Main Plaza Bistro Bar

216 W Main Street, Wauchula, FL 33873
Bar / Pub
Last inspected: Dec 17, 2025
35
Score
High Risk

Main Plaza Bistro Bar appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 17, 2025. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near seven violations per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “no paper towels” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.

Main Plaza Bistro Bar's latest score of 35 falls below the Wauchula average of 70. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
4
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed yellow rice in direct contact in carry out bags in the microwave.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed hard raw shell eggs over Birria in the reach in cooler in the kitchen, owner moved eggs to the bottom and raw bacon over bread in the reach in cooler on the cook line, owner moved to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. Observed no oyster tags have been kept for the past 90 days.
01C-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Owner had testing strips by end of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels in women's and men's bathroom, owner replaced. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed chicken, steak and prepared grits in pans not labeled in the reach in freezer in, employee labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water on bottom of reach in cooler in the kitchen.
29-49-6
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed to go trays on a top shelve in the kitchen no inverted, owner corrected. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Owner closed. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with food debris in kitchen.
22-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket in reach in cooler in the kitchen on the cook line and torn gasket on the walk in cooler door on the bottom.
14-11-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a clear container with no handle in a container of rice and a container of powdered mashed potatoes in the dry storage area, owner moved. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
35
May 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of cold medicine stored above food containers in the dry storage area. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored in top portion of make table over ready-to-eat food in bottom portion of make table - no complete physical barrier between top and bottom. Observed raw lamb stored over burger buns in their make table make table. Operator moved the lamb. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-13-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed their can opener and its holder soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for their chlorine triple sink. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed their front counter hand sink without hot water. Operator stated he was in the process of fixing it and was able to turn on hot water to it before the end of the inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in use spatulas sorted in 80F degree water. Operator removed them. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed two of the exit doors leading from the kitchen not self closing.
35B-03-4
50
Apr 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed their can opener and its holder with black build up. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-23: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
90
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over whole pork in the walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef steroid over cooked chicken and shredded cheese in the standing reach in cooler. Operator moved the beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed commercial reduced oxygen packaged fish not removed from its packaging before thawed. Operator willingly disposed of it. **Warning**
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed their can opener and its holder with black build up. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test kit for their chlorine triple sink. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed missing paper towels for multiple hand wash sinks. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
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. Observed only 1 certificate for the establishment for 4 employees present. **Warning**
53B-02-5
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 commercial reduced oxygen packaged fish not removed from its packaging before thawed. Operator willingly disposed of it. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed multiple grooved cutting boards in the kitchen. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed missing signs for multiple hand wash sinks in the establishment. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
37
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
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
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food Temperature Measuring Devices Provided and Accurate
FL-46
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
33
Dec 15, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 31, 2023
Routine - Food
6 major violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed handsink at front cookline removed no conveniently located handsink for wait staff or cookline . **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-31: At callback 3/31/23 handsink was replaced at an angle and location which prevents cookline from use and offers use only to waitstaff. Which was not the original intention of the sink location. Also No handwashing provisions were located at or near this sink. No paper towels,no soap, no handwash sign making sink unuseable. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot scrubbers and other utensils stored in handsink at bar. Observed one hand sink removed and the only hand sink left in kitchen currently is a mopsink basin sized sink with towels drying in and on it and chemical bottles stored on it. Employees using it to wring out wet towels. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-31: At callback /31/23 Observed pot scrubbers and lemon press and drink utensils stored in handsink at bar. **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at bar. Manager corrected. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-31: At callback /31/23 no paper towels available at handsink at bar and no paper towels available at cookline handsink that has been replaced at the wrong site. **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed cookline handsink removed. No conveniently located handsink for use by cooks on cookline or waitstaff who dip ice. Sink must be replaced and remodel plan must be submitted to plan review within 60 days for approval Before any changes can be made. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-31: At callback sink was reinstalled facing wait station area and not easily accessible to cookline. Cookline did use handsink at back of establishment beside warewash during callback. Sink not replaced on cookline as was originally planned. No soap or paper towel dispenser available and no provisions for washing hand's available at this sink. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Inspector provided form at inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-31: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at bar manager added soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-31: At callback /31/23 no soap available at handsink at bar and no soap available at cookline handsink that has been replaced at the wrong site. **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
