Meanwhile Brewing and Matt's El Rancho Release "1952" Tex-Mex Lager for 73rd Anniversary

Meanwhile Brewing Co. and Matt's El Rancho have collaborated on a limited-edition Tex-Mex lager, "1952," to mark the iconic South Austin restaurant's 73rd anniversary. The beer, brewed with maize, honey and a hint of lime, is designed to complement Tex-Mex cuisine.

The "1952" Tex-Mex lager is available in cans and on draft at Matt's El Rancho and in the Meanwhile Brewing taproom while supplies last.

Matt's El Rancho celebrates 73 years in Austin

Matt's El Rancho, a family-owned establishment, has been a fixture in the Austin dining scene since 1952. Founded by Matt and Janie Martinez, the restaurant is known for its Bob Armstrong Dip and Mexican martinis. The original 40-seat restaurant on East First Street (now Cesar Chavez Street) moved to its current South Lamar location in 1986.

Matt's El Rancho was inducted into the Statesman Restaurants Hall of Fame in 2021.

In the beginning, Matt Martinez, an Army veteran and Golden Gloves champion, enticed customers with a money-back guarantee if they were dissatisfied with their meal. Janie Martinez, who prepared dishes based on her mother's and grandmother's recipes, initially offered a menu that included American comfort food alongside a limited selection of Tex-Mex dishes, which expanded due to customer demand.

After Matt's death in 2003 and Janie's in 2013, their daughters, Cathy Kreitz, Gloria Reyna and Cecilia Muela, along with their sister-in-law, Estella Martinez, continue to operate the restaurant. The restaurant maintains a multi-generational clientele, with many patrons who have dined there since childhood now bringing their own families.

"We've always respected the way Meanwhile has created a space that feels like home for so many," said Paul Counter, general manager of Matt's El Rancho.

Will Jaquiss, Founder and Brewmaster at Meanwhile, said, "Building relationships in the Austin food scene is incredibly important to us and working on something to celebrate Matt's legacy was an honor."

The can's design pays homage to Matt's iconic neon sign at their South Lamar location.