Crafty Crab

4266 Us 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809

Seafood

Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Going back to 2022, Crafty Crab has nine inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 12, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.

“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.

That's lower than the typical Lakeland restaurant, which scores around 85. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 12, 2026

Routine - Food

3 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.

01C-03-4

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed around soda nozzles.

22-02-4

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed to go sack in sink in bar area, employee removed from sink. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-11-4

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed on interior shield employee cleaned interior shield. **Corrected On-Site**

22-20-5

Aug 26, 2025

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Employee primed chemical (Chlorine 100ppm) **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

22-41-4

Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed on male employee, employee put on hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site**

13-02-4

Mar 17, 2025

Complaint Full

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed on top area of machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed on top area of machine **Time Extended**

16-21-4

Jan 14, 2025

Complaint Full

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 6 violations

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed bottled juice in ice at soft drink station in service area. Employee cleaned out ice bin. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

01B-03-5

High Priority - Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed bottle of juice in ice at service station. Employee removed bottle of juice from ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

08B-56-4

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. **Warning**

53B-05-5

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed on top area of machine. **Warning**

16-21-4

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at 72F, manager removed standing water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

10-07-4

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed on interior side wall. **Warning**

22-20-5

Nov 20, 2024

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized

FL-22

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Jan 26, 2024

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.

01C-03-4

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed utensils in sink in kitchen, employee removed utensils. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-11-4

Basic - Accumulation of debris in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed on interior shield.

22-20-5

Aug 15, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature

FL-16

Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized

FL-22

Feb 6, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 6 violations

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 02/01/2023

50-17-3

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed for chlorine.

16-37-1

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed on interior shield, employee cleaned interior shield.

22-20-5

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed on top area.

16-21-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed floor drain soiled in bar area.

23-03-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed stored to go containers on floor in dry storage area, manager removed containers from floor. **Corrected On-Site**

25-05-4

Jul 6, 2022

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible

FL-10

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

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

Show all 9 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Crafty Crab last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Crafty Crab on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Crafty Crab?

Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Crafty Crab.

How does Crafty Crab compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?

Crafty Crab most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Lakeland average of 85.

Has Crafty Crab's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Crafty Crab have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Crafty Crab 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 Crafty Crab inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Crafty Crab is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall

3800 Us Hwy 98 N, Suite 910

Score: 86 — Low Risk

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits#104

2550 Us 98 N

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill #7604

3901 Us 98 N

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Lakeland → Seafood restaurants in Florida → Seafood restaurants in Lakeland