Bestbet
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026
61
Score
Going back to 2022, Bestbet has 10 inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately and about 12 violations before that.
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical St. Augustine restaurant, which scores around 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Butter (77F - Cold Holding) at front counter since 10am per person in charge. Person in charge disposed of butter. Discussed time control and provided blank written procedures
03A-02-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed house made Cesar dressing in walk-in cooler with date marked 3/16. Person in charge disposed of dressing. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-24-5
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. Observed some food handler training expired in 2025.
53B-14-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee vape pen above expo window. Person in charge removed and placed away from food area. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach in freezer soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
61
Oct 3, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups behind bar area wet nesting. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-03: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind and underneath equipment soiled. Walk in freezer floor soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-03: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-03: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled and interior reach in freezer. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-03: **Time Extended**
22-16-4
82
Sep 24, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Two cans of tomatoes dented at the seam. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. High temp dishwasher not getting to proper temperature for sanitation of dishes. **Warning**
22-49-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle behind bar with yellow liquid substance not labeled. Operator labeled sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink left of reach in freezer blocked by brooms and trash can. Operator removed items. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Wash solution in spray type hot water sanitizing dishmachine not reaching proper temperature according to manufacturer's specifications. High temp dishwasher max temp 149F.
16-54-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher soiled. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed June 1,2025. Operator printed updated license and posted. **Corrected On-Site**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on cutting board of reach in cooler across from grill station. Operator removed phone. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups behind bar area wet nesting. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind and underneath equipment soiled. Walk in freezer floor soiled.
36-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled and interior reach in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
39
May 21, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Fully thawed raw Mahi in vacuum sealed packaging bearing indicator label for thawing requirements. **Repeat Violation**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed 1 live flying insect in kitchen area.
35A-02-7
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both bulk ice machine's interior soiled.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher soiled.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Soufflé cup used as scoop for sauce. Operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket not inverted. Operator fixed. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups near bar area wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in shelves soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler interior bottom and shelves on cookline soiled.
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters in kitchen and dry storage area not protected. **Repeat Violation**
25-06-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Fully thawed raw Mahi in vacuum sealed packaging bearing indicator label for thawing requirements not followed.
06-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop stored in dirty water in bucket. **Repeat Violation**
42-01-4
45
Nov 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
30
May 31, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. At cook line reach-in freezer, paper container with raw beef stored on top shelf above corn nuggets. Operator stated employee just cut beef, moved beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. At main bar soda gun on back wall side has mold-like substance. Operator cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. At cook line, across from fry station, trash can blocking easy access to handwash sink. Operator moved trash can. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Establishment uses quat sanitizer in wiping cloth buckets. No test strips available. Also, establishment has high temp dish machine, no measuring device available.
16-37-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. At wait station, ice machine has black mold-like substance at interior chute area.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. At prep area, metal bowl used as scoop in bulk rice container. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. In beer walk-in cooler, cardboard used to line shelf under wine bottles.
14-05-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. At sushi bar, container of ginger stored on floor. Operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. At cook line, interior top,plate of microwave has encrusted food splatter.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing hand wash signs at sushi bar and main bar. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. At cook line, bottle water on top shelf of reach-in freezer. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. At main bar, operator placed on tray. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. At cook line, container identified as cinnamon not labeled.
02D-01-5
41
Nov 28, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 16 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 crack raw shell eggs and begin to done gloves without washing hands before. Employee washed hands and put on gloves. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach-in cooler next to cook line, pan of cooked shredded beef (47F - Cold Holding) Operated stated he had beef approximately and hour prior to prep it for the day. Operator put beef in the walk-in cooler to cool down. On counter under food window, container of cinnamon butter (68F - Cold Holding) Operator stated butter had been out for approximately 2 hours and moved it to the walk-in freezer to cool down. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. In reach-in cooler next to wait station, opened container of milk with no open date marked. Employee stated milk had been opened a day prior and dated it. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. In reach-in cooler behind sushi counter, two packages of raw tuna thawed while still in the bags. Operator removed fish from sealed bags. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee cooking with no hairnet. Cook put on hat during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. On cook line in container cooked rice, handle of scoop in product. Operator removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink behind bar missing sign. Hand washing sink behind sushi counter missing sign.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in freezer across from cook line have food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. In dish area on bottom shelf, multiple plastic containers with old labels still attached. Operator removed labels. **Corrected On-Site**
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Middle dumpster lid open. Operator closed lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. On bottom shelf next to cook line, sanitizer bucket stored next to oil and seasoning. Operator moved sanitizer to different shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. In dry storage, box of paper food trays stored on floor. Operator moved box to shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. On shelf above reach-in cooler, multiple stacks of togo containers not inverted. Behind bar, stack of soufflé cup lids not inverted. Operator inverted togo boxes and lids. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Across from dish area, mop stored in bucket of dirty water. Operator removed mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer bucket next to cook line, Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0ppm) Operator remade sanitizer and retested at 300ppm **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In reach-in cooler next to server station, plastic soufflé cup used as scoop in mixed cheese. In bulk container of rice across from dish area, metal bowl used as scoop. Operator removed soufflé cup and bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
35
May 4, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Apr 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed not all items on menus identify raw items. On main menu observed squid salad, spicy sashimi salad and spicy tuna not marked as raw and missing consumer advisory. On sushi menu observed tuna tataki, squid salad, salmon, squid and nigiri not marked as raw. On breakfast menu observed cooked to order eggs not marked as undercooked and no consumer advisory on menu. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Observed sushi only menu with some items not marked raw under specialty plates. On main menu under Asian Specials some items not marked raw. Items include but not limited to squid salad, sashimi salad, spicy tuna salad, sashimi special, sashimi deluxe, sushi and sashimi and sashimi and roll. Operator will confirm exactly which dishes are made with raw fish. Consumer advisory's have been posted behind the bar and behind sushi counter area. **Time Extended**
02B-01-5
90
Aug 17, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling tile ajar for plumbing access in water heater room. Tile is not in a food prep area.
36-36-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Cases of to go boxes stored on floor. Employee moved cases to shelves **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bestbet last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bestbet on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bestbet?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Bestbet.
How does Bestbet compare to other restaurants in St. Augustine?
Bestbet most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Augustine average of 81.
Has Bestbet's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Bestbet have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Bestbet 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 Bestbet inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bestbet is inspected around three times per year on average.
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