The “road” part of roadtrips : Coopers BBQ in Llano, Tx

 

No trip driving across Texas can be called authentic without stopping at some local restaurant. Frequently the best ones avoid slick decorated exteriors, glitzy signage, or comfy interiors. You will know them by the line of cars and trucks outside, and the line of people willing to wait for food, inside. 

Our recent drive across Texas resulted in a whimsical stop in Llano (“yawnno”), Tx around noon bc my stomach was growling. Hubs is generally a PITA on roadtrips - won’t stop for refueling, potty breaks, photo opps or meals. If he had his way we’d all be drinking Mountain Dew and eating slim jims, then peeing in the bottles when done! He’s antsy just eating lunch outta the car- I always say to him: This is why you take road trips! And what you do on them! It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. But he doesn’t get it.....or even remember how many times these scenarios have repeated themselves, over the years.  

Hubs is scared to enter these place, bc he knows - and he knows locals can tell - he’s a Yankee. But the ends justifies the means! That beef was “fork tender”, meaning you didn’t even need a knife to cut it. Once I shared these pix on FB, suddenly dozens of friends chimed in with comments like : The best BBQ in Texas! Our family’s favorite, etc. 

Why am I only just now hearing about it? It’s a tragedy that I never knew to seek this place out.....other famous BBQ joints further south are just dried out old beef jerky compared to this. I can’t believe I spent the past 60 years without this melt in your mouth delight.