1928 Cuban Bistro 5
Last inspected: Apr 29, 2026
47
Score
Going back to 2022, 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 has 10 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 29, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around five violations compared to roughly seven violations earlier on.
When inspectors have written things up, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
Restaurants in Fernandina Beach average 68, so 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
10
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 29, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 8 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. Employee handled top edge of trash can with gloved hands then handled pan full of chicken and was about to started shredded chicken. Inspector coached employee on proper handwashing procedures. Employee removed gloves and washed hands correctly. Also, employee at front counter picked up used glove off floor with bare hand and threw in trash then handled utensils to make customer coffee. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler on cook line, slice cheese (51F - Cold Holding). Cheese was placed in cooler this morning at open. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
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. Butter in tub at front counter has no time marking. Employee stated butter was put out at 9 am and put time on container. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Employee employed for approximately 3 years has no proof of training. She stated she is in the middle of scheduling and going to take the test. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in mop sink room soiled with mold-like substance.
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Wooden cutting board at front counter has deep cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Multiple gaskets on reach in coolers in establishment torn. Also, handle if flip top reach in cooler at front counter broken/missing.
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above grill soiled with grease.
23-03-4
47
Sep 22, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. turkey deli meat in reach in cooler on cook line ,observed that turkey was stored higher than chill line of the pan, observed operator store turkey in reach in cooler to chill (44F - Cold Holding), re took temp after an 30 min and it was at 43F **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233 Employee stated she has been here for 3 years and says she has her certifications but cannot show proof of training
53B-02-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 Dead roach found in corner outside of the mop sink room, employee swept and cleaned the area **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoop handle was laying In ice in ice machine behind front counter. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of sugar located in white bin in cabinet below the coffee machine was not labeled **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
67
May 12, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Establishment plans on file are from previous establishment. Current layout of establishment does not reflect plans on file (including outdoor storage area with reach in coolers and reach in freezers). **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-12: No plans submitted and approved. **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
90
Mar 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Employee at front counter washed hands for approximately three (3) seconds. Person in Charge coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-17-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Breakers missing on both outside faucets (one out front and one in back). **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ During inspection, four (4) employees working and none are certified food managers.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink at front counter. Towels provided. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Establishment plans on file are from previous establishment. Current layout of establishment does not reflect plans on file (including outdoor storage area with reach in coolers and reach in freezers). **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink at front counter. Soap provided. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2023. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. No drain plug for green dumpster in parking area. Person in Charge states they will call dumpster company to obtain. **Corrective Action Taken**
33-11-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Missing in two reach in cooler/freezers in outside storage area.
05-09-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Last inspection could not be provided.
51-18-6
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Rear exit door by restrooms does not self close (closer detached).
35B-03-4
39
Oct 8, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In cabinets below hand washing sink near coffee making area, spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored next to single use containers. Containers moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing on outside faucets on front of building where black hose is attached and on back of building where tan hose is attached.
29-34-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit available.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink at front counter near coffee making station.
31B-03-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2023.
50-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of oil on floor in kitchen. Oil moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink at front counter near coffee making station. Inspector emailed sign. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Shared green dumpster on east side of building.
33-16-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. In dining room, all silverware is stored in baskets on tables with food contact surfaces facing up.
24-18-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Multiple green wet wiping cloths stored on counters in kitchen area. One cloth moved and stored correctly. **Corrective Action Taken**
21-12-4
45
Apr 2, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Feb 2, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Milk 51f in glass cooler behind counter. Ham 49f turkey 49f over stacked in flip top cooler.
03A-02-5
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. Ham, beef, chicken
03F-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw shelled eggs over raw beef in 2 door flip top cooler
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
53A-02-7
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-01-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone on cutting, moving **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Prep guy In kitchen no hair restraint, hat provided **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice machine in closet with scooper buried in ice
10-08-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Personal drink on cutting board. Moved **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
43
Sep 7, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
29
Mar 20, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Light shield for lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing end caps. On bulbs in back ware washing area
38-12-4
95
Aug 25, 2022
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Racks for oven stored on floor., moved to rack **Corrected On-Site**
24-07-4
Basic - Light shield for lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing end caps. Lights in dish area
38-12-4
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 on file is from Apr 29, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at 1928 Cuban Bistro 5?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at 1928 Cuban Bistro 5.
How does 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 compare to other restaurants in Fernandina Beach?
1928 Cuban Bistro 5 most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Fernandina Beach average of 68.
Has 1928 Cuban Bistro 5's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, 1928 Cuban Bistro 5 is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants