J LEMON & PEPPER
5325 N MAIN ST, Jacksonville FL 32208 · 904-329-2456
Last inspected Jan 23, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
MAY 24
JUL 24
JAN 25
NOV 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Three live flies observed in kitchen area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2024006131 | Oct 24, 2023 | Mar 4, 2024 | $1,200 |
| 5--2022057044 | Aug 26, 2022 | Jan 11, 2023 | $600 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jan 23, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. At cook line area, container of raw chicken sitting on bulk breading container. Operator moved chicken to shelf.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. At front handwash sink, cup and towel in sink. At back handwash sink, knife and plastic bag in sink. All items removed from sinks.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. At front counter, sign for conch salad does not identify as raw item. Operator stated conch is raw. Operator placed star on sign and star on consumer advisory posted under sign.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer door handles have build up on back side. Operator cleaned during inspection.
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. At prep table by drink station, employee keys on prep table. Operator removed keys.
Floors, walls and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. At cook line, hood system have build up of grease and flour dust. At cook line, floor under equipment has build up. At walk-in freezer, edge of door has build up of food residue.
Hole in or other damage to wall. At prep table by drink station, lower wall missing tiles.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At soda dispenser, scoop has handle laying in ice. Also, at cook line, tongs stored on cart handle. Operator moved both items to proper storage.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Reach-in coolers at cookline/drive thru, 3 doors missing metal panels exposing insulation.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. At cook line, hood filters have build up of grease and flour dust. At cook line, side of fryers have grease build dip.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Front door drags on ground, does not fully close by itself.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. In breading container, cut jug used as scoop. Operator discarded jug.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. At flip top reach-in cooler area, aluminum pans on upper shelf not inverted. Operator inverted pans.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. In back kitchen, cases of chicken and chicken livers sitting on counter, thawing at room temperature. Operator moved all items to walk-in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Front handwash sink faucet leaking.
Nov 3, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 18 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler, container of raw shrimp over cooked chicken. Container of raw chicken over raw fish. Cas of raw beef over cases of mayonnaise. At cook line in reach-in cooler, container of raw chicken over container of raw fish. Operator moved all items to proper storage levels.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. At front counter area, 18 cheesecakes (47-48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated cheesecake has been in reach-in cooler for 3 days.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At front counter area, 18 cheesecakes (47-48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated cheesecake has been in reach-in cooler for 3 days.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At cook line in basket above fryers, shrimp (120F - Hot Holding). Operator stated shrimp was cooked extra from a recent order.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter at mop sink missing backflow preventer on both sides.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bulk flour containers, inside of lids have build up of food debris. Operator had employee clean.
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. Operator stated some employees hired over 60 days do not have training yet. Operator ordered books.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In sandwich make reach-in cooler, cooked shrimp prepared yesterday per operator, not dated
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. At cook line, 2 employee drinks on top,of reach-in cooler. Operator removed.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. At sandwich make reach-in cooler, employee's container of fries on top ledge of reach-in cooler. Employee moved.
Floors, walls and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. At cook line, floor under/behind fryers has grease build up. Wall by sandwich make reach-in cooler soiled. Outside of office door soiled.
Hole in or other damage to wall. At office, wall tiles at corner of wall broken/chipped.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. At cook line, tongs on cart handle. Operator moved tongs.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Reach-in cooler at cookline/drive thru, 2 doors missing metal panels exposing insulation.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. At front counter area, 2 reach-in coolers with pudding and cheesecake missing ambient thermometers.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. At cook line, hold filters have grease build up.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. In walk-in cooler, raw chicken boxes reused for cooked chicken.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. 3 bulk flour/breading containers not labeled.
Mar 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 6, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 2 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front Kitchen handwash sink, no towels. Person in Charge stocked. Back kitchen handwash sink not dispensing, Person in Charge changed batteries.
Bathroom facility not clean. Toilet and sink soiled in unisex restroom.
Jul 30, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 26, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In small black/glass door reach-in cooler at end of cook line, sliced white cheese (60F - Cold Holding); calamari (57F - Cold Holding); conch (58F - Cold Holding); scallops (56F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (57F - Cold Holding). Operator stated all items placed in cooler last night.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In small black/glass door reach-in cooler at end of cook line, sliced white cheese (60F - Cold Holding); calamari (57F - Cold Holding); conch (58F - Cold Holding); scallops (56F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (57F - Cold Holding). Operator stated all items placed in cooler last night. In flip top reach-in cooler at end of cook line, cut lettuce (45F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (45F - Cold Holding); hamburgers (46F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items placed in cooler a few hours ago. Ice added to items.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. At drink station in kitchen, can of air freshener stored on case of filters. Operator moved to,proper storage.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink by triple sinks, no paper towels. Operator supplied.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 drinks on prep counter by front handwash sink. 2 drinks in bottom of flip top reach-in cooler. All drinks moved to proper storage.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Daylight visible at bottom of back door.
