Lion's Den
Last inspected: Nov 24, 2025
70
Score
Inspectors have visited Lion's Den eight times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 24, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
“Commercially processed ready-to-eat” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Port Charlotte average 82, so Lion's Den trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 24, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water 84F at kitchen handwash sink.
27-16-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at ware washing area handwash sink. Operator placed paper towels at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Observed no date on the water filter next to ice machine.
29-28-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed residue buildup underneath the handle of Reach in Drawers at cookline below the grill.
23-24-4
70
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed residue buildup on can opener blade at prep table. Operator cleaned and sanitized the blade. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed residue buildup underneath on top of mixer. Operator cleaned and sanitized the equipment. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed multiple plates not inverted at prep line. Educated the operator.
24-05-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
78
Feb 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
55
Oct 17, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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. Observed heavy whipping cream with no date marked at Walk in Cooler. **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone at prep table. Operator removed the cell phone away from kitchen. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna in reduce oxygen packaging at Make Table. Operated removed from reduced oxygen packaging. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed clean containers/utensils next to prep/ware washing area hand wash sink with no splash guard.
24-27-4
74
Dec 13, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed steel polish at frontline expo station. Operator removed to the bottom shelf away from food items. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-3
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed 0ppm due to empty sanitizer container. Operator replaced the sanitizer with a new container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-41-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong at oven handle. Operator removed the tong to a safe and appropriate location on top of shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at various locations in the kitchen.
36-34-5
58
Aug 22, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
58
Jan 30, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation**
50-17-3
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. Observed heavy whip cream at bar. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
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.
11-27-4
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
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed from kitchen entrance to the bar. Operator adequately secured the tank. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
61
Aug 22, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
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. Observed buttermilk at Walk in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
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/. Annette Clougher, 02/25/2017.
53A-03-7
Basic - Accumulation of residue buildup in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lion's Den last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lion's Den on file is from Nov 24, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lion's Den?
Across the inspection record, “commercially processed ready-to-eat” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Lion's Den.
How does Lion's Den compare to other restaurants in Port Charlotte?
Lion's Den most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Port Charlotte average of 82.
Has Lion's Den's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lion's Den have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lion's Den 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 Lion's Den inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lion's Den is inspected around two times per year on average.
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