Matt's El Rancho: A Tex-Mex Icon in Austin, TX

What is there to say about this iconic establishment that hasn't already been said a million times over? They are literally always busy like jam-packed and it doesn't seem to affect the efficiency or quality of service. Fantastic! The legendary Bob Armstrong queso is enough to put you in a tailspin of gooey cheese goodness like that you've never known. Great restaurant design and layout, big with lots of seating inside and out. The entrees are always pure perfection just like the cocktails!

First timer and loved this place for the food! Came here for dinner with friends...they had been before and loved it. Chips and salsa arrived at the table a few minutes after we were seated; salsa is a little spicy but tasted great. My friends both ordered the tacos al carbon...not street taco size; 2 large flour tortillas stuffed with meat and all the additional toppings are served on the side. They both said the meat is seasoned very well. I ordered the shrimp enchiladas with refried black beans and OMG they were were delicious. Things to be mindful of: -No online reservations or sign up in advance to get in line (45 min estimated wait time) -Plan to wait to be seated; you can order drinks from the bar and sit in the lobby -it is very loud on the inside so plan to speak loudly with your guests -Service is pretty fast and everyone who stopped by our table was very friendly Definitely a must go to in Austin!

The food was amazing and our server was fantastic. I wish I could remember her name. She was so accommodating and when I couldn't decide, she came up with a great solution for me to get everything I wanted. (Note to manager- she was young and blonde and we were discussing the purple flower on the patio that she took a pic of and showed her mom). We sat outside because it was a nice day and we had a little breeze but just enough to be comfortable. Very quant outdoor patio seating. We loved it.

When in Texas, we do TexMex! This a massive restaurant where reservations are recommended on weekends, especially at night. We asked the locals for a suggestion and Matt's El Rancho was at the top of their list. We started with queso and guacamole for the complimentary basket of tortilla chips. I ordered the taco salad with ground beef. I love that it came with a petite scoop of guacamole atop. This is a traditional taco salad as you can see from my picture...just the way I like it! We visited as a party of four, but this place struck me as a great spot for large groups or families. It's loud, but not in an obnoxious way...just happy, hungry people gathering over great food. Valet parking is offered or you can self-park in the lot behind the restaurant.

The famous Matt's El Rancho! A renowned Tex-Mex spot, and for good reason! The restaurant has been around for over 70 years, and despite a huge setting with multiple dining rooms, a bar area, and outside patio... you can expect a wait (no reservations take either). The production of this place is worth a visit in itself. Perfect for an outing with friends! The service at Matt's was fantastic. My waiter was not overbearing, but ensured I never had an empty glass or plate. Very helpful in aiding me to discern the menu. Food came out quicker than I could eat, which is never a bad thing! I ordered the Matt's Especial with their own sparkling water. To be honest, the food itself was kind of bland, not a lot of flavor on its own (though I think that's just what Tex-mex is). The highlight of the meal is the Bob's Dip. Their famous queso with a scoop of guacamole and a scoop of ground beef. I was skeptical of such a simple recipe, and the appearance of it was rather lackluster... the taste? PHENOMENAL!

Wow! What an incredibly seamless operation, and some of the best service my partner and I have ever had in the Austin area. Our server, Austin was so immensely kind and took care of us during our visit here. He was so attentive, remembered our orders down to a T, and was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and gave amazing recommendations. I order the No. 1 dinner with a beef enchilada and verde salsa on top, SO DELICIOUS! I am still thinking about that wonderful verde salsa paired with the soft cheesy enchilada. We also grabbed the loaded queso they offer and my partner and I were battling chip-to-chip on who can get the first/last cheesy dip of goodness. Queso was demolished by the time our food came, and my partner ordered the mixed beef and chicken fajitas. I could not stop picking off his plate and having him make me little dressed up tacos with all the fillings they bring you as well, (sour cream, guac, cheese, pico) to construct a gorgeous tasting beef fajita taco. Got to mention the pillowy soft tortillas that were such a taste of home that we were more than happy that Austin brought us some to take to-go! (Such incredibly service!). May I say this is some of the best service in town, fabulously authentic tex-mex vibes, anddd a great place to bring a group or hit for an afternoon cerveza. Check out Matt's El Rancho!!!!