar-B-Q - My feast: goat and jalapeño cheddar sausage, chicken popper, pork ribs, brisket, turkey breast, goat shoulder, goat rib - Barbeque Near Me - Mason, Texas

On our way back from the Texas Tech vs Oregon game we stoped in to pick up some BBQ to take home. But we decided to eat in on this visit Today they had meatloaf, beef ribs, chicken jalapeño cheese sausage, potato salad and beans. Food was so good we took plenty home. We haven't been by here in a couple of years but I have to say they have some of the nicest people working here we always feel welcomed. Small town people are awesome! read more

Coopers has always been good in llano . Mason is good but have some jacked up hours. Junction not so much last few times I been there. It's ok but not great like llano. read more

OMG. This place was good. They have their own brine sauce they dip their food in too give it more flavor, it didnt even need bbq sauce or anything. They had free pinto beans, jalapenos, pickle slices, and onions. I definitely want to go back here, even if it is an 3 hour drive for me. The peach cobbler and berry cobbler were very delicious. Restrooms were well kept. Inside space is small (4 tables) but it looks like locals pick up the food because when we arrived they already had half the food reserved for people. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PLACE!!!! read more

Some of the best bbq I've ever had! We were passing through and I saw their billboard. Luckily found a convenient place to park our motorhome. We had the brisket and it was melt in your mouth tender and a flavor that is delicious & smoky. The sides are a bit pricey but they throw in pinto beans that are just like my mom used make. I practically liked the bowl. We travel through Mason at least twice per year and will be back for more. Thanks so much. read more

Meh. The food was acceptable, but not what I come to expect from a BBQ joint. We ordered outside and were given (and charged for) TWICE the amount of meat we asked for. The sides were ok. Nothing special here people.... read more

This place is tiny, but don't let that fool you. We have been planning family vacation routes around this place since I was little, and it never disappoints. They pull the BBQ right off the pit for you and cut however much you want. They have the generic meats and sides, but their Mac and cheese is delicious. Home made and creamy, so yummy! Make sure you have them dip your meat at the pit when you order, I think they call it sauce but it isn't BBQ sauce. I'm not sure what it is, but it makes all the difference. Your meat is moist and full of flavor. read more

Cooper's Original Bar-B-Q - Brisket, sausage, chicken, potato salad, Mac and cheese. Bigger portions not pictured - Barbeque Near Me - Mason, Texas

The BBQ at the Cooper's in Mason usually pretty darn good, but maybe today was just an off day. The BBQ itself was good but ICE cold. I was really shocked. I asked them if that had a microwave so I could hear it up. LOL. Of course they didn't, but what really surprised about was the total lack of caring. Nobody gave a damn or acknowledged it all. I'm taking it home to heat it up and drive to the Llano location next time. read more

Food was top-notch. Service was impeccable. The outside eating area was quaint and well maintained. The presentation was great. You were able to view all the Meats on the grill. Loaded baked potato with brisket was an explosion of taste. Highly recommend purchasing this. It is a little confusing ordering. Also, the pricing on the wall is a little misleading. Ask how much your meat weighs, or you'll be paying quite a chunk of change for something you may not finish. The pork chop was good, the turkey breast was good, and the chopped beef sandwich was good. If ever passing through again, I'd stop without hesitation. Everyone was so incredibly nice. read more

Overall this spot was ok. They had some a little of everything would expect to find at a Local TX BBQ spot plus some goat. We had the chopped sandwich, brisket, pork ribs and some sausage. There was nothing overly remarkable about any of the food we had including the sides. It is a bit over reproved for the overall quality. They had some indoor and outdoor dining options. Not a bad spot if you have to stop here and eat just be prepared to feel like you were over charged. Service was friendly and good. My kids enjoyed the brisket and ribs and Mac and cheese and with them being picky eaters that was a win read more

Cooper's Original Bar-B-Q - Outside sign - Barbeque Near Me - Mason, Texas

Great barbecue! They even let us pick our meat from the pit. Friendly faces and cold drinks. They're only open until 5:30 , closed Tuesday and Wednesday. If you're traveling through Mason, TX, it's worth stopping! read more

The Goat BBQ amazes me. Everything bbq should be! Finger pickin & bone lickin. My portion is so perfectly cooked for challenging piece!

It was ok but I almost didn't eat because flies in the pit as you picked out your selections. My husband liked it.

Great BBQ. I drive all over Texas looking for BBQ and I keep coming back here to Cooper's. The ribs are good, as is the sausage. But the brisket, beans and sauce can not be matched anywhere. And be careful. There are now several Coopers out there. All are good, but some rise above the others. read more

Ate here last week and it was back up to their excellent standards. The ribs fell off the bone and the pork chop I took home was tender and delicious. read more

Best Coopers by far. Small sitting area but we always take ours to go and enjoy the local park. Love the ribs and brisket. But anything you get is good. Add your favorite side and don't forget your free beans. read more

The pitmaster was really helpful and nice, helped us select our meats. The pork ribs and brisket were both tender, juicy, and well seasoned. Coleslaw is on the sweet side, like KFC but with a vinegar tang. Potato salad is mustard based and a tad bland. Inside tables are shared which helps because it's small. The AC was nice though. We enjoyed our meal and the pleasant and helpful service. $30ish for two, with drinks and a tip. Worth it for a nice stop on our trip. read more

Cooper's BBQ in Mason has some damn good BBQ! The Cooper's in Mason is not as well known as the Cooper's in Llano and has different ownership (Duard Dockall) that the other locations (Which are owned by Terry Wootan). The Mason location is the original Cooper's. I think the brisket at the Mason location is more moist and tender than the Llano location, I also like their potato salad better as well. They don't have quite as large of a selection of cuts of meat, but they cover the standards and then some with brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, spicy and regular sausage, chicken, pork loin and cabrito. The beans, cole slaw and cobbler are all solid as well. The place is a little hole in the wall on the west side of HWY 87 in Mason, but you're not going for the decor, you're going for the BBQ. They still use the original brick smokers that were built in the 50s when Cooper's first opened, which is why the flavor is SO good, you just can't replicate decades of seasoning. I disagree with Texas Monthly - I've been coming here since the late 80s (It's the closest BBQ joint to my family's ranch) and I don't think the quality has changed at all. If you're in Mason or passing through on HWY 87 do yourself a favor and go get some of the best brisket in the Hill Country. read more

3/29/14 1:39pm - After topping off the feeders in Rocksprings, my daughter and I headed up to Mason to meet my life long friend and his son. Where else to hook up than the original Cooper's Bar-B-Q! This little gem made Texas Monthly Top 5 in 2003 but never again has it graced even the top 50. The father started this joint in 1953, the son then took the same concept to Llano 10 years later and became a Texas BBQ legend. After lunch we're taking the kiddos to swim in the Llano river and then back to camp for some turkey hunting. Hill Country fun big time! God bless Texas. I scored Cooper's Bar-B-Q an 80 out of 100. This is Regional Texas BBQ. Smoke: Mesquite. Three direct heat Cowboy style steel pits. Wood is burned down to coals in the large firebox. Coals are transferred to the pits, heat to the meat, and meat to your belly. So much blue smoke you think you're in a forest fire. Brisket: Good. When he sliced my brisket at the pit, the color of the meat was nearly white. High heat. He dipped in the mop sauce (a must for these bone dry clods). There was no smoke ring! Had a nice crunchy black bark. My slice tested tough of tender and I had to use a knife. Smoke was bold. Use the sauce. Ribs: Good. Near perfect tender spare ribs with clean bite and clean bone. Not much on flavor, just smoke and pork. Use the sauce. Sausage: Very Good. Course ground pork/beef links with bold traditional spice and a bold after taste. No sauce needed. Sauce: Very Good. Well if you like Heinz 57 sauce you love this stuff. It was nice change with all the different sauces I sample. It made everything taste a little better. It comes in a large bottle cause you need it. PS: Do NOT get the beef rib!! Dry as bone and tough as nails. So overpriced it still burning a hole in my wallet. My buddy's dog refused to eat the left over. That bad. Coopers is famous for sticker shock, this beef rib might cause PTSD. read more

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Everything Hayley G. says is spot on. My grandmother hailed from Mason so I've been going to this joint for many moons and never realized just how awesome it was until the Texas Monthly rated it one of the top 3 in the state a couple years ago. Although their recent BBQ edition says that it's not as good as it was a few years ago, it's still one of the best - and you get to visit Mason, my favorite small town in Texas! HINT: look for goat meat on the pit, probably a leg. Mmmm, cabrito. read more

Giant Beef rib fell off the bone. Beans were great. Great place. Will be back soon. For the goat sausage. To full now.

Great BBQ cooked in a pit out front. I meet Dillon, a young man who learned smoking from the best. He is the new owner going on 4 yrs. He & his staff were friendly & helpful. Potato salad was delicious & also the coleslaw. Knockout beans & dipping sauce. My friend has eaten here since her youth & still loves the bbq. Great Tx Roadside stop for lunch or anytime.***** read more

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$45 for one 1/2" thick slice of brisket, the smallest beef rib they had, and a 4" piece of sausage? It was good, but not that good. I honestly think they overcharged us. read more

Was sent to pick up some bbq for lunch and upon arrival was very excited. Outside was a huge bbq pit with a ton of meat cooking and ready to order. You place your meat order outside and they will slice up what you need and follow you inside with it. We were asked if we wanted our brisket dipped in sauce which apparently is just extra juice from the brisket. I think if they left the brisket in a foil pan w/ the juice it would be a lot less dry. Most of the juice that it was dipped in just falls right back off and doesn't get soaked up. The sausage was okay, was hoping for a bit more spice/flavor. Same with the beans, they were okay but not all that flavorful. (they came with the order of meat) These you just serve yourself at the back of the restaurant where they also have jalapenos, pickles, onions and bbq sauce. I typically don't like bbq sauce on my brisket but thought it might add some moisture and it was on the sweet side. There are a few picnic tables inside for sit-down service as well w/loaves of bread and bbq sauce for use. read more

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Does it get any better than this? I think not. Brisket was amazing as well as the sausage and ribs. Would eat here often if I lived closer. Love how you order right off the smoker. One of my favorite BBQ restaurants. read more

I'm a local, and this is the BBQ joint for me. The new owners have done a great job fixing it up and are running it very well. Could they have a bigger selection? Yes, But in a county of 4,000 people that would be foolish. Keep up the great job! read more

Amazinggggg BBQ and evening better service! The young men working were extremely helpful and welcoming. Made sure our to-go food was nice and wrapped up safe for the drive home as well. Highly recommended to anyone in the area or passing through. read more

Old school BBQ what else can you say. The brisket is awesome and the sausage is incredible and if you like vinegar based sauce this place is for you. Mason, TX is a cool little town and I would definitely take the drive out there if you're looking for a day trip. read more

I ate here this weekend and was really looking forward to it. I used to really like this place but had not eaten there in years, I was sadly disappointed. I agree with James B's review that the meat was overcooked, and I got there early so it should have been moist. I tried a variety of meats and it was all overdone. The two sides were nothing special either. My main complaint though was with the price, just way over priced for what it is. My lunch without a drink was $43! On my way back through Mason a few days later I tried the other BBQ place "Deadwood" that is only open on weekends and it was much better than Coopers. read more

We have come through here for about 18 years. We live in Abilene and our oldest daughter went to lions camp in Kerrville so every summer for about 7 years we would make the trip twice every summer. Once to drop her off and once to pick her up. We would always stop by at Cooper's and get some BBQ and a gallon of pit sauce. We have never been disappointed in all these years. It's still as good now as it was 18 years ago. The new owners have changed nothing and there is still no reason to! read more

There aren't a whole lot of choices in Mason, and this place closes early. Chose brisket, sausage and ribs from the pit. Brisket bark was very salty and tough. Ribs were okay. Sausage was okay. I'd like to rank it somewhere between poor and average. Non-existent customer service, and the tongs you use to fish the pickles out of the giant jar are 1) not long enough and 2) dirty. And I have to slice my own onions? Really? I think not. read more