El Cerro — Restaurant in Clermont

I admit, I'm Puerto Rican... buuut. Shamefully, I'm not fluent so I was a little nervous in the cross language foodie wants. Luckily this quaint place speaks English. If you want to, way cheap too! As we waitied for our food, we noticed they were a bit slow to take care of people (you can call in an order for pick up) It's a hole in the wall styled old building and clean inside. (didn't check out the bathrooms) All the parking is in back, but there seemed to be xtra in gravel if needed. We came at dinner time on a Wed, they weren't busy between 6-7. We saw they also do breakfast.

There's a premade food selection. I recoginized things but didn't try them. 1) my palette had other ideas 2) not surprisingly, they seemed to have sat a while.

I got a chicken empanada (smaller than your fist) and a stuffed potato ball (lacrosse ball/ just smaller than a tennis ball size) I wasn't very hungry. Hubby, a Cuban sandwich. We waited while they were made uuuuntil my I haven't eaten still not hungry self was like uhhh NEEDS! We grabbed a couple presidente beers and platinos. We were still waiting after slowly munching. I didn't watch the clock but it seemed like forever til the food was ready.

I liked mine. The empanada had good flavor tho little in it- chicken but no olives ect and plenty of ...space? inside the pastry part itself. The potato ball was crispy on the outside, almost breaded, moist still with plenty of flavor- also simple. The Cuban, hubby only ate half of it- he thought it'd be smaller (it was ~10" panini).

A few hrs later at home I finished it. At least at that point, it was greasy. Like dripping and not so flavorful. I wouldn't order it (I'm kinda a left over queen) All and all, they aren't fab but definitely not bad. I'm interested in trying other things on the menu. Make sure you either call ahead or have time. I have a feeling while it may never be that grandmother cooking fab, with a little exploring, you'll find your niche and be pretty happy- Clermont doesn't really have that many options this is one I think will grow on me to consider...

I went a few weeks ago, it was a spontaneous stop, and it was 11:15 when I arrived. It was not crowded at all, I placed my order for 2 sandwiches to go, not estimated time was given but I figured maybe 10, 20 mins tops. I understand they get orders by phone too, but if my order was done before the other phone calls, I expect my order to be done before those calls. Around 15 minutes later a gentleman comes in, place started to get busy, is almost lunch time, he ordered same sandwich as me, and they told him will be done in 15-20 mins since they're getting busy and telephone won't stop ringing. So I thought ok my order should be coming soon if that's the estimated time they gave him., oh Lord I was way off. It was 11:40 when I decided to say something, I know should've said something before, it's been 30 mins and they kept saying your order is coming, for the last 10 mins. I got up, almost 11:50am and requested my money back, again they said your order will be out soon, but I had enough, over 40 mins waiting was ridiculous, so the cashier gave me my money back. She said she will give me my sandwiches for free since they were done already and didn't want it to throw away, so I accepted, and miraculously not even a minute after I received my money, my order came out and at the same time as the gentleman who ordered 15 mins after me. I took my order and left, kept thinking on my way back home, how did she know my order was ready when she gave my money back, if it was ready why it wasn't given to me before. Why my order was giving to me as the same time as that gentleman ordered waaaay later than me? It seems something off out of this. And it sucks because their food is amazing, I've been there before and never had problem. And if I was ordering dine in like they have to prepare at the moment, I would've understand, but for 2 sandwiches take out 40 mins waiting was way ridiculous. Also noticed if the employees know the customer they help them very quick, which is ok, but don't forget, there are people in line before waiting to get service too, so they...

I should've left this review months ago! Henry and his family are not just amazing in the hospitality industry (and they are) but they are actually amazing ppl. They help the community constantly with charity work & they don't even take credit for it!

The food is amazing. Take this from a 100% Cuban from Miami. I'm a pretty good cook myself, but I can never get my food to taste THIS authentic. Their food is just truly delicious.

Everything is fresh, made to order & comes out piping hot. I'm just gonna say it & I know it's gonna sound too good to be true... but my only problem is that I always want to order several items from the menu just for myself (but I don't wanna explode!). They even have online ordering, which makes everything much more convenient. They even open at 7am!

I don't know if the owners read this, but if they do... THANK YOU for making me miss Miami less, lol. The online ordering does need some attention though, as there are some options missing (like adding the delicious beans! But there is a spot to add special instructions & they're great about following the instructions, never failed me before.)

Please give this place a try, they deserve it and you deserve to eat it yourself. You won't find a place like this...