Ranch 616

4.7

1279 reviews

$30 and under

Southwest

Top tags:

South Texas Ice House, "Texas Cuisine" Products from the Texas Gulf to the Texas Hill Country.

"The huge snake logo on the outside of an otherwise nondescript building -- created by Bob "Daddy-O" Wade, best known for the oversize boots that front San Antonio's North Star Mall -- is your first hint that this place might be a bit, well, different. Inside, cowboy kitsch, 1950s diner decor, and Mexican folk art mingle, as do workers from the nearby county offices, local movers and shakers, and anyone else looking for terrific food that, like the decor, defies easy categorization.

Call it South Texas gourmet. You can really taste the chipotle chilies in the tartar sauce that comes with some of the best crispy oysters this side of the Mason-Dixon Line, and the Gulf fish tacos are gussied up with chili lime aioli and Tabasco jalapeño onions. You get the idea -- lots of spicy dishes."

NEW Chilled Pistol Patio with NEW misters, to keep you cool all summer long.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 May 2023

19:00

Booked 24 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Southwest, Wild Game, Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–1:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(512) 479-7616
Website
http://theranch616.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Kevin Williamson
Private party facilities
Restaurant is available for buy outs.
Private party contact
Preston Nagel: (512) 479-7616

Location
616 Nueces, Austin, TX 78701
Area
Downtown
Cross Street
7th
Parking Details
Surface and Garage Parking available nearby.
Additional
Bar Dining

Featured in

Popular dishes

Quesadilla of the DayUS$12.00
daily protein or vegetables grilled inside a flour tortilla stuffed with roasted corn, pico de gallo, black beans, & ranch cheese
Fried or Grilled Frog LegsUS$18.00
served with house vinaigrette over roasted poblano mashed potatoes
CalamariUS$16.00
served with chipotle tartar sauce & green goddess dressing
Crispy OystersUS$20.00
Named by Southern Living as "The Best Oysters in the South!". One dozen fried gulf oysters with chipotle tartar sauce & green goddess dressing
Texas Gulf Coast Crab CakeUS$18.00
served on a bed of crab & corn salad with homemade thousand island dressing
Camarones RellenosUS$21.00
applewood-smoke bacon-wrapped Gulf Coast shrimp stuffed with ranch cheese, drizzled in green goddess dressing
The Don ComboUS$20.00
crispy oysters & calamari served with chipotle tartar sauce & green goddess dressing
Funeral EggsUS$12.00
deviled eggs garnished with mixed greens & candied pickled onions
Fried Green BeansUS$9.00
served with tomatillo salsa
Ranch Slice of IceUS$12.00
¼ wedge of iceberg sprinkled with bleu cheese, bacon, candied pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, carrots, croutons & ranch dressing
616 ChopUS$16.00
applewood-smoked bacon, black bean, chopped egg, Texas pecans, feta, avocado, tomato, corn, pickled onion, & choice of dressing
Caesar SaladUS$13.00
romaine hearts, shaved parmesan, croutons & caesar dressing
Caldo de PolloUS$10.00
hearty chunks of chicken breast & fresh vegetables in a steaming broth, served with lime
Patron PlatterUS$60.00
calamari, crispy oysters, camarones rellenos, fried green beans, grilled quail

Sides

Spiced Green Beans with Crumbled Blue CheeseUS$9.00
Ranch Cheese & Bacon Mashed PotatoesUS$9.00
616 Tobacco Onion RingsUS$9.00
Southern Collard GreensUS$9.00
Steak FriesUS$9.00
Cheesy GritsUS$9.00

Entrees

Divorced QuailUS$26.00
one buttermilk-battered fried bird with ranchero sauce + one sugar-cured grilled bird with tomatillo sauce: poblano mashed potatoes & a side of sautéed vegetables
Pork Tenderloin 616US$24.00
ancho honey glazed pork medallions served over poblano mashers, topped with roasted corn & sautéed Texas mushrooms
Ranch Ribeye*US$56.00
16oz black pepper-crusted Ribeye drizzled with demi-glace atop bacon-cheddar mashed potatoes & fresh green beans
Texas Black Angus Tenderloin and Crab*US$45.00
10oz Texas filet topped with sweet lump crab meat, placed over southern collard greens & cheesy grits
South Texas Mixed GrillUS$47.00
venison sausage, quail & petite chicken fried steak over poblano mashed potatoes & green beans with a side of demi
Chicken Fried SteakUS$22.00
10oz buttermilk-battered fried tenderloin topped with house gravy, served over bacon & ranch cheese mashers with fresh green beans
Jalapeno Maize Trout or ChickenUS$24.00
two trout filets or one 8oz chicken breast encrusted with tortilla chips, sautéed with jalapenos, garlic, cilantro; topped with chipotle tartar sauce & served with Spanish rice
Ed's El Camino Fish or Shrimp TacosUS$18.00
three soft flour tortillas stuffed with fried fish or tiger shrimp piled with shredded cabbage, lettuce, chili lime aioli; side of Spanish rice & tobacco jalapeno onion rings
Grilled Market FishUS$45.00
Texas Red Fish with prawns, coconut rice & vegetables, drizzled with Paula's Orange beurre blanc

