East Lake Cafe
Last inspected: Dec 29, 2025
61
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at East Lake Cafe stretching back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Dec 29, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 12 violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “time/temperature control for safety food cold held”, which has been cited six times.
By comparison, the average Palm Harbor facility scores 74, putting East Lake Cafe on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 29, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrambled egg mix 50F cold held in a deep container set in a shallow pan of ice,corned beef hash 46F cold held, turkey slices 48F, shredded cheddar 42F cold hold cold hold. All foods were in unit less than 4 hours, operator placed in freezer for quick cool. Second temperature taken at 9:02 scrambled eggs 47F cooling, corned beef has 45F cooling, turkey slices 38F cold holding, shredded cheddar 42F cold hold **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board in server station stained/ soiled
22-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink, dish soap was provided for hand washing **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Pickles stored on floor of walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Avocado not washed and stickers removed before sliced. Operator removed product from cook line to be washed **Corrected On-Site**
08B-39-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles on cook line containing food removed from the original container not labeled with common name. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
61
Feb 26, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
64
Nov 5, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Middle make station; Dairy (54F - Cold Holding); Plant Foods (54F - Cold Holding) Items moved to freezer to get back in temperature. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Sliced cheese 54F sitting above fill line. Operator relocated. Tomatoes 41F **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen have built up food debris. Slicer in rear of kitchen has built up food debris. Sandwich press on cook line has built up food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Rear main ice machine has mold like growth around door gasket. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler door handle has food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
23-24-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
33-19-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Toaster oven in server station area has built up food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in coolers on cook line have food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed avocados with ready to eat foods in reach in cooler on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: **Time Extended**
08B-17-4
55
Nov 4, 2024
Complaint Full
7 critical violations. 3 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Cook on cook line was touching cell phone with gloves on and continued preparing food. **Warning**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Medicine improperly stored on prep table in kitchen. **Warning**
41-07-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed dishwasher going back and forth between dirty and clean materials without washing hands and changing gloves. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Cook on cook line touched raw beef to put on grill, removed gloves, but did not ash hands prior to putting on new gloves and touching ready to eat foods. **Warning**
12A-12-4
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Cook on line touched dirty shirt with gloves on and failed to remove gloves and wash hands. **Warning**
12A-28-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw beef and raw salmon stored over bread in reach in freezer not all commercially packaged. **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Middle make station; Dairy (54F - Cold Holding); Plant Foods (54F - Cold Holding) Items moved to freezer to get back in temperature. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen have built up food debris. Slicer in rear of kitchen has built up food debris. Sandwich press on cook line has built up food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Smoked salmon and eggs Benedict not identified as being raw or undercooked items. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken in walk in cooler prepared more than 24 hours ago and not date marked. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Rear main ice machine has mold like growth around door gasket. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler door handle has food debris. **Warning**
23-24-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on prep table across from dish machine. **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. Dishwasher had cell phone on table where she was storing recently washed equipment and untensils. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on cook line has no hair restraint. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Found at nested glasses above the rear fountain station (on storage shelves) **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Soda box on floor by hand wash sink. Cooking oil stored on floor by rear kitchen door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. **Warning**
33-19-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Toaster oven in server station area has built up food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in coolers on cook line have food debris. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Server scooping/portioning food (other than ice and beverages) has no hair restraint. **Warning**
13-09-4
Basic - Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Ice machine in hallway used by customers to get to restroom not locked. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-62-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed avocados with ready to eat foods in reach in cooler on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-17-4
13
Mar 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
74
Jan 25, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
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 2024-01-25: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket of 3 door cooler on cook line torn **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-25: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 68 seats inside, 47 outside, license shows 69 seats. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-25: **Time Extended**
51-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider. 68 seats inside, 47 outside, license shows 69 seats. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-25: **Time Extended**
51-15-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Ice machine in hallway next to restroom, customers must walk passed ice machine to get to rest room **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-25: Operator has ordered lock for machine **Time Extended**
08B-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. At wait station, 0 ppm **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-25: 0 ppm. Operator uses quat sanitizer, does not have test strips. **Time Extended**
21-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated grease, dust. Kitchen **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-25: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
67
Jan 24, 2024
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Server came from dining room, filled glass with ice and soda, no hand wash. **Warning**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Cook touched English muffin on plate with bare hands, discussed not touching ready to eat foods with bare hands. See stop sale. **Warning**
09-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw bacon over produce in walk in cooler **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. 1 English muffin **Warning**
