CHIRINGA O4W | Elevated Beach Food — Restaurant in Atlanta

We were excited to try a new spot on the Beltline for lunch but unfortunately had a horrible experience at the newly opened Chiringa. The concept and setting are lovely, but they're clearly struggling with execution and desperately need an experienced front of house manager with strong customer service skills.

The service was definitely among the worst I've experienced, and that's saying something. After ordering we took a seat and waited and waited and waited. The table in front of us stopped (who I'd later learn was the owner) to ask if they could at least get their toddler's food (they sat down after us but were clearly frustrated as well). My husband (much more patient that I) was frustrated that after waiting at least 15 minutes we hadn't even gotten our guacamole, but what pushed him to get up and ask about our food was seeing a woman order, then immediately claim an order of guacamole from a server who seemed to be wandering around looking for the right table to deliver it to. It seemed he just gave it to her because she "claimed" it. After my husband was gone for about 5 minutes, I joined to see if he'd made any progress expediting our food. On my way back to our table outside, I saw the owner and expressed my frustration with the extensive wait. He immediately became defensive and offered a refund (to his credit). Apparently, he (and another team member) were unable to provide a receipt showing the $100+ refund so he suggested taking a picture of their screen. (The credit does now appear to be processing on our account.) Oddly - completely unsolicited - he offered his card (Owner Andy M.) and said that I was free to "call him a horrible person on social media".

Clearly, he's frustrated and the restaurant is still figuring things out (to be charitable), but in addition to fixing whatever isn't working well in the kitchen, I'd also suggest they get a customer service focused professional for the front of the house. At the end of the day if you're going to charge $21.99 for Ahi tuna tacos, you've got to offer a decent guest experience.

Fortunately, we just strolled down to Hawker's and had a fabulous uneventful lunch. I realize that new restaurants often struggle early on so I hope they're able to work out the kinks and prosper. It seems like it would be a great addition to the...

My name is Jonathan Traylor. I’m here to share my experience with Chiringa 04w. I must say the food is delicious depending on who making it because they still trying to find The right staff. The director of operations, David do not like to wash his hands and put his hands on food without gloves or washing his hands. I have seen him several times sticking his hand in food. Sometimes I used to have to sample the food and I would tell my KM that I’m not doing it because I see him digging his hand in food with no gloves. I was fired for having a swollen eye that was almost closed which I let my kitchen manager know and everybody in sling. And the sad part about it is when you first started, they make you sign a paper if anything happened to you. You have to let them know because we are dealing with food., I talk to Travis who is a owner and he told me I could go to later find out I’m been fried, Which is sad because I have never been wrote up since I started 5 months ago. I’ve been there and always went up and beyond when it came for them needing me. I only could see out of one eye and that eye is almost close, but they still want me to work when Travis let me go. I know you gonna try to delete this but all I’m gonna do is put it right back up because I want the people to know what they eating, It’s only two people who speak The truth that is a alcoholic and someone who pissed. And I’m pissed off because how the company did me. I wouldn’t want no one touching my food looking like this, this is not right, we are just important as the guests and should be treated as such. I’ve been working for the last three months no AC and a fan that blow hot air, to the point where I have to stand in the cooler to keep cool, And you put people in positions that don’t deserve it and the ones who do deserve it you look past them and the reason I know because I was one of them that you look pass. I never forget the day that you praise Morgan like I wasn’t even there or I didn’t even contribute but it’s all good, Mr Jano, Director...

Visited twice before posting my review because IYKYK. #servicematters

FOOD Both times I ordered the Fresh Fish sandwich and smashed it! The aioli is SO GOOD. Sides are okay. The sweet plantain is sweet and could be fried longer for a crispier bite. It's way too soft for my liking. Second time around I chose the fries and the seafood balls as an appetizer (I forgot the menu name). Fries were hot and tasty, pretty good. The seafood balls were perfect! I'll try something else during my next visit. I might just do without a side honestly.

1st visit two of my friends ordered tacos, a good mix or shrimp, chicken, and I think a steak one. Fries and sweet plantain for their sides. See photos.

2nd visit another friend ordered fish and chips, with rice and beans as a side. He devoured it and said "I'll be back!" See photos

DRINKS We did a couple of shots and Billy Ocean frozen drinks. That BO isn't to be played with, it's good good. 🥂😊

SERVICE Sitting at the bar was a TOP TIER experience during our 1st visit. The bartenders were friendly and professional. We had so many questions and they didn't hesitate to answer whatever we asked. The suggestions for both food and drinks helped us decide. The interactions with our bartender (nice beard), one of the cooks (lady in purple - she wasn't drinking, those were cups from our 1st shots she just held them for the photo👍🏾) and one if the owners (a nice looking guy w/crystal blue eyes and a bald head 😉) really made this a go to spot for us. See photos.

ATMOSPHERE 🏖 Beach vibes on the beltline. Highly recommend a visit or two for you and your friends! After two visits, I prefer sitting at the bar and going between 1:30 PM - 5 PM. Furkid friendly🐕‍🦺

PRICE It's a bit pricy for the amount of food served. I think the drinks are similar to any other bar or lounge in the area. Get the frozen drink though if you want to be...