Southern Grill of Jax (The)
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
16
Score
Public records show 13 inspections at Southern Grill of Jax (The) stretching back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Feb 18, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around six violations across recent inspections versus roughly 14 violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Compared to other Jacksonville restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
13
Inspections
3
Critical latest
4
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
16
Dec 8, 2025
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Oct 6, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. On floor by storage shelf in upstairs storage **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-06: Same **Time Extended**
35A-23-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf by prep cooler and cook line, also side of equipment with build up, side of cooler and cooking equipment **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-06: Same **Time Extended**
23-03-4
82
Oct 2, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
11
May 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One in back storage, killed by manager **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-15: One crawing on wall by ice machine , killed by manager **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
86
May 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Owner came from upstairs apartment, got gloves and grabbed container with cooked beef to make soup, explained to him and he washed hands **Corrected On-Site**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One in back storage, killed by manager **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Sandwich press and ice machine, also around nozzles, employee cleaned ice machine **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Potatoes salad and roast made yesterday early morning **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
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. 2 expired in march 2025
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. A couple by storage shelf, labeled cleaner by employee **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In back storage
51-11-4
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. Fish, employee removed the, from bag, explained new rule for next January **Corrective Action Taken**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Open drink on prep table, discarded by employee **Corrected On-Site**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Working with open foods
13-03-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One missing **Repeat Violation**
14-42-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Container is dirty, employee placed it by triple sink to be washed **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On oven handle, removed by employee **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Interior door in upright cooler **Repeat Violation**
14-36-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand sink at bar, employee placed one **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. One hood filter and shelf under steam table **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Upright cooler **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. 2 prep coolers, **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Plates with bag open on shelves, upstairs storage
25-06-4
Basic - Thawed portions of raw animal food rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 4 hours (including all time for preparation, thawing and subsequent cooking or cooling combined) while being thawed under running water. 55f raw ground turkey, under running water, manager added ice **Corrective Action Taken**
06-02-5
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Cracked spatula for mayo, manager discarded it **Corrected On-Site**
14-12-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. On prep table
21-12-4
22
Dec 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
86
Dec 11, 2024
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 5 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 25 violations
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked eggs then grabbed bread, explained to him and he washed hands and discarded bread **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee washed dirty dishes then he grabbed clean bowl, explained to him and he washed hands **Corrected On-Site**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces in contact with time/temperature control for safety food not cleaned at least every four hours. Slicer used for tomatoes yesterday
22-11-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One in kitchen
35A-02-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 6/1/24 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cut lettuce and tomatoes, etc
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 46-53f cheese, sausage, cooked chicken, cut lettuce and tomatoes in prep cooler on double pan, overnight, stop sale, discarded by employee, interior of reach in prep cooler is reading 43f on one side and 40f on the other, my prob thermometer **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. On fryer basket, also ice machine blackish, employee cleaned it **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
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. One employee here for a year, has blank copy **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
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. One employee here for a year, he couldn't find it on his phone **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Hummus, coleslaw and beef cold cut made yesterday early morning
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Orange substance, employee labeled it cleaner **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Above prep area, employee moved it **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Jacket above box with tortillas, employee moved them **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One
14-42-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Employee removed it **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Container is dirty, employee placed it by triple sink to be washed **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
10-12-5
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. One interior panel is missing in upright cooler and in upright freezer **Repeat Violation**
14-36-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Brownies and cookies at front counter, employee moved them so they can give it to customers **Corrected On-Site**
02D-03-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Couldn't find it
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. One hood filter **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Long prep cooler
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. One door prep unit
14-33-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In back storage **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. By stairs
36-34-5
11
Apr 30, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked eggs then grabbed pitta, explained to him and he washed hands, discarded pitta **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee clean floor with towel then put on gloves to scoop food, explained to employee and he washed hands **Corrected On-Site**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pork chop above cooked turkey in upright cooler, raw hamburger on shelf above cooked seafood, on upright freezer, employee rearranged **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Oven cleaner on shelf above clean utensils, employee removed cleaner **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Around nozzles
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Upstairs storage, yellow liquid, labeled pinesol m red solution by self service counter **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Rinsing towel in hand sink at front counter
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. For a couple of employees that don't have certification **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
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. A couple of employees here for more than 2 months
53B-13-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. By upright freezer **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots on storage shelf not inverted, employee inverted them **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Container for lids, employee placed it by triple sink to be washed **Corrective Action Taken**
24-06-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Above prep cooler, employee moved it **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gap in between filters
14-11-5
Basic - Evidence of employee smoking in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area. Ashes on storage shelf,
12B-06-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Container is dirty, employee placed it by triple sink to be washed **Corrective Action Taken**
10-12-5
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Interior door panel for upright door cooler and freezer are missing **Repeat Violation**
14-36-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf under microwave, employee cleaned it, gasket in 1 door prep unit **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers, employee inverted them **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. By prep table, food splatters, cleaned **Corrected On-Site**
36-27-5
19
Feb 13, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 14, 2023
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 50f pooled eggs on melted ice, by stove, employee iced it down, got to 41f **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked eggs then he touched cooked sausage, explained to him and he washed hands, discarded sausage **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee grabbed bread for sandwich, explained to him, he got gloves, **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
09-01-4
High Priority - Employee used tobacco, ate, or drank then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee opened drink, drank and then grabbed cooked potatoes, explaining to him and washed hands **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-05-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One by triple sink **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. Raw fish in same container with raw steak, all proportioned in bags, raw pork chop on shelf above cooked meat, upright cooler, raw bacon in paper on top of bags with cooked meatball in upright freezer, employees moved them **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-08-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef above raw ribs in walk in cooler, **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 88 cooked potatoes above steam table, employee added them to time chart **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bleach on shelf above clean containers, shelf by triple sink, employee moved it **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Joey Farrah 2-7-23 certificate no ad000174227, card given is forged per Robert P that called company **Warning**
53A-07-6
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. For two employees that don't have certification
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. Has blank copy hanging **Repeat Violation**
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. Two employees here expired in 2021, and 2 employees her for mother than 2 months don't have certifications
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Purple solution at front counter, labeled cleaner by employee **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Outside storage **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. By prep sink
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots and pans on shelf by dish machine
24-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook cooking **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. One interior panel is missing, upright cooler
14-36-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cookies for customers to grab, employee moved them to her counter so she can give them to customers **Corrected On-Site**
02D-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket in prep unit and 2 hood filters **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Thawed portions of raw animal food rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 4 hours (including all time for preparation, thawing and subsequent cooking or cooling combined) while being thawed under running water. 48f raw fish in running water, employee placed it in cooler **Corrective Action Taken**
06-02-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White powder in cabinet, dining area, employee wrote sugar **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Above eagle maker, employee moved it **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
10
May 31, 2023
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
10
Oct 4, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Southern Grill of Jax (The) last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Southern Grill of Jax (The) on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Southern Grill of Jax (The)?
Across the inspection record, “spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Southern Grill of Jax (The).
How does Southern Grill of Jax (The) compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
Southern Grill of Jax (The) most recently scored 16 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has Southern Grill of Jax (The)'s inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Southern Grill of Jax (The) have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 14 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Southern Grill of Jax (The) 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 Southern Grill of Jax (The) inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Southern Grill of Jax (The) is inspected around four times per year on average.
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