Circus (The)
Last inspected: Oct 14, 2025
20
Score
Going back to 2022, Circus (The) has 10 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Oct 14, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around nine violations to closer to 14 violations.
Looking across the full record, “exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
By comparison, the average Pompano Beach facility scores 78, putting Circus (The) on the weaker side. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
10
Inspections
3
Critical latest
5
Major latest
13
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 14, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed Mashed potatoes 116F @3:25 cooling since 3:10 rechecked 110F at this rate mashed potatoes will not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Employee placed in reach in freezer to rapidly chill. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-01-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish (cod)bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. **Repeat Violation**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked diced chicken (108F - Hot Holding) in a container stored on top of a container of soup. Per employee held out of temperature less than 30 minutes. Employee placed on char grill to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Employee could not locate.
05-08-4
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. **Repeat Violation**
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Shelf above flip top cooler.
22-31-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed 2 bus tubs of cooked chicken wings in walk in cooler. Employee stated prepare 10/12/2025. Employee date marked.
02C-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In the kitchen
36-34-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish (cod)bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-04-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic cook cooking oil stored on kitchen floor. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in the kitchen.
10-08-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed on doors of reach in freezer a black mold like substance.
23-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed box of chicken wings 41F on counter at room temperature.
06-01-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk-in cooler shelves
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Though out the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food (flour)removed from original container not identified by common name.
02D-01-5
20
Jul 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish Cod 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.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored on top of a container of sliced onions. Observed raw chicken breast stored on top of cooked chicken wings. Operator stored correctly.**Repeat Violation** **Corrected On-Site** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
Intermediate -
41-17-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips.
16-37-1
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.
53B-14-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Though out the kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food (flour) removed from original container not identified by common name.
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic soufflé cup with no handle in marinara sauce and pink sauce Observed in rice container bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense rice. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen Area
36-34-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish Cod 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. See stop sale.
06-09-1
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
13-07-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Plastic container of flour and plastic container of cooking oil stored on kitchen floor underneath spice rack.
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed operator
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf over flip top cooler **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open water bottle in reach in freezer. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
21-10-4
29
Jan 21, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Located in kitchen **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-06: At time of callback inspection still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. On cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-06: At time of callback inspection still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
90
Jan 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 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/. Thomas Phillips 09/12/2019 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-06: Thomas Phillips 09/12/2019 has test date. **Time Extended**
53A-03-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Located in kitchen **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-06: At time of callback inspection still observed **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. On cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-06: At time of callback inspection still observed **Time Extended**
36-17-5
82
Nov 5, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed eggs over cheese sauce in padela reach in. Operator store correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
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/. Thomas Phillips 09/12/2019 **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. In kitchen operator provided. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In kitchen. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Located in kitchen **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. On cook line. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil and liquid margarine store on floor in kitchen **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelves though out kitchen. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Though out kitchen **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working containers of flour removed from original container not identified by common name. **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic soufflé cup with no handle used to dispense gravy. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
45
Aug 23, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. cooked wings (47-49F - Cooling) in walk-in cooler per operator cooked last night and held in walk-in overnight.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed slice American (49F - Cold Holding); slice Swiss (49F - Cold Holding) in flip top cooler. Per employee held out of temperature less then two hours not portion or prepared today. Employee placed in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked wings (47-49F - Cooling) in covered overstuffed pans in walk-in cooler per operator cooked last night and held in walk-in overnight. See stop sale.
03D-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic soufflé cup with no handle used to dispense cooked elbow macaroni in padela reach in. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Padela reach in
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cooked line
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Plastic container of fryer oil stored on floor next to spice rack Case of green pepper on walk-in cooler floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelves though out kitchen
23-03-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Though out kitchen
36-27-5
43
Mar 15, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
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
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
47
Jan 3, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwashing sink containing wipe clothes. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single serve boxes not inverted. Operator turned containers over for protection. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
86
Jun 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
67
Oct 24, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Circus (The) last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Circus (The) on file is from Oct 14, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Circus (The)?
Across the inspection record, “exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Circus (The).
How does Circus (The) compare to other restaurants in Pompano Beach?
Circus (The) most recently scored 20 out of 100, which is lower than the Pompano Beach average of 78.
Has Circus (The)'s inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Circus (The) have averaged around 14 violations per visit, up from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Circus (The) 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 Circus (The) inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Circus (The) is inspected around three times per year on average.
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