LA CABANA RESTAURANT
5302 N ARMENIA AVE, Tampa FL 33603 · 813-936-0078
Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · 13 visits since October 2023
MAY 25
NOV 25
APR 26
JUL 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 15 points better than where it started.
Live, small flying insects found. 1 in bar, 2 in kitchen, 10 on cases of chicken outside
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2022050315 | Sep 12, 2022 | Feb 3, 2023 | $160 |
| 3--2018042266 | Jul 25, 2018 | Sep 19, 2018 | $600 |
| 3--2015049369 | Nov 5, 2015 | Dec 18, 2015 | $400 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Aug 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 14 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee washing dishes with soap and rinsing but no sanitizer step before placing on rack to dry. Discussed with manager proper wash,rinse,sanitize steps.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee washing hands with gloves on. hand wash sink in kitchen by cooking area. Discussed with employee the importance of removing gloves than washing hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Eggs sitting on counter at 67 F. Not using time as public health. Eggs were moved to walk in cooler.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by warewashing area had a spray bottle in it. Hand wash sink in kitchen had buckets in it. Hand wash sink in bar area had soda cans and other items in it.
Show the remaining 10 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. 2 sinks in warewashing area had no paper towels and sinks in bar area had no paper towels.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Both employee restroom in back area and women's room for customers are missing covered trash can.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag on lower shelf in kitchen. Employee phone on shelf over prep area 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. Large containers of rice and beans in kitchen had submerged handles
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Manager called waste company and requested a drain plug be installed. They said it will be done in 3 days.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No sign at hand wash sinks in bar area.
Open dumpster lid. Manager closed lid.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee drink stored in reach in cooler in kitchen
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed tomatoes stored over cooked corn cakes ready to eat in walk in cooler. Manager had employee move tomatoes to lower shelf.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mops stored in mop bucket.
Jul 20, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Non-food grade plastic bags used as liner for food container.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 02/01/26. Establishment is open and operating and serving the public. Operator was able to update during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the handwashing sink on the line being used as storage. Employee removed.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom for employees. Manager added trash can with lid to restroom.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed an employee water bottle on a wrack used to store food, employee removed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee cellphone being stored above cook line. Employee removed,
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoops in dry storage bulk containers touching product. Storage corrected.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar in bulk container with no label. Employee labeled.
Apr 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink blocked by plastic food tray. Operator moved tray during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed a mold like substance inside ice machine bin at time of inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phones stored over main cooks line at time of inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed fryer oils stored on floor in kitchen at time of inspection.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handles in bulk salt and sugar at time of inspection.
Nov 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle of sanitizer stored on bulk sugar bin in server area. Operator moved bottle during inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed some cutting boards are stained in kitchen at time of inspection.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee water stored on main prep table in kitchen at time of inspection. Employee moved bottle during inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phones stored on shelf over main central food prep table in kitchen at time of inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed prepared food stored on floor in walk in freezer at time of inspection.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle in bulk rice. Operator removed scoops to be washed at time of inspection.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mops stored inside mop bucket at time of inspection.
May 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 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. Yonathan expired 1/2024
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal containers in dish area.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. By bathrooms
Fly sticky device hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Over prep table in kitchen. Operator contacted company to relocate.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. In rice
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
May 12, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. 1 in bar, 2 in kitchen, 10 on cases of chicken outside
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over peeled plantains in walk in cooler Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw pork over unwashed potatoes in walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Coffee area- Milk 57F reached 44F placed into reach in freezer Reach in cooler in kitchen-cooked shrimp 44F, cooked chicken 44F, raw shell eggs 50F added ice to cooler
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Coffee area
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. Yonathan expired 1/2024
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. In bar by hand wash sink. Employee states bleach. Operator labeled.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In cooked white rice. Operator removed
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Employee
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Water bottles over food in reach in cooler, dry storage shelving, and walk in cooler. Rearranged.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal containers in dish area.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. By bathrooms
Fly sticky device hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Over prep table in kitchen. Operator contacted company to relocate.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. In rice
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed. Discussed with operator to use ant slip mats
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Bar, coffee area, kitchen prep area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. Knives in drawer
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Salad cooler
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk containers kitchen
Mar 25, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
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 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.
Sink compartments of three-compartment sink too small to accommodate utensils or equipment. Large pots on top shelf in dishwasher area not inverted and too large for 3 compartment sink
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees personal items (backpacks, jackets and cellphones) on food racks in kitchen area
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Open dumpster lid.