55
Oct 19, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 8 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed wings (105F - Hot Holding)held at room temperature, cooked more than two hours ago. Observed double panned items on steam table made more than 6 hours ago.queso cheese (128F - Hot Holding); enchilada sauce (111F - Hot Holding) See stop sale. **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed wings (105F - Hot Holding)held at room temperature, cooked more than two hours ago. Observed double panned items on steam table made more than 6 hours ago.queso cheese (128F - Hot Holding); enchilada sauce (111F - Hot Holding) See stop sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook go from mopping floor put on gloves and touch ready to eat foods. **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed cook arrive from dishwash area touching dirty faucets and dishes then add gloves and touch ready to eat foods . No handwashing taking place. **Warning**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Quat dispenser not properly dispensing sanitizer found at 0ppm. Operator will sanitize with bleach and will test chlorine to 50 to 100 ppm until dispenser and dishmachine are corrected. **Warning**
22-43-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed kitchen staff rinse hands in 3 bay after handling dirty towels before continuing to touch clean dishes and equipment in kitchen. **Warning**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed black slimy substance on interior of soft drink dispensing nozzles at kitchen wait staff area. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed handsink at front cookline removed no conveniently located handsink for wait staff or cookline . **Warning**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot scrubbers and other utensils stored in handsink at bar. Observed one hand sink removed and the only hand sink left in kitchen currently is a mopsink basin sized sink with towels drying in and on it and chemical bottles stored on it. Employees using it to wring out wet towels. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at bar. Manager corrected. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed cookline handsink removed. No conveniently located handsink for use by cooks on cookline or waitstaff who dip ice. Sink must be replaced and remodel plan must be submitted to plan review within 60 days for approval Before any changes can be made. **Warning**
51-16-7
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. Inspector provided form at inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at bar manager added soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container with no handle used to scoop rice . **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates in kitchen not inverted on storage rack. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dishmachine being operated with all chemicals disconnected from machine tubing for rinse aid and sanitizer not connected unable to tell if soap is being dispensed as two different methods are installed. Water does not look soapy. Operator must immediately discontinue use of dishmachine and properly set up 3 bay sink to wash rinse sanitize and air dry dishes before use or all service must be on disposable dishes and utensils. **Warning**
16-55-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service not included nverted at kitchen. **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed bulk container of rice in dry storage area with lid not properly closed. **Warning**
08B-12-5
17
May 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 form at inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-03-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-18: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
90
Mar 17, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-03-17: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-03-17: **Time Extended**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 form at inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-03-17: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
74
Sep 23, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed foods on lower doors of reachin at cookline at beef (45F - Cold Holding); shrimp (44F - Cold Holding. Gaskets broken, manager turned cooler down to promote more cooling to lower portion. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed oranges and limes stored in drink ice at bar. Ice was discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-56-4
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 dishmachine sanitizer at 0ppm. Corrected by sanitizing in 3 bay sink until the dishmachine can properly dispense sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed carts in front of handsink at back prep area. Manager moved. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall.wall at back handsink not smooth non absorbing. Observed hole in wall at back area beside door and wall finish in disrepair at handsink at back prep.
36-24-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of outside ice machine exposed to dust and debris. Manager sent through dishwash. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soda gun holster filled with slime at bar.
23-03-4
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. Observed dislodged drain pipe from cooler draining onto outside porch at ice machine area.
29-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt and spices at cookline.manager added labels **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on reachin prep cooler at cookline broken and missing.
14-11-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed hole on ceiling over back door.
36-32-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
32

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Main Plaza Bistro Bar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Main Plaza Bistro Bar on file is from Dec 17, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Main Plaza Bistro Bar?

Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Main Plaza Bistro Bar.

How does Main Plaza Bistro Bar compare to other restaurants in Wauchula?

Main Plaza Bistro Bar most recently scored 35 out of 100, which is lower than the Wauchula average of 70.

Has Main Plaza Bistro Bar's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Main Plaza Bistro Bar have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Main Plaza Bistro Bar means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Main Plaza Bistro Bar inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Main Plaza Bistro Bar is inspected around three times per year on average.