La Palmerita

"Ordered by phone (no online ordering) for lunch. Be prepared to speak Spanish because this is an authentic place and none of the employees speak English! I walked in and there was one lady at the counter already. I saw a bag prepared behind the counter and knew it was mine! There was a long wait as the customer in front of me was paying, then the employee turned her back when she was done and proceeded to be doing some paperwork?! (Never addressed me.) I knew that bag was mine, I just wanted her to stay at the register so I could pay and leave! She proceeded to make some kind of drink order, and there was another employee walking around in the bag that told me to wait a little and they'd help soon. It's SO frustrating watching your food get cold as you just wait and wait. Finally they were ready for me (Literally made the lady in front of me's order before even speaking to me) - then she wasn't sure what I ordered or what to ring up. Anyway, small local shop - probably used to regulars. I had to use the restroom but didn't like that it was RIGHT next to a table where people were sitting and eating so I didn't use it. The rice was great, I didn't like that the potatoes were boiled but man they had a really nice flavor! The roasted pork was okay, a tad drier than I like and not very flavorful. I expected some kind of sauce but there wasn't any in the bag and they didn't offer. I forgot to take a picture of the salad but it was SAD. Looked like shredded lettuce with a few slices of tomato. No dressing included or offered. (I ordered Combo #5) I was in there about 15 minutes just waiting to pay. Won't be back."

"This was my 2nd time ordering here. I think this was not my day since apparently they needed another person to help. From the moment I arrived I had to wait about 20 to 25 minutes for the attendant to take my order. After I had to wait close to 40 minutes to get my order which was incomplete and when I pointed it out I was told to best forget it since it was going to be a while before they could get to what they had forgotten. I understand this is a Cuban restaurant but it would be nice if you could have an option to replace the water boiled yucca. I would have liked it if it was fried. I don't think my order had that traditional sazón that I was craving for. I don't think I will be going back to this restaurant."

"The food is excellent! There is no one there that speaks English. So, I bring my boyfriend with me, because he speaks Spanish. Atmosphere is bland and small, but I don’t really mind. I love small businesses, Mom and Pop style. I highly recommend you try the food. Most people call ahead & take out. I have to go in, because I like my food hot. I also like to see the menu as well. I try to get something different every time I go there. I believe they originally started out as a food truck on Rogero Road."

"I lived in Miami most of my life and have always missed my food. Plenty of little places have tried, but they just don't match up. For the first time in 12 years of searching Jacksonville, I can finally say I found a place that has comparable food to La Carreta and Sergio's with a Hialeah feel. I just found my favorite eatery in Jax. GRACIAS!!!! This is a hole in the wall worth visiting, and frequently. We had hígado a la Italiana (the best I've had at a restaurant), Masitas de Puerco Fritas con moros, and ropa vieja. The yuca and platanitos were awesome, as were the frijoles negros. Este lugar no tiene desperdicio."

"This place is awesome. I have tried a few things that made me feel at home. The music and atmosphere was the best and the music online YouTube was super. I will keep coming back to this place when I can. They also have a pool table to enjoy your night while also having a few beers. Will recommend this place to anyone wanting to try real Cuban food with great flavor."