Papa Joe's Cubans
Last inspected: Sep 24, 2025
67
Score
Across the available record, Papa Joe's Cubans has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 24, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around six violations to closer to 14 violations.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance”, showing up two times.
The city-wide average sits at 79, which Papa Joe's Cubans' 67 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 24, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on reach in sandwich cooler soiled with food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tank by soda machine not secured by chains. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: **Time Extended**
51-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Throughout kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on sandwich reach in cooler with cut marks and no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside of reach in freezer in back area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area. Observed 1 dead roach underneath reach in cooler in back storage area. Observed 2 dead roaches in dining area. Observed 2 dead roaches underneath soda machine Observed 4 dead roaches underneath stairwell Observed approximately 10 dead roaches in spiderweb next to Coca Cola machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to chip stand. Observed 2 dead roaches on wall by hot box near bathroom. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor by hot box near bathroom. Observed 6 dead roaches inside of bathroom Observed 5 dead roaches in cabinets adjacent from mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on rodent sticky trap underneath wooden shelf upstairs in dry storage area with single service items. Observed 1 dead roach on top of case of monster energy drinks. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed 2 dead roaches in wall next to fridge across from stairs. Observed 1 dead roaches in cabinet next to mop sink. Observed 1 dead roach behind soda machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor near cash register. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: 1 dead roach behind soda machine. Operator eliminated and sanitized area. **Time Extended**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floors tiles throughout entire establishment not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed old food debris on ground around dumpster **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-24: **Time Extended**
33-19-4
67
Sep 19, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings on the side of reach in cooler in back area. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed approximately 100 rodent droppings underneath stairwell in back storage area with coolers. Observed 2 rodent droppings in dining area by large mirror Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings upstairs with single service cups and drinking straws **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed 1 rodent dropping on wall at the top of stairwell. Observed 16 rodent droppings upstairs in dry goods storage area. Observed 1 rodent dropping underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed 3 rodent droppings in sandwich prep area. Observed approximately 3 rodent droppings next to self service drink machine. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings underneath stairwell. **Time Extended**
35A-04-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on floor near hot box by bathroom. Observed approximately 6 live roaches in crease of bathroom door. Observed 4 live roaches underneath cabinets adjacent from mop sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed 3 live roaches on wall next to refrigerator across from stairwell. Observed 2 lives roaches on stairwell. Observed 1 live roach underneath cabinet. Observed 3 lives roaches roaches underneath front counter Observed 1 live roach in bathroom Observed 1 live roach on wall in dining area **Time Extended**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on reach in sandwich cooler soiled with food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple sandwich press throughout kitchen soiled with old food debris **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tank by soda machine not secured by chains. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
51-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Throughout kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on sandwich reach in cooler with cut marks and no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside of reach in freezer in back area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area. Observed 1 dead roach underneath reach in cooler in back storage area. Observed 2 dead roaches in dining area. Observed 2 dead roaches underneath soda machine Observed 4 dead roaches underneath stairwell Observed approximately 10 dead roaches in spiderweb next to Coca Cola machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to chip stand. Observed 2 dead roaches on wall by hot box near bathroom. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor by hot box near bathroom. Observed 6 dead roaches inside of bathroom Observed 5 dead roaches in cabinets adjacent from mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on rodent sticky trap underneath wooden shelf upstairs in dry storage area with single service items. Observed 1 dead roach on top of case of monster energy drinks. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: Observed 2 dead roaches in wall next to fridge across from stairs. Observed 1 dead roaches in cabinet next to mop sink. Observed 1 dead roach behind soda machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor near cash register. **Time Extended**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead rodent present. Observed 1 dead rodent underneath reach in cooler in back storage area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
35A-20-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floors tiles throughout entire establishment not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed old food debris on ground around dumpster **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
33-19-4
45
Sep 18, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings on the side of reach in cooler in back area. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed approximately 100 rodent droppings underneath stairwell in back storage area with coolers. Observed 2 rodent droppings in dining area by large mirror Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings upstairs with single service cups and drinking straws **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. Observed 1 egg sac casing underneath soda machine **Warning**
35A-23-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on floor near hot box by bathroom. Observed approximately 6 live roaches in crease of bathroom door. Observed 4 live roaches underneath cabinets adjacent from mop sink **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shelled eggs stored over Swiss cheese in refrigerator to the right of 3 door freezer. **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sliced ham (44F - Cold Holding), employee moved to freezer for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on reach in sandwich cooler soiled with food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed roast pork in reach in cooler next to 3 door freezer dated 09-09, per employee was moved from freezer to thawed yesterday 09-17 **Warning**
02C-04-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed purple liquid in spray bottle underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed clear liquid in spray bottle underneath 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on sandwich reach in cooler with cut marks and no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Throughout kitchen area. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tank by soda machine not secured by chains. **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold-like substance inside of ice machine near 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside of reach in freezer in back area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area. Observed 1 dead roach underneath reach in cooler in back storage area. Observed 2 dead roaches in dining area. Observed 2 dead roaches underneath soda machine Observed 4 dead roaches underneath stairwell Observed approximately 10 dead roaches in spiderweb next to Coca Cola machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to chip stand. Observed 2 dead roaches on wall by hot box near bathroom. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor by hot box near bathroom. Observed 6 dead roaches inside of bathroom Observed 5 dead roaches in cabinets adjacent from mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on rodent sticky trap underneath wooden shelf upstairs in dry storage area with single service items. Observed 1 dead roach on top of case of monster energy drinks. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Dead rodent present. Observed 1 dead rodent underneath reach in cooler in back storage area **Warning**
35A-20-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink sitting on top of bottled water underneath front counter. Observed employee drink sitting on top of drain board of 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floors tiles throughout entire establishment not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Observed reach in freezer hard cut salami, smoked ham. **Admin Complaint**
08B-43-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed old food debris on ground around dumpster **Warning**
33-19-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave near back door soiled with grease. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple sandwich press throughout kitchen soiled with old food debris **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of drinking straws on floor in upstairs in dry storage area. **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service forks on reach in cooler not stored inverted. **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth on prep table near sandwich press. **Warning**
21-12-4
15
Apr 24, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
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. Large slicer and microwave
22-02-4
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 - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
36-02-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Over 3 compartment sink and prep area.
36-37-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed in large ice machine
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
12B-07-4
58
Nov 25, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
70
Apr 15, 2024
Complaint Full
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
82
Nov 27, 2023
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
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. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Large ice machine
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front kitchen area
31B-02-4
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 - No soap provided at handwash sink. Front kitchen area
31B-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Black pepper container **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic containers on top shelf over 3 compartment sink
24-08-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Dry storage room with reach-in-freezers
36-62-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Front kitchen area
31B-04-4
47
May 3, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine
22-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee shoes and backpack stored on top of containers of soda near office
40-06-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
36-11-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
74
Oct 18, 2022
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Papa Joe's Cubans last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Papa Joe's Cubans on file is from Sep 24, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Papa Joe's Cubans?
Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Papa Joe's Cubans.
How does Papa Joe's Cubans compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Papa Joe's Cubans most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Papa Joe's Cubans' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Papa Joe's Cubans have averaged around 14 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Papa Joe's Cubans 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 Papa Joe's Cubans inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Papa Joe's Cubans is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants