Bernie's Place
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
47
Score
Bernie's Place has been inspected 10 times since 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 1, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 16 violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.
Looking across the full record, “hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Compared to other St. Petersburg restaurants (averaging 77), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Hand wash sink at front counter was not operational. Observed employee begin work with no hand wash. Discussed with manager handwashing and sink requirements.
12A-16-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored above cooked pigs feet in reach-in freezer. Manager relocated. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Manager repaired sink and turned on water line. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee expired.
53B-14-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 2023. License is current and valid.
50-09-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall in disrepair next to three compartment sink.
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand wash sink at front counter plumbing in disrepair.
29-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Raw and cooked chicken stored uncovered in standing reach-in freezer.
08B-12-5
47
Aug 22, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments. **Time Extended**
16-20-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Breon Williams expired 06-08-2024. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Breon Williams expired 06-08-2024. **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
32-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelves of prep tables are rusted. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall in warewashing area and kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Gas oven used more than 24 hours ago soiled with food debris and grease buildup. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning near gas stoves in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
36-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light shield in kitchen area is cracked. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
38-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
38-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gaskets on refrigerator doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler in hallway near kitchen interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-22: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
45
Jul 31, 2025
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 3 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 26 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 1 live fly at front counter steam table landed on 3 pounds of Cabbage. Observed operator discard cabbage. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. From front counter steam table at 1:02pm. Operator turned steam table temperature up. Rechecked temps. a. cooked rice (125F - Hot Holding); 137f b. cooked corn (131F - Hot Holding) 144f **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - 4 Live, small flying insects found inside employee restroom near rear kitchen exit at front counter. 1 Fly landed on cooked cabbage. Observed operator discard cabbage. **Warning**
35A-02-7
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. Observed employee at front counter bare hand touch money from customer then touch single-serve plates and utensils. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. **Warning**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments. **Warning**
16-20-4
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Can of raid labeled household use is stored near mop sink. **Warning**
41-05-4
High Priority - Sanitizer not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Chlorine sanitizer is mixed with dawn soap in three-compartment sink. Operator drained sink and setup three compartment sink correctly. **Warning**
41-28-4
Intermediate - No handwash sink for employees. No running water at hand wash sink at front counter. **Warning**
31A-12-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Breon Williams expired 06-08-2024. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No running water at hand wash sink at front counter. **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. **Warning**
38-07-4
Basic - No hot running water at mop sink. **Warning**
27-10-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gaskets on refrigerator doors. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. 3 Live, small flying insects found inside employee restroom near rear kitchen exit. Flies did not land on food or food contact surfaces. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe not connected to hand wash sink at front counter. **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler in hallway near kitchen interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Warning**
36-02-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. **Warning**
32-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee keys stored on shelf next to clean pans. Operator removed keys. Discussed cleaning and sanitizing area. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Chlorine sanitizer is mixed with dawn soap in three-compartment sink. Operator drained sink and setup three compartment sink correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
16-13-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelves of prep tables are rusted. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall in warewashing area and kitchen. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Gas oven used more than 24 hours ago soiled with food debris and grease buildup. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Light not functioning near gas stoves in kitchen. **Warning**
36-62-4
Basic - Light shield in kitchen area is cracked. **Warning**
38-01-4
12
Jan 29, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching soiled dishes then retrieving clean dishes without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. Operator placed items into three-compartment sink to be rewashed. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-13-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - All reach-in coolers interior have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelves on prep table are rusted.
14-11-5
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
36-68-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation. Both front doors are open.
35B-05-4
64
Nov 7, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
78
Jun 26, 2024
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table next to stove is rusted. Shelf next to three-compartment sink is rusted. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-26: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-26: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-26: **Time Extended**
36-68-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters are soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-26: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
82
Apr 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee retrieving cash money from customers then serving food at front counter without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-13-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee Lashonda Lawson 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. **Warning**
53B-02-5
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/. Steam table located at front counter without hand wash sink in vicinity. No plans on file. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table next to stove is rusted. Shelf next to three-compartment sink is rusted. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. **Warning**
36-68-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Provided operator with DBPR Form 5030-111. Employees must wash hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters are soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
55
Jan 12, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee at three-compartment sink washing, rinsing and then hanging meat cleaver without sanitizing. Discussed with operator proper ware washing techniques. Operator removed meat cleaver and re washed and sanitized properly. **Corrected On-Site**
22-45-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. From cooks line on stove and flat-top grill at 1:00pm Operator placed items on gas stove to re heat. Re temp at 1:30pm a. cooked rice (110F - Hot Holding); 157f b. cooked cabbage (129F - Hot Holding) 148f Discussed time as a public health control as an option. Will email DBPR Form 5022-090. time as a public health control **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Reading 200ppm. Operator replaced chlorine solution. Reading 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Metal bowl stored in hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator removed container. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Operator provided hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that recently hired food employee are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1. Luchana Lawson Will email DBPR Form 5030-103. Employee Health Food Reporting Agreement.
11-26-1
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. 02-01-2023
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Shelves below flat-top grill and rack next to three-compartment sink are rusted.
14-11-5
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. **Repeat Violation**
36-68-5
Basic - Light not functioning in prep area.
36-62-4
Basic - Light shield missing in prep area.
38-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at hand wash sink in kitchen. Will email DBPR Form 5030-111. Employees must wash hands.
31B-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler in prep area interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
32
Jun 15, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
74
Feb 8, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over produce in reach in cooler
08A-05-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-3
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bernie's Place last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bernie's Place on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bernie's Place?
Across the inspection record, “hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Bernie's Place.
How does Bernie's Place compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?
Bernie's Place most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Petersburg average of 77.
Has Bernie's Place's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Bernie's Place have averaged around 16 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Bernie's Place 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 Bernie's Place inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bernie's Place is inspected around three times per year on average.
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