Welcome to Proof and Cooper at The Old Lumber Yard
Nestled in Johnson City, Texas, **Proof and Cooper at The Old Lumber Yard** is a culinary gem celebrated for its robust BBQ offerings and inviting atmosphere. The menu boasts highlights like the indulgent Bleu Cheese Burger, hand-battered Chicken Fried Steak, and locally sourced Deviled Eggs. Each dish presents a symphony of flavors, with tender meats and house-made sides drawing rave reviews from satisfied patrons. The charming ambiance features an antique bar and spacious outdoor seating, creating an ideal backdrop for memorable meals. With friendly service and exciting touches like a hidden arcade, this spot is a must-visit for food lovers and families alike.
- 209 E Main St Suite C, Johnson City, TX 78636, United States209 E Main St Suite C, Johnson City, TX 78636, United States Hotline: +1 830-868-0477
Welcome to Proof and Cooper at The Old Lumber Yard, a culinary gem situated in the heart of Johnson City, Texas. Nestled at 209 E Main St Suite C, this charming establishment brings a unique blend of comfort food and a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for locals and visitors alike.
As soon as you walk through the doors, you are greeted by a beautifully decorated space, complete with an antique bar and spacious seating that ensures an enjoyable dining experience. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between casual and inviting, making you feel right at home. With a dedicated focus on quality, the menu showcases an impressive variety of dishes, each crafted to delight the palate.
One of the standout offerings is the Fried Catfish, served every Friday. Hand-battered to perfection, this dish comes with a side of coleslaw, crispy fries, and house-made tartar sauce. Customers rave about the crispiness and the moist fish, creating a satisfying and classic Southern experience.
In addition, the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a culinary adventure on its own. A hand-battered chicken breast is tossed in a flavorful Nashville sauce and topped with fresh ingredients like shaved onion, lettuce, and pickles, all drizzled with ranch dressing and served on a brioche bun. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a favorite among many guests.
The testimonials from patrons speak volumes about the restaurant's commitment to excellence. Ryan Ball, a loyal customer, declares that his experience was nothing short of magical. He emphasizes the staggering platter of delicious and juicy BBQ he received, further likening the experience to discovering a hidden gem in the heart of hill country.
Cynthia Bennett also shares her delightful first-time visit, singing praises of the tender brisket and enormous chicken fried steak, complemented by tasty sides. The care from the staff adds to the experience, illustrating how the team genuinely values your visit.
For those looking for whimsy, there's even a hidden arcade at the back of the restaurant, as Tim Zarosky discovered. Featuring classic games like Metal Slug X and Big Buck Hunter Reloaded, it’s a fantastic way to wind down after your meal, adding a layer of fun to the dining experience.
And let’s not overlook the reviews on the pulled pork nachos. Tracy Bel repeatedly delights in this dish, observing its evolution in flavor while the generous portion keeps her coming back for more. The balance of meaty goodness ensures it’s a crowd favorite, even if it sometimes varies in presentation.
In summary, Proof and Cooper at The Old Lumber Yard doesn’t just serve meals; it crafts experiences that resonate long after the last bite. From the hearty catfish and Nashville chicken to the charming ambiance and exceptional service, this establishment stands out in a crowded culinary landscape. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make your way to this exquisite spot, where every dish tells a story worth savoring.

Oh. My. God. I don’t even know where to start... would you just freaking look at this plate!? All this for 21. Where else can you get a plate of DELICIOUS & JUICY BBQ this size in the hill country? I will be making the 50 minute drive from Lakeway far more often for this. Maybe known well around town, this place is an absolute hidden gem to the rest of us living closer to Austin... this place gives every BBQ spot around the big city a run for its money. I think I’d eat this off the floor without hesitation

First time visiting this restaurant with a close friend. We had Texas caviar as a starter, a brisket plate and chicken fried steak. All meals were excellent, the brisket was so tender and the sides, beans and potato salad were very tasty. The chicken fried steak was huge and tender with delicious mashed potatoes and greens. The staff were friendly and checked on us numerous times. The ambiance is lovely and the tables are well spaced so you don’t feel cramped. They have a beautiful antique bar and lots of outdoor seating as well. Highly recommended and we will be back.

Secret Arcade in the back. Did not expect it and it is almost hidden from the rest of the restaurant. They had Aliens Extermination, Time Crisis 4 Razing Storm, Metal Slug X, King of Fighters 98, NFL Blitz, Big Buck Hunter Reloaded, Raiden 2, and a metal top Air Hockey table. Everything was in working order except Raiden 2. Will be back again for the arcade alone.

Update: 3/12/2025 still love the pulled pork nachos, but just wish they were consistent with how they are made. Today, there was no cheddar cheese on them and I asked for no sour cream or Pico ( as I always do) but they still put it on there. When I asked our waitress, she stated the pico was mixed in with the queso. I've been told that before, but if you look at my past photos, you can see that the queso isn't loaded with Pico. Update: 4/25/24 Still the best pulled pork nachos!! Best pulled pork I've ever had! It literally melts in your mouth. I ordered the pulled pork nachos and they were full of flavor and pulled high with pulled pork. My husband ordered the Cubano sandwich and it was amazing as well This place stays busy and I can see why. Will definitely visit again on our next stop in Johnson City.

This place was really good , nice looking inside ,our waitress took our order and came often to check on us after our food came .. my wife had chili and we were both impressed with it . I never order chili anywhere because it's usually just greasy hamburger meat soup ...this was not like that at all. You could have made a sandwich or tacos with it ...it was so meaty you could stand a spoon in it and it was not greasy but good lean meat . My chicken fried steak was tender and my green beans were perfect . I'd like to say something about dessert which sounded like it would be good but I didn't get any because the portions they gave me for dinner were enough to where I don't think I could have eaten a dessert ..probably have to skip the appetizer and that extra link of sausage..all in all a great Sunday dinner

Random stop on our way home from a weekend away. We sat outside & it was lovely. Love the little shops and decor outside! Food was good. Fried pickles were great. Chicken fried steak was good and a large serving. Everyone was pleased. We'll definitely stop again on our way home next time.

Well worth the drive from an hour away!! Fantastic Friday Family Night meal and atmosphere. Service was awesome and fast. Table of seven served with no issues. You must get jalepeno sausage. Unbelievably good!

Stopped in for an early lunch. Tried the fried pickles for appetizer. Really fresh and hot. I ordered the chicken fried steak and was very pleased with the quality of the food. The cream gravy had just the right amount of black pepper. This meal came with collard greens and I'm not a fan of them but these were actually pretty tasty. I would definitely stop in if you're in the area. Worth taking the time for a meal here