01B-03-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. butter with seasoning (67F - Cold Holding)removed from refrigeration 3.5 hours ago. sliced tomatoes (46F - Cold Holding);recheck - cut melon (47F - Cold Holding); recheck 47F **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On lift top cooler on cook line- butter with seasoning (67F - Cold Holding)removed from refrigeration 3.5 hours ago. see stop sale In lift top cooler -sliced tomatoes (46F - Cold Holding);recheck - cut melon (47F - Cold Holding); operator covered. Recheck tomatoes 47F , melon 47F, see stop sale, prepped yesterday. egg whites (45F - Cold Holding) in bus tub with ice and water, operator states they were made yesterday, operator added ice to tub. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In half pan on grill cooked potatoes (121/137F - Hot Holding);operator turned up heat **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle on cart by host station over to go jelly packets. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dishwasher filled styrofoam cup at hand wash sink at wait station. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Eggs benedict on menu, nothing to identify them as under cooked. Operator put asterisk next to eggs Benedict **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-01-5
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 - Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. While dish machine running, water trickles at hand wash sink at wait station **Warning**
27-19-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated grease, dust. Kitchen **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket of 3 door cooler on cook line torn **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 68 seats inside, 47 outside, license shows 69 seats. **Warning**
51-09-4
Basic - Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider. 68 seats inside, 47 outside, license shows 69 seats. **Warning**
51-15-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Box of fry oil on floor by walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Stickers not removed from avocados before washing. Discussed proper washing of produce with manager on duty **Warning**
08B-39-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. At wait station on counter over clean plates **Warning**
21-44-1
Basic - Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Ice machine in hallway next to restroom, customers must walk passed ice machine to get to rest room **Warning**
08B-62-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In washed mushroom, sprouts over cooked chicken, muffins, in walk in cooler **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. On cart by host stand **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. At wait station, 0 ppm **Warning**
21-07-4
10
Oct 30, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then handled clean equipment or utensils without washing hands.- manager reviewed with dishwasher - dishes rewashed . - dishwasher washed hands **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - pooled eggs 53 F placed in ice bath 2 hours previously -manager added ice -recheck 40 F **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in dish washing area - manager labeled spray bottle **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine - manager protected ice and cleaned and sanitized drop plate **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Employee chewing gum while handling dishes in warewashing area.
12B-09-5
Basic - Food ( pot of cooked potatoes ) stored on floor in walk in cooler - manager rearranged food **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables ( bananas ) stored with ready-to-eat food ( cooked bacon ) in walk in cooler - manager rearranged food . **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
55
Aug 2, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-02: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
95
Apr 13, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored next to spices on shelf in dry storage area near hand wash sink - employee relocated items **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. -cooked ham dated 3/31/23 over 7 days in walk in cooler- manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-28-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. -- cooked onions 45 F in cooler at cook line overnight -no temperatures taken this day - manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - cooked onions 45 F in cooler at cook line overnight -no temperatures taken this day - manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. - cooked ham dated 3/31/23 over 7 days in walk in cooler - manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
02C-01-5
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink in kitchen - employee placed soap at hand wash sink **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
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/ Ashley Simone , Renee Borghi 03/06/18 expired
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - soiled shelf above steam table in kitchen
22-02-4
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. -Heavy cream opened 4 days previously not date marked in reach in cooler under steam table - hash pattie's portioned in container in walk in cooler **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Basic - -Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris under cook equipment and shelving unit in kitchen , soiled floor at breading station -Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust behind dish machine , behind freezers and behind steam table **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - -Food ( box of bacon) stored on floor in walk in cooler - soda mix on floor at soda box area of kitchen near hand wash sink .
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers in kitchen under steam table - employee removed drinks **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Plastic containers in poor condition- cracked on shelf above triple sink
14-12-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. - located on prep table next to condiments at bread station - manager relocated wiping bucket **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored.- food storage bags stored on shelf with chemicals in closed next to bathrooms - manager relocated bags **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
20
Dec 5, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Manager changed solution - recheck 100 ppm chlorine **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
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. - Hash patties portioned previously Saturday and lunch meat in walk in cooler Employee date marked food **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting - cups stacked at beverage station
24-08-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris under soda boxes - employee cleaned floor **Corrected On-Site**
36-73-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food in walk in cooler - manager rearranged food **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses on prep table in kitchen - manager placed wet towel in sanitizing bucket **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was East Lake Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at East Lake Cafe on file is from Dec 29, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at East Lake Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at East Lake Cafe.
How does East Lake Cafe compare to other restaurants in Palm Harbor?
East Lake Cafe most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Palm Harbor average of 74.
Has East Lake Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at East Lake Cafe 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 East Lake Cafe 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 East Lake Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, East Lake Cafe is inspected around four times per year on average.
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