Texas is renowned for its barbecue, with a rich history that spans centuries. From the early days of cattle ranching to the present, barbecue has played a significant role in the state’s culinary identity. With numerous barbecue joints scattered throughout the Lone Star State, it’s challenging to pinpoint the oldest one. However, after delving into the history of Texas barbecue, we’ll explore the oldest barbecue place in Texas and what makes it so special.
A Brief History of Texas Barbecue
To understand the significance of the oldest barbecue place in Texas, it’s essential to grasp the history of barbecue in the state. Texas barbecue has its roots in the early days of cattle ranching, when cowboys would gather to cook meat over an open flame. This tradition was influenced by various cultures, including German, Czech, and Mexican immigrants, who brought their unique cooking styles to the state.
The Four Main Barbecue Styles in Texas
Texas is home to four main barbecue styles, each with its distinct flavor profile and cooking techniques:
- Central Texas-style: This style is characterized by beef brisket, sausages, and ribs, typically smoked over indirect heat using post oak wood.
- East Texas-style: This style is known for its sweet and tangy sauces, often served with pork, beef, and chicken.
- South Texas-style: This style is influenced by Mexican cuisine, with a focus on barbacoa (cow head) and other meats cooked in a pit.
- West Texas-style: This style is known for its direct-heat cooking method, often using mesquite wood to add a distinct flavor to meats.
The Oldest Barbecue Place in Texas: Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
After researching the history of Texas barbecue, we found that Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano, Texas, is often credited as the oldest barbecue place in the state. Established in 1983 by Tommy Cooper, this barbecue joint has been serving up delicious meats for over 39 years.
A Family Tradition
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a family-owned business that has been passed down through generations. Tommy Cooper’s son, Terry Cooper, took over the business in the 1990s and has continued to uphold the family’s barbecue traditions.
Traditional Cooking Methods
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is committed to traditional cooking methods, using a combination of direct and indirect heat to smoke their meats. They use a custom-built pit, designed by Tommy Cooper himself, to achieve the perfect balance of smoke and flavor.
Award-Winning Barbecue
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que has received numerous awards and accolades for its barbecue, including:
- Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints: Cooper’s has been ranked among the top 50 barbecue joints in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine.
- USA Today’s 10 Best Barbecue Joints: Cooper’s was named one of the 10 best barbecue joints in the country by USA Today.
What Makes Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que So Special?
So, what sets Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que apart from other barbecue joints in Texas? Here are a few reasons why this place is a must-visit for any barbecue enthusiast:
- Traditional cooking methods: Cooper’s commitment to traditional cooking methods ensures that their meats are smoked to perfection.
- High-quality meats: Cooper’s uses only the highest-quality meats, sourced from local farms and ranches whenever possible.
- Family tradition: The Cooper family’s dedication to their craft is evident in every aspect of the business, from the cooking to the service.
Menu Highlights
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que offers a variety of delicious meats and sides, including:
- Big Chop: A 2-inch thick pork chop, smoked to perfection and served with a side of their signature barbecue sauce.
- Brisket: Cooper’s slow-smoked brisket is tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of smoke and seasoning.
- Sausages: Cooper’s offers a variety of homemade sausages, including their famous “hot guts” sausage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is the oldest barbecue place in Texas, with a rich history that spans over 39 years. This family-owned business has been serving up delicious meats using traditional cooking methods, and their commitment to quality and tradition has earned them numerous awards and accolades. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just looking for a delicious meal, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a must-visit destination in the heart of Texas.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Location: Cooper’s is located at 604 W. Young St, Llano, TX 78643.
- Hours: Cooper’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 7pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
- Reservations: Cooper’s does not take reservations, so be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and experience the rich history and flavor of Texas barbecue for yourself.
What is the oldest barbecue place in Texas?
The oldest barbecue place in Texas is Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, which was established in 1983 by Tommy Cooper in Llano, Texas. However, the title of the oldest barbecue joint in Texas is often disputed, with some arguing that it is actually Kreuz Market, which was established in 1905 in Lockhart, Texas. Kreuz Market started as a meat market and began serving barbecue in the 1950s.
Regardless of which establishment is considered the oldest, both Cooper’s and Kreuz Market have been serving up delicious barbecue for decades and have gained a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. They offer a range of traditional barbecue dishes, including brisket, ribs, and sausage, all smoked to perfection over indirect heat.
What makes Texas-style barbecue unique?
Texas-style barbecue is known for its focus on beef, particularly brisket, which is slow-smoked over indirect heat until it is tender and flavorful. The use of a dry rub, rather than a sweet and tangy sauce, is also characteristic of Texas-style barbecue. This allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine through, rather than being overpowered by a sweet and tangy sauce.
In addition to its focus on beef and dry rubs, Texas-style barbecue is also known for its regional variations. Different parts of the state have their own unique styles and specialties, such as the beef-centric barbecue of Central Texas and the pork-centric barbecue of East Texas. This diversity of styles and flavors is part of what makes Texas-style barbecue so unique and delicious.
What is the history of barbecue in Texas?
The history of barbecue in Texas dates back to the early days of the state, when cowboys and ranchers would gather to cook meat over open pits. The tradition of barbecue was brought to Texas by European settlers, who adapted their own cooking techniques to the abundant beef and other meats available in the state. Over time, barbecue became an integral part of Texas culture, with different regions developing their own unique styles and specialties.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, barbecue became a popular form of entertainment in Texas, with many towns and cities hosting barbecue cook-offs and other events. The rise of roadside barbecue joints and restaurants in the mid-20th century helped to further popularize barbecue throughout the state, and today Texas is renowned for its delicious and diverse barbecue.
What is the significance of Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que?
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is significant not only because of its age, but also because of its commitment to traditional barbecue techniques and recipes. The restaurant’s founder, Tommy Cooper, was a pioneer of the modern barbecue movement in Texas, and his restaurant helped to popularize the state’s unique style of barbecue. Cooper’s is also known for its Big Chop, a massive pork chop that is slow-smoked to perfection and served with a side of the restaurant’s famous barbecue sauce.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que has been recognized for its excellence by numerous publications and organizations, including the Texas Monthly magazine, which has named it one of the top barbecue joints in the state. The restaurant has also been featured on several food and travel television shows, helping to introduce its unique style of barbecue to a wider audience.
What is the difference between Texas-style barbecue and other styles of barbecue?
Texas-style barbecue is distinct from other styles of barbecue in its focus on beef, particularly brisket, and its use of a dry rub rather than a sweet and tangy sauce. This sets it apart from other styles of barbecue, such as Kansas City-style, which is known for its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, and Memphis-style, which is known for its sweet and tangy sauce.
In addition to its focus on beef and dry rubs, Texas-style barbecue is also distinct in its regional variations. Different parts of the state have their own unique styles and specialties, such as the beef-centric barbecue of Central Texas and the pork-centric barbecue of East Texas. This diversity of styles and flavors is part of what makes Texas-style barbecue so unique and delicious.
How has barbecue impacted Texas culture?
Barbecue has had a profound impact on Texas culture, particularly in the state’s rural areas where it originated. Barbecue has long been a staple of Texas cuisine, and its popularity has helped to bring people together and foster a sense of community. Many Texas towns and cities host barbecue cook-offs and other events, which help to promote the state’s unique style of barbecue and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
In addition to its cultural significance, barbecue has also played an important role in Texas’s economic development. The state’s barbecue industry is a significant contributor to its economy, with many restaurants and barbecue joints generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. The popularity of barbecue has also helped to promote tourism in Texas, with many visitors traveling to the state specifically to sample its famous barbecue.
What is the future of barbecue in Texas?
The future of barbecue in Texas looks bright, with a new generation of pitmasters and restaurateurs helping to innovate and evolve the state’s unique style of barbecue. Many modern barbecue joints are experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, such as the use of non-traditional meats and innovative sides and desserts.
Despite the rise of modern barbecue, traditional barbecue joints like Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and Kreuz Market continue to thrive, and their commitment to traditional techniques and recipes helps to ensure the continued popularity of Texas-style barbecue. As the state’s population continues to grow and diversify, it is likely that barbecue will remain an integral part of Texas culture and cuisine.