What does “Texas” mean to you? For some, Texas is cowboy culture and historic sites (Remember The Alamo?). For others, it’s the bigger-is-better mantra that includes everything from the state’s national parks to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to its larger-than-life attractions. Some, meanwhile, associate Texas with football and college sports. And, of course, there’s the “black gold” for which Texas is celebrated. What everyone can agree on, though, is that Texas’ cuisine is an inextricable part of its identity. Barbecue and chili, tacos and Tex-Mex — bold flavors and hearty fare are what makes Texas, Texas. Tex-Mex, in particular, is an authentically Texas creation that perfectly marries Mexico and the Lone Star State in one big, bold, spicy dish. And in Austin, Matt’s El Rancho is one of the oldest Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas, proudly serving hungry diners since 1952.

Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2022 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Massachusetts to Southern California.

Tex-Mex cuisine is an authentically Texas creation that's a beautiful homage to our neighbors to the South, but with a Texas-sized twist. It's a decidedly American cuisine that derives from the culinary creations of the Tejano people of Texas. In short, it's a celebration of the melting pot of cultures that represents America at its best.
Matt's El Rancho
And in Austin, Texas, there's no better place Tex-Mex cuisine than Matt's El Rancho. Established in 1952 in the city's old South Lamar neighborhood, Matt’s El Rancho is Austin’s oldest Tex-Mex restaurant.
Matt's El Rancho
It was founded by Mexican-American couple Matt and Jannie Martinez, who originally opened the restaurant with no employees and seating for 40.
Matt's El Rancho
In those early days, Matt worked the front of the house, and Janie made everything from scratch in the kitchen. Interestingly enough, when Matt's El Rancho opened its doors in 1952, the menu featured only blue-plate specials, such as chicken fried steak.
Matt's El Rancho
It was the occasional enchilada special, however, that ultimately garnered the most attention, and it wasn't long afterward that Mexican food began to take over the menu -- and we're so glad it did!
Nearly 75 years later, Matt's El Rancho can seat up to 500, but the principles upon which the restaurant was founded are still religiously followed.
Matt's El Rancho/Facebook

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"All of our entrees are made 100% from scratch," says Matt's El Rancho's General Manager Paul Counter. "We even grind non-GMO corn each morning to make our corn tortillas in-house."
Matt's El Rancho
These homemade tortillas are legendary, attracting hundreds of hungry patrons to the restaurant each day.
In addition, the restaurant serves certified Angus beef fajitas and squeezes "100% fresh lime juice daily for the best Margaritas in town," Counter adds.
Matt's El Rancho
In fact, according to the Martinezes, many items now ubiquitous in Tex-Mex cuisine were El Rancho introductions. Among them are fresh lime juice margaritas, Mexican seafood dishes, and Bob Armstrong dip.
Of course, the food is just one reason for the restaurant's longstanding success. Matt's El Rancho is about community and family, about coming together to break bread — or, in this case, tortillas!
Matt's El Rancho/Facebook
Today, Matt's El Rancho is still family-owned and operated by Matt and Janie's daughters Gloria, Cecilia, and Cathy, as well as daughter-in-law Estella.
Matt's El Rancho/Facebook
The restaurant remains an Austin staple that's about so much more than food, explains Counter. "The Martinez family is dedicated to helping Texans create special memories for many years to come!"
So, come to Austin and dine at a spicy little slice of Lone Star State history. You'll be so glad you did!
Matt's El Rancho/Facebook

Many thanks to General Manager Paul Counter for sharing the story of this long-standing Tex-Mex restaurant. Learn more about Matt’s El Rancho at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Of course, Matt’s El Rancho is just one of the many amazing family-owned businesses in Texas; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Texas article. And be sure to follow Only In Texas on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Lone Star State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.

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Matt's El Rancho, 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA