Ranch 616 is world-famous for a reason. Anyone that has dined here knows they were just screwed over for not getting a Michelin star. Its a damn shame especially with all the stars that are being thrown around austin like a meteor shower. The food is unique and the drinks are staples. Do you really need more?
The Brits may have lost the Revolutionary War but the way they serve their gin and tonics is perfection. If you're untraveled or have been and just unobservant, they serve a cup of gin with a glass bottle of tonic for you to mix and enjoy at your own discretion. As if we haven’t stolen enough from the Brits, Ranch 616 stole this magnificent delivery system added a Texas twist, and made it better.
The ranch water that is now a beloved standard order for everyone in the Lone Star State originated in the confines of the 616 bar. Or so they say. The “original” ranch water is a delicate blend of tequila with a perfect amount of lime juice and a mandatory glass bottle of topo chico on the side. Served differently is a disgrace to the drink. Margaritas are for you underaged kids who don't know how to drink yet. Go ahead and start ordering ranch water. I would mention there other drinks but if you order them you would be mistaken. I'm sure they are great, but don't be an idiot.
The food is as Austin as it gets. Great and weird. Appetizers of fried frog legs and entrees of Quale cooked any way you could ever imagine. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. And of course, all the food pairs well with cold Ranch water. Have I mentioned the ranch waters are great?
616 is the perfect place to take visitors especially if they have never been to Austin. The only concern I have is the crazy number of bachelorette and bachelor parties that you are surrounded by. I get it, marriage is usually pretty long and you want to celebrate it properly but maybe don't all book the same damn place. It’s also pretty obvious to spot y’all with the twelve identical brand-new cowboy hats with your initials on the side, not to mention the sashes and all-white attire. It’s not your fault, but still very annoying. Maybe get a private room so everyone doesn't have to see you having so much fun without us.
Pro move (please disregard if you are a bachelor or bachelorette party): the bars on the street heading towards 6th Street are phenomenal. I would stop at each and every one.
Ranch 616 you are my sunshine. I will be back soon. You are my go-to for visitors and will always be. I...
Read moreMy husband and I made reservations to come here for dinner and drinks, when we got there the place was so crowded we could barely get in the door. Thought it was a good sign that this place must be good, plus I had heard so many good things...
Well, we went up to the bar inside to order a drink while we waited for our table. Since there wasn’t a cocktail menu in sight, we went on their website to look at the options. I asked for a “Ranch Hand” which online explained it was vodka with stuffed olives (so basically a martini) and the bartender told me there was no such drink and I must be wrong and thinking of their “Ranch Water” which was a margarita. I told her I saw it on the website and she started to argue with me that they’ve never had such a drink and she would know since she worked there over 2 years. I was shocked how rude she was so I brought up the site and showed her. She continued to get snappy with me and said they don’t make it. So I politely asked for a vodka martini and she said they don’t make those either and they don’t even stock olives.... what!?
I chose some other martini they did make and while she was making it she proceeded to stop every other employee and laugh while making fun of me for asking for a drink that “they’ve never made.” This was all right in front of my husband and I! This was the first time I’ve had an Austin bartender be blatantly rude and mock me when I’m clearly there to pay for their over priced cocktails. We didn’t stay for dinner. Instead we walked down the street to Fixe which was a much better decision. Their establishment was filled with polite servers and wonderful food, which made it more than...
Read moreI recently visited Ranch 616 for lunch and had a great experience. The atmosphere was lively and fun, with live music playing in the background. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious.
I started my meal with the fried calamari, which was perfectly cooked and served with a delicious dipping sauce. For my main course, I had the Ranch Burger, which was juicy and flavorful. The burger was topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch sauce, and it was served on a toasted bun.
I had a good experience at Ranch 616. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a good dining experience in Austin.
I visited Ranch 616 on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant wasn't busy and i was able to get a table right away.
The interior of the restaurant is decorated in a Southwestern style, with exposed brick walls and cowhide accents. However, i stayed outside where there is a large patio with outdoor seating and live music.
The live music at Ranch 616 is a mix of country, blues, and rock. The band that was playing when I was there was very talented, and they really added to the atmosphere of the restaurant.
I would recommend Ranch 616 for anyone looking for a casual dining experience with good food and live music. The prices are reasonable (I'm European, everything looks expensive), and the portions are generous. I would definitely return to this...
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