DINER BY THE SEA
215 COMMERCIAL BLVD, Lauderdale-By-The-Se FL 33308 · 732-236-9130
Last inspected May 21, 2026 · 18 visits since October 2023
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
5 cases · $1,760
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2026009149 | Sep 17, 2025 | Mar 5, 2026 | $600 |
| 2--2024040670 | Jun 27, 2024 | Sep 6, 2024 | $160 |
| 2--2024045522 | Aug 7, 2024 | Sep 6, 2024 | $400 |
| 2--2023058094 | Oct 4, 2023 | Nov 6, 2023 | $200 |
| 2--2015006228 | Jan 15, 2015 | Jul 9, 2015 | $400 |
Inspection history
18 visits, newest first
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 5 high priority.
Show 7 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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator set up triple sink to sanitize.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Cook entered Cookline, put on gloves and began cooking items without first washing hands. Reviewed proper hand washing and employee washed hands.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Walk in cooler - cooked beef (46-47F). Per operator item held in unit overnight. No items prepped or portioned today. Cooked beef - see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Front counter - triple glass door - sliced turkey (45-46F); shredded cheese (48-49F); cut tomatoes (48-49F). Per operator items placed in unit approximately 3 hours ago. No items prepped or portioned today. Operator moved items to reach in to quick chill. Walk in cooler - cheese (43-45F); cooked beef (46-47F); raw bacon (45-46F). Per operator items held in unit overnight. No items prepped or portioned today. Operator moved items to freezer to quick chill. Cooked beef - see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Front counter - triple glass door - cut watermelon - ambient cooling 1 hour at 10am (66-68F - Cooling) at 10:25am 62-64F. At this rate proper ambient cooling will not occur. Operator moved item to reach in to quick chill.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline utensils in water 76F. Operator removed.
Stored food not covered. Reach in freezer - container of country fried steak. Operator covered properly.
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 4 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Expo - butter pats (75F). Per operator item placed out approximately 3 hours ago. Operator placed on time as a public health control.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary and chlorine.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Both restrooms - water 80F.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In front of walk in freezer
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 2 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 4 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
Interior of cookline reach in cooler in disrepair.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 4 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -raw ground beef patty (64F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (72F);cooked sausage patty (64F - Cold Holding) per operator items held in unit less than 4 hrs. Operator placed items in freezer to quick chill. Reviewed cold holding with operator and proper set up of an ice bath.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. - cookline flip top unit.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. -Employee wiped lips with napkin, then began scooping ice for customers beverage order. Reviewed proper hand washing with employee.
Employee washed hands with no soap. -ware washing employee washed hands with no soap, reviewed proper hand washing. Employee then washed hands with soap and water.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - Ware washing station hand sink, operator provided.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -employee bag on prep table next to clean dish ware, operator removed, and stored properly. -shelf above prep table; uncovered employee beverage, operator removed and stored properly.
Floor area with standing water. -Rear storage area between walk in freezer and storage cabinet, operator cleaned.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer door frame.
Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. -water draining slowly when dish washer and hand washing sink is being use.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 1 finding ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets.
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwashing sink on front counter is double sink. Per plan review, divider must be installed and separate faucets on each sink.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached egg on menu, reviewed menu updating with operator.
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.
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. All but 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets.
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 8 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 8 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 24 rodent droppings in kitchen on shelf containing audio equipment. Approximately 12 rodent droppings under microwave on shelf in kitchen. Approximately 4 rodent droppings on prep table under and behind steam table in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings on top of dish washing machine in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings located in rear storage area by water heater.
Handwashing sink on front counter is double sink. Per plan review, divider must be installed and separate faucets on each sink.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached egg on menu, reviewed menu updating with operator.
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.
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. All but 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Both bathrooms located in rear of establishment by storage not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets.
Ordered shut on the spot. 14 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
Show 14 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 24 rodent droppings in kitchen on shelf containing audio equipment. Approximately 12 rodent droppings under microwave on shelf in kitchen. Approximately 4 rodent droppings on prep table under and behind steam table in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings on top of dish washing machine in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings located in rear storage area by water heater.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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. 2x 6oz ROP Mahi mahi in Cookline flip top still in ROP package, per operator item was taken out of freezer yesterday and held in unit overnight, see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Expo area-butter (70F). Observed item held in an ice bath with ice water solution too low. Per operator item out for 1 hr, operator placed item in reach in to quick chill.
Handwashing sink on front counter is double sink. Per plan review, divider must be installed and separate faucets on each sink.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached egg on menu, reviewed menu updating with operator.
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.
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. All but 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Both bathrooms located in rear of establishment by storage not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
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. 2x 6oz ROP Mahi mahi in Cookline flip top still in ROP package, per operator item was taken out of freezer yesterday and held in unit overnight, see stop sale.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach under triple sink. 1 dead roach next to stove in kitchen. 1 dead roach on shelf at front counter. Operator removed dead roaches and cleaned/ sanitized the area.
Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind stove in prep room and standing water on floor behind ice machine.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 2 findings ▾
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/
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/. No hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 2 findings ▾
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/
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/. No hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file.
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
Show 2 findings ▾
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/
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/. No hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file.
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
Show 2 findings ▾
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/
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/. No hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 4 findings ▾
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/
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/. No hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored directly on top of ice machine. Operator stored properly.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline - flip top - cut lettuce (60-65F); cheese (60-65F). Per operator items held in unit approximately 3 hours. No items prepped or portioned today. Operator placed items in ice bath to quick chill.
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 handout to operator.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Provided Time as a Public Health Control form to operator and reviewed.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator set up triple sink for sanitizing. Chlorine 100ppm.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator and operator posted.
Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Operator made new solution with only chlorine 100ppm.
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.