Matt's El Rancho

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
+1 512-462-9333
$$$ Tex-Mex restaurant
(6864 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic Tex-Mex experience in Austin, look no further than Matt's El Rancho, a beloved institution that has been serving the community since its inception. Nestled at 2613 S Lamar Blvd, this charming eatery is a treasure trove of flavors that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Tex-Mex cuisine.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that buzzes with energy. The interior decor, rich with Texan charm, sets the stage for a truly enjoyable dining experience. The lively ambiance, often filled with laughter and chatter, creates an exhilarating edge, enticing you even before you dive into the menu.

Speaking of the menu, prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor! Start with Janie's Combination Salad, a fresh medley of romaine lettuce, peppers, and ripe avocado - a delightful way to kick off your meal. But don't forget to indulge in the Guacamole Salad, where creamy housemade guacamole rests on a bed of crisp lettuce, garnished with juicy tomatoes for just $3.00. It’s a small treat you won’t want to miss!

When it comes to the main attractions, the array of burritos is truly something to behold. The famed TexMex Burrito, filled with beef and topped with chili con carne, and the Chicken Burrito, drizzled with ranchero sauce and crowned with sour cream, both promise hearty satisfaction alongside Spanish rice and refried beans for just $14.00 each. You may want to bring a friend to share these colossal delights!

For taco lovers, the offerings are equally tantalizing. The Fish Taco Dinner serves up grilled or fried mahi-mahi in a perfectly soft tortilla, complemented by an avocado salad and jalapeno slaw, creating a refreshing summer bite. Or opt for the Carbon Taco Dinner, featuring two beef tenderloin tacos that are simply irresistible. At $20.00 for the taco dinner, it’s a flavor adventure worth every penny!

As you enjoy your meal, the attentive service adds to the overall experience, with servers who are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Many guests highlight the exceptional service, especially the warmth and competence of staff like Esmeralda Cruz, whose personalized approach leaves a lasting impression.

Of course, as a popular destination, you’ll likely encounter a bit of a wait, especially during peak hours; however, the time passes swiftly with refreshing drinks in hand and the lively atmosphere surrounding you. Regulars and first-timers alike rave about the food presentation and flavors, making every visit to Matt’s a memorable occasion!

So, whether you’re a Tex-Mex aficionado or new to the cuisine, Matt's El Rancho is a place where authentic flavors and vibrant culture come together. Make sure to stop by and experience the delicious dishes that Austin locals rave about - you’ll quickly understand why this eatery holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

6864 Reviews
Linda Brown

14 Aug 2025

Great time, excellent food, exceptional service from entire staff; from bussing service to waiter - Esmeralda Cruz so personable, knowledgeable about food and drink choices! One of the most personable servers in past 5 years! First time here, definitely NOT the last when good service and atmosphere - accompanied by GREAT food and drink - BRAVO Matt's!!!

Cindy Meridith

26 Jul 2025

A very old eating institution in Austin. I used to go to the one in Dallas. This one is always packed but everything they do is great. We had a 40 min wait but it went by fast with drinks. We were seated outside. Nice patio You HAVE to get The Bob. It’s just as yummy here as in Dallas. I didn’t get a picture of The Bob as it was so good we devoured it fast Worth a try and wait for sure.

Apollo De Jesus

25 Jul 2025

We saw the long line and decide to check it out. It was good but I move had better but it’s good. Lots of people only complaint is if you have a full size car or truck good luck with parking lol

Mason Truong

22 Jul 2025

This restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere that generally requires a wait time of about 10 to 15 minutes, which I find to be quite reasonable considering the overall experience. The highlight of dining here is the theatrical presentation of the food; it arrives sizzling at your table, creating an exciting sensory experience. However, the ambiance does have its drawbacks. The noise level can be quite high due to the large number of patrons, making it a bit challenging to hold a conversation. Additionally, the tables are somewhat cramped, which can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially during busy hours. Despite these minor inconveniences, I would wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys a lively dining experience and doesn't mind a little hustle and bustle.

Lesley Longstreth

22 Jun 2025

I had a relaxing lunch on the patio. Liz C was my server and not only was she super nice, but very knowledgeable about the menu. The small Bob Armstrong was the perfect size for me to enjoy with my chips and salsa. The salsa is on the spicy side if you’re not a fan of heat. The extra cheese and guacamole was also good on my brisket tacos. The sunset margarita was refreshing and not overly sweet. I would recommend this spot for good Tex-Mex while in Austin.

Nora Roos

16 Jun 2025

Matt’s El Rancho has a vibrant, lively atmosphere and is often bustling with guests. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours. Keep in mind they’ll only seat your party once everyone has arrived. The food is good—I’d rate it a 7/10—but it’s not my favorite Tex-Mex spot in town. I’d go back if I were in the area, but I probably wouldn’t make a special trip.

Anthony Dean Brown

04 Jun 2025

We had the best Tex-Mex our last evening in Austin. I had Matt’s special Green chili chicken enchiladas rice beans and a beef taco. The Mrs. had the Carne Guisada it was all so good. The wait wasn’t bad at all considering it was Father’s Day. I will be back. Thank you Matt’s well be back.

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