Mellow Mushroom
Last inspected: Mar 27, 2026
47
Score
Mellow Mushroom appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 27, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to 13 violations.
When inspectors have written things up, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Compared to other Clearwater restaurants (averaging 79), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 27, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - -Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemicals stored on shelf above triple sink ( manager placed chemicals on table away from triple sink -spray bottles of cleaner stored next to to go containers at wait station ( manager relocated to go containers) t . Reviewed with manager **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter at 51 F in small glass cooler at cook line . Moved to cooler less than two hours . Manager moved butter back to walk in cooler . Recheck 46 F 30 minutes later **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - No soap provided at handwash sink at cook line . Manager installed soap dispenser with soap at hand wash sink. Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks must be stocked at all times . **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Tray of pitchers of ice tea stored in front of hand washing procedures sink at wait station by exit . Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks must be available at all times . Manager relocated tray .
31A-09-4
Basic - -Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on shelf in dishwashing area - cups stacked at wait station have moisture in between
24-08-4
Basic - Brown cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on edges .
14-09-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Ice buckets on floor at wait station by exit . Manager relocated ice buckets **Corrected On-Site**
24-26-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation at cook line . Employee put beard guard on **Corrected On-Site**
13-04-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe under hand wash sink in food preparation area . Manager placed bucket under pipe and will schedule repair this day . **Corrective Action Taken**
29-11-4
47
Oct 10, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chemical test kits are soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Raquan Jackson Christian Westlake Chris Berry No proof of training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Reviewed with manager to keep originals and not cpies of training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
53B-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting observed on drink cups at server station and dry storage racks **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Top cover of reach-in cooler itch exposed styrofoam. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
14-36-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Wooden Pizza peel broken I. Poor repair. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: **Time Extended**
14-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand-wash sink at server station leaking. Hand-wash sink at prep area leaking. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-10: Prep area hand-wash sink still leaking. Repair has been ordered. Hand-wash sink at server station repaired. **Time Extended**
29-11-4
58
Oct 9, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 7 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 23 violations
High Priority - Pesticide use not in accordance with manufacturer's directions. White and yellow pest strip out at front bar while people are present. **Warning**
41-20-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beer cheese dated 10/7 at 50F. Manager and employees unsure how long item has been out of temperature. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - (12) Live, small flying insects found (9) live flies at front bar (1) live fly at dish area (1) live fly at prep area (1) live fly in dry storage Call to supervisor Benedict regarding live flies. Advised to educate manager and issue a warning with next day callback. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beer cheese dated 10/7 at 50F. Manager and employees unsure how long item has been out of temperature. **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chemical test kits are soiled. **Warning**
16-37-1
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. Two new employees who have not filled out employee health agreements. Inspector will provide black forms for employees to sign. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Inspector provided manager with written application via email. Manager correctly filled out application during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Raquan Jackson Christian Westlake Chris Berry No proof of training. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Reviewed with manager to keep originals and not cpies of training. **Warning**
53B-09-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Front bar **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Cambro blocking handwash sink at server station indicating it is broken. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop inside reach-in cooler on cook-line. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone above prep table. Manager removed. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting observed on drink cups at server station and dry storage racks **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor near prep area hand wash sink and dish area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Top cover of reach-in cooler itch exposed styrofoam. **Warning**
14-36-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed mushrooms above ready-to-eat carrots and cabbage. **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Wooden Pizza peel broken I. Poor repair. **Warning**
14-12-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand-wash sink at server station leaking. Hand-wash sink at prep area leaking. **Warning**
29-11-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of white granular substance not labeled. Manager corrected. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
15
Mar 13, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
86
Mar 1, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee filled container with water in cook line area . Reviewed with manager and employee hand wash sink is for washing hands only
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No hot water in the entire establishment. Water between 73-80 F when run 2 minutes Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Reviewed with manager .
27-16-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at wait station and prep area . Reviewed with manager . Paper towels placed at hand wash sinks **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in bar area . Employee labeled spray bottle **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.Reviewed with manager
32-12-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting of cups stacked at wait station .
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water in food prep area . Manager states ice machine repair was completed this morning . Manager cleaned floor **Corrected On-Site**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in walk in freezer
36-73-4
Basic - In-use towel used under cutting board in food prep areas . Reviewed with manager .
21-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Reviewed with manager
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at cook line **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
47
Nov 7, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
67
Mar 5, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Staff member sweeping floor did not change then wash hands before touching food. Spoke to employee. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-07-5
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. Email one to operator. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
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.
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. 70f, operator ran water for a few minutes now 85f, and 91f, restrooms at 71f, .
27-16-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop for semolina touching product. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Pizza boxes on floor in front alley. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored over ready-to-eat food. Unwashed sliced mushrooms over pizza sauce in line cooler. Orange juice stored under the fresh unwashed herbs and unwashed mushrooms in bar walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Souflee cup in Mac n cheese for portioning. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Under olive oil in prep station. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-05-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
14-45-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Chill stick in freezer stored in container on floor in freezer.
24-07-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in liquor storage room. Cleaned and sanitizer area. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on line next to microwave.spoke to manager regarding other areas to store drinks. **Corrective Action Taken**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Two purses on shelf with single service items in alley. Items moved. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. One container of food in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop at bar store with in use store and pour container. Spoke to employee about storing ice scoop in ice with handle not touching ice. **Corrective Action Taken**
10-12-5
33
Oct 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. GFuel container on shelf in prep area above work station.
41-07-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top of machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Souflee cup used for portioning in Mac n cheese.
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Soiled cardboard used under cooking oils in prep area.
14-05-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket bottom drawer next to convection oven.
14-11-5
64
Dec 27, 2022
Complaint Full
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside near bar area - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-27: Per Manager weather stripping to be installed on door by this day - employee at store purchasing weather stripping during this inspection **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
95
Aug 17, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in bar area in dining room. -1 live flying fly inside bar, discussed with operator.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - Ham 45F cold hold. Ham was transferred from another cooler while unit was being repaired. Ham was out of temperature for less than 4 hours. Operator put bag of ice on ham **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Can opener soiled with food debris, manager took off table and placed to be washed **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. -Hand wash sink in back storage area across from ice machine, discussed with operator
27-19-4
Intermediate - Original container of toxic substance or chemical does not bear the manufacturer's label. -Squeeze bottle of soap at hand wash sink on cooks line not labeled, operator labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-21-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. -1 Dead roach near beer walk in cooler. Operator discarded dead roach. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -Large pink purse, wallets, keys stored above single service items in wait station Ally, operator moved items to designated employee belongings place. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -Cups in wait station next to soda machine. Discussed with manager.
24-08-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Throughout cooks line and in back prep area floor soiled with debris, discussed with operator.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. -Box of lime juice stored on floor in in beer walk in cooler -Bags of ice stored on floor in walk in freezer. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Exterior of Bloggett oven on cooks line.
23-03-4
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. -Near ice machine, discussed with manager.
29-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -Water bottle on cooks line not labeled, operator labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mellow Mushroom last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mellow Mushroom on file is from Mar 27, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mellow Mushroom?
Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mellow Mushroom.
How does Mellow Mushroom compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
Mellow Mushroom most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has Mellow Mushroom's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mellow Mushroom have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Mellow Mushroom 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 Mellow Mushroom inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mellow Mushroom is inspected around three times per year on average.
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