BAYOU CAFE
118 E TARPON AVE, Tarpon Springs FL 34689 · 727.943.3700
Last inspected Apr 2, 2026 · 13 visits since August 2023
OCT 24
JAN 25
DEC 25
FEB 26
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 6 small flies in dish area
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
12 cases · $7,080
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2026011451 | Feb 2, 2026 | Jun 10, 2026 | $1,100 |
| 3--2025089225 | Dec 4, 2025 | May 5, 2026 | $1,900 |
| 3--2025034710 | Jan 13, 2025 | Oct 8, 2025 | $480 |
| 3--2023012462 | Feb 22, 2023 | May 24, 2023 | — |
| 3--2023003285 | Dec 20, 2022 | May 22, 2023 | $800 |
| 3--2021028172 | May 17, 2021 | Nov 29, 2021 | $400 |
| 3--2021016237 | Mar 17, 2021 | Sep 27, 2021 | $400 |
| 3--2021007651 | Jan 13, 2021 | Jul 29, 2021 | $400 |
| 3--2018055343 | Oct 22, 2018 | Mar 12, 2019 | — |
| 3--2017056969 | Nov 27, 2017 | Jan 25, 2018 | $400 |
| 3--2017053325 | Nov 3, 2017 | Dec 15, 2017 | $400 |
| 3--2015014505 | Feb 18, 2015 | May 20, 2015 | $800 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Apr 2, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Chlorine sanitizer 0 ppm, operator changed bucket, corrected to 50 ppm.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired since 02/01/2026, Establishment open and operating, servicing food to the public.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. By cook line, operator put towels by sink
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open employee bed over drop in cooler, operator discarded.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Cooler on cook line
Feb 2, 2026□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
2 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
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. Dishwasher came in from dining room, took clean dishes out of rack to put away.discussed proper hand wash with operator.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/26
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Fray baskets have build up.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter. Plans received 7/14, plans denied due to lack of communication, letter sent to operator on 9/3/25 from Robin in plan review. Spoke to Carly in plan review on 9/3/25, plans have not been received.restaurant is open and serving customers, operator states that plans have not been sent to Tallahassee.
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.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on cook line
Silverware/utensils dried with a towel/cloth. Dishwasher dried lid with towel, discussed air drying with staff and operator.
Feb 2, 2026■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 10 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
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. Dishwasher came in from dining room, took clean dishes out of rack to put away.discussed proper hand wash with operator.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/26
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 rodent droppings on ledge by hand wash sink in back room 7 rodent droppings behind white folding table in back room 5 rodent droppings in back room behind cook line on wooden ledge 2 rodent droppings in floor in back room behind cook line 1 rodent dropping in copper pipe by fry oil in back room
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In drop in cooler on cook line - sliced provolone (54F - Cold Holding); sliced cheddar cheese (53F - Cold Holding), pans over filled, operator moved to vertical cooler,
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Fray baskets have build up.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached eggs on menu not identified as undercooked menu has not been corrected. operator marked all menus and consumer advisory at bottom of menu.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter. Plans received 7/14, plans denied due to lack of communication, letter sent to operator on 9/3/25 from Robin in plan review. Spoke to Carly in plan review on 9/3/25, plans have not been received.restaurant is open and serving customers, operator states that plans have not been sent to Tallahassee.
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.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on cook line
Silverware/utensils dried with a towel/cloth. Dishwasher dried lid with towel, discussed air drying with staff and operator.
