Phew. This place is intense. Be prepared for loud crowds, mediocre food, and a long wait. My relative got to the restaurant first to put a name down for 5 at 5pm. We waited over an hour for a table. Food was run of the mill texmex. Their queso fundido is good but that can be found in less crowded spots. Don't come here for a relaxing dinner. Expect large groups, boisterous crowds, and slightly slower service. read more

The reviews told me what to expect: a loud place with some hit or miss food and great drinks. That's about right. Others complained about the wait but at 7 pm on a Monday night they told us 20 minutes and it was 5. I ordered Victoria beer in a bottle which you can't get anywhere but Texas and Mexico. I was really happy to see it on the menu along with Sol. People were definitely getting their drink on here. Trays of shots for dudes in their 30's were coming out regularly. Server brought the oversized chips and salsa and we ordered the Queso dip without the meat and guacamole. Queso is as others described--processed cheez whiz. It wasn't think though which would have helped. My companion ordered the asadero tacos and I had the Matt's special. I didn't eat the refried beans or rice, but the enchiladas were good. What the server brought as a taco was more of a tostada (on top of hard shell) and covered in iceberg lettuce. I didn't find it appetizing. The "guacamole salad"that came with my companion's meal also looked unappetizing. Plating really makes a difference, although she was very happy with her tacos. Service was attentive, unlike other reviews, although I was surprised when he told me they didn't take Amx. No signs anywhere. Good thing I had another card! This place did not fulfill my desire for good Tex-Mex food, but I'm guessing people who go there wouldn't really know the difference because it seemed like most were concentrating on drinking and not the food experience. Not a criticism, just an observation. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Entrance to Matt's - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I didn't go here for years because I thought it was going to be a tourist trap but it's actually so satisfying! Great and well priced margaritas, solid food and appetizers, plenty of space. I've enjoyed Matt's and keep it in my back pocket as a reliable place to go. read more

I thought it was only fair to post a second review. My first experience had a different manager and made a huge difference. The food was amazing as was the Rita. Sorry that I doctored the nachos after I took the pic. Kara, our waitress, was delightful, and the manager was very attentive. Will definitely be back. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Chips were really hard but Matt's Queso was good. Enchiladas were not that good and they gave us little bit of fajitas in the fajita plate. Tortillas were great and the margaritas were really good too but I wouldn't come here again. read more

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Ordinarily, I try and go somewhere twice before reviewing, but I'm only in town a week for a work conference and won't be back. To be honest, probably wouldn't go back anyway. Came here with a large group of coworkers attending the conference. For a large party, we were seated faster than we expected, which was nice. I ordered the chicken fajitas, because I heard they were known for their fajitas. I'll be honest, there was some "sticker shock" when I first saw the price, but I immediately figured that meant the portion must be HUGE. BOY. WAS. I. WRONG. What came to the table was no where near worth the price. No way. And, the fajitas weren't any better than any I've had anywhere else. Disappointing. I left still hungry. The only thing I appreciated was the service. Boy our server was FANTASTIC, especially considering the large group. Apparently, this place is a big deal, but it wasn't for me. Do yourself a favor: if you do go here, pass on the fajitas. read more

This local Austin staple delivers on all fronts--great food, drinks, and a fantastic time. What more could you ask for? The tacos are bursting with flavor and salsa so fresh it'll make you do a happy dance. The lively, colorful atmosphere is perfect for a fun night out, and the service is as warm as their freshly made tortillas. It's a delicious party you don't want to miss! read more

Lived in Austin 30 yrs. This place is bad. Service was good, margaritas are good. Nothing is great. Food is okay. If you enjoy waiting forever for bla bla enjoy. Glorified Taco Bell. read more

Matt's is a go to for ambiance and good Tex Mex. If you have a big group or want cheese goodness... I'm this is the right spot for any hour of the day. They are closed on a certain day and have high wait times, come prepared. read more

If you're in the mood for a crowded tourist spot then this is the place for you. Unbelievably crowded and a magnet for every bachelor/bachelorette in Austin. Food was just ok and very standard Mexican menu. Happy I went but probably won't go back soon. read more

My favorite go-to Tex-Mex restaurant which I've frequented since 1979. Back then they were a mom-and-pop located on East 1st St. at the southbound feeder of IH35, where they'd been open since the 50's. Today they are much enlarged on S. Lamar but still have the same great food and outstanding service. Other restaurants could definitely take lessons from them on how to handle and move patrons with efficiency and a smile. Their menu is not as extensive as some others, but it doesn't need to be. They believe in offering dishes that they do well, and that approach hasn't failed them for 70 years. My favorites continue to be the crispy beef taco (the open style), their quesos, cheese enchiladas with Tex-Mex sauce, and the ground beef chile rellenos, served as they should be with ranchero sauce, cheese, sour cream, raisins and pecans. Don't argue with me on this--just try it! Also, they make their own corn tortillas, which they fry fresh to warmly accompany their tomato jalapeño salsa whose heat depends on the jalapeños. My favorite chips and salsa in town! They do have a full bar, and margaritas of all styles, including those made with fresh lime juice. Hint: if you ask for a fresh praline at the end of your meal (it used to be on the menu), they will bring you one free-of-charge, with more available for sale at the front resister. This is a must for anyone seeking the real, unadulterated Austin experience. read more

