Crafty Crab Seafood

704 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511
Seafood
Last inspected: Jul 30, 2025
37
Score
High Risk

Across the available record, Crafty Crab Seafood has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Jul 30, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 16 violations each, up from closer to six violations before.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “no paper towels”, showing up six times.

That's lower than the typical Brandon restaurant, which scores around 82. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.

11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
5
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 30, 2025
Complaint Full
5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: Operator marking oyster tags with the date placed in reach in cooler, not the date of the last oyster served. Explained proper procedures for marking and saving oyster tags. **Time Extended**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: Tags maintained, but not enough for 90 days. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Steel wool observed in hand sink at end of cookline. Metal tray in hand sink near prep sink at end of cookline. Bar mats and bottle brush in hand sink at bar. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. See stop sale. Harvest date on tag with open container of oysters dated 2/21/2024. Tag also has written date of 6/14/2025. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: Tag held with working container of oysters was dated with the date the oysters wear placed in the reach in cooler, not the date the last oyster was used. Explained the proper procedures for maintaining oyster tags. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
01C-01-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date mark on cooked crawfish, cooked wings, cooked sliced sausage in walk in coolers. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Waste line missing at soda gun holster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
29-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in bag of Jasmine rice in storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Keys and AirPods on prep table at end of cookline. Cellphone on shelf over flip top cooler on cookline **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn on reach in freezer door at end of cookline. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
33-23-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At soda fountain ice bin **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
10-08-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in bottom of reach in freezer at end of cookline. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-30: **Time Extended**
22-16-4
37
Jul 15, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 25 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. Tested twice at 0ppm. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Marinara sauce held at 131F in hot holding unit. Checked at 1:21pm. Operator increased heat. Rechecked at 1:55, 147F **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. **Warning**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade has buildup of old food debris **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Steel wool observed in hand sink at end of cookline. Metal tray in hand sink near prep sink at end of cookline. Bar mats and bottle brush in hand sink at bar. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink near walk in coolers, at hand sink near soda fountain, and at hand sink in dish area. Operator replaced towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. See stop sale. Harvest date on tag with open container of oysters dated 2/21/2024. Tag also has written date of 6/14/2025. **Warning**
01C-01-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date mark on cooked crawfish, cooked wings, cooked sliced sausage in walk in coolers. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in bag of Jasmine rice in storage area. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on multiple handles throughout establishment. **Warning**
23-24-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Uncovered drink glass, covered drink glass on prep table at end of cookline. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Keys and AirPods on prep table at end of cookline. Cellphone on shelf over flip top cooler on cookline **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn on reach in freezer door at end of cookline. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Heavy food debris, grease, trash, single use items observed under and behind equipment throughout establishment. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooked shicken wings, raw chicken, pot of soup, pot of sauce on floor in walk in cooler. Case of raw chicken on floor in walk in freezer. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. **Warning**
33-23-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At soda fountain ice bin **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle touching food in open bag of flour. **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in bottom of reach in freezer at end of cookline. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken wings and raw chicken in pans in walk in cooler uncovered. Containers of shrimp, crab and okra not covered in walk in freezer. Cooked lobster tails and king crab not covered in reach in freezer. Cooked crab clusters, salad mix and shelled oysters uncovered in reach in cooler. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Waste line missing at soda gun holster. **Warning**
29-17-4
17
May 13, 2025
Routine - Food
6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Cooked crawfish, clams and sausage not dated in walk in cooler **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days. Operate stated they sell more oysters than what they had tags for. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Strainer stored in hand sink by dish area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. On cook line, server, back prep area or dish stations. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
01C-05-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
01C-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee Dunkin cup on Cook line **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed container of cooked sausage in walk-in cooler not covered. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
08B-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Bags of shrimp thawing in three compartment sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-13: **Time Extended**
06-01-5
47
May 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 2-1-2025. Manager renewed license and new expiration is 2-1-2026. Manager printed and posted license **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days. Operate stated they sell more oysters than what they had tags for. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Strainer stored in hand sink by dish area **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Ming Chen 1-3-2018, certificate expired and no other food manager on site **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. On cook line, server, back prep area or dish stations. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. **Warning**
01C-05-4
Intermediate - oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01C-03-4
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. Cooked crawfish, clams and sausage not dated in walk in cooler **Warning**
02C-03-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed container of cooked sausage in walk-in cooler not covered. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Bags of shrimp thawing in three compartment sink **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee Dunkin cup on Cook line **Warning**
12B-07-4
37
Oct 21, 2024
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Aug 6, 2024
Complaint Full
6 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-06: Oyster tags for the last 90 days still not available. Kitchen manager is in process of correctly maintaining the tags. **Time Extended**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-06: Manager ordered chlorine test strips during callback **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. None at dish area, cook line and server station **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-06: Manager placed roll of paper towels on top of non working towel dispenser. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-06: Manager had agreements signed for all employees on site **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available 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 2024-08-06: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-06: **Time Extended**
01C-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-06: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
52
Aug 2, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Observed **Warning**
28-27-5
High Priority - Sewage on ground from failed septic system. Observed raw sewage on ground at lift station in front of establishment. Tested restrooms and no sewage coming out of lift station. Operator confirmed company has been out twice to make repairs and will be back with part. They were having power issues at breaker on lift station. **Admin Complaint**
28-16-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Food stored under dripping water in walk in freezer. Observed case of frozen bar mix under leak in walk in freezer and ice buildup on case. **Warning**
01B-13-4
Intermediate - 'Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked oysters not posted/provided in a conspicuous location. Sign was posted in back of restaurant manager posted in front by hostess station **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02A-04-4
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days. **Warning**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. None at dish area, cook line and server station **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available 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-13-5
Intermediate - oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning**
01C-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee coffee on prep line. Manager removed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. First Walk in freezer not working, ambient temp 40f. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Floors soiled throughout kitchen and dish areas **Warning**
36-01-4
Basic - Food stored under dripping water in walk in freezer. Observed case of frozen bar mix under leak in walk in freezer and ice buildup on case. **Warning**
08B-52-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed crab legs thawing in three compartment sink. **Warning**
06-01-5
20
Mar 14, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
64
Nov 29, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Water pitcher in sink
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked foods
02C-02-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
74
Apr 12, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 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. Emailed to manager
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed missing on cookline Corrected observed employee replace **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold inside ice machinne
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed stored above prep table on cookline Corrected -observed employee voluntarily discard **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up along floor in walk-in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed crab legs thawing in standing water at 3-compartment sink Corrected -observed employee place under cold running water **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
67
Nov 3, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Oh burn cream stored on shelf above prep table
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink used as a dump sink
31A-11-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed two containers of oil stored on floor on cookline **Repeat Violation**
08B-47-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed old food debris build up inside reachin freezer on cookline
23-03-4
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Crafty Crab Seafood last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Crafty Crab Seafood on file is from Jul 30, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Crafty Crab Seafood?

Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Crafty Crab Seafood.

How does Crafty Crab Seafood compare to other restaurants in Brandon?

Crafty Crab Seafood most recently scored 37 out of 100, which is lower than the Brandon average of 82.

Has Crafty Crab Seafood's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Crafty Crab Seafood have averaged around 16 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Crafty Crab Seafood 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 Crafty Crab Seafood inspected?

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