Jan 22, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
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.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Jonathan Betancur Manager
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/. Plans approved 12/1/2023 Log No. HQ-24-3277 and have major changes that need to be updated. Per contractor onsite and he is emailing me updated plans to submit to Plan Review. Observed a POD storage unit outside with dry storage food and single serving items. Some stored on the floor not 6 inches off ground.
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.
Sink compartments of three-compartment sink too small to accommodate utensils or equipment. Large pots on top shelf in dishwasher area not inverted and too large for 3 compartment sink
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees personal items (backpacks, jackets and cellphones) on food racks in kitchen area
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Near prep area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Open dumpster lid.
Jan 21, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 24 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority9 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed files in kitchen area 2 at blender station 2 in kitchen prep area near 3 compartment sink 1 in dry storage area
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork and raw fish stored over cut vegetables in reach-in-cooler
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Operator washed hands
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed unlabeled bottle with toxic chemicals stored on top of reach-in-cooler at bar.
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.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Jonathan Betancur Manager
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/. Plans approved 12/1/2023 Log No. HQ-24-3277 and have major changes that need to be updated. Per contractor onsite and he is emailing me updated plans to submit to Plan Review. Observed a POD storage unit outside with dry storage food and single serving items. Some stored on the floor not 6 inches off ground.
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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand sink near prep area
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Sink compartments of three-compartment sink too small to accommodate utensils or equipment. Large pots on top shelf in dishwasher area not inverted and too large for 3 compartment sink
Spray bottles containing toxic substance not labeled. Bar area
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Large pots on top shelf in dishwasher area not inverted
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee eating walking from kitchen prep area to walk-in-cooler
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees personal items (backpacks, jackets and cellphones) on food racks in kitchen area
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Near prep area.
Food being prepared outside. Observed large rotisserie oven stored outside in use cooking chickens. Next to walk-in-cooler and near mop sink
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Open dumpster lid.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Near mop sink
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar large container not labeled with scoop handle located down in sugar.
Jan 21, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
3 High priority8 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils without washing hands.
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.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 10 flies near outside 3 compartment sink and large ice machine 5 flies on large soiled cutting boards in open prep kitchen 5 flies on storage rack holding pots and pans 1 fly on open juice blender 1 fly on blue cutting board 2 flies on plates on top of glass reach-in-cooler 1 fly on box of to go bags in service area 10 files in dining room
Employee dumping mop water in the three-compartment sink / food preparation sink. Observed dirty water flowing on ground from 3 compartment sink
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Several cutting boards
No 3 compartment sink in establishment to accommodate utensils or equipment.
No handwash sink for employees in the establishment except the hand sinks located in the restrooms.
No hot running water at three-compartment sink located outside water temperature at 75 F located outside back door near walk-in-cooler also located outside.
No running inside the establishment. Only running water is located at 3 compartment sink outside near walk-in-cooler
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Water temperature 75 F at the 3 compartment sink stored outside
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Prep area observed food stored and prepping foods.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Warewashing conducted in outdoor area. Observed 3 compartment sink outside and operators are washing pots and pans and with no sanitizer.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Jun 26, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 17 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority8 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils without washing hands.
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.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 10 flies near outside 3 compartment sink and large ice machine 5 flies on large soiled cutting boards in open prep kitchen 5 flies on storage rack holding pots and pans 1 fly on open juice blender 1 fly on blue cutting board 2 flies on plates on top of glass reach-in-cooler 1 fly on box of to go bags in service area 10 files in dining room
Employee dumping mop water in the three-compartment sink / food preparation sink. Observed dirty water flowing on ground from 3 compartment sink
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Several cutting boards
No 3 compartment sink in establishment to accommodate utensils or equipment.
No handwash sink for employees in the establishment except the hand sinks located in the restrooms.
No hot running water at three-compartment sink located outside water temperature at 75 F located outside back door near walk-in-cooler also located outside.
No running inside the establishment. Only running water is located at 3 compartment sink outside near walk-in-cooler
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Water temperature 75 F at the 3 compartment sink stored outside
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Prep area observed food stored and prepping foods.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Warewashing conducted in outdoor area. Observed 3 compartment sink outside and operators are washing pots and pans and with no sanitizer.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Dec 5, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
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 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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Foods in walk-in-coolers.
Ceiling tile torn and missing.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Back kitchen area Hole in or other damage to wall.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Outer openings not protected during operation. Screen in door torn/in poor repair.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Oct 4, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
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.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Operator using hand sink in back kitchen area to cut potatoes
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/.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Foods in walk-in-coolers.
Ceiling tile torn and missing.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Back kitchen area Hole in or other damage to wall.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Outer openings not protected during operation. Screen in door torn/in poor repair.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
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.