A giant cockroach fell from the ceiling and landed in my head last night while dining at Matt's El. The server could have cared less, my husband ran the bug out of the door. A manager never came over to address. read more

ATX classic! This restaurant has a great outdoor area and really good Tex mex like their amazing brisket tacos BUT... The salsa is spicy and the restaurant can get very busy to the point that we weren't served refills and our food came out cold. Worth going at-least once and seeing if it's worth the hype. I'm optimistic and I'll be back again to see if it redeems itself! read more

Matt's is it, Yup it's just where you go for good food and a great atmosphere. Love this austin staple read more

Matt's El Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I sadly had to drop my rating to 3 Stars, but due to an excellent waiter, it is a solid 3 to 3+. There has been a huge menu change, prices are significantly higher and the spice and heat level has dropped tremendously to cater to younger critters and outlanders. That being said it was still pretty good and if we had more time we would have ordered extra jalapeno' to brighten it up. We had a tea and lemonade (still very good) and ordered a Bob Armstrong. It felt like it had lost a bit of its luster (like the difference between Chorizo and ground beef) and no heat. I regretted that they no longer had mole', which used to be really good. So, as we were in a bit of a rush, we ordered the Taco Salad, which in my opinion is as Tex Mex as Cincinnati Chili. It was ok, but bland, which was our fault as we did not order extra jalapeno' to add. Other than that, it was pretty good. Our waiter was fantastic and we left a generous tip. However, it just does not hit the spot anymore. This is sad. Years ago it was quite good. But now, since they are not a trailer, they have to cater to their customers who have moved into the area. I wish them the best. Someday we will try again. This may have been just an off-day. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Bob Armstrong - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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No wait, excellent service, great food and drinks. Had the chicken flautas and Carne guisada. Both were great. Rancho margs were perfect. Parking was a nightmare but they try. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Rancho margarita - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

The fact that this place is as famous as it is is very laughable. Tastes like the most flavorless Tex mex. The margarita alone deserved a 0 star. The chips were ok the salsa was bland. The only redeeming factor of the meal was my entree the Spinach Poblanitas enchiladas. I did both sauces. Preferred the suiza. The enchiladas were decent but nothing to write home about or to wait an hour plus for. Would not return and would never recommend. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I LOVE IT HERE. The prickly pear margarita is the best margarita I've ever had. The enchiladas are the best in Austin. I love the decor and the design of the restaurant. Outside they have a nice set up with tables and string lights. Depending on the waiter you get, they can be good or great! read more

Matt's El Rancho - Queso and margarita - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

The margaritas are fantastic! But the food is kinda gross. The queso is good, but that's as much "plastic" cheese as I can handle. I understand most tex-mex uses that fake plastic cheese, but I can't stand it. I'm a native Austinite and will never be able to get behind it. If you want real cheddar in and on your cheese enchiladas or nachos, go to Serranos or Texican. I only come here for the drinks, queso, and good service. read more

The food was definitely some of the better Mexican food I have had. The exception was the tortilla chips. They were not the best. The service was fairly quick and easy. Tons of people there but they were speedy. The queso was superb! read more

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For years Matt's has remained at the top of my list! Start with Matt's fries. Mexican martinis and prickly pear frozen margs are my fave! The food is consistently good and I have tried pretty much everything on the menu and I do often go back to the chicken fried chicken and the enchiladas there! read more

Super Crowded on a a Friday night... food came out warm at best. Some other friends there later that night same thing. Wanted to send it back but didn't want to be that guy... margarita was good though.... Won't be back for a while read more

This place was packed and really hopping with customers. I tried the Shrimp Chile Relleno, and thought it was fine, while not caring for the raisins or nuts too much. The Deluxe dish wasn't anything to be desired. They have a very nice fountain patio area if you don't get stuck around the back corner (definitely should remove at least 4 tables) The soppapillas were a nice light dessert. read more

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It can be tough to navigate restaurants that are gluten free. The waitress was very knowledgable and informative about any questions I had about what had gluten in it. I ended up getting the blackened salmon and it was delicious! read more

Make sure to get there early to put your name on the waitlist. Good service. Great tacos! Spicy Marg was just alright. But the fish tacos were delicious just out of sliced avocado. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Do not go here if you have a service animal! The manager was extremely rude and we were harassed with questions. He made me cry and we felt uncomfortable so we left. We will never be back here again. read more

When visiting Austin, you should stop into Matt's for some good, home-cooked, Tex-Mex. We went in for a late lunch and it was bustling with no wait. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. We opted for indoor as it looked like rain and all the covered outdoor seating was taken. We had been here once prior and enjoyed the outdoor seating best. Our waitress was sweet and advised us on ordering the small size of Bob Armstrong Dip, I ordered the Asadero Tacos with small salad and beans and my husband ordered the Chicken-fried steak with fries and side salad with chipotle ranch, finishing lunch with the house-made flan. The Asadero tacos were served on corn tortillas (also made in-house using non-gmo corn) the steak was tender and the onions and peppers, though had a little kick, were grilled to perfection and the Asadero cheese took the edge off the spice. The chicken-fried steak was nice and thin with the right amount of breading and gravy. Chips were good and salsa spicy! The flan was rich and delicious. Atmosphere was pleasant even though a full house. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. All in all a good experience and look forward to when we can sit outside again. read more

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Matt's El Rancho is a first-mention when it comes to Texas Tex-Mex joints -- a la El Chico and El Fenix. (My apologies to Ninfa's, which is a Houston institution, but lasted a mere three years beyond H-town confines as a chain.) You'll see reviews for this place that are marginal, and others that are top notch. My guess: the marginal reviews are from younger generations that cannot comprehend the experience. The better reviews are from Tex-Mex connoisseurs, of which I am one. As a child in the 1970s, Tex-Mex joints were populated with people in their Sunday best. When you walked through the doors, the aroma of corn knocked you over. Chips and salsa were still considered a bonus to the meal ... hot crispy goodness with red spicy goodness. It was Heaven on earth. Matt's El Rancho still offers that experience. Sure, you can order the 'Bob,' which my dinner partner did. I'm more old school: chips, salsa and maybe a side order of corn tortillas with butter. On this visit, though, I treated myself to bean & cheese nachos, which were dressed to the nines. I went overboard with my dinner in an attempt to recapture some magic from a Dallas steakhouse a few years ago: Chicken fried steak topped with two cheese enchiladas and plenty of sauce and cheese. Nirvana. I could honestly tell my endocrinologist that I only ate half of it ... but I enjoyed it immensely. It was Texas to the bone. The rice and beans on the side made it feel all that much comfier. The menu here offers a wide variety. Any Tex-Mex fan is bound to find something appetizing. It's cool to know that these guys are willing to cross that line and satisfy a craving. Service here is fantastic. The place is clean and it feels like a popular Tex-Mex joint -- plenty of happy people. Thank you Matt's El Rancho. read more

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Have been a regular at Matt's for well over 20 years. For classic Tex-Mex, Matt's is the top spot in Austin. Traditional Tex-Mex dishes do not disappoint. Amazing iced tea, margaritas, chips, salsa, chili con queso, guacamole (and that tomato vinaigrette!), fajitas, enchiladas, nachos, tacos, and Mexican rice and beans. The staff is all wonderful and hard working and truly care about your dining experience. They've done great during the challenges of the COVID-19 era, and are to be commended. Always leave full, satisfied and happy in the tummy! read more

Matt's El Rancho - Cheese Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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After a work trip, I had an extra day to explore. Matt's continued to be a recommendation so I knew I had to go! I started with the frozen skinny margarita. The chips were soooooo fresh with a perfectly spicy salsa. I highly recommend ordering the Bob Armstrong dip and dunking that in salsa. It's the perfect bite as they dip itself isn't spicy at all. Then I had the beef combination lunch special. They didn't add cheese to the taco so I also recommend adding some of the dip on that as well. This will be a #1 rec for anyone I hear is visiting Austin! read more

Second time dining here and was even better this time. My server's name was Josh L. and he was so attentive and friendly. The manager Jenna also stopped by to assure everything was perfect. I got the steak and enchiladas (Medium Rare) and oh my god it was delicious. I will definitely be coming by again!! 10/10 read more

Matt's El Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

There are several quality Tex Mex establishments in and all around Austin. The line of people waiting for a table was so long on a Friday night that we made it a point to return the following night earlier ( 5:00 pm) when the wait was manageable. Was told the wait would be 45 minutes but ended up being closer to 30 minutes. Our party of 9 enjoyed each and every entree we ordered. From the tortilla chips, salsa, margaritas, and the various menu choices, this establishment will not disappoint you. Our server Ed was top notch. My carnitas entree was most flavorful and delicious. If you have a group of 4-10 or more I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Margarita martini. Fantastic - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Honestly Matt's handled our large group like a bunch of champs! I'm fully aware that having a group of 20ish people can be overwhelming but they did such a good job. The Bob Armstrong dip was killer as always and the fajitas absolutely slapped. There's a reason why I always have to come here every time I'm in Austin!!!! Major shoutout to Matt's!!! read more

