Nueva Cantina
Last inspected: Jan 21, 2026
61
Score
Going back to 2022, Nueva Cantina has 14 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jan 21, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around six violations across recent inspections versus roughly 11 violations before.
Across the inspection history, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
The city-wide average sits at 77, which Nueva Cantina's 61 doesn't quite reach. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
14
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 21, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 3- 55 oz dented can of Ripe Olives. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Food items hot holding in stand alone hot holding unit: cilantro rice (123F - Hot Holding); queso (95F - Hot Holding); black beans (127F - Hot Holding) The manager on duty turned up the temperature on the hot holding unit to maintain the temperature to 135 degrees or above. Discussed monitoring food stored in hot holding unit throughout the day going forward and a hot holding chart was provided. Food items were reheated on the stove top and the temperatures was above to 165 degrees. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with dried food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 3 unlabeled spray bottle of light purple and clear liquid substance stored on push cart in server wait station. Bottles labeled as multipurpose. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
61
Oct 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: Per District 3 DDM, a time extension is being given for the removal of the hand sink in the exterior patio area, to allow the operator to submit updated plans for approval through the plan review process. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: No handwashing sink observed in the outside patio area during callback inspection. Reviewed recently submitted plans and observed that a handwashing sink was not included near the outdoor ice machine in the patio area. Spoke with the manager on duty, who stated they were unsure if the handwashing sink would be reinstalled, as they also have plans to add an outdoor patio bar. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: No hand sink installed at the time of callback inspection. **Admin Complaint**
31A-04-4
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 ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: Time extension is being given to allow the operator to submit updated plans for approval through the plan review process. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: Spoke to plan reviewer Rory Shaw and confirmed plans were submitted on 9/28/2025, but has not been assigned to a plan reviewer as of yet. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: Submitted plans reviewed during callback inspection by plan reviewer James Cohee. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
51-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: Gaskets of pull out drawer under flat top grill are soiled with pink mold like substance and food debris during callback inspection. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
64
Oct 1, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: Per District 3 DDM, a time extension is being given for the removal of the hand sink in the exterior patio area, to allow the operator to submit updated plans for approval through the plan review process. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: No handwashing sink observed in the outside patio area during callback inspection. Reviewed recently submitted plans and observed that a handwashing sink was not included near the outdoor ice machine in the patio area. Spoke with the manager on duty, who stated they were unsure if the handwashing sink would be reinstalled, as they also have plans to add an outdoor patio bar. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
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 ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: Time extension is being given to allow the operator to submit updated plans for approval through the plan review process. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: Spoke to plan reviewer Rory Shaw and confirmed plans were submitted on 9/28/2025, but has not been assigned to a plan reviewer as of yet. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended**
51-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-01: Gaskets of pull out drawer under flat top grill are soiled with pink mold like substance and food debris during callback inspection. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
64
Aug 8, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: Per District 3 DDM, a time extension is being given for the removal of the hand sink in the exterior patio area, to allow the operator to submit updated plans for approval through the plan review process. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
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 ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: Time extension is being given to allow the operator to submit updated plans for approval through the plan review process. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended**
51-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-08: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
64
Jul 30, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. One 6 LBS 12 oz. dented can of Black Beans. **Warning**
01B-01-4
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. Ran dish machine multiple times and chlorine sanitizer is testing at 0 PPM. Employee set up three compartment sink to sanitize dish with quaternary sanitizer. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed employee reuse raw Al Pastor cone that was previously cooked yesterday 7/29 and cooled down in walk in cooler. Temperature recorded was 51 degrees. **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand sink in bar area. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Reach in deli cooler cutting boards stained across from cook line. Soda gun in bar area soiled with black mold like substance. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Piece of equipment inside hand sink next to three compartment sink. Item was removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase. **Warning**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quaternary chemical test kit. **Warning**
16-37-1
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/ Not present with 6 employees preparing or cooking food. CFM came during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53A-05-6
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 ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle of light purple substance stored on counter of bar area. Observed spray bottles labeled as all purpose cleaner. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Inside RIC across from fryer on cook line. **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Employee cutting unwashed onions and avocados. Educated employee and item was discarded. **Warning**
08B-39-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Store on oven handle on cook line. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Pot of al pastor on a screwer stored on the floor inside the walk in cooler in kitchen area. Item removed off the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area. **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean containers wet nesting with soapy water on dry rack in dish area. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Red, brown, blue, green, and yellow cutting boards stored on clean dish rack in dish area heavily grooved. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
17
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
70
Aug 16, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
36-68-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
16-46-4
90
Aug 14, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bib underneath hand wash sink across from hot holding station. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler at server station: salsa (50F - Cold Holding); guacamole with cut tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding) Manager moved to reach in freezer. In walk in cooler: cooked chicken (50F - Cold Holding); raw beef (50F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding) Manager moved items to reach in freezer. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Unable to issue license at this time due to cold holding temperature issues and dish machine not sanitizing properly. **Warning**
50-08-7
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. Dish machine is sanitizing at 0 ppm chlorine. Manager set up three compartment sink for sanitization at 100 ppm chlorine. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 1 dented can of tomato salsa, 6 pounds. **Warning**
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on prep table has built up food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottle of degreaser not labeled behind bar area. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food stored above food to be served to the public in upright two door reach in cooler by food preparation area. Manager discarded food. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-49-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Soda boxes stored on floor of outside closet area. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. **Warning**
33-19-4
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. **Warning**
36-68-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees behind bar area. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Clean forks stored with food contact surfaces upright. Manager stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-18-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. To go cups stored on floor behind bar. **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go boxes behind bar not inverted for protection. **Warning**
25-06-4
21
Jan 22, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose bib in ware washing area lacks a vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in server station area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table and cutting boards on reach in coolers have built up food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in kitchen near microwave has knife in it. Hand wash sink in kitchen nearest walk in cooler and and hand wash sink in ware washing area have cleaning towels in them. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink behind bar.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink in men's restroom. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled bottle of sanitizer on hand wash sink in server station area. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Dish machine tip is soiled with hard water debris.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Scoop with no handle used to dispense rice in rear prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets not inverted next to soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on server expo table. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on prep table in rear of kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food with no hair restraint. Employee put on hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting on cups next to soda machine.
