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Matt's El Rancho

Tex-Mex Restaurant and Bar$$$$

South Lamar, Austin

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Matt's El Rancho

8.4^/10

641

ratings

Ranked #2 for Tex-Mex cuisine in Austin
The experts at Eater and Austin Chronicle recommend this place
"Bob Armstrong dip (aka delicious queso) is worth the trip."(10 Tips)
"You have to try the brisket tacos... Best meal in Austin."(7 Tips)
"Order The Bob and brisket tacos or old fashion tacos"(3 Tips)
"Bob Armstrong queso dip is a MUST... Sooo good!"(3 Tips)

147 Tips and reviews

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Mexican food
margaritas
tacos
Tex-Mex cuisine
large bob
outdoor seating
tequila
good for groups
chile rellenos
gluten-free food
casual
great value
happy hour
taco salad
queso
migas
beef
tamales
micheladas
chalupa
(15 more)

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Lucy XuNovember 13, 2017
One of the best family go-to’s for Mexican food in Austin! Highly recommend the cheese dip - Matt’s special recipe with avocado and bacon mixed in.
Upvoted Feb 13
ℳ𝒶𝓎♍October 29, 2015
An Austin staple since1952. Fantastic and fresh food. Try the nachos, fajitas, and the fresh homemade tortillas both corn & flour. The Bon Armstrong dip is amazing. For a drink go for the TKO martini
CultureMap AustinJuly 14, 2011
If you're wondering about appetizers, the Bob Armstrong dip is a big "duh." Finish off your triple threat appetizer with some tacos al carbon and a margarita.
Carmen NappaSeptember 30, 2018
A required stop during any Austin visit. Get a margarita. Get the Large Bob Armstrong. A side of guacamole will put things over the top in a great way... actually you should come visit twice a trip!
Dianey SandovalAugust 14, 2016
This place has some good Mexican food... The beef enchiladas are so delicious.. The sauce has that authentic Mexican flavor... 😋🇲🇽👍🏼
Ed RamirezJanuary 6, 2017
Very reasonable lunch specials. My favorite lunch plate is the Tacos Al Pastor. Oh, of course, get a Bob (small or large).
Valerie SDecember 13, 2016
The Bob Armstrong dip is life. Try it with tortillas too, it's amazing. Their margaritas are so good as is their sangria.
EaterMay 22, 2012
We've never gone home unhappy after a visit to Matt's, thanks to their Bob Armstrong dip, affordable range of price points and dedication to classic Tex-Mex. [Eater 38 Member]
Samantha SmithMarch 24, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Austin classic. Great for groups. Great margherita, have to get the Bob Armstrong and the fajitas
Sofia PapastamelosFebruary 18, 2019
Amazing brisket tacos and margaritas! As everyone else says, get the queso dip.
Village VoiceMarch 3, 2011
SXSW Recommendation from Sietsema- some of the best Tex-Mex in the world. Chili con queso (a spicy dip made with a cheese that owes a big debt to Velveeta) is legendary, and so are their enchiladas.
Rami IsmailFebruary 3, 2017
It's a big but somewhat busy place with good food. I had a lovely beef fajita. We had amazing service, fast and very friendly. Does serve Mexican Coke.
Matt BarbourDecember 31, 2018
Been here 5+ times
My God this place is awesome. The wait - especially on a weekend - is going to be long, but it is well worth it.
Austin ChronicleJune 19, 2013
This ATX institution has never strayed from its winning formula of authentic Mexican food made from scratch, on the premises, and according to revered family recipes.
AmateurConciergeFebruary 3, 2023
Pretty standard Tex mex fare. An Austin institution. Plenty of comparable places in terms of food and price. No complaints if you like Tex mex tho !
SaraMay 10, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Outdoor patio is the place to sit on a nice day or evening. Margaritas Are delicious.
Social News NetworkDecember 2, 2013
It is indeed famous and is by far my favorite Mexican food restaurant in Austin. Great prices for great food. Friendly atmosphere. STRONGLY recommend.
Ryan JoyJuly 22, 2018
Been here 100+ times
Get a side of grilled jalapenos. Always. And sub vegetables for rice and beans. You will not be disappointed.
