May was a light month for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as they investigated restaurants in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to see if their health standards were up to par.
There were 38 restaurants that passed restaurant inspections this month, compared to seven that did not. Three restaurants received an administrative complaint, while five other restaurants were cited with more than five violations. However, there was plenty of good news as 24 restaurants passed with a perfect score. You can find a complete list of them at the end of this article.
Three restaurants receive administrative complaints
El Paso Taco & Tequila, 8662 Navarra Parkway
Following a DBPR visit on May 26, El Paso is under fire for nine violations, five of which are considered high priority. Several offenses were related to handwashing practices, including employees putting on gloves without washing their hands first, washing hands in cold water, and washing hands without soap. The crime that was worth the administrative complaint was for a flying insect seen in the laundry room. A follow-up inspection is still required.
The Chill Spot, 1673 N. Pace Blvd., Suite F
Following a DBPR visit on May 12, The Chill Spot received an administrative complaint for operating with an expired license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. A follow-up inspection is still required.
Southern Grill and BBQ, Mobile
Following a DBPR visit on May 9, Southern Grill and BBQ received an administrative complaint for operating under an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. A follow-up inspection is still required.
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Other top 5 offenders:
Five restaurants in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties exceeded five DBPR violations, ranging from cleaning areas to dead roaches and live insects.
Fin and Fork, 601 E. Gregory St.
Following a DBPR visit on May 19, Fin and Fork received 11 violations, two of which were deemed top priority. Some of the violations included dishwasher sanitizer that was not set to the proper concentration, mold-stained cutting boards, oysters that were not marked with proper label information, and tuna stored at improper temperatures. Still, the restaurant met inspection standards and no further action is required.
Nim’s Garden, 6536 US Highway 90, Milton
Following a DBPR visit on May 11, Nim’s Garden received eight violations, one deemed a high priority. Some of the major offenses included 10 dead cockroaches on top of a food warmer, three flying insects observed in the kitchen, uncovered stored food in the walk-in fridge, and a wall smeared with grease. The restaurant met inspection standards and no further action is required.
Union Pub, C/ Reus 309 S.
Following a DBPR visit on May 19, the restaurant received seven violations, one of them a high priority. These crimes included four dead roaches in the restaurant, two foods that were stored at improper temperatures, and the top of the dishwasher getting soiled with debris. Still, the restaurant met inspection standards and no further action is required.
El Paso Mexican Grill 3, 5041 Dogwood Drive, Milton
Following a DBPR visit on May 18, El Paso received seven violations, three of which were deemed high priority. Some of the major violations included food stored at improper temperatures, employees not washing their hands when necessary, and areas of the floor covered with standing water. The restaurant complied with a follow-up inspection the next day with no violations.
Sonic Drive-In 5287, 4001 US Highway 90, Pace
Following a DBPR visit on May 17, Pace’s Sonic received seven violations. However, none were considered high priority. Some of the violations included dirty roof vents, greasy and moldy surfaces, and missing roof tiles. A follow-up inspection is still required.
24 restaurants receive perfect scores
- Niko de Pace, 4510 US Highway 90
- Mr. Pace Chicken, 4275 Woodbine Road
- Trolley Stop Ice Cream Shop, 5147 Elmira St.
- El Asador, 7955 N. Davis Highway
- Dewey Destin’s Navarre Seafood Restaurant, 8673 Navarre Parkway
- Cub’s Crawfish, 4145 Barrancas Ave.
- Cheddar’s Casual Cafe, 7173 N. Davis Highway
- Perdidolicious, 10605 Gulf Breeze Highway
- Sushilife Catering, 6495 Lillian Highway
- Rock N Roll Sushi Pensacola, 1531 E. Nine Mile Road, Suite A6
- Red Lobster 0039, 5100 N. Ninth Ave.
- fat dragon, mobile
- budget, mobile
- My Favorite Things, 2813 E. Cervantes St.
- Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, 12 Via DeLuna Drive
- Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, 10653 Gulf Beach Highway
- Sweet Dreams Inn, 7330 Plantation Road
- Cactus Cantina, 5121 North 12th Ave.
- McDonalds 7102, 6003 Moving Road
- Gaby’s, 104 E. Gregory St.
- Hillbilly Cajun Cooking, Mobile
- Island BBQ, 13310 Mirella St.
- Captain D’s, 4373 Fairfield Drive
- Newk’s Restaurant, 5060 Bayou Blvd.
Visit data.pnj.com/restaurant-inspections for more information.