24-08-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. **Repeat Violation**
33-19-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees behind bar.
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelving and shelving holding clean ware washing have rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
26
Sep 25, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bibs underneath hand wash sink in kitchen across from hot holding station. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: No vacuum breaker has been installed on hose bib underneath hand wash sink as of this callback inspection report. **Time Extended**
29-34-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table has built up food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: Can opener has not been cleaned as of this callback inspection report. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by prep area used to dump ice. Employee burned ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: Hand wash sink in prep area is being used still being used to dump ice. **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink by 2 compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: Soap has not been put into place at hand wash sink by 2 compartment sink as of this callback inspection report. **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some 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 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in ware washing area has mold like substance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup with no handle used to scoop sugar and flour. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets by soda station not inverted for protection. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
24-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and keys on prep table near soda station. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave ovens on cook line have built up food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelving has rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls in kitchen are soiled with grease and food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
39
Sep 19, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bibs underneath hand wash sink in kitchen across from hot holding station. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler on other side of pass through window: cut leafy greens (55F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); shredded cheddar cheese (55F - Cold Holding) In walk in cooler: cooked rice (45F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (45F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) Manager moved items into reach in freezer. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken not commercially packaged over frozen shrimp in upright rear freezer. Manager stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
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. Dish machine is currently sanitizing at 0 ppm chlorine. **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table has built up food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by prep area used to dump ice. Employee burned ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink by 2 compartment sink. **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottle of degreaser not properly labeled. Employee labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in ware washing area has mold like substance. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup with no handle used to scoop sugar and flour. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets by soda station not inverted for protection. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and keys on prep table near soda station. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employees engaged in food preparation on cook line with no hair restraint. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. **Warning**
33-19-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave ovens on cook line have built up food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelving has rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls in kitchen are soiled with grease and food debris. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar and flour containers removed from their original containers and not labeled. Manager labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
19
Sep 1, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
52
Feb 23, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler by rear prep table: milk (57F - Cold Holding); half and half (57F - Cold Holding) Items left overnight with no temperatures taken. **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in liquor storage area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. **Repeat Violation**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched their hand and went back to food preparation without washing their hands. **Repeat Violation**
12A-10-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler by rear prep table: milk (57F - Cold Holding); half and half (57F - Cold Holding) Items left overnight with temperatures taken.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 2/1/2023.
50-17-3
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 - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table has built up food debris. Cutting board on rear prep table has built up food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink before pass through window is being used to dump ice and straws. Manager removed straw and burned ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
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
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled sanitizer bottle behind bar area. Manager labeled correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on food prep table. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee engaged in food preparation in kitchen with no hair restraint. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting on cups by soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at hand wash sink before pass through window.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan and ceding area of walk in cooler have built up dust debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand wash sink sink before pass through window is not draining after hand wash.
29-08-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
19
Nov 8, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in ware washing area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 1 live fly behind bar, not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 1 live fly in mens restroom not landing on food or food contact surfaces. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: 1 live fly by hand wash sink near pass through window area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 1 live fly behind bar not landing on food or food contact surfaces. **Time Extended**
35A-02-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on rear prep table has built up food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: Cutting board on rear prep table has not been cleaned of food debris. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in kitchen by pass through window is blocked by dirty glasses. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: Hand wash sink by pass through window is blocked by glass ware. **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by pass through food area has ice and straws in it. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: Hand wash sink by pass through window area has ice in it. **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting on pans in ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee in kitchen engaged in food prep has ineffective hair restraint. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
13-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls and ceiling in kitchen area are soiled with grease, food debris and dust. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelving in walk in cooler has pitted and rusting shelving. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. Manager closed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in cooler near steam table have built up food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer in reach in coolers on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
05-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler next to steam table has missing insulation. Reach in cooler near rear door of kitchen has broken handle. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-11-08: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nueva Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Nueva Cantina on file is from Jan 21, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Nueva Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Nueva Cantina.
How does Nueva Cantina compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?
Nueva Cantina most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Petersburg average of 77.
Has Nueva Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Nueva Cantina have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Nueva Cantina 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 Nueva Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Nueva Cantina is inspected around four times per year on average.
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