El Tio Nica
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
100
Score
El Tio Nica has been inspected 10 times since 2023. The most recent report on file is from Jan 27, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around 11 violations to closer to one violation per visit over the last few inspections.
The pattern that stands out is “equipment in poor repair”, which has been cited five times.
El Tio Nica's latest score of 100 sits above the Pinellas Park average of 82. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 28, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Feb 24, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
74
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 6 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Containers of raw beef stored over container of raw chicken in double door cooler. Containers of raw chicken stored over containers of raw pork and containers of raw beef in double door cooler. Employee stored all items stored by minimum required cooking temperature. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer in spray bottle not at proper minimum strength. Chlorine sanitizer bucket testing at 10 PPM. Establishment using unapproved chlorine sanitizer. Employee set up new chlorine sanitizer bucket and chlorine is now testing at 50 PPM. **Corrected On-Site**
22-39-4
High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Observed bottle of LA's Totally Awesome bleach (Lemon Scent). Employee stated this is the chlorine being used for their chlorine sanitizer bucket Observed bottle of Low Temp machine Detergent. Employee stated this chemical was being used in the three compartment sink sanitization of dishes. Discussed with employee chlorine bottle must state it is approved for disinfecting dishes and food contact surfaces. Establishment may also use quaternary sanitizing solution as well. Employee sent someone to buy approved sanitizer at the time of inspection. Approved chlorine was purchased. **Corrected On-Site**
22-48-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored above bucket of homemade tortillas. Employee moved raw shelled eggs to bottom of cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Container of dry wiping clothes stored inside hand sink next to three compartment sink. Inspector moved bucket into utility sink next to hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine sanitizer test kit observed.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand sink next to three compartment sink. Employee stocked paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand sink in kitchen area, next to three compartment sink, and on cook line. Employee stocked soap bottle area each hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Containers of rice and bean mix, shredded cooked beef, cooked home made tortillas, cooked pork, cooked yucca not date marked. Discussed date marking with employee. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice bin interior soiled with pink, yellow, and black substance. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed smoke in dinning room and kitchen area. Inspector cannot determine if hood system is working properly. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Ceiling tiles above hood system and throughout kitchen area.
36-68-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Both microwave interior soiled with food debris in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink next to three compartment sink. Inspector provided printed hand washing sign. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
23
May 29, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
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. Rice and beans In stand alone fridge near kitchen entrance not date marked. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 operator vomiting or diarrheal event form in Spanish. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of employee training. Operators wife and daughter are engaging in food preparation during inspection. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: Inspector will return to verify employee training within 60 days of original routine inspection on 3/25/24. Time extension given for May 24, 2024 or after. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: No proof of employee training observed a5 the time of callback inspection. **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Stand alone fridge handles heavily soiled near kitchen entrance. Microwave door handle soiled with food debris. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
23-24-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn on stand alone fridge near kitchen entrance. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors heavily soiled with grease and food debris under fryers and stove on kitchen cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in the wall under shelves in dry storage area near ice machine. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: Hole in wall in dry storage near ice machine. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave interior soiled with food debris on prep table in the middle of the kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Stand alone fridge gaskets soiled with mold like substance. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-26: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-29: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
52
Mar 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
43
Mar 25, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 15 live flies in cove molding/holes in wall under hand wash sink and three compartment sink near back door of kitchen. 10 live flies in standing water on the side of lockers near dry storage area and ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Nonfood grade grocery bags used to stored frozen raw meats inside reach in freezer near fryers in kitchen cook line area.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. **Repeat Violation**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw pork inside stand alone fridge near kitchen entrance. Operator moved raw chicken to bottom of fridge under raw pork. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 11 rodent droppings under/behind stand alone fridge near kitchen entrance. 30 rodent droppings under dry storage shelves near ice machine in kitchen back area.
35A-04-4
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. Gallon of milk inside reach in fridge near fryers on cook line not date marked.
02C-03-5
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 operator vomiting or diarrheal event form in Spanish. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels in bathroom hand sink. Operator stocked paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of employee training. Operators wife and daughter are engaging in food preparation during inspection. **Repeat Violation**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Rice and beans In stand alone fridge near kitchen entrance not date marked. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag of potatoes stored on floor near hallway by lockers. Operator removed bag of potatoes from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in the wall under shelves in dry storage area near ice machine.
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave interior soiled with food debris on prep table in the middle of the kitchen.
22-08-4
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Packaged smoked cheese in deli fridge in front counter area not labeled and lacking information. Per operator cheese is made in Miami.
02D-03-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Inside customer bathroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Stand alone fridge gaskets soiled with mold like substance.
23-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Stand alone fridge handles heavily soiled near kitchen entrance. Microwave door handle soiled with food debris.
23-24-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. On the side/behind reach in fridge/freezer near hand sink on back wall of kitchen area. Under hand sink near back door entrance.
36-03-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 4 dead roaches behind reach in fridge/freezer near hand wash sink in kitchen area. 7 dead roaches in front counter area under table where hot holding unit is placed.
35A-03-4
Basic - Dead rodent present. Dead rodent stuck inside hole in the wall under three compartment sink near back door to kitchen.
35A-20-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn on stand alone fridge near kitchen entrance. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Under lockers in back area near ice machine. Under three compartment sink and hand wash sink near back door entrance.
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors heavily soiled with grease and food debris under fryers and stove on kitchen cook line.
36-73-4
14
Nov 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn in reach in fridge. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
95
Sep 15, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 fly in dish area.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Frozen meats not commercially packaged over ready to eat foods.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over ready to eat foods. Operator corrected by putting meats under ready to eat foods. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink had items in sink. Employee took all items out of sink and placed them else where. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No employee training.
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Food on display in front counter not labeled.
02D-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rice, chicken, beef, beans not currently date marked.
02C-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Temporary license is still up for displayed. Does not have current license posted.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn in reach in fridge.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Box of Oil, sugar, rice, box of plantains on floor. Operator moved everything off the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets soiled in reach in fridge. Storage shelf under prep tables soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of sugar, flour, not labeled. Employee labeled containers. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
33
Jan 25, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Tio Nica last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Tio Nica on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Tio Nica?
Across the inspection record, “equipment in poor repair” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Tio Nica.
How does El Tio Nica compare to other restaurants in Pinellas Park?
El Tio Nica most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Pinellas Park average of 82.
Has El Tio Nica's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Tio Nica have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Tio Nica 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 El Tio Nica inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Tio Nica is inspected around three times per year on average.
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