This place is exceptional! Had the Smoked Brisket Tacos and they were outstanding! My wife had the Chicken Fajitas and my daughter had the Fish Tacos and they were great as well. This restaurant did not disappoint. Great service and excellent food. Would definitely come back and absolutely recommend Matt’s El Rancho!
Food was great, as well as our server. Atmosphere was fun. We're from the Dallas area and have eaten at Rancho Martinez before. I didn't realize they are related until I saw Bob Armstrong Dip on the menu. Greatness!
I had Matt’s El Rancho for the first time recommended by a couple coworkers. I preferred the half lb sizzling fajitas which was pretty good. Surprisingly the chicken was better than the beef fajitas where in my experience it’s typically the opposite. Most of my coworkers ordered the enchiladas which all of them didn’t like compared to the fajita people. Mexican food I’m Austin has been a miss for me for the most part (outside of tacos) but so for getting this dish in particular I would say order it if you come here. For everything else, it was just ok. An honorable mention to the martinis that you can pour the clear shaker in was neat.
We dined-in on a Sunday morning. They don't let you reserve a table ahead but it was a quick 10 min wait.
The server was very sweet and responsive. Food was fresh and high quality.
They have clearly marked Vegetarian options but they don't have a lot of options.
Vegetable Chilli Relleno could have been better (I had high hopes). It was sweetish rather than savoy and was more cheesy than it should have been. Burnt orange margarita was sweeter than expected and quite diluted alcohol wise.
Great fajitas and burritos though.
I can not believe I have lived here since 1994 and did not know about this amazing GEM! The food was just beyond delicious, dare I say better than mom's... Do yourself a favor. Go eat here. Located on S. Lamar, where there's so much to do and see, the crowd was diverse, and everywhere you looked, there was a smile. This is now our new favorite place to enduldge our homemade Mexican food!
This TEX-MEX classic done well a couple of vegan choices and my flexitarian partner assures me the nachos with chicken Al carbon are excellent. Vegan fajitas really good grilled veg. The ambience is good I stopped and helped sing Happy Birthday to a grandmother the parking easy
Terrific experience. Menu has an abundance of tempting choices. Food was lovingly prepared by a kitchen of craftspeople, delivered by top notch servers and runners. The ambiance, to me, felt nostalgic reminding me a bit of the fancier Mexican restaurants growing up in Texas ~ 50 years ago, yet diners were casual and comfortably dressed largely, with a spattering of trendy fashionistas/os scattered around the various dining areas.
The best seat in the house is on the patio - it is next to the fish pond in the far back right hand side. A perfect table for one or two. The view is outstanding and it is perfectly in the path of the misting fan.
Matt’s has been an Austin Tex-Mex icon for over 70 years. The Bob Armstrong Dip is exactly the yellow / orange color and cheeses buttery flavor Tex-Max queso should be.
I had “the Bob”, the guacamole salad (a house staple), and the “Mexican style”smothered Texas Red Fish.
Make sure to ask for Josh B as your server. He is a delight.
They have a dedicated parking lot that is always packed. They have paid valet as well.
Delicious food, as always! It had been a while since I last ate here, but I was as pleased to discover that the food and ambience was as good as ever. The guacamole was flavorful and creamy, perfect texture. The chips were crispy and stood up to the salsa and guacamole. The brisket taco accompanied by charro beans made for a hearty and satisfying lunch. Staff were helpful and friendly and attentive. Ample parking in the lot. Great atmosphere!
Best steak fajitas I ever had. Went for lunch. Very reasonable. I also had a cup of tortilla soup which on a chilly rainy day was perfect. I really enjoyed Matt’s.
Came during prime dinner time at 6 PM and they got us in right away! We sat outside, but it was shaded, and the sun was starting to set behind the trees. They also had mist fans on the tables that were not under the shade. We ordered queso and a margarita so were good to go. The servers were very attentive and made multiple stops back at the table to refill waters and chips. Food came out hot and even better than expected. We will definitely be going back soon!
Not only the best Mexican restaurant in Austin, probably the best restaurant in Austin!! I've been going for 30 years and every single time everything is just right. The service, the atmosphere, the drinks, and the food. Always on point. A 70 plus year old Austin institution, and a must go for locals and visitors alike.
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