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