What 1,279 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

IS
IdanS
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall1food1service1ambience1
The food wasn’t fresh and the chicken I order was undercooked
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service4ambience5
Decent food linda pricey but it’s downtown so whatcha expect. Some servers great others not so much.
a
atxdana
Austin
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved being at Ranch 616 for our 27th anniversary! The fun vibes made it feel like we’d only been married 7 years instead of 27. See y’all again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was incredible we arrived early and we were able to be seated early. We had the outside corner table! It was a beautiful night! The manager came by and checked on us at the end of the night! We will be returning in June.
M
Mark
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 16 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great patio! Enjoyed the live Texas band. Will definitely be back!
PW
PatrickW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service!! Went for Mothers Day and it did not disappoint!!!
LR
LupitaR
Houston
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on 14 May 2023
overall4food5service1ambience4
The food was excellent, but the service wasn’t. Our initial waiter was super nice, courteous, and very attentive; but, they cut his shift, so they sent us a waitress who was rude, with a bad attitude, and messed up our checks several times. She didn’t leave us with a desire to come back. I would recommend Ranch 616 to a friend, BUT only if you’re looking for delicious food. But, beware of this waitress (Danielle S.).
JP
JPAusTex
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent Vibe! Loved the Trout! Original Ranch Water is spot on as well.
EC
EdwardC
Austin
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 11 May 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
If you have a party of six or more, they add a 20% service charge, but they did not tell us beforehand. We had to ask for condiments multiple times, and additional forks for the birthday cake. I asked them not to cut the steak, but they did anyway. Fortunately, it was OK.
JF
JamieF
Austin
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on 10 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful menu items. Large portions. We had fantastic service. Sat outside on a very comfortable patio.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a fun place, great menu, great drinks, great ambiance.
MO
MattO
Richmond
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 5 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing food, a little bit spendy but not bad for downtown Austin. It was loud…last college weekend with a lot of students and parents. Could rave about the food though - so good!
C
Champ99
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 3 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing staff, food, entertainment and value. Eclectic and cool!
DA
DeAnnD
Phoenix
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 30 April 2023
overall3food2service5ambience3
Service was exceptional but we sat outside in the street at a very small table. Very hard to enjoy a nice big meal so we just did appetizers.
LE
LisaE
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ranch 616 never disappoints!!! Five stars in all the categories
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on 28 April 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
The ranch waters are not the same delicious concoction that they were pre-Covid. The snapper was slightly rubbery. The grits and fried oysters were fantastic.
D
404Dine
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 28 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Still the Best Restaurant experience in ATX! Love this vibe and the people who are keeping it real...
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and our server was attentive and great. Drinks we strongly I highly recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a good Austin experience food was great. Price is reasonable.
M
Melopious
Austin
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 25 April 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
My first time in, great experience. Our server was exceptional. The food was great. Nice selection of wine. The quail appetizer was by far the best quail I’ve ever eaten.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Looking for an authentic Austin experience and FOUND IT! Killer live music outside, manicured playlist inside that caters to someone with Austin sensibilities. I basically ignored my friends listening for the next killer song to come on. Not really, but kind of…needless to say, the ambiance was spot-on. Oh…the food…the food was SOOOO good, that I lugged my last shrimp taco around for the remainder of the evening because there was NO WAY that thing wasn’t getting hammered later….and it did! I think if it was up to our group, the waitress would have found someone else to wait on us and she could have kicked it with us all night! Super friendly, super attentive, super fun. Everyone’s food came out at the same time and it was perfect! DO NOT PASS ON THE SHRIMP CEVICHE…I tell you this as a friend…
WL
WLBE
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 23 April 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Fun Mexican spot to start the night as it is right next to all the bars on 6th. Food and drinks were reasonably priced. The menu wasn't exactly what we expected for 'mexican' but the food was good. Our server Dimitrius was outstanding!
KD
KarlaD
Houston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 22 April 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Didn’t like the ranch water. Food was good and a lot of it! We miss the ribeye with enchiladas 🥲
j
joycerd
Phoenix
26 reviews
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on 20 April 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
There was no reservation for us made thru open table. Luckily Kevin was able to seat us with no problem. Food is good BUT if you are gluten free you are very limited in choices
E
Eric
Austin
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 19 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The quintessential Austin restaurant - a classic that continues to deliver!
BG
BobG
Chicago
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 17 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Inside or out, Ranch 616 is always bustling with activity, a great menu and nice selection of beer/cocktails. It's a great spot for a fun, "local" dinner!
CB
CalliB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 April 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server Cat was amazing. She had such a fun energy and took such good care of us. She even did the sweetest Birthday presentation with our dessert. We will be visiting again because of the fantastic customer service and vibes!
R
Rebecca
Austin
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 15 April 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Thrown by no lunch menu available at noon on a Saturday, but after a mental adjustment, thoroughly enjoyed everything!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 15 April 2023
overall3food3service1ambience4
We had a reservation at 9:45 didn’t get to order drinks or speak to a server for 25 minutes, had to ask the hostess to get someone for us and then didn’t actually get the drinks and order foods for another 15 minutes. The Cesar salad had whole Romain leaves, not like a wedge salad just whole leaves on the plate. The chicken fried steak was good, drinks were good and the quail knots were incredible.
K
Kimberly512
Austin
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 11 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hadn't been to Ranch 616 in a while. It was just as good-if not better-than I remembered.
f
foodmama
Austin
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 9 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is always consistently delicious & plated beautifully. Our waiter Eric made our experience wonderful!
M
Mike
Dallas
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 9 April 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great character and service was spectacular. Food was good
AA
AmandaA
Austin
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 8 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing as usual. We started with the crispy oysters which is a must! I had the salad with shrimp and my date had the chicken fried steak which was all super yummy.
RS
RicardoS
Houston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 2 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Great atmosphere. Just a very nice place to hang out.
JM
JoeyM
Austin
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 29 March 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
great service and drinks - great place for Happy Hour and APPs - the food was OK...
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 March 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was the best place to eat and chat with friends. Service was great, food was amazing, the food came out super hot and fast. Great music, definitely the place to go for lunch or dinner!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 26 March 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Make to double check your reservation is outside even if/when you request outside…or you will get stuck inside. Great music inside, but completely different vibe
A
Adam
Austin
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 March 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a good time! Good food, drinks and service!
D
Dinner
Austin
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 21 March 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was fantastic as usual. Great spot for work, friends etc.
G
Georgewarren
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 21 March 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I forget how good this place is. This place closed but is back with all the favorites. Check it out

