The Social Plate — Restaurant in Bartow

Let me preface this review with the fact that they have only been open for a month at the time of this review! I do hope the owner(s) take this review as constructive criticism, and not a bashing session.

HOWEVER, that does not make them ENTIRELY an exception.

Let’s first start off with the atmosphere. It’s a fairly large space. There are plenty of tables and decor, yet, it still feels extremely empty. Not occupant wise, just the space itself. I’m not sure how to explain it. There is little to no ambiance. Some music in the background or some sort of noise would probably boost that up. It is quite possible that the section I was sat in, I just couldn’t hear it if it was playing in the background. Another sort of off putting vibe, is the fact that the wait staff all stand behind a counter overlooking the whole floor. I may quite possibly be the only one to find this uncomfortable, but when dining and looking up and seeing 4-5 wait staff standing at the counter staring down the restaurant, gives me a bit of an awkward feeling. Again, just my personal opinion.

Speaking of wait staff, let’s jump into that. The gentleman that waiting on me and my family was extremely professional and attentive. I wish I would have caught his name, but he did provide great service.

And now, the MOST disappointing part of this whole dining experience, the food. Let’s start at the menu itself. Let me reiterate, I am aware they’ve only been opened for a month, but it seems they rushed to open this place. Especially in regard to the food. Anyway, the menu. It was as basic and generic as it could get. There is 0 individuality about this menu. It’s almost as if they typed into Google “generic breakfast and lunch menu” and BOOM printed 150 copies of that and handed it to their guests. With a name like “The Social Plate” there is an INSANE amount of at least names for items you could use. But everything is just “omelette” “biscuits and gravy” etc… you get the point. Why not offer “The Social Plate” and have it be your breakfast special? I have a lot of ideas for this menu so hit me up if you want some help.

Anyway, let’s move on to the actual food itself. I ordered myself the “western omelette” and man oh man, was it disappointing. When the waiting placed the food down on the table, the aesthetic of the food itself was just not there. I had an omelette with 2 SLICES OF CHEESE MELTED ON TOP OF IT. It looked like something I would have threw together for my kids real quick in the morning before we left for school. For as much as I am paying for that omelette, I don’t want 2 slices of Publix brand cheese blow torched on top of my omelette. Just get shredded cheese and put THAT under the heat lamp. It would be so much more pleasing to the eye. I’m kicking myself for not taking pictures. I would expect to be served that at a hole in the wall diner off of a highway in some rural town. Not a nice establishment such as this place. The “home fries” that the omelette came with were literally just cut up potatoes. Which I know that is what home fries are, but there is literally no seasoning on them. I did order a coffee though. That was decent.

Anyway, to sum this up, I think they have a long way to go. From my experience, it seemed like the restaurant was rushed to open. It wasn’t the worst food or place I’ve ever experienced. But for how it’s advertised and set up, it certainly can be better. I’ll consider a return visit once they’ve been established for a while and hopefully have made some changes. Especially to their menu. There’s TONS of potential at this place, and I really hope the owner(s) play on that and utilize what they have at their disposal. I’m no culinary expert, but I do have some great ideas for how the menu could be improved. Again, I hope they do as well. All in all it was a fair 3 star...

The Social Place is the best new restaurant in Bartow!!! The staff is all so friendly and courteous. Dustin was our server. He is very accommodating & friendly! The food is so delicious 😋 My friend Jan & I had lunch there today. They definitely didn’t disappoint. I ordered the delicious Patty Melt. It is a half pound burger, cooked perfectly. I had to take half of it home for another meal. Also ordered onion rings-perfectly done. Jan had delicious egg salad on lettuce leaf. It came with chips. She also enjoyed her meal. We can’t wait to go back to order breakfast. (During the week they only serve breakfast until 11:00 The restaurant is beautifully decorated. Try them out! You’ll be so...

🍽😋 Love The Social Plate! Second visit back and just as impressive as my first. Warm and cozy family café. Favorite menu item - The Crème Brûlée Waffle 🧇🫐🍓 Crispy, sweet and topped with fresh fruit. I like to add a side order of bacon... because you know, Bacon! My Waitress was Nickie! Very professional and attentive. Thank you. You can tell the owners know what they’re doing, and the staff always makes you feel welcome. Great spot for breakfast or lunch in...