DOWN THE HATCH
4894 FRONT ST, Ponce Inlet FL 32127 · 386-761-4831
Last inspected May 6, 2026 · 7 visits since August 2023
DEC 24
FEB 25
JUN 25
NOV 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found -3 flying insects in prep area on top of cutting board -3 flying jnsects in warewashing area on shelf above soiled dishes next to dish machine
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
May 6, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. -vacuum sealed raw tuna thawed inside packaging
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. -vacuum sealed raw tuna thawed inside packaging overnight, see stop sale for unwholesome product.
May 4, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found -3 flying insects in prep area on top of cutting board -3 flying jnsects in warewashing area on shelf above soiled dishes next to dish machine
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. -vacuum sealed raw tuna thawed inside packaging
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. -vacuum sealed raw tuna thawed inside packaging overnight, see stop sale for unwholesome product.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -around water heater in back of house
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. -handle resting inside pan of rice touching food directly,
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -soiled/dusty rack in prep area, top shelf -edge of hood in front of equipment -backsplash behind grill -top surface of broiler on cook line
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. -threshold to door in back, several floes are present
Water draining onto floor surface.
Nov 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 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. -must be in compliance upon the next unannounced inspection
Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
In-use ice bucket stored on soiled surface between uses. -on floor
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. -portion cups, manager corrected
Jun 16, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -raw fish stored above cooked chicken wings at end of cooklin -raw beef stored above cooked prime rib inside drawer below grill, advised of hierarchical requirements for storing food that does not require heat treatment stored below raw food.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. -raw beef patties stored above raw steaks inside walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. -thawed tuna inside vacuum sealed packaging.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -cooked chicken wings 44-45F inside bottom section of cooler at end of cookline, manager stated recently placed in cooler from bulk storage -raw tuna 44F inside inadequate ice bath inside cooler in back next to 3 compartment sink
Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. -cooked brisket 118-125F placed into warmer box set at 140F at 10am per manager. Removed from hot box and placed into steamer for rapid reheating.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. -degreaser stored on top surface of multi use prep space next to container of seasonings
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -hand sink in warewashing area blocked by large trash can
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
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 thawed out inside vacuum sealed packaging.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -in server station
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -hand sink at end of cookline across from stove
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -soiled hand sink at end of cookline -hood filters above grill/salamander
Feb 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. -employee used gloved hand to place raw seafood inside fry basket, changed gloves on line without washing hands prior to plating cooked food/ready to eat.
Raw animal food stored in same bulk container as ready-to-eat food. Vacuum sealed bags of Raw tuna stored inside ice chest with cocktail sauce container in back prep area. Advised to ensure product is not causing unnecessary cross contamination for ready to eat foods.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. -gouda sauce marked 2/8
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. -gouda sauce marked 2/8
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. -smoked brisket inside hot holding unit overnight 115F at edge, see stop sale
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -inside ware-washing area, blocked by large garbage can
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -employee has pitcher inside hand sink at bar outside
Wash solution in spray type hot water sanitizing dishmachine not reaching proper temperature according to manufacturer's specifications.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation.
Dec 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -outside bar soda guns, interior
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -blocked by garbage can
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. -tuna, salmon toppers for salads -black and bleu tuna -manager had server correct menus.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -outside bar
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. -salad station cooler
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -restroom handocap stall -outside bar handsink
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -salt, outside bar
Aug 7, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Air gap between water supply inlet and flood rim of equipment/sink is less than one inch. -3 compartment sink in tiki bar
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -milk 53F inside stand up cooler, manager stated placed in cooler 2 hours prior, moved to working cooler holding adequate temperature
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -soda gun interior
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
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.