When you hear "sandwich shop" you probably don't think "taco salad", but that's the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear mention of Cleo's Sandwich Shop. Also, I begin to salivate... immediately. It's a natural reaction.
Many people who work north of town are familiar with Cleo's, but for those of you who aren't, trust me when I tell you it's worth a little trip off the beaten path to give it a try. The first thing you'll notice is that it's not your standard-issue cookie-cutter strip-mall lunch-spot. This place is one-of-a-kind (ok enough with the hyphens). The small red building is unassuming and nestled among other cozy looking houses and structures, one of which is a barber shop. The next thing you'll probably notice is a bunch of hungry folks lined up out the door waiting to place their order. What's good, you ask? Most people, including me, will tell you it's the taco salad. Sure, they actually do serve excellent sandwiches and burgers too, but honestly, most come for the best thing on the menu.
Once inside, you will be greeted by some of the nicest ladies I've ever had the privilege to know (If they aren't nice to you, then you are probably a very very bad person). Seating inside is fairly limited because the place is pretty small, but if the inside is full, there are gazebos outside, nicely screened in, where you can enjoy your lunch. So place your order, collect your little wooden spoon (the number written on it is your order number), and wait for heaven on a plate.
In the seven or so years I've been going to Cleo's, I've almost always ordered the taco salad. So I'll make a few observations on that and leave the sandwich reviews to someone else. On the plate (or in your to-go box), you'll find a perfect combination of shredded iceberg lettuce, seasoned ground beef and beans, shredded cheddar cheese, onions (or not), and even jalapeños if you want, tossed in a nice ranch dressing and resting on a generous pile of crunchy tortilla chips. And of course there is a bottle of hot sauce on every table in case you want a little more kick to your salad. I think of it as a Tex-Mex inspired Florida original and I love it. And so do a lot of other people, as evidenced by the crowd that shows up at lunch time. They serve breakfast too by the way.
If you have room after lunch, or even if you don't, try the banana pudding or peanut brittle. Both are made from scratch and with much love. You can always get some to go and eat it later at the office... that's what I do. And when you go, be sure and say hi to Charlie and the rest of the ladies at this fine establishment.
You can find Cleo's at 1438 Eastport Road in Jacksonville, FL. I believe you can even phone in your order ahead of time at (904) 757-7264. And finally, here's a map. Now go and enjoy.
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