Matt M
Such a great and quirky restaurant in the Hecksher/Zoo area that cannot be beat. You can come for their famous taco salad or for their array of sandwiches, but you need to try this spot.
It is not in an outdoor mall or strip center, but that just adds to the charm. They have a few tables I side, but if it is a nice day, sit outside in the gazebos and don’t keep to yourself, people here enjoy a good chat so introduce yourself to others in your gazebo.
Only one suggestion, when you drive in the entrance, pull through the first parking area and go behind the restaurant, there is more parking in the other side.
But you really want to hear about the food:
Egg Salad - messy, but my favorite sandwich.
Cheeseburger - good, but you can get burgers anywhere.
Banana Pudding - not my favorite.
Small Taco Salad - perfect size for lunch, but you will be stuffed.
Medium Taco Salad - more of a good thing for you big eaters
Large Taco Salad - okay, this is too much of a good thing. It will give you a food baby abd require an afternoon nap.
Meatless Taco Salad - perfect for those of you who abstain from red meat. It is not vegan, but it is DELICIOUS.
Really worth a visit for breakfast or lunch.
Brianna Crews
My husband grew up near the restaurants area and didn't introduce me to this place until within the last year, I could knock him out for that only because I could have been enjoying this place longer. It's a true Jacksonville hidden gem and they don't lie when they say they have the best taco salads. I don't like ranch but their ranch is sooo good. They have a good menu variety but I've only had the taco salads. All the staff are so sweet and friendly. They only have 2-3 tables inside but they have pretty screened in gazebos for outdoor seating. And it's cash only so don't forget to stop by an ATM on your way!
Marina Maxfield
On my way to Oceanway and took Eastport because traffic was all crazy on 295 due to heavy rain. Past by this little gem. Came back for lunch. Had to go get cash at an ATM because Cleo’s is cash only. Ordered their famous Taco Salad and a coke. Sat outside in 1 of their cute little outdoor gazebos. Thoroughly enjoyed the Taco salad. I got the large but I couldn’t eat it all. I definitely will be back Cleo. It’s a quaint little locals place. Everyone was very friendly even though they were trying to close up. Must be only open for lunch.
Ann Colson
Absolutely love their taco salad! Small lunch spot with limited parking/seating….don’t let that deter you from stopping in for some delicious food and sweet tea. Cash only and they are only open 9-2 M-F. You only live once so get the extra ranch and order a medium.
Kyle
Great and POPULAR lunch spot for locals. The taco salad is always a hit and don’t forget to try the homemade baked goods inside. They are also very tasty. Parking can be an issue with all the local work trucks but I assure you it will be worth it!
Miguel Gilbert
This is a "Hole in the wall" mom and pop spot. They have great spot for lunch. They are best known for their taco salad but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Kevin Rodriguez
I absolutely love this little sandwich shop. It has friendly staff and great food. My favorite is the taco salad I have ate it about 12 times and it never disappoints, consistently good food at reasonable prices. The restaurant is small maybe fit about 20-30 people and parking is ok, has its own small lot. Overall a great little mom and pop shop.
Sheila Kuhl
Small place, Excellent taco salad, In fast service. I will definitely be returning. It's cash only so don't take no cards or you won't get no food.
Cameron Stewart
This is your traditional mom shop. The food is made to order, quick, and very tasteful. I've had almost everything on their menu and truly do not have a favorite because it is all good. If you want a SWEET tea this is where you go.
Paula Mendez
Omg this place is SOOO AMAZING!!! I can’t believe we found this restaurant the best for real ! Is my birthday and this meal make my day 😍🎉🎉🎉
Trisha Marie
Ok I have read some reviews. Prepare for some truth. First there are like 6 ladies working on top of a grill, ovens, in a shack, with no air-conditioning, in Florida cooking for you. So suck it up about the no "thank yous" or the grouchy ladies. Second, PLEASE the food is fabulous, its a great price for the amount of food you get, there are a reasons there is a line out the door almost everyday. Order your food, take it out if the ladies scare you, P.S. if you are going for breakfast get the egg, cheese, and bologna - you'll thank me later for telling you this
Niknak
All the food I've had from here is good. I've always had fast service. Although like previous people have mention, there are some very rude women that work at the front counter. I always take my food to go and don't deal with them. Overall I would recommend their food.
Nu_nu120
WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER. I have never been treated more rudely than I have been at this place. I have tried multiple times to eat here and order. They may have good taco salad but it is NOT worth the unpleasant and grouchy service. I have been intentionally Hung up on and once I was even told that i "better be here in 10 minutes" then hung up on again. Absolutely unacceptable for ANY "business" to treat their customers that way.
Katlynelp
Breakfast In A Cup & BEST Taco Salad in Jville (CASH ONLY!). I have been eating at Cleos for years, since I was a little girl. My grandparents use to own a surveying business & everyone loved to eat the Breakfast in A Cup & the Taco Salads. Being that we were all truly satisfied & loved what we tried first, there was never any reason to eat anything else... So it became routine, like it does for most who ever eat out, every week we would all order the same thing. Although, watch out for the ladies in there.. They can be a bit snippy but just ignore it. They all have a big heart... It's nothing personal. Also limited space is available and Bc it's so small in there, it can get a bit cramped at times & VERY limited parking. As long as you go with the breakfast in a cup OR taco salad (which you can order taco salads anytime they are open) you'll be completely satisfied! Btw they have very Fair prices for the amount of food you get but they accept CASH ONLY so be prepared!
Cristenkc
Bad customer service. Great taco salad but the lady that always answers the phone is the rudest person I have ever dealt with in my life. She never says thank you or show any kind of respect for those supporting her business.
Danielcook
Don't Go!. Service is terrible. The employees are very rude and unprofessional. If you're considering coming to this establishment consider that thought again. Their acerbic tone is disgusting and it completely ruined my appetite.
Mike Ryan
Yes! Best taco salad in town!!!
Shirley Cook
Science fair today for the first time. Ordered taco salad. It was great loved it will go back!
Ljs80
Awesome Taco Salad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Food is always amazing!!! Usually eat here once a week. Tried just about everything, but still hooked on the taco salad :)
Cat
Breakfast/Lunch. Not many people know that this restaurant exists, as it doesn't do any advertising other than word of mouth... I lived around the corner for 2 years without knowing it was there. Thank goodness my friend shared his secret with me. For breakfast, I have 2 words for you; BACON CUP! It's a layered meal, in a cup... grits, butter, a mound of butter topped with an egg and loads of bacon. YUM! For lunch, I usually get the TACO SALAD. Huge portions & excellent prices! Cleo's is a must if you are on the North side of Jax!
The Fat Kid
Longtime Customer. I have been going to Cleo's for years now. I used to work near here and the locals said it was good. Now I have had almost eveything on the menu and it's all good. I mean a good lunch spot and the Taco Salad is as good as they say it is. The Hamburgers are hamburgers nothing special but a good lunch will be had by all that eat here. So next time your on the northside at lunch time stop in and say hi to the old ladies (I didn't say that) and enjoy a good lunch for the money. Now days you have a decent selection of places to eat from but you should always leave one day a week for Cleo's for I do.
Gmk7149
DON'T DO IT!. I was looking for a sandwich shop in Jax and went online and saw all the GREAT review for Cleo's so me and a friend went to eat there OMG!!! My sandwich had two very thin slices of what may have been turkey on stale bread and my friend ordered the "Sub" IDK what kind for meats those were supposed to be yicks and a bowl of chili that looked like canned chili... I would never go there again and have told all my friends about my horrible trip to Cleo's Sandwich Shop
Nyvols
Great Old School Place. How could you not like this place? I went there today for the 1st time. I had to go with Taco Salad and it was everything they said it was, great! I can't wait to try the hot dogs and sandwiches. breakfast sounds good too. I'll be back.
Mary
Yummy greasy spoon place. Been in Oceanway 5 yrs and finally ate here. It's a very small building, but w/yummy breakfast. I asked for scrambled eggs w/cheese, grits, toast and coffee. I told 1 of the singing chefs (the 2 ladies sing to the radio while cooking, lol) that I needed alot of food b/c I had a dentist appt and didn't know if I could eat afterwards. She asked if I wanted bacon or sausage w/the eggs. I said no, b/c I don't eat pork. So, she threw some turkey in the eggs and it was goooooood! She also told me she threw in an extra egg after hearing about me having a dentist appt. Everything was good and reminded me of my late Grandma's cooking. Only drawback is the hours are from 6:30-2:30 M-F. You can, however get pick up orders.
BarryD99
Try it for something different. I've heard about this place for years and had to try it. The weather was perfect for eatting outside. The taco salad was as touted - great. <br/><br/>An enjoyable lunch. About as far from a franchise restaurant as you can get.
JaxFamily
Yum!. I grew up on Pulaski Road and I've eaten at Cleos my whole life! It really is home to the best Taco Salad and make sure you try the breakfast in a cup too! It is a very small building that can get very very crowded but they make up for that with the best food around so don't let that get to you!
E.Hyde
Best taco salad in jax!! Watch out though, if you dont know where it is you might go your whole life without it. And that would ne a sin.
Marz Manganelli
Simply amazing. Best taco salad in Jax. Cash only so be prepared.
Jordyn Lea
I love this place! It is truely one of Oceanways hidden gems!!! Everything is amazing.
Savannah
Best Taco Salads Ever!. I've been going to Cleo's for a long time now and it doesn't matter who you are, you'll love it. It's so good that when I was in school I'd actually get up early just to get some breakfast in a cup which is hard for a teenager! Then later for lunch I'd sneak off campus to get a taco salad YUM! Even my younger brothers that are picky eaters love that place.
Toscana1983
Ms. Cleo, call me now!. Cops, JEA, Coasties, Bubba, Business people, Mechanics, Teachers... Seriously everyone that works in Oceanway knows Cleo's. I have eaten here for years. My dad used to work on the Northside and I have loved their taco salad always. DO NOT ask for unsweet tea or you will see an old lady turn into the scariest grandma ever (if she is there) mostly she will simply tell you there is no such thing. Good sandwiches, more bacon than should be allowed by law, and quick service. Good luck finding a parking space.
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