• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Kids Events in Austin this Weekend
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Matt’s El Rancho Serves Iconic Taste of Tex-Mex in Austin

September 12, 2016 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Matt's El Rancho Iconic Tex Mex Restaurant

Matt’s El Rancho is one of Austin’s most beloved Tex-Mex restaurants

Guest article by Laurie Engle

Matt Martinez was a boxer and winner of the Cross Country Olympics in Kodiak, Alaska in 1952 before he opened his now iconic restaurant. Once open, Martinez took special care of his customers while his wife, Janie, worked in the kitchen cooking everything from scratch. Here are some other things you may not know about Matt’s El Rancho in Austin.

Location, Location, Location

Matt's El Rancho Entrance

Matt’s El Rancho exterior

The original location was a small space in downtown Austin. But today you will find the restaurant on South Lamar Boulevard, with seating for over 500 people, including a huge outdoor patio and bar.

According to the eatery’s website, a few celebrities have enjoyed the occasional chile relleno over the years, including former President Lyndon Johnson. If you’re a fan of the Travel Channel, you may have been tempted by the Bob Armstrong Dip’s cheesy goodness, featured on “Bizarre Foods.”

A photo posted by Jeff Ballew (@jefe_ballew) on Jun 24, 2015 at 6:38pm PDT

Indoor and Outdoor Options

Lanterns create an inviting ambiance

Lanterns create an inviting ambiance

The exterior of Matt’s El Rancho features traditional Mexican architecture, with marvelously carved wooden doors that beckon you inside. Once you’re there, the interior is warm and inviting. I personally love the glow from the light fixtures shaped like lanterns.

There is plenty of free parking at the restaurant (which can be a rarity in Austin). But don’t visit on a Tuesday! I learned that one the hard way. As I approached, the parking lot was suspiciously empty. One glance at the sign clearly informed me they are closed on Tuesdays. Fortunately for all of us, it’s the one day of the week they’re closed.

Margarita Mondays

Come thirsty, leave tipsy

Come thirsty, leave tipsy

Appetite and thirst still firmly in place, I showed up again on Margarita Monday. The place was busy, but there was still ample seating, and the service was friendly and quick. I started with a house margarita made from fresh limes. You will want to pace yourself with the margaritas–they pack a punch!

Next on my agenda was queso. You can’t go to a Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin and not order queso, and Matt’s El Rancho has some of the best in town. The chips and salsa are delicious, as well. But have water on hand, since the salsa is on the spicy side.

Endless Food Options at Matt’s El Rancho

A photo posted by Jen Davidson (@jen_davidsonnyc) on Apr 24, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT


The menu is extensive. Everyone in your group should find something they can enjoy, from chicken fried steak to surprising choices like fried frog legs. My choice was the No. 1 dinner, which includes a beef taco, beef enchilada, pork tamale, Spanish rice and refried beans. I enjoyed the freshness of the taco and the enchilada was tasty, but the tamale was a bit bland and dry.

Not open on Tuesday

Matt’s El Rancho is closed on Tuesdays

All in all, a visit to Matt’s El Rancho should be on your list of locally-owned restaurants to try in Austin. With a wonderful tradition of delicious fresh food, cold drinks and an amazing patio to enjoy them on, you can’t go wrong.

2613 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

What is your favorite menu item at Matt’s El Rancho?

 

Laurie Engle LOVES Austin, its many fantastic neighborhoods, laid-back sophistication and never-ending supply of things to experience. Her work is selling homes in this amazing city, while making new friends along the way. You can follow Laurie on her Facebook page.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Guest Blogger
Guest Blogger
Guest Blogger
Latest posts by Guest Blogger (see all)
  • Best Austin Restaurants With a View – 8 Most Scenic Places to Eat - October 8, 2022
  • 7 Best Austin Restaurants With a View: Most Scenic Places to Eat - October 21, 2021
  • DipDipDip Tatsu-ya Is Making Austin Go Wild Over Shabu Shabu - January 27, 2020

Filed Under: Food, Food & Drink Tagged With: tex mex

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Right Now

Top Kids Events in Austin June 20-22, 2025

Top Kids Events in Austin June 20 – June 22 include DRUMLine Live- Juneteenth Tour, Young Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, and More!

Juneteenth Events Austin

Juneteenth Events Austin 2025 – Celebrations, Concerts, and more!

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 20, 2025

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 20 Include Jaws on the Water, City-Wide Vintage Sale, and More!

Top Father’s Day Picks Austin

Top Father’s Day Picks in Austin – Jun 15, 2025

Father's Day Deals Austin

Father’s Day Deals Austin 2025| Brunch, Retail, Tech & More

Recent Posts

  • Top Kids Events in Austin June 20 – June 22 include DRUMLine Live- Juneteenth Tour, Young Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, and More!
  • Juneteenth Events Austin 2025 – Celebrations, Concerts, and more!
  • Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 20 Include Jaws on the Water, City-Wide Vintage Sale, and More!
  • Top Father’s Day Picks in Austin – Jun 15, 2025
  • Father’s Day Deals Austin 2025| Brunch, Retail, Tech & More

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in