Floors, walls and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. At cook line, hood system and wall behind fryers have grease build up.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In back kitchen across from triple sink, hole in wall.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. At cook line, hood filters have build up.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Multiple chicken boxes being reused. Operator removed boxes.
May 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 24, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority0 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
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. Employee in drive through touched face and hair then immediately handled to go food (opening and inspecting container) without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands properly.
Employee washed hands with no soap. Cook in back area used hand washing sink and only rinsed off hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands properly.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live fly observed in kitchen.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In front counter display cooler, 41 portions of banana pudding and 29 pieces of cheesecake stored overnight 50F. Items discarded. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In front counter display cooler, 41 portions of banana pudding and 29 pieces of cheesecake stored overnight 50F. Items discarded. See stop sale.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Pain reliever bottle and spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored on top of white reach in freezer next to cans of tuna and to go items. Toxic items moved and stored correctly.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Missing at the ends of the splitter for mop sink faucet where green hoses are attached.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee in front of kitchen by drive through area.
Equipment in poor repair. Front counter cooler door is cracked. Reach in cooler between drive through and kitchen has doors with exposed insulation. Front door handle repaired with blue tape. Dish spray hose repaired with blue tape. Operator states new front cooler is ordered. Employee removed tape from dish hose.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Floor in outside dry storage unit.
Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in dry storage area in back. Floor in dry storage by ice machine. Floor in outside walk in freezer. Wall behind fryers in kitchen. Ceiling in kitchen by cooking area.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Dumpster outside of establishment. Operator states that there was a dumpster fire and lids were destroyed. Operator has called trash company to replace.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall by white reach in freezer in kitchen.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoops for bulk containers of flour and cornmeal in kitchen. Scoops moved and stored correctly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above fryers in kitchen. Back of fryers in kitchen. Multiple gaskets for reach in coolers in kitchen.
Operator does not permit customers to use bathroom. Bathroom in dining area has out of order sign and is locked. Operator removed sign.
Sep 12, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
6 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Three live flies observed in kitchen area.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler, raw chicken stored on top of ready to eat cabbage. Items moved and stored correctly.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At front counter, 20 slices of cheesecake stored overnight 50F. Cheesecake discarded. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At front counter, 20 slices of cheesecake stored overnight 50F. Cheesecake discarded. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Near fryers, cooked shrimp 99F and cooked french fries 110F. Both items cooked approximately 15 minutes prior. French fries voluntarily discarded. Shrimp served to guest in drive through.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In dry storage area, bleach bottles stored with containers of oil. Items moved and stored correctly.
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. No written plan available. Inspector printed Form 5030-104.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand washing sink by front counter with cup inside. Cup removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Both hand washing sinks in kitchen. Towels provided.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored by hand washing sink near front counter. Two spray bottles containing chemical cleaner stored by triple sink in back kitchen. Bottles discarded.
Employee with no hair/beard restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on cook line missing both hair and beard restraint. Cook placed hair net on.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Cook washing pan not using three step method and only using one sink with scrubber and water. Inspector coached employee on proper ware washing procedures.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Floor in back kitchen area.
Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment in kitchen. Floor in walk in cooler. Floor in walk in freezers. Floor near mop sink. Walls in back kitchen. Wall behind fryers in kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In dining room by back booth.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Reach in cooler at front counter.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Front window for reach in cooler at front counter is cracked. Two doors of three door cooler have exposed insulation.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple shelves in kitchen area. Fan near triple sink. Employee began cleaning items.
Open dumpster/grease receptacle lid. Dumpster and grease receptacle outside of establishment.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop stored in soiled water in mop bucket near ice machine in kitchen.
Jul 24, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Employee washed hands with no soap. Employee washed hands in back hand washing sink without soap.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of ice machine in kitchen (deflector).
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 present with five employees working. Certified food manager arrived at end of inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand washing sink by front counter. Towels provided.
No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand washing sink in back kitchen by triple sink. Soap provided.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing bleach chemical cleaner stored under hand washing sink at front counter.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2023.
Equipment in poor repair. Front door handle is loose (blue tape). Interior of reach in cooler by fryers exposed insulation. Cracked window for reach in cooler at front counter.
Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under racks near ice machine. Floor in walk in cooler. Floor in walk in freezer. Floor in back kitchen area. Ceiling vents above ice machine in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Container of oil on floor in kitchen. Cases of chicken on floor in walk in freezer.
Hole in or other damage to wall. By back booth in dining area.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Missing at front counter reach in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cooking equipment. Multiple handles for reach in coolers in kitchen. Orange dolly by triple sink. Multiple shelves throughout kitchen.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Both front entrance and rear exit doors do not fully self close. Maintenance on site to repair.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Small area by front counter.
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.