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Ratings and reviews

Travelers' Choice2022
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Mentioned in

  • 16 Best Austin Restaurants: Where to Eat and Drink Now | Jetsetterjetsetter.com
  • Matt’s El Rancho - Austin, TX | Review & What to Eatroadfood.com
  • 50 Fun Things to Do in Austin, TX | Visit Austin, Texasaustintexas.org

Location and contact

South Austin
0.8 miles from Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
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Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
CUISINES
Mexican, Southwestern
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards
Reviews (644)
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639 results
Traveler rating
275
206
102
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24
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveler rating
275
206
102
32
24
Show reviews that mention
All reviews bob armstrong dip chile relleno fajitas guacamole cheese dip beef rice and beans taco tex mex austin institution sour cream margaritas chips raisins martini staple
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Reviewed yesterday via mobile

This place is so over rated. It was crowded and loud and the food was super greasy. The only good thing was the Mexican martini.

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 3 days ago

Went with friends to this old Austin tradition and had another great expeience. we sat outside on a very pleasant evening and soaked up the atmosphere. The food and drinks were enjoyed by all and I was taken aback by the massiive crowd on a...Wednesday night. The place is huge and they do a great job of dealing with the enormous number of cstomers they enjoy..More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed April 20, 2023

I had a catch up lunch with a couple of old friends here today. I won't comment on their food since I didn't ask their thoughts. From my perspective the Beef Enchiladas with rice and beans was average Tex-Mex. Not bad, but nothing special. The...chips and dip are pretty good. Service and the kitchen also get an average rating. I had to motion twice to get water. From a value perspective I was out the door at $50 for three lunch's, inclusive of tip and tax, so it's a fair value.More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed April 12, 2023

Great food and drink. An Austin 'original'. Very popular and crowded. They do not take reservations. Get there early! Bob Armstrong dip was fun and delicious. Rest of menu is Tex-Mex with some twists. Well done. Service was friendly.

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed April 5, 2023 via mobile

For the last four trips to Austin, we’ve made a point of stopping at Matt’s. We can’t say enough good things about the food and the wait staff! There is always a line so expect a bit of a wait. Keep in mind that they...are closed on Tuesdays.More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed March 27, 2023

Came here on a recommendation of a friend. We came early to beat the crowd and glad we did because this place fills up quickly. The service was excellent. We ordered the "bob Armstrong". It was very filling. The small is a lot for 2...people to finish the bowl off, we didn't. My husband got the (3) BBQ tacos, which were a little on the greasy side. They came with charo beans that were really tasty and a scoop of guacamole. I had the No. 1 which came with enchilada, rice and refried beans and tamale, and taco. The taco had a great dressing drizzled over it that add some flavor and glass of tea. The tamale was a little heavy on the masa and lighter on the meat but still had good flavor. The salsa has some kick to it and the size of the chips are huge. Water is served with no ice but they are quick to refill your glass. We were too full to try a dessert.More

Date of visit: March 2023
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Reviewed February 20, 2023

This was very standard Tex-Mex that I can get on literally any street in my hometown of San Antonio. We heard it was an Austin standout but it was very underwhelming. Lunch special and cocktails were overpriced. But worst of all: my food was served...cold. Usually Tex Mex is served on a piping hot plate. My plate and food were cold and the refried beans even had formed a crust from sitting too long. On the good side: service was OK, and the chips and salsa were good. Nice fresh chips and spicy salsa. I won't be in a hurry to go back.More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed January 20, 2023

Dinner on a Saturday night. The place was PACKED. Waited for 45 minutes and was seated outside next to the courtyard pond which was very attractive. Heaters provided. Recommend the spinach poblano meal. Claims it is the best mexican restaurant, good but not the best....Wonderful and friendly service. Very popular with students and families.More

Date of visit: January 2023
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Reviewed January 15, 2023 via mobile

Authentic Mexican with reasonable prices, excellent service (request Liz), and an upscale experience. Tips: ask to sit by outdoors by the fountain - we had heaters in Jan and I saw fans for summertime. Recommend the “liquid gold” Bob Armstrong dip, the Old Fashioned taco...dinner, and the knockout margarita martini (serves two) to split. Highly recommend!More

Date of visit: January 2023
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Reviewed November 6, 2022 via mobile

We were told by a local this was a great Tex-Mex restaurant. I can’t think of a thing that was great. Not the food, service, or ambiance. Would not recommend. It’s basically a tourist trap.

Date of visit: November 2022
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Paul C, General Manager at Matt's El Rancho, responded to this reviewResponded January 8, 2023

Pease know that all of our entrees are made from scratch and 100% guaranteed! If for any reason you are not happy just let us know and we are happy to re-make it or prepare you something else.

Reviewed October 31, 2022 via mobile

This place was recommended by a local. We were visiting Austin for first time and are huge foodies. If you want authentic Mexican do not come here. It is a glorified Lonestar. Average food. This is Tex Mex which I just learned from website. We...had the Armstrong dip which was recommended. It was similar to that jarred old elpasso cheese dip you microwave. Not for us. We had a tortilla soup. Flavors were good but chicken, dry. Bartender recommended fajitas. Lacking in spices, salt, dry steak and chicken, bland guacamole and refried beans. I had a margarita. Not real lime juice. The drink was white in color. The ambience at the bar was great. Full of locals. I'm not sure why. But good bar vibe. The dining area seemed cold esthetically. The best thing was talking with locals who recommended other places to eat and drink for the rest of our trip. Sent us on a good path.More

Date of visit: October 2022
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C, General Manager at Matt's El Rancho, responded to this reviewResponded January 8, 2023

We squeeze our lime juice fresh every morning. When people see the one gallon jug sometimes they assume, incorrectly that it is store bought but we have to transfer the gallons of fresh squeezed juice into something. Somedays we make more than 50 gallons of...More

Reviewed September 28, 2022

Absolutely great food and good service. I had the 2 beef tacos al carbon with pintos, pico de gallo, and rice. The tacos they bring first are very warm. The dip is homemade and it is spicy. Not for the timid. The only gripe I...have is the water. No ice. I asked and was told that ice is a special request. First time I have ever had this happen. Overall, this restaurant is worth a visit.More

Date of visit: September 2022
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Paul C, General Manager at Matt's El Rancho, responded to this reviewResponded January 8, 2023

Thanks Gerald! Glad you liked you dinner! Our water is not just tap water. It is dispensed from special machines that filter and cool the water. So no ice is needed but we are happy to do it upon request.

Reviewed September 16, 2022 via mobile

You will not be disappointed. The Uber driver told me Nixon liked this place so much he put it on Air Force 1. Although not verified, it’s a great story and after feasting here you can believe it. Start off with the queso dip and...the hugest tortilla chips you have ever seen. This was recommended to me and consequently what I went with. Lip smacking good as it was, I kick myself for not getting the Bob Armstrong Dip. I guess I will have to go back!! Lol The house frozen margarita was packed with punch and just right. Additionally for $3 you can have a bottomless carafe of sparkling water at your table, makes for a palate cleansing swig to better enjoy the offerings. Get the fish tacos grilled, and get the cilantro vinaigrette! Has a generous side of Jalapeño slaw. Mild and the perfect topping. One thing about Tex-Mex is the prevalence of flour tortillas. Skip that and get the corn tortillas. Everything is made from scratch daily, so as you can imagine the corn tortillas were the bomb. Best Tex-Mex in town.More

Date of visit: September 2022
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Paul C, General Manager at Matt's El Rancho, responded to this reviewResponded September 20, 2022

Thanks Christian, We appreciate your great review!!! FYI, it was LBJ that was a big fan of El Rancho.

Reviewed August 12, 2022 via mobile

I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, now I’m taking my wife and son here. I can’t wait to go back for the usual!

Date of visit: July 2022
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Paul C, General Manager at Matt's El Rancho, responded to this reviewResponded August 14, 2022

thanks Chad! We appreciate you!!!

Reviewed July 30, 2022 via mobile

It is a pretty tall order when your sign says ‘Best Mexican Food In The World.’ Honestly I have a few hundred more restaurant s to try before I can vote. I must say the food is very good and the service was excellent. Unfortunately...we were a table of 12 and the would not split the check three ways. Now that may seam reasonable to some folks but their system is comprised and it only takes seconds to split a check. Yes, seconds. This is blatant disregard for their guests. Food good Service great Management sorryMore

Date of visit: July 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C, General Manager at Matt's El Rancho, responded to this reviewResponded August 14, 2022

Hi Bill, We are happy to split check 3 ways if you just tell us the amount to put on each credit card. It's Super easy! If we split checks by item, You would have had to wait much longer for your table and Nobody...More

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Questions & Answers
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Resort48215041751
January 31, 2021|
Answer
Response from Harrison S |
Definitely not dog friendly. There are a lot better Tex Amex places in Austin that have dog friendly patios.
1
Vote
gackerman64
April 8, 2017|
AnswerShow all 12 answers
Response from PaulC10918 | Property representative |
Please call the restaurant and ask for the manager on duty, Paul
1
Vote
EddyTown
February 26, 2016|
AnswerShow all 10 answers
Response from DOUG H | Reviewed this property |
I don't remember seeing any nutritional info at the restaurant.Sorry
0
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MATT'S EL RANCHO, Austin - South Austin - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Matt's El Rancho

Matt's El Rancho is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4