FAQs

Ranch 616 is rated 4.7 stars by 1279 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 May 2023

19:00

Booked 24 times today

616 Nueces, Austin, TX 78701

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
7th
Area
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–1:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Southwest, Wild Game, Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Surface and Garage Parking available nearby.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Kevin Williamson
Additional
Bar Dining

Website
http://theranch616.com/
Phone number
(512) 479-7616
Private party facilities
Restaurant is available for buy outs.
Private party contact
Preston Nagel: (512) 479-7616

Ranch 616

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

74 Austin Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Austin’s Most Iconic Restaurants

The Best Brunch Restaurants in Austin

Crispy Oysters

Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs

Fish or Shrimp Tacos

Starters

Quesadilla of the DayUS$12.00

Fried or Grilled Frog LegsUS$18.00

CalamariUS$16.00

Crispy OystersUS$20.00

Texas Gulf Coast Crab CakeUS$18.00

Camarones RellenosUS$21.00

The Don ComboUS$20.00

Funeral EggsUS$12.00

Fried Green BeansUS$9.00

Ranch Slice of IceUS$12.00

616 ChopUS$16.00

Caesar SaladUS$13.00

Caldo de PolloUS$10.00

Patron PlatterUS$60.00

Sides

Spiced Green Beans with Crumbled Blue CheeseUS$9.00

Ranch Cheese & Bacon Mashed PotatoesUS$9.00

616 Tobacco Onion RingsUS$9.00

Southern Collard GreensUS$9.00

Steak FriesUS$9.00

Cheesy GritsUS$9.00

Entrees

Divorced QuailUS$26.00

Pork Tenderloin 616US$24.00

Ranch Ribeye*US$56.00

Texas Black Angus Tenderloin and Crab*US$45.00

South Texas Mixed GrillUS$47.00

Chicken Fried SteakUS$22.00

Jalapeno Maize Trout or ChickenUS$24.00

Ed's El Camino Fish or Shrimp TacosUS$18.00

Grilled Market FishUS$45.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

How is Ranch 616 restaurant rated?

Is Ranch 616 currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

74 Austin Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Austin’s Most Iconic Restaurants

The Best Brunch Restaurants in Austin