Polly's La Mesa keeps regulars coming back for 40 years
Sometimes you have to look at more than just the usual elements to find the appeal of a place. While Polly's La Mesa may have started as a Mexican restaurant back in 1976, it has become an icon for the folks who have been loyally coming back for 40 years.
On physical appeal: it's not pretty. It has been in the same flat building on Pio Nono Avenue for all its years -- and it shows. There are no visible updates or remodels; even the square tables seem to have the same vinyl tablecloths that were popular in the '70s. Beer decor dominates, but it still has a family vibe. Country music plays instead of mariachi.
On service: our server seemed like she had probably been there for years, not just somebody in a temporary job. It felt like we were at her house and she was just asking what she could do for us. Was she Mexican? No.
In fact, there wasn't a single Hispanic person in the place. But there were folks who you could tell came there every week, of all economic backgrounds, who love this place for exactly what it is.
Which leads us to the food: it's not very Mexican, but it was good. The guacamole, called avocado dip in places on the menu, is full of sour cream and had no visible vegetables. That may be heresy to purists, but I'm telling you it was fresh and delicious.
Chips and salsa are another good indicator of the quality of a Mexican restaurant, but, again, Polly's should not be judged by the usual indices. Some of the chips came warm but weren't salted and the salsa was spicy but thin.
But apparently, people love the stuff so much that jars of it fly off the shelves during the holidays for people who have moved away and miss it.
When you order cheese dip, you will be asked, "yellow or white?" Be forewarned, the yellow is the kind squirted onto nachos at the movie theater and it looks far less appealing in a small beige bowl. We also tried the "ponchos," which are just nachos with beans.
Our entrees were hit and miss. The American-type foods were our least favorite -- the hamburger was thin and flat and the fried fish was straight out of the freezer. That would indicate that their Mexican-style items are much more popular and they just keep these other items on hand for visitors.
The tortilla shell salad and the fajitas were just fine -- not authentic but perfectly good when judged on own merits. Prices seem fair and the health inspection rating is excellent.
This is one of those places that can't be judged by outsiders unless they keep an open mind. The regulars love it here, and that says it all.
Polly's La Mesa
Address: 3439 Pio Nono Ave., Macon
Phone: 478-788-0888
Website: www.facebook.com/Pollys-La-Mesa
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Payment: Cash, credit
Smoking: No
Alcohol: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Noise Level: Low
Health Rating: 99
Price range: $6.50-$12.50
Rating: 2.5 stars
This story was originally published December 31, 2015 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Polly's La Mesa keeps regulars coming back for 40 years ."