Matt's El Rancho
Tex-Mex restaurant · South Lamar
2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Highlights
Iconic Tex-Mex since 1952, famous for Bob Armstrong dip
Iconic Tex-Mex since 1952, famous for Bob Armstrong dip
"Matt’s is the full monty of classic Tex-Mex experiences, set in an enormous restaurant with multiple dining rooms, a sprawling patio, and seating for 500 people. Even then, there’s almost always a wait for a table. It’s pretty kitschy, but that only contributes to the theme-park-ish experience. Will the sizzling fajitas and boozy margaritas change your life? Almost certainly not. But they’ll guarantee a fun evening." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"This is the full monty of classic Tex-Mex experiences, set in an enormous restaurant with multiple dining rooms, a sprawling patio, and seating for 500 people. Even then, there’s almost always a wait for a table. It’s pretty kitschy—with an outdoor fountain and giant metal suns hanging from the walls—but in an endearing way. Head to Matt’s after an afternoon at Zilker Park up the road. Order a margarita and the Bob Armstrong dip—it’s a mix of queso, beef taco meat, and guacamole—then close your eyes and point anywhere on the menu. Rest assured that you’ll end up with some glorious mess of tortillas, meat, and melted cheese." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"Nothing is that expensive at Matt’s El Rancho, but if you really want to stretch your dollar, show up during lunch when you can order off the full menu of specials for $12—including the beef fajita plate or a footlong enchilada with chile con carne and cheese. Throw in a margarita and turn that quick lunch into a long one." - nicolai mccrary
"“Let's talk about a fun night. I’d say you first have dinner somewhere. Maybe you go to Matt’s El Rancho and get some Tex-Mex. Matt’s makes a good queso. I know I had a few birthdays at Matt’s.”" - nicolai mccrary
"Dinner at Matt’s El Ranch is almost guaranteed to come with a wait, especially on the weekends. Half the people in line are probably here for the legendary Bob Armstrong Dip, the original mashup of queso, beef taco meat, and guacamole. The other half are here because their friends from out of town want to go to Austin's liveliest Tex-Mex restaurant. And even though you can’t make a reservation, just remember that nobody else can either. It’s a level playing field with easy access to margaritas from the bar while you wait." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
