Clo’s Uptown Eatery in the East End is named for Clo herself.

IF YOU GO: Clo’s Uptown Eatery, 1219 E. Washington St. Call 720-6176. Meals from $1.99 to $8.95

We were tired, my friend Janet and I. We had scoured the East End of Charleston, hunting an apartment for her. Janet is moving and wants to stay in the East End. “Let’s go to Miss Clo’s for a fish sandwich, that’ll cheer us up,” she said. I had no idea who this ‘Miss Clo’ was, so she told me where to park and I followed her down Washington Street East.

There it was, below an old ‘Subshop’ sign at 1219 E. Washington St.: ‘Clo’s Uptown Eatery.’ The tiny building is next to Boll Medical and across from CAMC General Hospital. As we sat down, we were immediately greeted by a waiter with a welcoming smile. All of Miss Clo’s waitstaff echoes her big smile and gentle manner. No pushy waitresses seem to be allowed to work there
We, of course, ordered the fish sandwich…

It arrived with a thin layer of golden batter with a touch of sweetness. Delicious. Janet ordered her sandwich with two sides dishes (the choices were: cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni & cheese, collard greens, fries and onion rings). She got a generous portion of greens and homemade mac-and-cheese.

Clo’s has two kinds of fish: catfish and ‘hoagie,’ which Miss Clo explained is actually white fish. And did I mention all the food in the restaurant features Clo’s special soul food seasonings? Other options include hamburgers and cheeseburgers, barbecue, a Philly cheese steak, wings and a rib, chicken or fish dinner ($8.95). She also serves a Frisco Chicken Salad and Grilled Chicken Salad ($5.95). Dessert changes day to day and in warm weather Clo plans to have fresh blueberry and peach cobbler on hand.

Clo is an East End girl, born and raised. She’ll probably deal with me later, but I have to tell you her real name is ‘Clorine.’ She obviously prefers ‘Clo.’ Her food service journey began when she ran a canteen for young adults in Rand, W.Va. She has since owned a couple of clubs in the area, but has come home to the East End.

We were reluctant to leave the warm, homey atmosphere, but we had to find a place for Janet to live. And I knew we’d be back to Clo’s Uptown Eatery. As we left, I asked my friend: “What do you suppose makes Miss Clo’s fish sandwich so good?” She didn’t hesitate a beat. “Lots of love.”

– By Sandy Fisher

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