COWPOKE'S WATERING HOLE
6813 US HWY 27 S, Sebring FL 33876 · 863.314.9459
Last inspected Aug 26, 2026 · 12 visits since October 2023
MAR 25
AUG 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 23 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by 5 rodent droppings found at bar in back corner. Operator cleaned and sanitized.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2026030272 | Mar 4, 2026 | May 27, 2026 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Aug 26, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Par cooked chicken wings over vegetables in walk in cooler. Operator stored correctly.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on frying station area. Operator will place at location.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing at prep area.
Food storage container lid cracked and repaired with black tape.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Outlet missing cover at dishwasher area.
Mar 5, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing at preparation area.
Mar 4, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by 5 rodent droppings found at bar in back corner. Operator cleaned and sanitized.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing at preparation area.
Open dumpster lid. Operator closed.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Operator removed and stored correctly.
Oct 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food at waiting salad area. Employee washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pork over milk. Operator removed and stored pork correctly.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.
Hood vents soiled with grease and grease accumulated on edges of hood. Operator will clean at closing.
Top of line where plates are staged soiled. Operator will clean at closing.
Aug 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Hole in or other damage to wall in various locations in dishwasher area.
Aug 12, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment for flies. Operator removed from dry storage.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse On line : Whole catfish (48F - Cold Holding); Shrimp (48F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Calamari (50F - Cold Holding); Frog legs (50F - Cold Holding). Operator voluntarily discarded, and called for service.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On line : Whole catfish (48F - Cold Holding); Shrimp (48F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Calamari (50F - Cold Holding); Frog legs (50F - Cold Holding). Operator voluntarily discarded, and called for service.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink nearest bar. Operator placed at location.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
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. Raw salmon at 43 F still in packaging. Operator completely removed from packaging.
Hole in or other damage to wall in various locations in dishwasher area.
Mar 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Observed: Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Three cans crushed tomatoes. Operator removed from service. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: High Priority
Observed: Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee washed hands. Priority: High Priority
Observed: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths for chlorine dishwasher. Operator ordered. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor: cauliflower and red onions in walk in cooler. Operator stored correctly. Priority: Basic
Observed: Hole in or other damage to wall at walk in cooler near dishwasher. Operator has work order to repair. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: Basic
Observed: No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding units on front counter. Operator placed at location. Priority: Basic
Sep 30, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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.
Hole in or other damage to wall: exposed insulation at vegetable walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Aug 21, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
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. Provided operator with the vomiting and diarrhea clean up poster
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. Provided operator with food employee agreement. One employee signed, all others will see go.
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin by office.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in ice bin. Operator removed.
Ceiling vent covers missing in secured customer area and one near salad area.Operator states repairs will be completed by Labor Day weekend.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. In seafood/ prep area, and at ice bins the ceiling tiles are missing. The ceiling has been covered with plastic and secured. One corner of seating area is also under repair, has new ceiling, and needs ceiling vents covers. Operator has that section secured. Operator stated over the phone that work is being done daily and has documents that repairs began on 8/13 and will be completed Labor Day weekend.
Dead roaches on premises. Three dead roaches at bar that is not in service. Operator removed.
Hole in or other damage to wall: exposed insulation at vegetable walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at outdoor bar. Operator removed.
Water leaking from faucet at triple sink.
Jan 31, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter at 60 F for less than 20 minutes. Operator applied rapid heat, rested at 135F.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths for chlorine. Operator obtained.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels at line. Operator repaired.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink by line hot holding area. Water had been turned off.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair: by ice machine.
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. Tuna at 37F, and Mahi operator removed from packaging.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken, bulk seasoning and repaired with tape.
Hole in or other damage to wall in vegetable cooler and bread cooler with exposed insulation.
Ice buildup in reach-in walk-in freezer.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit at waiting station.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at cook line
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination at ice machine, whisks. Operator removed and stored correctly.
Oct 26, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory: Tuna poke on menu. Operator will mark.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored, spatulas, whisks and colander not stored correctly. Operator stored correctly.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken: bulk seasoning, Everglades and bulk sugar cover containers broken.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom in vegetable cooler.
Oct 24, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical on top of ice bin. Operator removed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Wet towel under cutting board at meat cutting station.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory: Tuna poke on menu. Operator will mark.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored, spatulas, whisks and colander not stored correctly. Operator stored correctly.
Dead roaches on premises. Two dead roaches at waiting station. Three at bar. One under steam table Operator removed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator placed hair restraint on head.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken: bulk seasoning, Everglades and bulk sugar cover containers broken.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding units on line. Operator obtained and placed accordingly.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom in vegetable 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.