ENGINE NO.9
56 DR MLK JR BLVD, Saint Petersburg FL 33705 · 727-430-5134
Last inspected Jul 31, 2026 · 9 visits since August 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment is open and operating. Operator updated license during inspection. License expired on 02-01-2024.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,460
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024054686 | Jul 22, 2024 | Feb 26, 2025 | $160 |
| 3--2019007977 | Jan 4, 2019 | Mar 20, 2019 | $600 |
| 3--2018018371 | Mar 29, 2018 | Apr 27, 2018 | $400 |
| 3--2016005318 | Jan 15, 2016 | Feb 19, 2016 | $300 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 31, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 32 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority8 Intermediate21 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 32 findingsThe state's own report →
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 1- 7 Lbs. 3 Oz dented can of Catsup. 2- 50 oz. dented can of Roasted Beef Gravy.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Food items observed in interior of oven on cook line: cooked chicken wings (73F - Cold Holding) Oven not turned on and plastic container being stored in the interior. Discussed holding the food items at 41 degrees or below or they may also use Time as a Public Health Control.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of Flex Seal stored next to Boxes of fryer oil near the back kitchen door.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Container of cooked chicken wings covered and stored in the reach in cooler near the upstairs dry storage. Container of cooked wings were placed into containers of ice to speed the cooling process. Re-temped chicken wings at 2:07pm (65F - Cooling)
Show the remaining 28 findings ▾
Identity of food or food product misrepresented. Observed on the online and printed menu in the restaurant: Under Entrées category: New Orleans Jambalaya Pasta serving Fresh Gulf Shrimp. Observed bags of frozen shrimp stored in the deep freezer with brand name Harbor Banks, stating the frozen raw shrimp was sourced in India. Observed invoices from US Foods.
Menu contains an item made with a raw/undercooked animal food as an ingredient and description of item does not inform consumer of raw/undercooked animal food ingredient. Asterisk missing on menu items: Observed on printed restaurant menu: Entrees Category: Sriracha Salmon- States it seared Prime Angus Burgers Category: The Heart Attack- States it has a Fried egg Online menu: Starters category: Tuna Sashimi Under Salads Category: Black N Blue Tuna Salad Non Meat Category: Blue Ahi
No color/concentration comparison chart available for chemical test kit used to check sanitizer. For chlorine strips.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Six employees present engaging with food or preparing food without a CFM present.
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. No employee training for employee serving and serving drinks in the bar: Tracy G. who was hired less than a year ago and for employee Jamie G. who been employed at the establishment for 10 years.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Interior of reach in beer cooler in bar area nearest to soda gun.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. No consumer advisory observed on the online menu.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket stored next to ice machine.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. In use tongs hanging on wall near the kitchen door. Tongs hanging on wall next to flat top.
Dishmachine has no data plate/operating specifications.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Energy drink stored on top of shelf above deep freezer behind the cook line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Bottle of Vaseline above clean dishes in dish pit. Speaker stored on top of bottle of commercially processed sauces on dry storage rack with cans.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors behind cooking equipment on cook line soiled with grease dripping from the hoods.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor underneath racks stored cans.
Food stored on floor. Bucket of pickles
Garbage not placed in a receptacle for storage until pick up to make the garbage inaccessible to insects and rodents. Observed outside near back door of kitchen. Employee took trash to dumpster.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle touching white powdered substance stored in closed container on dry storage rack with cans.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Until in 92 degree water stored underneath hot well on cook line.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Reach in cooler next to upstairs dry storage.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing at hand sink in bar area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods heavily soiled with grease. Pipes and wall on wall behind cook line equipment heavily soiled with grease dripping on the floor. Gaskets on reach in coolers soiled with mold like substance.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. On clean containers stored on rack across from the dish machine.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Beer keg cooler has standing liquid.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Bathroom in front of bar not self closing.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of white powdered substance stored on dry rack underneath cans near the back door.
