CRAFTY CRAB SEAFOOD
704 E BRANDON BLVD, Brandon FL 33511 · 813-278-5111
Last inspected Jun 11, 2026 · 11 visits since November 2023
MAR 24
AUG 24
MAY 25
JUL 25
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Sewage on ground from failed septic system. Observed raw sewage on ground at lift station in front of establishment. Tested restrooms and no sewage coming out of lift station. Operator confirmed company has been out twice to make repairs and will be back with part. They were having power issues at breaker on lift station.
★ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2019056375 | Sep 23, 2019 | Nov 20, 2019 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jun 11, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Calamari (46F); Coleslaw (47F) in flip top cooler at end of cookline.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of soda gun nozzle at bar. Can opener blade.
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. 7 employees, no proof of training.
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. Missing for 7 employees
Show the remaining 9 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. 3 expired certificates
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle with yellow liquid
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 employee beverages on prep table.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. 2 beverage containers on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone and speaker on prep table.
Food stored on floor. Buckets of sauce on floor in walk in cooler.
Stored food not covered. Lobster tails, crab clusters in reach in freezer. Shucked oysters and crab clusters in reach in cooler. Pans of crab and shrimp in walk in freezer. Operator placed covers
Waste line missing at soda gun holster.
Jun 3, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 22 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority10 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 22 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. Tested twice at 0ppm. Operator set up 3 compartment sink for manual sanitizing, tested at 50ppm
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Calamari (46F); Coleslaw (47F) in flip top cooler at end of cookline.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked Snow Crab (100F) observed in water in wok, holding until needed, then placed in boiling water to serve. Operator turned up heat.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Multiple tags with no date marking. Current oyster supply tag marked with current date (6/3/2026)
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Opened cans of condensed and evaporated milk in bar cooler not dated.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of soda gun nozzle at bar. Can opener blade.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Plastic containers in sink by walk in cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At sink by walk in cooler.
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. 7 employees, no proof of training.
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. Missing for 7 employees
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. 3 expired certificates
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle with yellow liquid
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 employee beverages on prep table.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. 2 beverage containers on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone and speaker on prep table.
Food stored on floor. Buckets of sauce on floor in walk in cooler.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice paddle in standing water at 78F.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. 2 fluorescent light fixtures in kitchen not covered.
Stored food not covered. Lobster tails, crab clusters in reach in freezer. Shucked oysters and crab clusters in reach in cooler. Pans of crab and shrimp in walk in freezer. Operator placed covers
Waste line missing at soda gun holster.
Jul 30, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Steel wool observed in hand sink at end of cookline. Metal tray in hand sink near prep sink at end of cookline. Bar mats and bottle brush in hand sink at bar.
No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. See stop sale. Harvest date on tag with open container of oysters dated 2/21/2024. Tag also has written date of 6/14/2025.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date mark on cooked crawfish, cooked wings, cooked sliced sausage in walk in coolers.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in bag of Jasmine rice in storage area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Keys and AirPods on prep table at end of cookline. Cellphone on shelf over flip top cooler on cookline
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn on reach in freezer door at end of cookline.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At soda fountain ice bin
Open dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in bottom of reach in freezer at end of cookline.
Waste line missing at soda gun holster.
Jul 15, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority7 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 25 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. Tested twice at 0ppm.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Marinara sauce held at 131F in hot holding unit. Checked at 1:21pm. Operator increased heat. Rechecked at 1:55, 147F
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade has buildup of old food debris
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Steel wool observed in hand sink at end of cookline. Metal tray in hand sink near prep sink at end of cookline. Bar mats and bottle brush in hand sink at bar.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink near walk in coolers, at hand sink near soda fountain, and at hand sink in dish area. Operator replaced towels.
No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. See stop sale. Harvest date on tag with open container of oysters dated 2/21/2024. Tag also has written date of 6/14/2025.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date mark on cooked crawfish, cooked wings, cooked sliced sausage in walk in coolers.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in bag of Jasmine rice in storage area.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on multiple handles throughout establishment.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Uncovered drink glass, covered drink glass on prep table at end of cookline.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Keys and AirPods on prep table at end of cookline. Cellphone on shelf over flip top cooler on cookline
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn on reach in freezer door at end of cookline.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Heavy food debris, grease, trash, single use items observed under and behind equipment throughout establishment.
Food stored on floor. Cooked shicken wings, raw chicken, pot of soup, pot of sauce on floor in walk in cooler. Case of raw chicken on floor in walk in freezer.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At soda fountain ice bin
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 touching food in open bag of flour.
Open dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in bottom of reach in freezer at end of cookline.
Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken wings and raw chicken in pans in walk in cooler uncovered. Containers of shrimp, crab and okra not covered in walk in freezer. Cooked lobster tails and king crab not covered in reach in freezer. Cooked crab clusters, salad mix and shelled oysters uncovered in reach in cooler.
Waste line missing at soda gun holster.
May 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority6 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 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. Cooked crawfish, clams and sausage not dated in walk in cooler
Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days. Operate stated they sell more oysters than what they had tags for.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Strainer stored in hand sink by dish area
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. On cook line, server, back prep area or dish stations.
oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee Dunkin cup on Cook line
Stored food not covered. Observed container of cooked sausage in walk-in cooler not covered.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Bags of shrimp thawing in three compartment sink
May 9, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority7 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 2-1-2025. Manager renewed license and new expiration is 2-1-2026. Manager printed and posted license
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Cooked crawfish, clams and sausage not dated in walk in cooler
Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days. Operate stated they sell more oysters than what they had tags for.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Strainer stored in hand sink by dish area
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Ming Chen 1-3-2018, certificate expired and no other food manager on site
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. On cook line, server, back prep area or dish stations.
oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee Dunkin cup on Cook line
Stored food not covered. Observed container of cooked sausage in walk-in cooler not covered.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Bags of shrimp thawing in three compartment sink
Oct 21, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 6, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority6 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days.
No chlorine 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. None at dish area, cook line and server station
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
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.
oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Aug 2, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 18 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority8 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Observed
Sewage on ground from failed septic system. Observed raw sewage on ground at lift station in front of establishment. Tested restrooms and no sewage coming out of lift station. Operator confirmed company has been out twice to make repairs and will be back with part. They were having power issues at breaker on lift station.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Food stored under dripping water in walk in freezer. Observed case of frozen bar mix under leak in walk in freezer and ice buildup on case.
'Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked oysters not posted/provided in a conspicuous location. Sign was posted in back of restaurant manager posted in front by hostess station
Establishment not maintaining oyster tags for 90 days.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled
No chlorine 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. None at dish area, cook line and server station
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
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.
oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee coffee on prep line. Manager removed
Equipment in poor repair. First Walk in freezer not working, ambient temp 40f.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Floors soiled throughout kitchen and dish areas
Food stored under dripping water in walk in freezer. Observed case of frozen bar mix under leak in walk in freezer and ice buildup on case.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed crab legs thawing in three compartment sink.
Mar 14, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Filling coffee pot
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cellphone
Food stored on floor. Cases of margarine
Open dumpster lid.
Nov 29, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Water pitcher in sink
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked foods
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers.
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.