AVON PARK DINER
610 HWY 27 S, Avon Park FL 33825 · 863-657-2343
Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · 10 visits since August 2023
DEC 24
APR 25
NOV 25
FEB 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 40 rodent droppings on top of dish machine and approximately 7 rodent droppings in the corner under dish machine, employee cleaned and sanitized area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025081615 | Nov 10, 2025 | Dec 1, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Observed no time mark on raw hard shell eggs on cook line, per owner has been out less than an hour, owner placed time mark.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a plate in a container of potatoes on cook line, owner removed.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed hand washing sink on cook line with no splash guard next to container of seasoning.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees drink on food preparation table in kitchen, employee removed.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in wait staff area with water in between and not air drying properly.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on reach in cooler in kitchen.
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Observed shelf on cook line not close grained wood.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wash cloth on cutting board in kitchen, employee moved.
Feb 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Observed no time mark on the hard shell eggs at room temperature, owner stated just put eggs out 15 minutes ago, owner time marked.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can blocking hand wash sink in kitchen, owner moved.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at hand wash sink on cook line, employee replaced.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed hand wash sink on cook line without a splash guard exposed to a container of seasoning in food preparation area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in wait staff area with water in between and not air drying properly.
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Observed shelf on cook line that is not close grained wood.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on the oven door on the cook line, owner moved.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop in a container of flour in the dry storage area.
Open dumpster lid.
Nov 10, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 10, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 10 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
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. Observed the dishwasher machine reading at chlorine 00 ppm, owner called company and submitted work order, using the 3-compartment sink, technician came out adjusted dish machine new reading at 100 ppm.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 40 rodent droppings on top of dish machine and approximately 7 rodent droppings in the corner under dish machine, employee cleaned and sanitized area.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on prep table on cook line the diced ham is 56F, sliced tomatoes is 57F and American sliced cheese is 55F, owner stated only been in cooler for 30 minutes, owner switched out the prep cooler.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink in the kitchen blocked by 60 gallon garbage can, owner moved.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the back hand wash sink by the back door, owner replaced.
Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed 2 cans of household raid on the shelf in back of kitchen.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed soiled cardboard lining a shelf in the kitchen with container of oil on it.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees drink on the prep table next to a container of green peppers and a container of onions, owner moved.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed a gap under the back exterior screen door.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle down in a container of sugar in the storage area.
Apr 28, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked a raw shell eggs then handed a clean plate without washing their hands. Employee removed the plate to be sanitized and washed their hands.
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled raw pork the handle of the walk in cooler without washing their hands. Employee washed their hands and sanitized the walk in cooler handle
Employee washed hands with no soap. The employee was informed and properly washed their hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked peppers (61F - Cold Holding); Cooked onions (60F - Cold Holding) stored at room temperature on the cook line. Chef stated the items were stored at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. Chef placed the items in the walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Raw shell eggs on time as a public health control stored on the cook line a room temperature with no time mark. Chef stated the eggs were stored at room temperature for approximately 1 hour. Chef placed a time mark on the eggs.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed their hands in a three compartment sink. The employee was informed and properly washed their hands. Employee washed their hands in a preparation sink. The employee was informed and properly washed their hands..
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Spray bottle and utensils stored in the hand washing sink in the back kitchen area. Manager removed the items.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottles containing cleaning fluid not labeled. Employee labeled the bottles.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in the front counter area..
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. Screen on the back exit door of the kitchen torn.
Dec 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Observed bowls of salad in reach in cooler without cover in on second shelve below desserts, operator covered.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook changing gloves in between task without washing hands, educate on importance.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed on cook line in reach in cooler raw pork and hot dogs stored over a strawberry banana glaze, operator removed. Observed in walk in cooler two flats of hard shell eggs stored on top of a container of sliced cucumbers, operator removed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed back of slicer on blade food debris.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwashing sink in back of kitchen next to cans blocked by garbage can with no access to it, operator removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the hand sink in the kitchen by the cans no paper towels, operator changed them out.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed a white bottle of bleach with no label in the dish room, operator put label on it.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing by the walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee drink in walk in cooler above mushrooms, operator removed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed on cook line, car keys, cell phone and a ring, operator had them moved to the proper place.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed beverage cups in the front counter area wet-on the inside and outside.
Food stored on floor. Observed in walk in freezer a case of chicken, a case of bread and a case of dumpling dough on floor, operator put on shelves.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed in wait staff area with food preparation lights above have no shield cover.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in the women's bathroom and no handwashing sign at the front hand washing sink by the registers in front area.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed back screen door in back of kitchen torn and a gap underneath.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed coffee and tea filters not properly covered in wait staff area, operator covered.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed forks and spoons in the dish area not inverted, operator corrected.
Water draining onto floor surface. Observed at handwashing sink in back of kitchen by back door, turned on and water was draining on floor from the pipe, operator came over and tighten.
Jan 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed foods stored on plastic storage bins in walk-in cooler.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator stated he paid license online and will recheck. Please call the help center for any information or help 850-487-1395. Operator paid during inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb at outdoor mopsink.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handsink at cookline with bucket on basin. Operator removed.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed door of men's restroom no longer tight fitting. Unable to fully close.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed beverage glasses wet nested.
Handwash sink at front counter not operational. Wait staff must use sinks in kitchen. May not utilize restroom sinks to wash hands in place of handsink at front counter. When leaving restroom hands must be washed again at nearest handsink.
Ice bucket/shovel stored not inverted between uses.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observedccoffee/ tea filters stored open on top of coffee machine at front counter.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed cooked bacon stored under unwashed mushrooms in walk-in cooler.
Oct 13, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 24, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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. Operator has class set for 8/16/23 in Sebring.
Aug 10, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed cook cracking eggs whipping and breading chicken, then back to eggs, No handwash, when instructed to wash employee washed in prep sink across the room because handsink at his station was being used to process breaded raw foods.
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. Observed dishwasher spray off dirty dishes,load into dishwasher,then dry clean dishes with cloth towel, did not wash hands. Cloth is a cross contamination issue. All dishes must air dry.
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. Observed cook touch sandwich wrap and cut then plate with bare hands. See stop sale.
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. Observed employee with open drink with straw no lid drink from cup holding straw near mouth in fingers then pick up and distribute clean dishes.
Food contaminated by employees/consumers and operator continued to serve food. See stop sale. Observed cook touch sandwich wrap and cut then plate with bare hands. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Reachin preptop cooler at Cookline across from grills. tuna salad (48F - Cold Holding); chicken salad (51F - Cold Holding) operator discarded. Foods from day before not at 41F. Door to cooler not shutting properly. Removed foods and discarded. Recheck of cooler shows ambient air at 38F. Cooler set at 34F. Foods recooling to 41F. within 4 hours.
Employee with artificial nails/nail polish working with exposed food without wearing intact gloves. Observed employee carrying clean dishes to work areas and rolling silverware with long fake fingernails.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handsink at cookline blocked by 2 5 gallon buckets and strainer which was on basin. Cook using handsink to rinse utensils for chicken breading and egg whipping. No handwashing taking place.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handsink at ice machine area with long handle brush stored in basin..
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. Operator has class set for 8/16/23 in Sebring.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black growth in corners of drop guard inside ice machine.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items. Drain boards not sufficient to allow for air drying, dishwasher observed hand drying dishes with towel.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at handsink across from ice machine.
Silverware/utensils dried with a towel/cloth. Observed dishwasher hand drying dishes with cloth towel.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.