Matt's El Rancho - Bob Armstrong Dip - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Authentic Tex Mex Cuisine! Fun restaurant to come to with a group of friends. Must try their signature knockout drink - margarita/martini vibe! Nice place to go if you have a big crowd as it can seat over 500 people! read more

Matt's El Rancho - Chicken Fajita Plate! Enough to share! - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Finally made it here! Matt's is a "must try" if you're going to be an Austinite. I've lived here since '92, and finally made it. Great atmosphere- this place has been here a long time (since 1952). You can feel the nostalgia in the architecture and the decor. I love a place with a rich history. It was packed for lunch with a 1/2 hour wait the day I went. I'd recommend an early lunch or dinner to get ahead of the crowd. The chips are fresh and the salsa is flavorful without being too hot. The menu has lots of great food and drink options. My "go to" Mexican dish is usually verde chicken enchiladas, but I tried the el pastor tacos at Matt's. They were "okay"-maybe too much seasoning for my liking. My date and I shared a Matt's Mexican Martini which was perfect (not something I would recommend if you've got a Zoom call right after drinking). All in all, Matt's is an experience- I'm all about the "experience" of dining out. It has to hit all the right buttons- service, atmosphere, good food and drink, and clean. I'll be back to try my "go to" dish. I hope you'll give this iconic place a try too. read more

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It was very crowded! We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. I don't understand why the bragging about the queso, it was pretty terrible. Better if you mix it with the guacamole or salsa. Check out the picture- it's basically velvetta. Chips were ok, nothing to rave about and lots were too small to dip. The guacamole was delicious and had lots of big chunks of avocado (that apparently is a negative for some but I liked it!). read more

Matt's El Rancho - Chips, guacamole, queso, salsa, Corona - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

DANGGGGGG THIS REVIEW WAS 5 STARS, but it turns out you don't take AMERICAN EXPRESS. IN AMERICA... I haven't been leaving many reviews lately, and obviously I've been to Matt's before, but... this is the time for a review. I went to Maudies recently, like 3 weeks ago, and I've made a vow not to leave bad reviews for businesses since Corona... I know these local businesses are going through enough as is, so I've been holding my tongue. It's been a while since I've been to Matt's, but I gotta say, if I were the owner of Maudie's I'd sell to Matt ASAP. GET OUT FROM UNDER THAT BUSINESS. Sell it to Matt. He needs the extra space to seat his customers on the weekends anyways. Matt's probably looking at this going, "Ha, dumbbbbbb!!! Why would I open a second location a rock throw away" Well Matt, how many people leave on the weekends because they don't want to wait for a table, and you're not on opentable so they can't make a rezzie? --me ‍ Exactly... The aforementioned impatient customers could drive across the street to your extra seating. Great meal, great service, and this $15 drink was worth it. But seriously... no American Express... I'd understand if you were a food truck. Despicable. read more

Matt's El Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Our first meal getting to Austin and it was great! Everything we ordered we loved! I got the taco salad with angus beef and it was delicious; so much flavor, so fresh, really delicious, also had several dressings for me to choose from, but did not even really need it! My sister got the spinach poblanitas enchiladas and really liked it, thought it was something different and really good! Dad got a chicken burrito that came with sides and ate the whole thing without stopping, could not stop raving about it! Mom also got a salad, the combo salad with chicken and loved it! Our server was great, so friendly and offered several suggestions about drinks and food! As well, the chips and salsa came quickly when we got there, so delicious and they get refilling whenever it was empty! read more

Matt's El Rancho - Angus Beef Taco Salad - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I LOVE MATT'S EL RANCHO This was my first real Tex-mex when I moved to Austin, and I couldn't have been more obsessed with it. I had zero tolerance for spice at this moment in time, but I forced myself to be okay with it because the salsa was sooooo good. The food is just the most amazing Mexican food I have ever had in my life. I highly recommend the fajitas, that's my go to choice, I got the steak and the chicken, and both are excellent. I also 10000% recommend getting the loaded queso, you won't be disappointed at all. The ambiance is great, if you can, I recommend trying to get outdoor seating on the patio, it's a little bit more comfortable considering the front lobby is always packed with people waiting on tables, which brings me to my next point. They don't take reservations, and it is first come first serve, so be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes with a larger party of 4+, and still have a wait for two people. There really isn't much around to do while waiting either so be prepared to be patient. Parking is also pretty crazy, and you'll probably have to park in the back but it's all worth it. I was recommended to come here by someone I met heading to the Cotton Bowl on my way into Texas, and I am so glad that I was able to give it a stop. Everyone who visited me during my time in Texas I made sure to bring to Matt's El Rancho, and I would give anything for a jar of their salsa right now. read more

The servers all seemed uninterested and the food came out cold. The portions are big, but the quality is really not great.