Matt's El Rancho started as a wooden tamale cart in 1923, later becoming a 40-seat café on East 1st Street in 1952 before moving to its current South Lamar location. It has stayed under the same family's ownership for more than 70 years and now serves upwards of 500 guests a day, with recipes that have held close to what Janie Martinez cooked when the restaurant first opened.
The menu centers on scratch-made Tex-Mex: Sizzling Angus Beef Fajitas, Cheese Enchiladas, Beef Tacos, Pork Tamales, Carne Guisada, and Chicken Flautas sit alongside the El Rancho Salad and Guacamole Salad. Bob Armstrong Dip and chile relleno turn up often in regulars' orders, and the Mexican martini has its own following at the bar.
A Taste of Koko named Matt's El Rancho among Austin's best in 2025.
The menu centers on scratch-made Tex-Mex: Sizzling Angus Beef Fajitas, Cheese Enchiladas, Beef Tacos, Pork Tamales, Carne Guisada, and Chicken Flautas sit alongside the El Rancho Salad and Guacamole Salad. Bob Armstrong Dip and chile relleno turn up often in regulars' orders, and the Mexican martini has its own following at the bar.
A Taste of Koko named Matt's El Rancho among Austin's best in 2025.