Hibachi Express

490 Us Hwy 27 N Ste 1320, Lake Placid, FL 33852
Japanese / Sushi
Last inspected: Dec 19, 2025
74
Score
Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Hibachi Express eight times, with records going back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Dec 19, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around seven violations to closer to four violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food”, which has been cited two times.

The city-wide average sits at 82, which Hibachi Express' 74 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 19, 2025
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
74
Oct 27, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Food Temperature Measuring Devices Provided and Accurate
FL-46
70
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food Temperature Measuring Devices Provided and Accurate
FL-46
78
Mar 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
67
Jul 17, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
67
Apr 16, 2024
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. One dented can of pineapple. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Operator educated employee. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-18-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink in triple sink. Operator educated employee. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-03-4
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. Provided operator with the Vomiting and Diarrhea clean up form **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. 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-04-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times: scoop in hand washing sink in prep area. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
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/ . Operator returned to establishment. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in bulk sugar, corn starch and tempura. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Operator using drill with spatula to mix food on line.
14-10-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor in walk in freezer.
08B-47-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
35
Jan 3, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw shrimp over ready to eat sauce in reach in cooler. Operator removed and stored raw shrimp accordingly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored in kitchen and on top of line. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-02-5
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. Provided Operator with the Food Reporting Agreement, not all employees were able to sign by completion of inspection. Operator will have all others sign by next routine inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in bulk tempura. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves on line. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-05-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Operator made employee move accordingly. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination at cash out and soda dispenser. Operator removed and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
25-09-4
50
Oct 30, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing at triple sink and dishwasher areas.
29-18-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in walk in freezer. Operator stored correctly in new separate container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Operator obtained poster. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
82

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hibachi Express last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Hibachi Express on file is from Dec 19, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Hibachi Express?

Across the inspection record, “bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Hibachi Express.

How does Hibachi Express compare to other restaurants in Lake Placid?

Hibachi Express most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Lake Placid average of 82.

Has Hibachi Express' inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Hibachi Express have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Hibachi Express 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 Hibachi Express inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Hibachi Express is inspected around four times per year on average.