Dano RenelSeptember 26, 2021
Edward is a top notch waiter. The food is equally as good. Authentic TexMex cuisine with exceptional quality and service.
Eric HortonJanuary 4, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Lots of their food can be made gluten free, but you need to ask. Chips are all clear, though, they have their own fryer.
Dustin HaleyMay 16, 2015
Great food, can get very crowded though on nights and weekends. Good outdoor patio and great salsa.
Bernie ZamoraFebruary 19, 2017
Dinner last night w Chad, Guy, Meredith, and friends. Queso and Mexican Martini is muy delicioso... everything is else is alright!
John DeLongAugust 16, 2012
Frozen sangria margarita. Do it now. Also, the patio is walled and covered in fans, so you can enjoy outside even in the heat here.
MaryAnn "Mimi" JohnsonOctober 30, 2019
Cheese enchiladas. Bob's pot, hot queso and chips. It was happy hour, so I had a margarita.
Brea SimpsonDecember 29, 2022
Been here 5+ times
Get the Bob Armstrong and the margarita they serve in a martini mixer and you won’t regret it!
The Tastes that Make the CityMarch 2, 2015
The Bob Armstrong dip is the best dip in Austin, which is why it’s on our list of The Tastes That Make the City: Austin. Read more
KATIE GAugust 6, 2014
Enchiladas, tacos, pralines. They're all fantastic. This place's longevity speaks for itself.
jodi hendersonOctober 12, 2011
Been here 25+ times
Matt's not only has good food, but a great atmosphere. Check out the patio on a nice day. (Along with a margarita and some Bob Armstrong dip!) Read more
Tom AdamsJanuary 5, 2018
If you’re going on a weekday, get there before 5, that’s all I’m going to say! Great food, great drinks.
Larry ShumakeJuly 1, 2013
Been here 10+ times
The Chile Renellos are very good. Nice patio with a koi pond.
restlessnapkin.comAugust 18, 2011
This is one of the greatest spots to enjoy with a large group of friends. Sit on the patio and enjoy being in Austin.
SopitasJanuary 9, 2022
Good service, competent food, good value
Michael MuseMay 16, 2014
Sit on the back porch. Get the Mexican Martini. Best queso this Texan has ever had. SERIOUSLY
Lennon JonesAugust 1, 2017
Best Tacos Al Carbon EVER!!! Bob dip is good as well
carmella milicia-russellDecember 26, 2016
I love the food just like my Momma used too make it.
PearHavenApril 13, 2012
Take your date here for the chicken old fashioned tacos and enjoy a great frozen margarita!
Jeff GSeptember 23, 2015
Get the shrimp-enchiladas. Good tex-mex outside the city.
Diana MayFebruary 18, 2013
Excellent Carne Guisada. Warning on kid-friendly...there are more kids than a Chuck-E-Cheese. Kinda weird.
Nancy CrusottJanuary 4, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Fish tacos, fried, corn tortillas & cilantro dressing.... SO GOOD!
Paul D 🏈November 9, 2013
They will make a margarita using fresh squeezed jalapeños to make it more spicy.
Rob QuigleyMay 25, 2012
Some people turn their noses up to this place, but they shouldn't. Good tex-mex and a great patio and delish drinks.
Katy ThompsonOctober 11, 2013
Get the Relleno, it's great down to the pecans and raisins. :)
PaoDecember 6, 2014
Chips and tortillas homemade ! Recommend the fajitas
Douglas AllenSeptember 9, 2016
Been here 10+ times
Matt's is "old Austin"....great TexMex, a great family place!
April ThompsonJanuary 27, 2012
Great place if you to make a reservation for a large group of people or need to get your party catered.
Bob CashMarch 4, 2013
It was OK. I'm a Mexican Food snob from LA and this is no where near the quality at home. Chips & Salsa were Excellent, should've had a Margarita.
Lori SmithApril 18, 2023
Ques and margaritas
Julia DrattellJanuary 27, 2019
Wait time is VERY underestimated. Food is fine. Queso is great.
Katy TafoyaMarch 15, 2013
A gluten free enchilada sauce? That's an awesome sauce!
Trevor MccurryMay 28, 2011
Been here 10+ times
This is Tex Mex done right, straight up. Great brunch on the weekend, impressive tequila selection.

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