GECKO'S GRILL AND PUB
351 N CATTLEMEN RD, Sarasota FL 34232 · 941-923-6640
Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
SEP 24
DEC 24
JUL 25
OCT 25
AUG 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 14 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Live, small flying insects found, Observed approximately 8 small flying insects around the back prep area, with two landing in clean dishes. Operator cleaned the dishes.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2023049798 | Jul 17, 2023 | Oct 12, 2023 | $200 |
| 7--2018019883 | Mar 8, 2018 | Jun 12, 2018 | $200 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 24, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
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. Dish machine chlorine sanitizer reading 00ppm chlorine. Container of sanitizer was empty, manager replaced the sanitizer, new reading 100ppm chlorine.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw tuna stored over ready to eat dressings in the reach in cooler on the left side of the cook line. Employee removed the tuna.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head soiled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Interior of both ice machines in the kitchen soiled
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Several ceiling tiles in the kitchen soiled.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee cutting into an avocado before washing. Employee washed the avocado.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls in the beer keg walk in cooler soiled.
Oct 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a case of raw fish stored over shredded cheese in the cook line. Operator moved it.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed cases of chafing fuel stored over food products in the catering area. Operator moved them.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed their can opener and its holder with debris build up.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed multiple ceiling vents in the establishment with dust build up.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed the floor of the side bar and the cook line with debris build up.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water, pickles, and Pork stored on the floor of the walk in cooler. Operator placed them on shelves.
Jul 7, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 2, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found, Observed approximately 8 small flying insects around the back prep area, with two landing in clean dishes. Operator cleaned the dishes.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the central top make table of the cook line. Operator states they were replaced approximately 3hrs ago. Operator iced the cooler and placed the out of temp products inside the reach in cooler with ice.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Operator did not have a quaternary test kit for their sanitizer buckets.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee phone and speaker stored above/with food items in the kitchen. Operator removed the items.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed an ice scoop in ice at the two server ice machine. Operator removed the scoops.
Dec 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed cases of raw chicken stored over cases of beef in the walk in cooler. Operator moved the chicken.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the prep can opener blade soiled.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowls being used as scoops is multiple containers of seasoning in the kitchen. Operator removed some.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed the wait station ice scoop handle buried in their ice bin. Operator removed it.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed a wet icing cloth underneath a cutting board in the prep area.
Sep 4, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the left side hot holding unit: Marinara sauce (98F - Hot Holding); Cheese sauce (105F - Hot Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs. Operator removed them to reheat.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the employee restroom. Operator placed more there.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the special event bar.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris build up on the top of the dish machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed multiple bowls being used as scoops in the back dry storage area. Operator removed the scoops.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed an employee lunch stored with customer food and not identified. Operator removed the lunch.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed the bar ice scoop placed inside the bin. Operator removed the scoop.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up on the cook line hood filters.
May 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed multiple containers of cooked pasta date marked May 5th in a reach in cooler. Operator disposed of food willingly
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed multiple containers of cooked pasta date marked May 5th in a reach in cooler. Operator disposed of food willingly.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a sanitizer bucket stored next to clean pans on the cook line. Operator removed the pans.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the meeting room bar.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a single service cup being used as a scoop in a container of dressing. Operator removed the cup. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed multiple ceiling tiles in the establishment with grease build up. Operator showed that they were in the process of cleaning the tiles. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed multiple grooved cutting boards on the cook line. Operator stated they are in the process of ordering new ones.
Dumpster rusted out on bottom. Observed the front dumpster with a hole starting to grow due to rust.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in the chemical storage area. Operator stated it was due to a faulty hose. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed a bug zapper installed over the front kitchen prep area. Operator unplugged the zapper.
Stored food not covered. Observed containers of chicken not covered in the kitchen reach in freezer, and containers of shrimp not covered in the walk in freezer. Operator covered the food.
Oct 30, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of laxative stored with spices in the back prep area. Operator disposed of medicine.
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee with gloves touch their face and then grab clean equipment without changing gloves or washing their hands. Operator had employee wash hands and change gloves.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over ready to eat bacon in the walk in cooler. Operator placed bacon on the top shelf.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in the walk in cooler. Operator removed chicken.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in the employee restroom. Operator put in more towels.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up in the ice machine bins. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowls being used as scoops in bags of spices in the dry storage area. Operator removed bowls.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed multiple ceiling tiles in the establishment with grease build up. Observed a ceiling vent in the dry storage area with dust build up.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple employee drinks stored above food in the kitchen and dry storage food. Operator removed drinks.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed the floor of the chemical storage area with standing water. Operator stated it was due to the employee not fully turning off the mop sink hose.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed a scoop with the handle touching food in a container of flour in the prep area. Operator placed handle above food.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed employees thawing beef in standing water. Operator had them turn on water. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Jul 20, 2023□ 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 ▾
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee cutting peppers before washing them. Employee washed cut and uncut peppers.
Jul 17, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 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. Bar Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer reading 00ppm. Bartender primed and refilled the machine. New reading 50 ppm.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed a employee handling raw chicken, and changed gloves without washing hands. Employee washed hands and changed gloves.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored over ready to eat Mac n Cheese in the stand up reach in cooler on the cook line. Manager placed fish below mac n cheese.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. The following items were stored in the bottom of the reach in cooler in the expo area cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Pico sauce (50F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the items had been stored in the reach in cooler for more them 4 hours. Manager discarded the items.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Provolone cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Pepper Jack cheese (55F - Cold Holding); Beef (51F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding) stored stacked above the fill line in the top section of the reach in cooler on the cook line. Manager stated the items had been in the reach in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Manager emptied half the content of the pan into a separate pan and placed it in the bottom of the reach in cooler. The following items were stored in the bottom of the reach in cooler in the expo area cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Pico sauce (50F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the items had been stored in the reach in cooler for more them 4 hours. Manager discarded the items. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed black mold like build up on the can opener blade and the dough mixer head in the back prep area.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water shut off in employee bathroom in back of kitchen. Manager stated that he called a plumber to fix the problem.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Observed both ice machines in the kitchen with black and pink mold like build up.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Paint peeling around the vents in the back preparation area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a container of beef, bag of onions, and a box of frozen potatoes stored on floor of the kitchen;Case of apple sauce stored on the floor in the dry storage area; Manager placed the items on a shelf.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee cutting peppers before washing them. Employee washed cut and uncut peppers.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork and beef thawing in standing water. Manager placed items under running water.
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.