Sunset Lounge
Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026
45
Score
Public records show 10 inspections at Sunset Lounge stretching back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 7, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Clearwater restaurants (averaging 79), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
10
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 7, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cheddar cheese 52 F , cut tomatoes 50F in reach in cooler stacked above containers of food in the top section of deli style cooler . No temperatures taken this day . Employee discarded food . Reviewed safe food storage with employee **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheddar cheese 52 F , cut tomatoes 50F in reach in cooler stacked above containers of food in the top section of deli style cooler . No temperatures taken this day . Employee discarded food . Reviewed safe food storage with employee **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food ( raw beef patties ) stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food ( container of cheese ) on shelf in walk in cooler. Employee rearranged food . **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - soiled shelf above deli style reach in cooler at cook line
22-02-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Expired Bruce Barrows ServStaff CFM training expired on 4/06/2026 . There are no other certified food managers .
53A-02-7
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. Reviewed with employee regular monitoring of food temperatures .
05-10-4
Basic - White reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues at the bar
22-16-4
45
Feb 18, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 15, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - 3 D dust accumulation on shelf above deli style cooler at cook line - soiled soda gun at bar Reviewed with manager.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. - pitcher stored inside hand wash sink next to ice machine in office area . Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks are for washing hands only
31A-11-4
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. -All SafeStaff employee training certificates expired 11/2025
53B-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - grease accumulation on sides of cooking equipment
23-03-4
70
May 29, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Apr 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - raw beef at 51 F in reach in cooler in kitchen. Reviewed with person in charge to store food below fill line of containers in the top section of reach in cooler and to regularly monitor food temperatures . Employee moved raw beef to freezer for quick chill down Recheck : 41 F **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Employee incorrectly answered the correct procedure for wash , rinse , sanitize dishes in kitchen . Employee missing sanitize step prior to air dry. Reviewed with employee .
53B-16-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in walk in cooler. Reviewed with person in charge .
08B-49-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board in kitchen . Reviewed with person in charge . Towel removed . **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils ( utensils ) stored next to hand wash sink exposed to splash in kitchen . Person in charge relocated cutting boards **Corrected On-Site**
24-27-4
61
Nov 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
74
May 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Hanging from drain boards next to clean equipment
41-24-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained Accumulation of grease on stove surface Soda gun nozzles soiled at bar **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. Behind bar
51-11-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under equipment behind bar
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of pizza oven soiled
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled Cooler gaskets soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Silver freezer/cooler behind bar
22-16-4
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Reach in freezers in patron area next to walk-in cooler not secured when not in use
08B-63-4
50
Nov 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun.
22-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Soufle cup in dressing used for portioning.
14-01-5
86
Jun 16, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
67
Sep 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. -All six safe staff certificates expired on 07/11/2022, owner to order more training books.
53B-05-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor soiled under fryers on cooks line, discussed with manager.
36-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Gaskets at reach in cooler on cooks line soiled, discussed with manager.
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -Squeeze bottles on cooks line near flat top not labeled, employee labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sunset Lounge last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sunset Lounge on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sunset Lounge?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Sunset Lounge.
How does Sunset Lounge compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
Sunset Lounge most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has Sunset Lounge's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sunset Lounge have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Sunset Lounge 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 Sunset Lounge inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sunset Lounge is inspected around three times per year on average.
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