Proof and Cooper

I went last night for the first time and it won’t be the last! They have a fascinating selection of infused bourbons (yes, you read that right), high-​quality bourbons, and craft beers.
I ordered fried chicken based on a friend’s recommendation and I LOVED IT. There’s a hint of Tabasco and possibly molasses in the crispy batter but it all blends together perfectly. Coleslaw may be the best I’ve had.
The service was awesome and the bartender was great about providing drink recommendations.
Can you tell I’m ready to go back right now?

I love that they took the old ‘bait n beer’ shop and utterly gave it a massively magnificent makeover. The other part I love — the great selection of booze mixed into crafty craft cocktails! The third thing I love — it’s so freaking close to my favorite climbing crag in the Austin area! These three reasons will keep me coming back.
Their interior is great, from the moment you walk in you notice the time and detail they put into this place. The bar is the center point for your entertainment. I love the rustic/​industrial feel of it, from the bar stools, tables, all the way to the restrooms. They do have outdoor seating as well, so Fido is welcome to join you.
The bartender really seem to know his stuff and wasn’t overly arrogant, but fun and engaging. Though it was pretty busy when we were there and it did take a bit of time to get a drink. Only one guy behind the bar at 6PM on Saturday might need to be re-​evaluated as they get busier! He did whip us up a tasty rye old fashioned and a tangy beet juice drink, «The Gardner».
The counter service hostess was also welcoming and helpful. She even came around to check on tables, whisk away empty food trays and make sure everything was A-​OK for you. When we ordered, I asked if there were any vegetarian options besides the salads and she said they would easily whip something up for me! This was a big bonus since it was a meat heavy joint. The counter service was a bit unexpected, but it works. They give you a number and bring it to your table, so it doesn’t feel too disconnected.
As far as food — my veggie sandwich (off menu) was really good. So don’t be afraid to ask for something! I’m excited to see if they do come up with a good vegetarian main dish option! Maybe a chicken fried portabella mushroom? (hint hint). The hushpuppies were light and airy with a perfect crisp to them. Flavor wise, however, I found them a bit dull. They could use some spice or a dipping sauce with them. I found dipping them into my man’s pimento cheese that fell out of his burger was a good choice! My man was happy with his burger quality and thought the pimento cheese was a great choice, but the bun left him unimpressed and a bit dissatisfied. I believe the term «cardboard» was mentioned. And being that it was 13.00 he expected it to all be fantastic. The slaw however was great! Even the deviled eggs were yummy. I loved the pickled onion on top and they were slightly spicy and creamy.
Overall we liked the place, but the bun experience left my man in an «it ruined my experience» kind of way. Guess he’ll have to try something else next time! I’d really give it a 4 star, but my man thinks a 3. So we’ll go somewhere at a 3.5. If they get a little faster at the bar and wow him with food next time, I can bump it up!

Update: Pricing is just getting of hand. Now many of their local beers on tap are $ 7. Good beer, but that’s just crazy.
My friend’s burger was gushing blood (medium is good but damn this thing was spewing like an artery). I’m sure it was really good (he said it was) but he had tater tots at the bottom of his paper tray that were red from burger blood. :\
Everything is pretty tasty (stuffed jalepenos are excellent, but probably not worth 8 bucks) Noticed a lot of the menu items are sweet. (Sweet fried pickles?! No.) The ribs? Tastes like an oven recipe from NYC, not Texas smoked ribs. :)
Want a burger and a local beer for one? $ 20. Want to swing by for two beers? $ 15. Guys get your prices back down to Earth. This is more expensive than most places in downtown Austin.

The best fried chicken I have had in a long time. Do not forget the bourbon bacon Chex mix and deviled eggs first!

My husband and I went to Proof and Coopers to watch a game and have some drinks last Saturday. We were surprised at what a little gem this place is. I’ll start by listing the things that I loved about this place.
1. They share a fence line with some very friendly cows that greet you when you go out into their back patio area.
2. The Bartender recognized that it was our first time there and stopped to show us drink menus, where to order food, and to put the Mets game on for us.
3. The kitchen staff was very accommodating when I asked about vegetarian options. They made me a delicious sandwich, packed full of flavor. My husband had a big messy burger that he said was the second best in Austin.
4. The Drinks were fantastic! Mixed perfectly with a lot of thought put into them.
5. The staff continued to be attentive during our 3 hour visit. Not overly friendly but noticed immediately anytime we needed something. I LOVE GOOD SERVICE… So hard to find sometimes.
6. The décor. Simple and rustic which makes it comfortable to spend time in. The bathroom was clean too.
7. Live Music. This part of the Greater Austin Area is in need of some more venues. I hope to see some good bands playing here!
8. Lastly, it’s obvious that a lot of thought went into this place. Someone took a risk to open a couple miles from town and I hope it pays off for them. We will be going regularly.

Amazing food! The Burger was incredible and my two year old, who doesn’t eat anything loved the chicken and hush puppies! If you get a drink I highly recommend the Chloe.

Visited for the first time tonight. Great live band. Really enjoyed the handcrafted drinks and the unique brews on tap. They have delicious comfort foods. My husband loved the fried chicken and wanted to order more to go! I ordered the catfish with hushpuppies and it was fantastic!

Very mediocre food, too bad, good location and pretty good décor and outside area. Catfish was pitiful and hold a candle to Boathouse Grill.
Overpriced with indifferent service, certainly no reason to return or recommend.

Seems like they are trying to be something more than they are. VERY expensive drinks. I can understand the business is new but service seemed indifferent and décor is plain. That’s OK if you aren’t charging so much for the menu. The customer had to get something else — like a great experience — in exchange.

We’ve been back to P&C twice since my last review. and have loved it both times. Food is on point– and very accommodating to us non-​meat, non-​dairy eaters
(that is appreciated so, so much). We love not feeling like freaks for requesting veg friendly options.
The beer selection is great, cocktails are wonderful… staff super friendly (hey Mark!)
That’s all I got ta’ say!
A++.

Fun little place… Half hipster… Half Dive Bar… Chicken and burger are «Off the charts» good. Skip the corn bread… Enjoy everything else.
Heads up… they are new… No phone or Internet presence… So you just have to go adventuring to get more info. :)

Finally something useful occupies this space. Before, a craphole of a convenience store with a terrible owner. I don’t have fond memories of even stopping for a cold one at the old Bert and Ernie’s. I remember leaving skid marks in my old Porsche while running away from a drunk woman trying to tell how amazing sex with her would be; and I didn’t even know her for more that 5 minutes. Classy clientele I gotta tell ya.
So, the remodel is cool. Amazing metal entrance to a semi dark space. The bar greets you immediately which I like. Cocktails are semi fussy which leads me to a small rant; I shouldn’t have to google what ingredients are in my drink. Also, when the bartender warns you a drink is spicy… heed the warning. Wifey didn’t finish the habanero infused peach number.
We dined with a local celebrity in the bar and dining scene in Drippin’ Springs. We loved the bacon and bourbon infused chex mix so much we had to reorder before he arrived. Moving onto the deviled eggs with pickled onions and sliced radishes. I usually condemn what I consider holiday family slash reunion dining food; but it was good bites.
Might as well get the bad stuff out of the way; the ribs sucked. Imagine retirement home ribs where you put it your mouth and pull the bone clean. I don’t remember the flavor or ingredients; just a vision of ribs in a pressure cooker. No tear means not BBQ material. Chili’s makes better ribs than Proof and Cooper; and thats sayin’ alot.
The catfish sandwich wasn’t much better with a strange starburst orange citrus flavor in the remolaude. I’d suggest ordering it on the side as the sammy was covered in it. As for good grub we found the fried chicken to be moist and delicious. We also marveled at the addition of squash in the Texas Caviar. Some good dishes, some bad. A few tweaks would make P&C a damn fine establishment.

Here at proof and cooper AGAIN! We came the other day at opening. I had the catfish and my wife had the burger. Both were great. I am going to try the fried chicken tonight. I heard it is so good it will make u want to SLAP YO MOMMA! :) very happy to have a place so close by my house. It does not bother me if people think the prices are high Bc I do not mind paying when the food and drinks and service is top notch ! I am just worried it will be crazy busy. I am looking forward to seeing them be as successful as VERDES and Carmella’s. Happy to have u!
Here again for the new specials !! This place is blowin up and I’m happy to be a part of it! Bring it on!!! They are building more patio space for the bands. I may just rent a place in the back.

Went on Sunday… Loved it. Great food and awesome drinks. Will definitely visit again on our next trip to Austin

As an Austin resident who just moved to Dripping Springs, I couldn’t be happier with this joint! And it’s just down the road from our new place. We moved in on the same weekend & watched it get remodeled while we built our house. Thanks for making such a great spot! Dripping needs more like it.
We heard mixed reviews (that the food was too expensive and that the bar service was not very friendly). But on our first visit both were proven wrong for us. Food was excellent & not too overpriced for the quality in my opinion. I love the setup and style. The manager who greeted us & helped us was key in giving us a great experience. She’s got it together :) The bar staff was friendly and answered all my questions. I had a Moscow Mule (not whiskey related AT all) and it was delicious.
This will definitely be a regular spot for us (with our 1 year old en tow, who loved the chickens out back!). Thanks for making such a great spot! Dripping needs more like it. Can’t wait to swing by for some music.

This place is in trouble, big time trouble.
They have really delicious food. They also have really good Majaritas (not a typo), trust me. Beer.
The staff is friendly, Texas style. They have nice live music. Farm to my table. Fried chicken?! Yep. I spied the chef from afar (wide and open pass through), and he’s got a big beard, barking food orders like a seasoned old salty on a barge chugging along from New Orleans to Galveston…
I saw catfish, and hogs running around.
Trouble is, I ain’t never gonna be home anymore.
Things just got worse around here, they hired Edgar a former bartender at Guero’s
in Austin. He just happens to be crazy good
at making Margaritas. Ridiculous.

This is a far cry from Bert & Ernies. Proof & Cooper fills a void on Hamilton Pool Road for more upscale places to visit. We had the fried chicken and the fried fish plates… both really good, but not sure we should have gone for the double fry. Next time I’ll look to make sure they have some healthier options too.
The drinks were amazing… really nice cocktails. Hopefully they’ll have happy hour or drink specials in the future.
We did not see a band, but we’re glad to hear they’ll have live music. The acoustics inside were loud and a little «off» so I hope they can address that in the future. A lot of outdoor seating is also available.
Looking forward to seeing this establishment take hold.

«Underwhelmed» would be my best description of Proof and Cooper restaurant. The food was excellent and the full bar in the area is a huge plus. However, the interior is drab and boring. It’s like a hybrid food truck and bar. We were expecting a bar and grill type atmosphere. The space inside is largely empty and spread out. Also, there were children, even a toddler, sitting at the bar with their parents. Also, for a bar located in the hill country wine area, they didn’t have any wines offered by the glass. Definitely not smart.
My suggestion would be to wait for the restaurant to figure out what they want to be. The concept in place now is too confusing.

Cool new bar in a random. but much deserved area.
After hearing about the future of this place and driving by many times during the construction, we were very excited to finally get the opportunity to check it out yesterday. It’s hard to give a fair review to a place this early after opening (2^nd day), as I’m very aware the kinds still need to be worked out, but I’ll give it a shot.
We went with another couple and all tried different specialty drinks since they only had 1 beer on tap, thus far. We arrived right when they opened, so the bar wasn’t too busy but drinks took a little longer than normal to be made. Let me just say they are very interesting drinks and I think could all be very delicious if executed properly. We didn’t eat, however the menu looked very inviting and as a lover of fried chicken, I’ll be back to try very soon. The atmosphere inside would be very welcoming on a hot day as it’s somewhat dark and very cool. There is outside seating on the side, but it filled quickly. The back area has tons of potential and I hope they do something really fun with it.
All in all, give it a few weeks and then definitely stop by to check this spot out!

I went on opening day and this is definitely some of the best fried chicken I have had. Ever. The crust was extra Chris and you could definitely taste the honey and the batter, but it wasn’t too much. Inside was incredibly moist and juicy. The coleslaw that comes with it is it more of a vinegar-​based than mayonnaise and is pretty delicious as well. All the food comes in takeout containers, which I wasn’t crazy about, but I get what they’re going for and it makes for super easy cleanup. But they need to be more napkins available and wet wipes would be a great option for the people that order fried chicken or ribs. One person at our table got a burger, which was served with the Mento cheese, and she said it was delicious.
The bar… Huge line and long wait. We tried several cocktails, which were delicious, but pretty pricey for the size. My theory is that the ring free cocktails our labor intensive, yet small movie, and that was part of what created the backlog of the bar. Only one beer on tap and it wasn’t as cold as it needed to be. They also ran out of glasses at one point.
They have a few kinks to work out but it was opening day and fourth of July and it was a pretty big crowd. I will definitely go back soon and hopefully the kinks will be worked out and I can give them five stars.