La Plancha Restaurant — Restaurant in Saint Simons

I have heard this is a new place on St. Simons. I am always up for a new Mexican food, so I decided to check it out. It was Saturday, 3pm, and the place was empty. I was the only customer. The waitress was a bit confused or sleep deprived or something, kept forgetting what I asked, and did not know her tequilas. So, for a place advertising specifically margaritas, that is not good. The skinny margarita was not on the menu or even a common Cadillac one (I suppose they do not use Cointreau or Grand Marnier?). I ordered a burrito and a side of guacamole, but the guac was billed at $8.97 as an appetizer (yes, it was big, but this was my first time...) and I was a bit timid to complain since the waitress was pretty defensive about what I had ordered. The guacamole was excellent and the burrito was fine, too. Another thing, the waitress scoped the chips by hand into my basket. I thought they were supposed to use gloves or a scoop? That does not seem very sanitary since she also handled money. I had a regular margarita, too, and although the girl made it well, the house tequila was strange (Cimarron, I should have paid up for something better but the selection was spare and I could not get any advice out of the waitress/bartender - I was only familiar with a few of what they had, like Casamigos, and I did not want that). The tequila was not 100% blue agave and gave me an instant headache, so I did not finish my drink. It was more like a mezcal type, I guess. It cost $25 after tax, I gave $5 tip, because I just tip regardless, but I won't be back any time soon. Maybe after they train staff on their liquor... I could have used some advice and I was willing...

Pretty average experience here.

For starters, they don’t have fountain drinks. I had a coke and they bring it to you in a can - that means that you are charged for every refill.

The service was below average. Our server did okay, but there was one instance where she wasn’t busy (we were the only table there) and clearly saw me raise my hand, but ignored me. I don’t want anyone’s livelihood at risk, so I’m not gonna name any names.

The only thing that saved this experience for me was the food. It was great. I had a quesadilla and it was bomb. The rice and the beans were good too, they just needed some salt and pepper. I have nothing bad to say about the food, it was one of the best quesadillas I’ve ever had.

Overall, an average experience. I might give it a second shot, I’m not sure. But I will reiterate that the food great, and I enjoyed it. Hope this helps ownership and management to improve in some areas. But then again, who cares.....

Tonight was an above and beyond experience with La Plancha! It is my parents’ 47th wedding anniversary as I’m writing this (6/25), and I knew they’d be at this restaurant for dinner. So I called La Plancha and spoke to a woman (hate that I can’t remember her name) who was sooooooo nice and helpful. I asked if I could give them my card info to cover my parents’ meal as an anniversary surprise. She took my number and told me she’d have the server call me for my card info when my parents finished up their meal. Their server, Stephen (amazing guy, ask for him when you go), called me and helped me pull off the surprise perfectly. One day soon, I will return to SSI to thank these wonderful people in person, but for now, I’m so grateful to them for making my parents’ anniversary extra special! 🥳❤️ Good food is amazing, but when complemented by good people, that’s a well deserved 5 star rating...