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Matt's El Rancho: the top ten

Austin Tex-Mex since 1952, now a fixture on South Lamar. If you only get one visit, order from this list. Knitted for the occasion.

The list

Prices from the official menu as of October 8, 2026.

1. 1
   Bob Armstrong Dip$10 / $14

   Queso with taco meat and guacamole, named for a former Texas Land Commissioner. The menu calls it "a Matt's El Rancho original." It's what people mean when they say Matt's.

2. 2
   Sizzling Beef Fajitas$32 ½ lb · $56 lb

   Certified Angus, on a hot skillet. First thing on the restaurant's own "what we're known for" list.

3. 3
   Chile Relleno$16–19

   Beef, chicken, or cheese, finished with Texas pecans and raisins. The pecans and raisins are the Matt's touch.

4. 4
   Asadero Tacos$21

   Beef tenderloin and grilled asadero cheese. Texas Monthly put it on its list of 120 tacos to eat before you die. It's also the most-reviewed dish on Yelp.

5. 5
   Cheese Enchiladas$14

   Under chile con carne, with rice and refried beans. This is the baseline for Austin Tex-Mex.

6. 6
   Deluxe Dinner$21

   Guacamole salad, queso, a beef taco, a pork tamale, a beef enchilada, and iced tea. The classics on one plate.

7. 7
   Carne Guisada$20

   Beef braised in gravy, with house-made flour or corn tortillas. Another one on their "known for" list.

8. 8
   Chicken Flautas$17

   Grilled, then topped with queso, sour cream, and guacamole. Brisket works too.

9. 9
   Smoked Brisket Tacos$19

   Pecan-smoked brisket with rajas and spicy tomatillo salsa. Add queso for $2.

10. 10
    The Cactus Pryor$12

    Their frozen margarita with prickly pear, named for the Austin broadcaster. Order it alongside the dip.