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Matt's El Rancho
Tex-Mex Restaurant and Bar$$$$
South Lamar, Austin
The experts at Eater and Village Voice 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)
"Bob Armstrong queso dip is a MUST... Sooo good!"(3 Tips)
"Order a large bob!! Best queso in town!"(3 Tips)
145 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- Mexican food
- bob armstrong dip
- margaritas
- tacos
- Tex-Mex cuisine
- (15 more)
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LucyNovember 13, 2017One 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 Nov 23, 2024
ℳ𝒶𝓎♍October 29, 2015An 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, 2011If 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, 2018A 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, 2016This place has some good Mexican food... The beef enchiladas are so delicious.. The sauce has that authentic Mexican flavor... 😋🇲🇽👍🏼
Lots of their food can be made gluten free, but you need to ask. Chips are all clear, though, they have their own fryer.Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Valerie SDecember 13, 2016The Bob Armstrong dip is life. Try it with tortillas too, it's amazing. Their margaritas are so good as is their sangria.
EaterMay 22, 2012We'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]
Sofia PapastamelosFebruary 18, 2019Amazing brisket tacos and margaritas! As everyone else says, get the queso dip.
Rami IsmailFebruary 3, 2017It'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.
Ed RamirezJanuary 6, 2017Very reasonable lunch specials. My favorite lunch plate is the Tacos Al Pastor. Oh, of course, get a Bob (small or large).
Austin classic. Great for groups. Great margherita, have to get the Bob Armstrong and the fajitas
Social News NetworkDecember 2, 2013It is indeed famous and is by far my favorite Mexican food restaurant in Austin. Great prices for great food. Friendly atmosphere. STRONGLY recommend.
AmateurConciergeFebruary 3, 2023Pretty 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 !
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, 2013This 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.
Dano RenelSeptember 26, 2021Edward is a top notch waiter. The food is equally as good. Authentic TexMex cuisine with exceptional quality and service.
Outdoor patio is the place to sit on a nice day or evening. Margaritas Are delicious.
Get a side of grilled jalapenos. Always. And sub vegetables for rice and beans. You will not be disappointed.
Village VoiceMarch 3, 2011SXSW 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.- The Tastes that Make the CityMarch 2, 2015The 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
Dustin HaleyMay 16, 2015Great food, can get very crowded though on nights and weekends. Good outdoor patio and great salsa.
Tom AdamsJanuary 5, 2018If you’re going on a weekday, get there before 5, that’s all I’m going to say! Great food, great drinks.
Get the Bob Armstrong and the margarita they serve in a martini mixer and you won’t regret it!
Rob QuigleyMay 25, 2012Some people turn their noses up to this place, but they shouldn't. Good tex-mex and a great patio and delish drinks.
Bernie ZamoraFebruary 19, 2017Dinner last night w Chad, Guy, Meredith, and friends. Queso and Mexican Martini is muy delicioso... everything is else is alright!
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
KATIE GAugust 6, 2014Enchiladas, tacos, pralines. They're all fantastic. This place's longevity speaks for itself.
Michael MuseMay 16, 2014Sit on the back porch. Get the Mexican Martini. Best queso this Texan has ever had. SERIOUSLY
John DeLongAugust 16, 2012Frozen sangria margarita. Do it now. Also, the patio is walled and covered in fans, so you can enjoy outside even in the heat here.
The Chile Renellos are very good. Nice patio with a koi pond.
restlessnapkin.comAugust 18, 2011This is one of the greatest spots to enjoy with a large group of friends. Sit on the patio and enjoy being in Austin.
MaryAnn "Mimi" JohnsonOctober 30, 2019Cheese enchiladas. Bob's pot, hot queso and chips. It was happy hour, so I had a margarita.
Matt's is "old Austin"....great TexMex, a great family place!
PearHavenApril 13, 2012Take your date here for the chicken old fashioned tacos and enjoy a great frozen margarita!
Fish tacos, fried, corn tortillas & cilantro dressing.... SO GOOD!
Heather MooreDecember 20, 2012Get the Bob Armstrong dip!! Taco salad is amazing too!! Everything here is good!
JoycottApril 16, 2014Get some delicious tacos on Earth Day, and 5% of your check goes to eco-friendly causes.
504 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
For over 60 years Matt’s El Rancho has been serving the Austin area authentic Mexican food in a lively family atmosphere.
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon, Wed–Thu
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
(512) 462-9333
View menu on http://mattselrancho.com/the-menu
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
Live Music
Parking
Private Lot, Valet
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar
See More
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Places people like to go after Matt's El Rancho
- 7.7
"Iconic place. Try the Brisket. You will be glad you did. And don’t forget to stroll through the tourist trap. This place is a must stop when in Austin"
Lee King - 8.4
"I love the sliders & sweet potato fries, the taters were delicious too"
Cassandra Schloser - 7.9
"Comfortable interior, with an elevated balcony, good variety of cocktails with a specialization in tequila. A little pricy though"
James Stephenson
Appears on 389 lists
The Tastes that Make the City: Austin
Created by The Tastes that Make the City
50 items • 201 followers
Austin's Best Mexican Restaurants - 2012
Created by Best of Foursquare
10 items • 83 followers
2013 Austin Chronicle First Plates Awards
Created by Austin Chronicle
127 items • 420 followers
