Matt's El Rancho

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.

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!!!

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.

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

Great food but not customer-centric. My sister and I were looking forward to a long overdue catch-up over dinner. We chose Matt's El Rancho as it seemed like a good middle ground, with me coming from North Austin and her from the south. Unfortunately, our experience was far from ideal. From the moment I arrived, things felt off. I walked in first, but my sister, who was on the property, had to finish a work call. Despite explaining this, the hostess wouldn't seat me until our "entire party" was present. This policy felt rigid and unwelcoming, especially since I was ready to order drinks and queso. In fact, I even tried to get a drink at the bar, but it was so crowded I couldn't get close enough to catch a bartender's attention. This put a damper on the start of our meal and honestly made me feel like an inconvenience. Once we were finally seated, the issues continued. We were informed that separate checks weren't an option, which felt inflexible. We also had to ask for water, which is something I feel should be standard, especially with spicy salsa. Otherwise our server was nice. The atmosphere was also a huge drawback for us. The dining room was so loud and crowded that we really struggled to hear each other. We hadn't seen each other in a long time and had a lot to catch up on, so this was incredibly disappointing. On a positive note, the food was delicious. My blackened salmon was tasty, though at $27, I felt the portion was quite small for the price. The quality of the food was the only saving grace of our visit. Overall, the entire experience felt less about customer satisfaction and more about strict policies. It gave me the impression that they were doing me a favor by letting me dine there. While the food was good, the lack of customer-centric service and the unfriendly atmosphere means I won't be returning. There are plenty of other options in Austin with a more welcoming and accommodating environment.

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.

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.