Our digital database of restaurant health inspections is updated regularly with the latest information on which Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice area restaurants passed or failed.
You can use the database to search by Sarasota or Manatee County or by restaurant name. You can see which restaurants were fined and which were forced into temporary closure.
Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as “a ‘snapshot’ of conditions present at the time of the inspection." On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.
Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.
Ticket Editor: New Sarasota restaurant now open for lunch with N.Y. Jewish deli favorites
Restaurant news: New Italian restaurant, with bar truck and more, open in Sarasota-Bradenton
More restaurant news: Second Del Taco restaurant opens in Manatee County as chain continues expansion
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
Sarasota-Manatee best restaurant inspections
The following restaurants and food trucks, listed in alphabetical order, passed their inspections July 23-29 with zero violations:
Choo-Choo's Catering Inc., 8710 Old Tampa Road, Parrish
Del Taco, 5415 14th St. W., Bradenton
Meaney's Mini Donuts South, 1223 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota
North Port Meals on Wheels, 13624 Tamiami Trail, North Port
North Shore Cafe, 304 Pine Ave., Anna Maria
Parlor Doughnuts, 1695 U.S. 41 Bypass S., Venice
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota 8th Floor Lounge, 111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota
Subway, 4270 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton
Sarasota County restaurant inspections with high-priority violations
The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, were issued warnings, recommended for administrative complaints or were temporarily closed due to failed inspections July 23-29:
Ameniti Bay Hotel
5985 Brookhill Blvd., Sarasota
July 26
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
2 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed on the buffet line: shredded cheese (58F - cold holding); ham (58F - cold holding); diced tomatoes (51F - cold holding); egg mix (52F - cold holding); hard-boiled eggs (55F - cold holding); yogurt (54F - cold holding). Manager stated they had been out for three hours, manager stated they will dispose of food at four hour mark. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the buffet line: shredded cheese (58F - cold holding); ham (58F - cold holding); diced tomatoes (51F - cold holding); egg mix (52F - cold holding); hard-boiled eggs (55F - cold holding); yogurt (54F - cold holding). Manager stated they had been out for three hours, manager stated they will dispose of food at four hour mark. As a repeat violation, the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Ameniti Bay Hotel
5985 Brookhill Blvd., Sarasota
July 27
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Crab & Fin
420 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
July 26
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
6 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved alternative operating procedure. Employee handled the interior of an avocado with their bare hands. Employee discarded the avocado. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handled raw fish then clean utensils without changing gloves and washing hands. Employee was informed and washed their hands and changed gloves. Instructed employee and manager on proper hand washing protocol.
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Employee handled the interior of an avocado with their bare hands. Employee discarded the avocado.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the reach-in cooler back side of the pantry area: cheddar cheese (62F - cold holding); cut lettuce (64F - cold holding); cooked eggs (61F - cold holding); cut tomatoes (59F - cold holding); blue cheese (60F - cold holding); snapper (58F - cold holding); gazpacho (59F - cold holding). Manager stated all the items had been stored in the reach-in cooler for appropriately 2 hours. Manager covered and packed all the items in ice. As a repeat violation, the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Crab & Fin
420 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
July 28
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Culver's
90 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
July 26
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
5 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed tube of medicine mix stored next to spices in dry storage.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the prep line: fish (48F - cold holding); chopped lettuce (56F - cold holding). Employee stated put ice in container for fan and threw out lettuce. Observed in front line: butter chips (53F - cold holding); sour cream (55F - cold holding). Employee disposed of butter chips and sour cream. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Culver's
90 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
July 27
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Daiquiri Deck
325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
July 25
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
6 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the top section of the reach-in cooler on the left side of the cook line: cooked eggs (60F - cold holding); blue cheese (61F - cold holding); cut tomatoes (57F - cold holding); salsa (55F - cold holding); cut lettuce (63F - cold holding); cooked seaweed (60F - cold holding). Manager stated the items were stored in the reach-in cooler for approximately 2.5 hours. Manager placed the items in the walk-in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice 105F stored in hot holding on top of the convection oven on the cook line. Manager stated the rice was in hot holding for approximately one hour. Manager reheated the rice to 170F and placed it in hot holding on the steam line. **Corrected On-Site**
Daiquiri Deck
325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
July 26
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Firehouse Subs
5416 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
July 25
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
15 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in left side standing reach in-cooler: tuna (45F - cold holding); shredded cheese (49F - cold holding); brisket (49F - cold holding); shredded lettuce (49F - cold holding). Person in charge stated they had been in their overnight and removed food for disposal. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in left side standing reach-in cooler: tuna (45F - cold holding); shredded cheese (49F - cold holding); brisket (49F - cold holding); shredded lettuce (49F - cold holding). Person in charge stated food had been there overnight and removed food for disposal. As a repeat violation, the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray stored above soda machine boxes. **Warning**
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no breaker on splitter. As a repeat violation, the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
Firehouse Subs
5416 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
July 26
Call back — administrative complaint recommended. Follow-up needed.
8 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-26: Observed temperatures in left side standing reach-in cooler: chopped lettuce 47F, tuna salad 48F, pepperoni 47F, turkey 41F. **Time Extended**
High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-26: Observed temperatures in left side standing reach-in cooler: chopped lettuce 47F, tuna salad 48F, pepperoni 47F, turkey 41F. **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - From initial inspection: High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no breaker on splitter. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-26: **Time Extended**
Firehouse Subs
5416 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
July 27
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
First Watch
3706 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
July 28
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
9 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher at 0ppm quaternary. Manager reportedly called mechanic. Manager set up 3-part sink. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed a server touching cell phone and did not change gloves. Operator had employee wash hands and change glove. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Operator had employee wash hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on right side of prep line: chicken (55F - cold holding). Employee stated it had just been prepped and put out. Employee put half in separate container and stored in walk-in cooler. As a repeat violation, the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery and Pizzeria
381 Kenny Drive, Sarasota
July 28
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
11 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching bare face and did not wash hands. Operator had her wash hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature. Observed in bottom reach-in cooler of prep line: cut lettuce (46F - cold holding); sausage (47F - cold holding); diced oregano (45F - cold holding); cut spinach (46F - cold holding); lasagna (45F - cold holding); shredded mozzarella (46F - cold holding). Observed above previous reach-in cooler: sliced tomatoes (48F - cold holding); hard-boiled eggs (48F - cold holding); ham (45F - cold holding); feta cheese (46F - cold holding). Operator stated they had food brought out at 11:30 a.m. Operator disposed of food, and called for a mechanic. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in bottom reach-in cooler of prep line: cut lettuce (46F - cold holding); sausage (47F - cold holding); diced oregano (45F - cold holding); cut spinach (46F - cold holding); lasagna (45F - cold holding); shredded mozzarella (46F - cold holding). Observed above previous reach-in cooler: sliced tomatoes (48F - cold holding); hard-boiled eggs (48F - cold holding); ham (45F - cold holding); feta cheese (46F - cold holding). Operator stated they had food brought out at 11:30 a.m. Operator disposed of food, and called for a mechanic. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Lynches Pub & Grub
19 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota
July 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
8 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over unwashed potatoes in the walk-in cooler. Employee removed the chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Bartender handled dirty dishes then clean silverware without washing their hands. Employee washed their hands. Instructed employee and manager on proper hand washing protocol. **Corrected On-Site**
Mission Organic
231 W. Miami Ave., Venice
July 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
6 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed quaternary sanitizer at 3 compartment sink at 100 parts per million. Observed operator add more sanitizer to correct level 200 parts per million. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed shell eggs at 62F on cooks line. Employee stated eggs were removed from cool two hours prior and then returned them to reach-in cooler. Recheck temperature 30 minutes later 41F. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked home fries potatoes 64F, sausage patties 58F and cooked chicken 59F on cooks line. Employee stated item had been removed from reach-in cooler two hours prior and then returned them to reach-in cooler. Recheck temperature 30 minutes later: Potatoes 39F, sausage 41F, chicken 41F. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Mission Organic
231 W. Miami Ave., Venice
July 25
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Peruvian Grill by Maemi
3131 Clark Road, Sarasota
July 28
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
17 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored over ready-to-eat chicken soup in the reach-in cooler. The operator properly stored the raw fish. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed chlorine wiping cloth solution exceeding 200ppm. The operator discarded the solution and refilled the chlorine solution to 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Peruvian Grill by Maemi
3131 Clark Road, Sarasota
July 28
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Shore
465 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
July 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
5 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation:
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Butter sauce stored on the cook line on time as a public health control not marked. Chef stated the sauce had been stored in the cook line for approximately 30 minutes. Chef placed time marks on the sauce. **Corrected On-Site**
Speaks Clam Bar
29 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota
July 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
