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Matt's El Rancho

Matt's El Rancho

Tex-Mex Restaurant and Bar$$$$
South Lamar, Austin
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8.5/10
635
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Village Voice
    • Eater
    • Village Voice
  • Tips
    Perry N.
    "Bob Armstrong dip (aka delicious queso) is worth the trip."(10 Tips)
    Shane A.
    "You have to try the brisket tacos... Best meal in Austin."(7 Tips)
    Jenny B.
    "Bob Armstrong queso dip is a MUST... Sooo good!"(3 Tips)
    aaron h.
    "Order a large bob!! Best queso in town!"(3 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon146 Tips and reviews
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  • Mexican food
  • bob armstrong dip
  • margaritas
  • tacos
  • Tex-Mex cuisine
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  • Lucyheart icon on user image
    LucyNovember 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.
  • ℳ𝒶𝓎♍heart icon on user image
    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 Austin
    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 N.
    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 S.heart icon on user image
    Dianey SandovalAugust 14, 2016
    This place has some good Mexican food... The beef enchiladas are so delicious.. The sauce has that authentic Mexican flavor... 😋🇲🇽👍🏼
  • Eater
    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]
  • Sofia P.heart icon on user image
    Sofia PapastamelosFebruary 18, 2019
    Amazing brisket tacos and margaritas! As everyone else says, get the queso dip.
  • Valerie S.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Rami I.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Ed R.heart icon on user image
    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).
  • Samantha S.heart icon on user image
    Samantha SmithMarch 24, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    Austin classic. Great for groups. Great margherita, have to get the Bob Armstrong and the fajitas
  • Social News Network
    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.
  • Austin Chronicle
    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.
  • AmateurConciergeheart icon on user image
    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 !
  • Matt B.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Dano R.heart icon on user image
    Dano RenelSeptember 26, 2021
    Edward is a top notch waiter. The food is equally as good. Authentic TexMex cuisine with exceptional quality and service.
  • Saraheart icon on user image
    SaraMay 10, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Outdoor patio is the place to sit on a nice day or evening. Margaritas Are delicious.
  • Village Voice
    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.
  • Ryan J.
    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.
  • Eric H.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • The Tastes that Make the City
    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
  • Dustin H.heart icon on user image
    Dustin HaleyMay 16, 2015
    Great food, can get very crowded though on nights and weekends. Good outdoor patio and great salsa.
  • Tom A.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Brea S.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • Rob Q.
    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.
  • Bernie Z.
    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!
  • Sopitas
    SopitasJanuary 9, 2022
    Good service, competent food, good value
  • KATIE G.heart icon on user image
    KATIE GAugust 6, 2014
    Enchiladas, tacos, pralines. They're all fantastic. This place's longevity speaks for itself.
  • jodi h.
    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
  • Michael M.heart icon on user image
    Michael MuseMay 16, 2014
    Sit on the back porch. Get the Mexican Martini. Best queso this Texan has ever had. SERIOUSLY
  • Larry S.
    Larry ShumakeJuly 1, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    The Chile Renellos are very good. Nice patio with a koi pond.
  • John D.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • restlessnapkin.com
    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.
  • carmella m.heart icon on user image
    carmella milicia-russellDecember 26, 2016
    I love the food just like my Momma used too make it.
  • MaryAnn "Mimi" J.heart icon on user image
    MaryAnn "Mimi" JohnsonOctober 30, 2019
    Cheese enchiladas. Bob's pot, hot queso and chips. It was happy hour, so I had a margarita.
  • Jeff G.
    Jeff GSeptember 23, 2015
    Get the shrimp-enchiladas. Good tex-mex outside the city.
  • Lennon J.heart icon on user image
    Lennon JonesAugust 1, 2017
    Best Tacos Al Carbon EVER!!! Bob dip is good as well
  • Douglas A.heart icon on user image
    Douglas AllenSeptember 9, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Matt's is "old Austin"....great TexMex, a great family place!
  • PearHaven
    PearHavenApril 13, 2012
    Take your date here for the chicken old fashioned tacos and enjoy a great frozen margarita!
  • Lori S.heart icon on user image
    Lori SmithApril 18, 2023
    Ques and margaritas
  • Nancy C.heart icon on user image
    Nancy CrusottJanuary 4, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Fish tacos, fried, corn tortillas & cilantro dressing.... SO GOOD!
  • Chelsea M.heart icon on user image
    Chelsea MJanuary 5, 2020
    Loads of specific tequila choices for the margaritas
  • Katy T.
    Katy TafoyaMarch 15, 2013
    A gluten free enchilada sauce? That's an awesome sauce!
  • Paoheart icon on user image
    PaoDecember 6, 2014
    Chips and tortillas homemade ! Recommend the fajitas
  • Logan W.heart icon on user image
    Logan WestFebruary 28, 2016
    TexMex, Brisket Tacos, Cheese Dip, Matt's Special
  • Heather M.
    Heather MooreDecember 20, 2012
    Get the Bob Armstrong dip!! Taco salad is amazing too!! Everything here is good!
  • Lemon F.
    Lemon From MexicoDecember 8, 2016
    Must visit restaurant on your next Austin Trip.
  • Katy T.
    Katy ThompsonOctober 11, 2013
    Get the Relleno, it's great down to the pecans and raisins. :)
  • Erin G.heart icon on user image
    Erin GApril 14, 2018
    Brisket flautas were delicious
  • Joycott
    JoycottApril 16, 2014
    Get some delicious tacos on Earth Day, and 5% of your check goes to eco-friendly causes.
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