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Matt's El Rancho

2613 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704-4732
Phone: (512) 462-9333
Food bad, drinks good--sit outside if you can.
1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

07/24/2007 Posted by toroneg

Since my first terrible dinner at Matt's El Rancho over six years ago, I have never been back for any more food...it was that bad. The food ranged from below mediocre to awful, but the truly disappointing part was the way we were treated. The waitstaff was busy closing down portions of the restaurant and acted like we were putting them out because we wanted to order, like we had walked in at the last minute, even though we arrived at 8:00 pm, TWO HOURS before their posted closing time. As part of their closing procedures, they had placed tables and chairs in front of the doors to the restroom, and were upset when I walked around the tables and squeezed my way through the bathroom door--I guess they had already cleaned the restroom, and didn't want anybody to use it. Altogether a miserable, teeth-grinding experience. On the other hand, I have gone back a couple of times for happy hour margaritas. Their patio is relaxing, the margaritas are passable to good, and you can avoid having any of that terrible, greasy food. And don't get me wrong--I like greasy--I always order queso flameado with chorizo if it's on the menu (which is basically melted cheese and Mexican sausage--doesn't get much greasier!)--but the food I got at Matt's was swimming in pools of tasteless grease. Go for the happy hour, avoid the food.

Pros: drinks good, patio charming, prices right

Cons: rude/uncaring staff, poor business practices, terrible food

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

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Editor's Review

This Lamar Boulevard restaurant and bar is a favorite among Austin's loyal Tex-Mex lovers.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Though there are three large dining rooms and a huge outdoor patio, expect a long wait on the weekends, when the crowds swell exponentially.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information for Matt's El Rancho

Parking

  • Lot

Hours

  • Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu 11am-10pm
  • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Dress Code

  • Casual

Cuisines

  • Mexican
  • Southwestern

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Discover
  • American Express

Meal Price

  • $

Amenities

  • Catering
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Local Favorites
  • Date Spot
  • Historic Setting
  • Bar Scene
  • Kid Friendly
  • Group Dining
  • Open 7 Days

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