11 total violations, with 5 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employees handled their phone then clean utensils without washing hands. Employee washed their hands. Instructed employee and manager on proper hand washing protocol. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved alternative operating procedure. Employee handled lemons with their bare hands while cutting. Employee discarded the lemons. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Raw shell eggs stored over bottled beer in the walk-in cooler on the first floor. Manager removed the eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Employee handled lemons with their bare hands while cutting. Employee discarded the lemons.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Shrimp (54F - cold holding); cod (52F - cold holding) stored stacked above the fill line in the top section of the reach-in cooler on the cook line. Chef stated the items had been in the reach-in cooler for approximately 2 hours. As a repeat violation, the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. Manager emptied half the content of the pan into a separate pan and placed it in the bottom of the reach-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
Sunnyside Cafe
4900 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
July 27
Emergency order recommended: Facility temporarily closed.
11 total violations, with 5 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracking shell eggs and touching clean equipment without washing hands. Employee washed hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 20 small flying insects in the back dry storage area, did not observe flying insects landing on food/food contact surfaces. **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed in walk-in cooler: beef, shellfish, and pork stored over top of unwashed vegetables. Owner moved produce. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings on the floor located behind the hot water heater in the back dry storage area. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings on the floor under the dry storage shelf in back dry storage area. Observed approximately 30 rodent droppings on the floor underneath the chemical storage shelf next to the walk in cooler. **Warning**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottles hanging from a cart of condiments in the bar section of the dining room. Employee removed bottles. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Sunnyside Cafe
4900 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
July 28
Emergency order callback complied. Met inspection standards.
Wendy's
2989 Executive Drive, Venice
July 27
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
10 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine sanitizer solution at 0ppm. The operator set up the three compartment sink for warewashing. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed the dishmachine not going through the sanitizing cycle. The operator set up the three compartment sink for warewashing. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a spray bottle of window cleaner stored next to single service drinking cups at the drive-thru window. The operator properly stored the spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Manatee County restaurant inspections with high-priority violations
The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, were issued warnings, recommended for administrative complaints or were temporarily closed due to failed inspections July 23-29:
Checkers
5220 15th St. E., Bradenton
July 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
7 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food controlled by time and required to be marked with the use by time is not marked and the required time of disposal cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and sliced cheese on service line not time marked. Educated person in charge on time marking. Person in charge voluntarily discarded all items. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and sliced cheese on service line not time marked. Educated person in charge on time marking. Person in charge voluntarily discarded all items. **Warning**
Checkers
5220 15th St. E., Bradenton
July 25
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Eleni's Pizza Works
6711 15th St. E., Sarasota
July 25
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
13 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed ready-to-eat foods (hamburger, alfredo sauce, chicken noodle soup, sausage) labeled past 7 days expiration in the walk-in cooler.
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked chicken breasts holding at 109 degrees on cook line next to grill top in Bain Marie. Operator discarded chicken. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken breasts holding at 109 degrees on cook line next to grill top in Bain Marie. Operator discarded chicken. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed grease cleaner and grill cleaner stored next to cooking oil under cooking station and grill.
Mr. & Mrs. Crab
497 Cortez Road W., Bradenton
July 27
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
8 total violations, with 3 high-priority violations:
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed in back kitchen area dish machine sanitizer at 000ppm. Person in charge set up 3 compartment sink and stopped using dish machine. Person in charge called for repair. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Raw shell eggs stored over with unwashed produce. Educated person in charge and emailed in Spanish and English safe refrigerator storage. Person in charge removed raw shell eggs. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach-in cooler on cooks line raw shrimp over hard-boiled eggs. Educated person in charge and emailed safe refrigerator storage in English and Spanish. Person in charge removed raw shrimp. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Inspections Sarasota restaurant closed after 50 rodent droppings found