Mar 26, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside front reach-in cooler at cook line: fresh mozzarella (50F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (51F - Cold Holding); goat cheese (51F - Cold Holding); raw comminuted beef (55F - Cold Holding) Employees placed reduced amount of food in pans in reach-in cooler and placed items back into reach-in cooler on ice to cool. Rechecked temperatures at: fresh mozzarella (40F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (41F - Cold Holding); goat cheese (47F - Cold Holding); raw comminuted beef (43F - Cold Holding)
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ No certified food manager on duty. Six employees engaged at time of inspection. Discussed with employee in charge requirements for managers on duty.
No soap provided at handwash sink in restroom. Discussed with manager who replaced.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Original records not maintained. Multiple training certificates held as screenshots. Original copies are on file for some employees.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets soiled on reach-in coolers.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in cooler at front bar used to hold drinks with surface rust
Dec 18, 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 ▾
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Oct 13, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority9 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 6lb can of chili on shelf in kitchen dented at seam.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Michael Martino CFM expired on 08-24-2025.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Ice dumped inside bowl of hand washing sink in warewashing area. Ice melted when washing hands. Discussed with manager purpose of hand washing stations.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the quaternary sanitizer solution buckets.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to ice machine.
No soap provided at handwash sink next to ice machine in wait station area.
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.
Spray bottle on shelf above three-compartment sink containing toxic substance bleach not labeled. Employee labeled spray bottle bleach.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar area. Employee removed ice scoop.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Jan 27, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Located in hallway near dining room.
Food stored on floor. Five gallon container of pickles stored on floor in prep area.
Jan 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee bare hand touch soiled dishes then retrieve clean dishes from dishmachine without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Observed employee wash hands with cold water in bar area. Discussed with PIC proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee on cooks line wipe hands while donning gloves on soiled wiping cloth. Discussed with PIC proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. From reach-in cooler on cooks line at 12:47pm. Operator added ice. Rechecked temperatures a. blue cheese crumbles (48F - Cold Holding); 44f b. sliced cheese (52F - Cold Holding) 46f On top of reach-in freezer in kitchen and shelf above prep table. Operator placed items into reach-in cooler. a. fried chicken wings (88F - Hot Holding) 83f b. gumbo (117F - Hot Holding) 112f
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Located in hallway near dining room.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Cloth touching fried chicken wings in plastic container on reach-in freezer. Employee removed cloth from chicken wings.
Food stored on floor. Five gallon container of pickles stored on floor in prep area.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar area.
Jul 22, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed server touch soiled dishes touch single-serve items preparing take-out items. Discussed with the operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. Will email DBPR Form 5030-157. Washing Hands Method.
Nonfood-grade bags used to store tortillas in reach-in cooler in prep area.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment is open and operating. Operator updated license during inspection. License expired on 02-01-2024.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 15 Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged raw tuna fish stored in reach-in cooler on cooks line is bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. From reach-in cooler on cooks line at 1:15pm. Employee placed cheese in reach-in cooler. Re temp at 1:50pm. a. sliced cheese (53F - Cold Holding) 47f Will email DBPR Form 5030-106. Cold Holding.
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to ice machine located near beer kegs. Operator provided paper towels.
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. 1. Bayton Perez 2. Ismael Perez
15 Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged raw tuna fish stored in reach-in cooler on cooks line is bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin located near beer kegs.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Jan 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Two 50 ounce cans of gravy are dented on self near cooks line.
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. 1 raw shell egg in container reach-in cooler on cooks line is cracked. Operator discarded cracked egg. Stop sale not warranted.
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. 1. Bayton Perez 2. Ismael Perez
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two spray bottles located above three-compartment sink containing toxic not labeled.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish. 12 packages of raw tuna bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package in reach-in cooler on cooks line.
Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Two 50 ounce cans of gravy are dented on self near cooks line. 1 raw shell egg in container reach-in cooler on cooks line is cracked. Operator discarded cracked egg. Stop sale not warranted.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone stored on top of cutting board on cooks line. Employee removed phone, cleaned and sanitized cutting board.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer located in kitchen and room across from cooks line.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Aug 23, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
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.