El Toro Bravo

3218 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Apr 22, 2026
58
Score
Medium Risk

El Toro Bravo appears in inspection records 10 times, starting in 2023. On Apr 22, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near eight violations each time.

The pattern that stands out is “walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust”, which has been cited three times.

El Toro Bravo's latest score of 58 falls below the Sarasota average of 81. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 22, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale.Observed 1 Gordon's peeled tomato 6lb can dented on top rim approximately 1".
01B-01-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.Observed paints on floor near soda station towards rear exit. .
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.Observed green bucket in hand sink. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.Observed plastic drink cups at wait station wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor.Observed soda boxes and bulk oil in containers on floor .
08B-38-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.Observed rust on walkin cooler shelving.
14-17-4
58
Aug 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
37
Feb 25, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
39
Oct 31, 2024
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink does not provide water through a mixing valve or combination faucet on the cook line near the entrance to the prep area. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-31: **Time Extended**
27-05-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-31: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-31: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on the top exterior of the warewashing machine. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-31: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
74
Oct 29, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
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. Observed house-made salsa with shredded cheese date marked 10/19 in the reach in cooler in the cook line. The operator discarded the salsa with cheese. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-28-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over containers of shredded cheese in the reach in cooler on the cook line. The operator properly stored the raw shell eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed house-made salsa with shredded cheese date marked 10/19 in the reach in cooler in the cook line. The operator discarded the salsa with cheese. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-01-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the can opener soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink does not provide water through a mixing valve or combination faucet on the cook line near the entrance to the prep area. **Repeat Violation**
27-05-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Basic - Ice bucket stored on floor between uses in front of the ice machine. The operator properly stored the ice bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
10-14-5
Basic - In-use utensil for non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored in a clean, protected location. Observed a scoop used for salt on the cook line stored on top of a soiled container lid. The operator removed the scoop for cleaning. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-04-5
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed 14 dead roaches in a glue trap control device. The operator discarded the trap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-06-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on the top exterior of the warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed a scoop handle used for flour not stored above the food in the prep area. The operator removed the scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Observed screwdrivers stored near clean equipment in the prep area. The operator properly stored the tools. **Corrected On-Site**
42-03-5
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength behind the bar. The operator replaced the solution at 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
32
Jul 2, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
21
Nov 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottles stored with to go containers in the kitchen. The operator properly stored the chemicals. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the can opener soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed discarded lemon and lime in the handwashing sink at the wait station near the office. The operator cleared the handwashing sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at the handwashing station near the front door.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at the wait station near the front door.
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on top exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed an employee engaged in food preparation wearing a watch. The employee removed the watch. **Corrected On-Site**
13-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at the wait stations in the dining area.
31B-04-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed the hot water handle at the handwashing sink in the kitchen unable to turn on hot water. The operator repaired the hot water handle. **Corrected On-Site**
29-08-4
41
Jul 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked chicken date marked 7/19. The operator discarded the chicken.
02C-01-5
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
53A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed the top of the dishmachine soiled with an accumulation of debris.
16-21-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic jar of cherries stored on the floor behind the bar. Observed plastic buckets of sauce stored on the floor of the walk in cooler. The operator properly stored the food products. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
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 scoops used for uncooked rice and beans not stored with the handle above the food. The operator properly stored the scoop handles. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed the scoop used for cooked rice on the cook line not stored with the handle above the food. The operator properly stored the scoop handle. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed rear exit door near the reach in freezer not protected with a self-closing mechanism. **Repeat Violation**
35B-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in the keg cooler behind the bar.
29-49-6
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
55
Apr 4, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed rusted #10 cans of chorizo and hominy in the can storage rack. Operator discarded the canned products. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee on the cook line wipe gloves on a soiled wiping cloth then touch a clean plate without changing gloves. Educated the operator on proper glove and handwashing protocols. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-09-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water at the handwashing in the dish area at 82F.
27-16-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed the interior of the ice machine soiled with black mold like substance.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents in the dish area soiled with black mold like substance.
36-34-5
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 scoop with handles not stored above salt on the cook line. Observed scoops with handles not stored above dry beans and dry rice in the prep area. Operator properly stored the scoops. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed exit door near the reach in freezer not protected with a self-closing device.
35B-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in in cooler shelves with rust and pitted.
14-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed wet wiping cloth on the cutting board on the front line. Operator stored the wiping cloth in a sanitizer bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
21-09-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed sanitizer bucket stored on the floor behind the bar. Operator properly stored the sanitizer bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
47
Jan 10, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
25

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Toro Bravo last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Toro Bravo on file is from Apr 22, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Toro Bravo?

Across the inspection record, “walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Toro Bravo.

How does El Toro Bravo compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?

El Toro Bravo most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.

Has El Toro Bravo's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Toro Bravo have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Toro Bravo 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 El Toro Bravo inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Toro Bravo is inspected around three times per year on average.