EL SABOR DE TAMPA BISTRO
7006 HANLEY RD, Tampa FL 33634 · 407 591 0290
Last inspected Mar 12, 2026 · 12 visits since October 2023
MAY 24
DEC 24
APR 25
JAN 26
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on floor at new kitchen area. 2 live in back prep area near reach-in coolers
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,000
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024035532 | May 30, 2024 | Aug 13, 2024 | $400 |
| 3--2023010824 | Jan 31, 2023 | May 24, 2023 | $400 |
| 3--2020001521 | Nov 21, 2019 | Feb 3, 2020 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Mar 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Chlorine sanitizer testing at 0 PPM. Employee readjusted chlorine to 50 PPM at time of inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Measuring spoons on dry storage rack in back kitchen area soiled.
Food stored on floor. One case of oil stored on floor in back kitchen area next to water heater and handwashing sink. Operator relocated oil off floor at time of inspection.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Located inside reach in freezer and in reach in chest freezer adjacent to the three compartment sink.
Jan 9, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Black non food grade bag used to store bread in reachin freezer.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Date marking missing on ham and cheese in reachin cooler.
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. 1 cracked broken eggs stored with eggs in reachin cooler.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee washed dirty dishes, went to grab gloves and stir food. Inspector discussed proper hand washing with employee.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. cut tomatoes (56F - Cold Holding) temped at 10:47am; raw shelled eggs ( ambient temp ) (57F - Cold Holding) temped at 10:48am; dulce de leche (58F - Cold Holding) temped at 10:50am. In reachin cooler #1 not properly cooling
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. butter (80F - Cold Holding)on prep table. Employee placed in cooler. cut tomatoes (56F - Cold Holding) temped at 10:47am; raw shelled eggs ( ambient temp ) (57F - Cold Holding) temped at 10:48am; dulce de leche (58F - Cold Holding) temped at 10:50am. In reachin cooler #1 not properly cooling
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed ac drain line draining in hand sink in back prep area. Employee removed and placed a bucket to catch the water from the ac.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand sink not operating in front dining area.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle filled with Lysol not labeled. Employee labeled.
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. Cooler not properly cooling.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Missing at both unisex restrooms.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag stored on bottom shelf of prep table adjacent to hand sink.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee wearing watch.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee missing hair restraint while moving food items from cooler.
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Unsealed wood used as storage shelf.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked floor tiles in kitchen near dish area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in reachin freezer in prep area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Water temped at 73F in cup holding spoon next to espresso machine. Employee discarded water.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment.mop sink removed from back of establishment.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stored on clean dishes on shelf in dish area.
Open dumpster lid.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand sink not properly installed.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed tin foil torn on bottom shelf of prep table adjacent to front doors.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in reachin cooler in prep area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk flour and oil not labeled on prep table on cookline.
Apr 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken stored over Ready to eat cooked chicken and arepa in Reach in freezer. Manager relocated raw chicken during time of inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb, located at rear exterior of establishment.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Chlorine sanitizer 200+ppm. 100ppm during time of inspection.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Sliced ham in back kitchen Reach in cooler not date marked. Milk in front register Reach in cooler not dater marked. Manager added date to milk during time of inspection.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Located beneath three compartment sink. Manager added label during time of inspection.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. At back door area.
Food stored on floor. 2 cases of bottles water stored on kitchen floor adjacent to deli slicer. Manager relocated water to an approved location during time of inspection.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Located at front counter espresso machine. A sign has been provided, manager posted sign during time of inspection.
Feb 4, 2025□ 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 ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At all 5 handwashing sinks in the entire establishment included restrooms.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. At back door area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee sweater and keys stored on prep table in kitchen. Employee removed items from prep table.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided a physical copy to operator at time of inspection.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Removed.
Dec 3, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority7 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. The only chlorine available in the establishment is not for food contact surfaces. Operator went to store and bought approved sanitizer back to the establishment at time of inspection.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee washed and rinsed food containers, then put them on drain board to air dry without proper sanitation. Discussed with operator about the proper procedures for manually ware washing.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. A gallon of milk 57 F stored in handwash sink at front service area. Employee moved to reach-in cooler.
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 a copy by email.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. A gallon of milk stored in handwash sink at front service counter. Employee moved it to reach-in cooler.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine test kit. Provided a few test strips to operator at time of inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At all 5 handwashing sinks in the entire establishment included restrooms.
