Armandos Cocina Mexicana

2385 12 St, Sarasota, FL 34237
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Oct 14, 2025
61
Score
Medium Risk

Armandos Cocina Mexicana has been inspected 11 times since 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Oct 14, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “in-use utensil in non-time/temperature control”, showing up four times.

Armandos Cocina Mexicana's latest score of 61 falls below the Sarasota average of 81. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed on the back counter: Ambient shell eggs (77F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs. Operator placed them in the walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef stored over raw fish in the walk in cooler. Operator moved the fish. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed their hand wash sign eroded off on their kitchen hand sink.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed their hood filters with grease build up.
23-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop for sugar. Operator removed the bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed multiple employe items stored above clean dishes in their kitchen Operator removed the items. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
61
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a sifter in their hand wash sink. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed no signed agreements. Emailed and printed out a copy for the operator to sign. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed water bottles stored on their floor of the bar.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed multiple scoop handles in contact with dry goods. Operator removed them. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed their dumpster lid open.
33-16-4
70
Dec 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed their license expired 12/1/24 Operator stated they mailed in a check. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: **Time Extended**
50-17-3
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed a pitcher sunk into a container of juice in the walk in cooler and observed a scoop buried in a container of flour in the storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: **Time Extended**
10-01-5
82
Dec 17, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bin of medicinal containers stored above cans in their dry storage area. Operator moved the bin. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-07-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in their make table: Shredded lettuce (66F - Cold Holding); Fresh cut avacados (66F - Cold Holding); Fish (67F - Cold Holding). Operator stated it had been in there for approximately 2hrs. Operator placed the items in their standing reach in cooler and called a mechanic. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed on the back kitchen counter: Ambient shell eggs (76F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been out for approximately 1hr. Operator placed them in the reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed their license expired 12/1/24 Operator stated they mailed in a check. **Warning**
50-17-3
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed a pitcher sunk into a container of juice in the walk in cooler and observed a scoop buried in a container of flour in the storage area. **Warning**
10-01-5
52
Sep 9, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed expired: Leticia Monroy expired 6/4/24. This is the only certified food manager for the establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-09: Observed the certified food manager still expired. **Admin Complaint**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed all employee training expired. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-09: Observed the employee training still expired. **Admin Complaint**
53B-05-5
82
Jul 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food Properly Stored/Protected
FL-48
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
41
Nov 27, 2023
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust build up on the walk in cooler fan covers.
36-50-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed an wet wiping cloth under a cutting board at the bar. Operator removed cloth. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoops with handles touching food in containers of flour and sugar. Operator removed scoops. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a continued of sour cream on the floor of the walk in cooler. Operator placed container on a shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple wet nesting utensils.
24-08-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed an employee drink above clean utensils on the cook line. Operator removed drink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
74
Aug 23, 2023
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food Properly Stored/Protected
FL-48
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
90
Aug 21, 2023
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed sanitizer bucket stored on the floor of the kitchen area. Operator placed the bucket on a raised box. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 1 live roach in the front break area. Observed approximately 1 live roach in the dishwashing area. Operator killed the roaches in both areas and sanitized the areas. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 6 ants on the wall and exterior of a spice container in the dishwashing area. **Warning**
35A-09-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bags used on the tortilla presses on the cook line. Operator removed bags and replaced them with food contact rated sheets. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed paper towels lining a container of dry herbs in the dry storage area and lining a plate of margarita mix in the bar area. **Warning**
14-86-1
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked onions and garlic stored in oil at room temperature on the cook line. Observed: Cooked Onions (71F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been made the previous day. Operator disposed of items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked onions and garlic stored in oil at room temperature on the cook line. Observed: Cooked Onions (71F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been made the previous day. Operator disposed of items. **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Emailed operator a copy of the state plan. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a hand wash sink in the dishwashing area blocked by a shelving unit. Operator removed shelving unit. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the hand wash sink in the dishwashing area. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed no signed employee agreements. Emailed operator a copy of the agreement and had them sign a printed out copy. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed not smooth or easily cleanable ceiling tiles used in the dry storage/utensil storage area. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored over single service items and a prep table in the kitchen area. Operator places drinks on the bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up in the reach in freezer in the kitchen area. **Warning**
14-69-4
20
Dec 7, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 3 cans of cactus dented at the seams. Employee set the cans aside for a refund. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Pasta 58F stored stacked above the fill line in the top section of the reach in cooler on the cook line. Employee stated the pasta had been in the reach in cooler for 1 hour. 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**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit for sanitizer buckets , three compartment sink and dishwasher.
16-37-1
Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Clean dish ware stored under the hand washing sink in the dishwasher room. Employee retype the dish ware. **Corrected On-Site**
24-27-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceilings in the kitchen above the cook line and in the walk-in cooler soiled.
36-34-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Employee placed the towels in a sanitizer solution. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
58
Jul 6, 2022
Routine - Food
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Armandos Cocina Mexicana last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Armandos Cocina Mexicana on file is from Oct 14, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Armandos Cocina Mexicana?

Across the inspection record, “in-use utensil in non-time/temperature control” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Armandos Cocina Mexicana.

How does Armandos Cocina Mexicana compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?

Armandos Cocina Mexicana most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.

Has Armandos Cocina Mexicana's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Armandos Cocina Mexicana have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Armandos Cocina Mexicana means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Armandos Cocina Mexicana inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Armandos Cocina Mexicana is inspected around three times per year on average.