El Metate — Restaurant in Tifton

El Metate is a margarita place that also sells food that we always hit when we stop in Tifton. It is the epitome of what I call a hole-in-the-wall eatery. It is not fancy nor pretentious, but they get the job done. The margaritas well made, huge, and well priced. Their upscale Patron margarita is served in a repurposed Patron bottle! Looked like 750ml of margarita to me. How cool is that?! The dining area is a riot of color and action because the floor space was designed by a submarine builder. The staff have to work a delicate ballet just to get food to the tables and not on the floor. But the place is clean and the kitchen well run. The parking is awful, so bring your above-average parking skills and a designated driver who can back up on your way out. 4 our of 5 vehicle are the biggest pickup trucks made--and always at least one trailer. Don't be in a hurry either--it takes as long as it takes for the parking, for a seat, and for the food. The food is fine. After the margarita settles in, it is even better. Once you go, you will go back. ...

The atmosphere surpasses other restaurants in town. The staff is the friendliest in town especially when helping customers celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.

The food is very good. And as a added touch, you can have it made to order. Want it extra spicy? Just ask. Want yours cooked a little longer? No problem. The staff knows no strangers. Everyone welcome.

If you want a hotter than two hells meal then get the Chili Colorado. It comes with chopped grilled chicken or chopped grilled steak, rice and beans. I love hot, spicy foods and this made me want to tap out but the flavor kept me in the ring. It comes in a spicy red sauce Another spicy meal to try is the Steak Mexicano. Made with jalapenos, it'll have you warned up on a cold night.

This place is crowded daily so arrive around 5:30 to avoid the wait at dinner. But they turn tables over fairly quickly so any wait is less than 30 minutes.

Outside dining available. Dining at the bar available also. On the weekends, ask for "Big Meaty" to be...

NO SOAP IN THE WOMEN’S RESTROOM. This was well after the lunch rush, and I’m sure the staff has used the restroom and not washed their hands, NASTY!!!! It didn’t look like it had just run out because the container was bone dry; like it had been empty for a while. I stopped to ask one of the servers in the kitchen area for some soap and he told me they didn’t have any (mind blown), how can you not have a basic necessity to use after you get done using the restroom!? My server (who was amazing by the way) finally walked by and gave me the dish soap to use. After I had washed my hands, the manager was frantically looking for the key to refill the soap dispenser. This is not the first time that they’ve been out of soap in the bathroom. I came here back in December and they were out as well. Both times I’ve let them know that they needed soap. I decided to give them a second chance, but I will not return solely for this reason. Make sure your bathrooms are fully stocked...