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. Provided a physical copy, 1 employee signed and date agreement.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. 2 quarts of chicken soups in reach-in cooler.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. At back door area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee sweater and keys stored on prep table in kitchen. Employee removed items from prep table.
Food stored on floor. A case of fry oil stored on floor in kitchen. Employee moved to shelf.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided a physical copy to operator at time of inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with accumulation of dust and grease.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Removed.
May 31, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 30, 2024Administrative determination recommendedLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Observed: 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/ Priority: High Priority
Observed: Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. No handwash sinks available. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No handwash sink for employees. The only handwash sink in kitchen has been disconnected from proper plumbing system and stored on floor, no handwash sink available in the entire establishment except in restrooms. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No soap provided at handwash sink. No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: 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/. Per approved revised plan, no handwash sink has been installed next to three compartment sink, and no handwash sink has been installed at front service area. The only handwash sink available in kitchen has been disconnected from plumbing system, no handwash sink available in the entire establishment except restrooms. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing. Operator ordered online at time of inspection. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding next to back entry door Wall junction next to back door Wall junction near back entrance to kitchen. Priority: Basic
Observed: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Priority: Basic
May 30, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedLicensing Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection 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/. Per approved plan on 04/08/2010, new operator relocated three compartment sink and handwash sink, then removed wall on three compartment sink from original location, new wall built from kitchen to front entrance, taking half of the dining room to be a new bakery kitchen, front bar removed along with handwash sink.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding at establishment observed to be missing or in disrepair. Cove molding next to hand sink near stove in kitchen Cove molding next to back entry door Cove molding behind stove Cove molding behind three compartment sink Cove molding in front server area Wall junction next to back door Wall junction near back entrance to kitchen. Wall junction next to front entrance to kitchen
May 30, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 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/
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. No handwash sinks available.
No handwash sink for employees. The only handwash sink in kitchen has been disconnected from proper plumbing system and stored on floor, no handwash sink available in the entire establishment except in restrooms.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No soap provided at handwash sink. No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
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/. Per approved revised plan, no handwash sink has been installed next to three compartment sink, and no handwash sink has been installed at front service area. The only handwash sink available in kitchen has been disconnected from plumbing system, no handwash sink available in the entire establishment except restrooms.
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing. Operator ordered online at time of inspection.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding next to back entry door Wall junction next to back door Wall junction near back entrance to kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Mar 29, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection 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/. Per approved plan on 04/08/2010, new operator relocated three compartment sink and handwash sink, then removed wall on three compartment sink from original location, new wall built from kitchen to front entrance, taking half of the dining room to be a new bakery kitchen, front bar removed along with handwash sink.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding at establishment observed to be missing or in disrepair. Cove molding next to hand sink near stove in kitchen Cove molding next to back entry door Cove molding behind stove Cove molding behind three compartment sink Cove molding in front server area Wall junction next to back door Wall junction near back entrance to kitchen. Wall junction next to front entrance to kitchen
Mar 26, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedLicensing Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection 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/
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on floor at new kitchen area. 2 live in back prep area near reach-in coolers
Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. Rub marks observed next to entrance to kitchen along top of wall.
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/. Per approved plan on 04/08/2010, new operator relocated three compartment sink and handwash sink, then removed wall on three compartment sink from original location, new wall built from kitchen to front entrance, taking half of the dining room to be a new bakery kitchen, front bar removed along with handwash sink.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding at establishment observed to be missing or in disrepair. Cove molding next to hand sink near stove in kitchen Cove molding next to back entry door Cove molding behind stove Cove molding behind three compartment sink Cove molding in front server area Wall junction next to back door Wall junction near back entrance to kitchen. Wall junction next to front entrance to kitchen
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead in back prep area near reach-in coolers 1 dead behind prep table 1 dead in front of walk in cooler 2 dead under stove
Oct 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken and raw steak stored over unwashed avocados and other vegetables in walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. A container of homemade Horchata (50F - Cold Holding) stored in reach-in cooler at front service counter. Operator moved it from drink cooler to other time/temperature control for safety food reach-in cooler.
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 by email.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Spoons and sanitizing bucket stored in handwash sink at front service area.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sinks at front service area and next three compartment sink at kitchen.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken wings, cooked bean and other cooked items in walk-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.