The Neon Lunchbox
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2026
86
Score
Across the available record, The Neon Lunchbox has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The Neon Lunchbox was last inspected on Apr 8, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around nine violations to closer to five violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average St. Petersburg restaurant scores 77. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2026
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
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. No proof of training for some employees. Discussed approved programs. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: Discussed with operator employee training and possibility to comply out electronically **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler in rear. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-04-08: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
86
Mar 25, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 2-1-2026 **Warning**
50-17-3
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 tested at 0PPM. Operator discovered chlorine solution was empty and does not have a back up. Advised to set up three compartment sink and utilize for ware-washing. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-41-4
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. No proof of training for some employees. Discussed approved programs. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chemical test strip for dish machine. Inspector discussed purchasing both chlorine and QAC test strips. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwashing sink next to ice machine. Operator provided. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand wash sink next to dish machine with no hot water. Handle was repaired during inspection and provided hot water **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler in rear. **Warning**
14-11-5
47
Aug 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Reading 0ppm. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Employee setup three-compartment sink. Quaternary sanitizer reading 200ppm. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-06: Operated dishmachine. Tested chlorine sanitizer. Chlorine sanitizer reading 0ppm. Three-compartment sink is setup. Tested Quaternary sanitizer reading 200ppm. **Admin Complaint**
22-41-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler soiled with food buildup between cracks. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-06: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler soiled with food buildup between cracks. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-06: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-06: 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. **Repeat Violation* **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board on reach-in cooler has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-06: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unisex bathrooms located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-06: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
58
Jul 25, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Reading 0ppm. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Employee setup three-compartment sink. Quaternary sanitizer reading 200ppm. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 6lb can of cheese sauce on shelf in kitchen is dented at seam. **Warning**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored above beverages in reach-in cooler in kitchen. Employee placed raw shell eggs on bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Ziplock bag of raw chicken stored above ziplock bags of ham in reach-in freezer near rear exit. **Warning**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler soiled with food buildup between cracks. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Towels stored inside bowl of hand wash sink behind ice machine. Employee removed items. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
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. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle hanging in shelf in kitchen containing soap not labeled. Operator labeled spray bottle soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin located in kitchen. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board on reach-in cooler has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 1 box and 1 bag of pancake mix stored on floor underneath AC. Five gallon container of pickle spears stored on floor near oven in kitchen. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Spoon handle touching brown sugar in container on shelf in kitchen. Employee removed spoon. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven used more than 24 hours ago in kitchen near rear exit interior soiled with food buildup. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken in pan in three-compartment sink not thawing under running water or refrigeration. Employee placed raw chicken under running cold water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Unisex bathrooms door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. **Warning**
32-02-4
Basic - Unisex bathrooms located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning**
32-04-4
22
Feb 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
52
Aug 16, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Inaccurate/damaged temperature and/or pressure gauge(s) on dishmachine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
16-38-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
16-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board on reach-in cooler in kitchen has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
86
Aug 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Reading 0ppm. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Employee setup three-compartment sink. Quat sanitizer reading 200ppm. **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler in kitchen is soiled. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No running water at hand wash sink near oven. **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Inaccurate/damaged temperature and/or pressure gauge(s) on dishmachine. **Warning**
16-38-5
Basic - Cutting board on reach-in cooler in kitchen has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Reading 0ppm. Operator is in the process of refilling quaternary sanitizer solution. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
21-08-4
Basic - No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items. **Warning**
16-04-4
55
Apr 24, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 22, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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/ Establishment is opening on a warning for no mop sink. **Warning**
50-08-7
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. **Warning**
29-27-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Neon Lunchbox last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Neon Lunchbox on file is from Apr 8, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Neon Lunchbox?
Across the inspection record, “dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at The Neon Lunchbox.
How does The Neon Lunchbox compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?
The Neon Lunchbox most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the St. Petersburg average of 77.
Has The Neon Lunchbox's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Neon Lunchbox have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Neon Lunchbox means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is The Neon Lunchbox inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Neon Lunchbox is inspected around five times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants