Cowpoke's Watering Hole
Last inspected: Mar 5, 2026
95
Score
Cowpoke's Watering Hole appears in inspection records 14 times, starting in 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 5, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair”, showing up three times.
Among Sebring restaurants, the typical score is 74; Cowpoke's Watering Hole is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing at preparation area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-05: **Time Extended**
36-03-4
95
Mar 4, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
74
Oct 8, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
64
Aug 13, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall in various locations in dishwasher area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-13: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
95
Aug 12, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
47
Mar 25, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Observed: Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee washed hands. **Corrected On-Site** Priority: High Priority
12A-07-5
High Priority - Observed: Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Three cans crushed tomatoes. Operator removed from service. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: High Priority
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Observed: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths for chlorine dishwasher. Operator ordered. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: Intermediate
16-37-1
Basic - Observed: Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor: cauliflower and red onions in walk in cooler. Operator stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** Priority: Basic
08B-47-4
Basic - Observed: Hole in or other damage to wall at walk in cooler near dishwasher. Operator has work order to repair. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: Basic
36-24-5
Basic - Observed: No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding units on front counter. Operator placed at location. **Corrected On-Site** Priority: Basic
05-09-4
58
Sep 30, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall: exposed insulation at vegetable walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-30: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
82
Aug 21, 2024
Complaint Full
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
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. Provided operator with the vomiting and diarrhea clean up poster **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
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. Provided operator with food employee agreement. One employee signed, all others will see go. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
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. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin by office. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in ice bin. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling vent covers missing in secured customer area and one near salad area.Operator states repairs will be completed by Labor Day weekend. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. In seafood/ prep area, and at ice bins the ceiling tiles are missing. The ceiling has been covered with plastic and secured. One corner of seating area is also under repair, has new ceiling, and needs ceiling vents covers. Operator has that section secured . Operator stated over the phone that work is being done daily and has documents that repairs began on 8/13 and will be completed Labor Day weekend. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Three dead roaches at bar that is not in service. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall: exposed insulation at vegetable walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at outdoor bar. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Water leaking from faucet at triple sink. **Warning**
29-11-4
47
Jan 31, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter at 60 F for less than 20 minutes. Operator applied rapid heat, rested at 135F.
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths for chlorine. Operator obtained. **Corrected On-Site**
16-37-1
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels at line. Operator repaired. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink by line hot holding area. Water had been turned off. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
21-04-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall in vegetable cooler and bread cooler with exposed insulation. **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken, bulk seasoning and repaired with tape. **Repeat Violation**
14-38-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.
36-03-4
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. Tuna at 37F, and Mahi operator removed from packaging. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair: by ice machine.
36-32-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination at ice machine, whisks. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at cook line
31B-04-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit at waiting station.
05-09-4
35
Oct 26, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory: Tuna poke on menu. Operator will mark. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
02B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored, spatulas, whisks and colander not stored correctly. Operator stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
24-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken: bulk seasoning, Everglades and bulk sugar cover containers broken. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: Operator has ordered new lids. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
14-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom in vegetable cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-26: **Time Extended**
36-30-4
74
Oct 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical on top of ice bin. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory: Tuna poke on menu. Operator will mark. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Wet towel under cutting board at meat cutting station. **Warning**
22-02-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator placed hair restraint on head. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken: bulk seasoning, Everglades and bulk sugar cover containers broken. **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding units on line. Operator obtained and placed accordingly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom in vegetable cooler. **Warning**
36-30-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored, spatulas, whisks and colander not stored correctly. Operator stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-07-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Two dead roaches at waiting station. Three at bar. One under steam table Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-03-4
50
Apr 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Provided Operator with the Food Reporting Agreement. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-10: Operator could not provide completed forms. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris at back bar. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-10: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
86
Nov 17, 2022
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One small flying insect in dry storage. One small flying insect in dishwasher area. None observed landing on food. Operator whisked out small flying insects. **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Operator educated employee on proper technique. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-18-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: can opener. Operator cleaned and sanitized item. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
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 J.H.
53B-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in back area by walk in cooler.
36-32-5
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. Tuna at 38° cold holding not removed from packaging. Operator slit bags to remove from barrier. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting at dry storage.
24-08-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed at bar behind equipment. **Repeat Violation**
36-01-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Operator closed lid. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar removed from original packaging and stored as bulk not labeled in dry storage. Operator placed label on container. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
43
Oct 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cowpoke's Watering Hole last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cowpoke's Watering Hole on file is from Mar 5, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cowpoke's Watering Hole?
Across the inspection record, “ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Cowpoke's Watering Hole.
How does Cowpoke's Watering Hole compare to other restaurants in Sebring?
Cowpoke's Watering Hole most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Sebring average of 74.
Has Cowpoke's Watering Hole's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cowpoke's Watering Hole have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cowpoke's Watering Hole means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Cowpoke's Watering Hole inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cowpoke's Watering Hole is inspected around four times per year on average.
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