Dec 4, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
3 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
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. Operator cutting lemons for garnish on beverages with bare hands, discussed proper hand wash and glove usage
Time/temperature control for safety food re-served to customers. Red bowl with butter pads picked up from one table and given to customer at next table. Operator states that butter is kept in cooler and she puts it back into the cooler when customer leaves.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. At Server station - greater than 200 ppm, corrected to 100 ppm
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Fry baskets
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached eggs on menu not identified as under cooked.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter. Plans received 7/14, plans denied due to lack of communication, letter sent to operator on 9/3 from Robin in plan review. Spoke to Carly in plan review today, plans have not been received.restaurant is open and serving customers
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on cook line, interior of cooler and next pans, vertical cooler near pass shelf, bottom of cooler and tracks of door
Dec 4, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 11 violations recorded, 6 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
6 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
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. Operator cutting lemons for garnish on beverages with bare hands, discussed proper hand wash and glove usage
Live, small flying insects found Approximately - 16 Small flies Under dish machine 2 small flies behind ice machine 1 on towel bucket at wait station
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw beef cheesesteaks in pan over open box of raw sausage, operator moved eggs moved beef to bottom
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 12 rodent droppings between bag in box soda in dish room. 1 rodent dropping on top of bag in box soda 6 rodent droppings on left side of chest freezer near from counter 2 rodent droppings on floor under shelf by 3 compartment sink 5 rodent droppings on floor in hall by water heater 7 rodent droppings on shelf on cook line next to boxes of pancake mix 4 rodent droppings on shelf next to flat top grill 2 rodent droppings on shelf under flat top grill 2 rodent droppings on bottom shelf of shelving unit by door to kitchen
Time/temperature control for safety food re-served to customers. Red bowl with butter pads picked up from one table and given to customer at next table. Operator states that butter is kept in cooler and she puts it back into the cooler when customer leaves.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. At Server station - greater than 200 ppm, corrected to 100 ppm
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Fry baskets
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached eggs on menu not identified as under cooked.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter. Plans received 7/14, plans denied due to lack of communication, letter sent to operator on 9/3 from Robin in plan review. Spoke to Carly in plan review today, plans have not been received.restaurant is open and serving customers
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on top of ice machine, operator moved to bottom shelf. Employee Becca over drop in cooler on cook line, moved to shelf
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on cook line, interior of cooler and next pans, vertical cooler near pass shelf, bottom of cooler and tracks of door
Mar 19, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached eggs on menu not identified
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind counter
Jan 13, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Cracked eggs then touched clean utensils and clean plates without changing gloves or washing hands
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Fry baskets soiled Microwave soiled Can opener soiled Slicer soiled
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached eggs on menu not identified
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind counter
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Oct 24, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -butter packets (71F - Cold Holding) sitting on counter -French toast mix with eggs (72F - Cold Holding) sitting on shelf on cook line
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener Slicer
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Cliff Adams person in charge today has no manager certification
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter. Plans received 7/14, plans denied due to lack of communication, letter sent to operator on 9/3 from Robin in plan review
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. Cliff Adams does not have food handlers training certification
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in reach in freezer
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves soiled
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in coolers on cook line soiled
Jul 18, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Paint brush used for butter
May 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Cook cracked eggs then touched clean plates without changing gloves or washing hands
Employee washed hands with cold water. Water temperature 81F
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 02/01/2024
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Adam Patterson manager for establishment, manager certification expired 4/19/2024
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand sink by mop sink in back No soap or paper towels at hand sink next to oven
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area and oven added in area behind front counter
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Paint brush used for butter
Oct 9, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Ham in Saran Wrap not date marked after opening
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand sink by 3 compartment sink and hand sink by oven in prep area, paper towels restocked at hand sink
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Food prep area added with refrigerators and oven.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Eggs held in time with no written procedures, provided operator with DBPR Form HR 5022-090
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup used for tuna salad, portion cup removed
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gaskets torn
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.Under cooking equipment
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Through the kitchen
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice build up in reach in freezer in prep area
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave
Aug 7, 2023□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 6 small flies in dish area
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. Printed form DBPR HR 5030-104 for operator
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Slicer soiled
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Storage area oven, prep table, upright freezer and refrigerator added.
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. Printed form DBPR HR 5030-103 for operator
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn on 3 door cooler
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment soiled
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Tile missing under cooking equipment on cook line
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves soiled on cook line
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gasket soiled on cook line
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. 3 door reach in cooler
Aug 7, 2023■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 12 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 6 small flies in dish area
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 on floor between wall and freezer in storage area 2 on ledge by hand sink in storage area 6 under oven in storage area 2 on shelf next to clean bowls in dish area 1 on table next to scale in dish area 2 on floor next to glass cooler in expo area
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. Printed form DBPR HR 5030-104 for operator
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Slicer soiled
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Storage area oven, prep table, upright freezer and refrigerator added.
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. Printed form DBPR HR 5030-103 for operator
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn on 3 door cooler
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment soiled
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Tile missing under cooking equipment on cook line
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves soiled on cook line
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gasket soiled on cook line
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. 3 door reach in cooler
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.