Ernest Tambasco

855 Lane Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Other
Last inspected: Oct 17, 2025
67
Score
Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Ernest Tambasco six times, with records going back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Oct 17, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around two violations across recent inspections versus roughly four violations before.

Across the inspection history, “employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

By comparison, the average Jacksonville facility scores 74, putting Ernest Tambasco on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

6
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found One fly in prep area. Swatted by manger. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Slaw 47°. Sliced cheese 47°. Placed about 1 hr before. Moved by manager to cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Food service employee with no beard guards.
13-04-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food prep/service employee wearing bracelets and hand jewelry while engaged in food preparation and service.
13-07-4
67
Jun 23, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Apr 30, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. No proof of food manager certification. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-30: At callback :time needed to obtain. **Time Extended**
53A-01-7
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 any employee training available **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-30: At callback :time needed to obtain. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
82
Apr 29, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water at Hand Wash Sink. Per Person In Charge. Faulty Water heater. **Warning**
27-16-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Water bucket in front of Hand Wash Sink. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. No proof of food manager certification. **Warning**
53A-01-7
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 any employee training available **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife between equipment. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers.
23-24-4
61
Nov 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Cook handled credit card then engaged in food preparation activity without washing hands. Manager intervened. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-02-4
Basic - Exhaust/ventilation hood system not designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping onto food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Water drip from hood. ( not into griddle )
36-63-4
Basic - Warewashing conducted in outdoor area. Cleaned pans stored on outside table. Moved by manager. Items Re-sanitized. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-25-5
78
Jun 29, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Non food grade plastic containers for cut onions. STERILITE style.
14-15-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two flies in kitchen. Swatted by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-02-6
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food service employees with bracelets/ large jewelry.
13-07-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Unshielded lights. Kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
38-07-4
67

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Ernest Tambasco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Ernest Tambasco on file is from Oct 17, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Ernest Tambasco?

Across the inspection record, “employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Ernest Tambasco.

How does Ernest Tambasco compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?

Ernest Tambasco most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.

Has Ernest Tambasco's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Ernest Tambasco have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Ernest Tambasco 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 Ernest Tambasco inspected?

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