MAMBO'S CAFE
4423 N ARMENIA AVE, Tampa FL 33603 · 813-873-1995
Last inspected Jul 20, 2026 · 12 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
NOV 25
JUL 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 with egg casing attached in reach in cooler in door frame along gasket. Employee eradicated and discarded.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025059928 | Jul 28, 2025 | Sep 16, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Jul 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 17, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee used the bathroom and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands upon returning to employee area. Discussed with person in charge the importance of hand washing
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee washed dishes In three comp sink using water and soap only manager added chlorine to sink
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Reach in cooler back outdoor storage Rice 3 lbs chicken 56F 1/2 lbs cook beef 10 lbs cook pork 51F 5 lbs pig feet cook 50F 5 lbs Held in reach in cooler over 4 hours ambient air temp 58F see stop sale Walk In cooler - raw shelled eggs approximately 90 dozen shelled eggs. Ambient air temp 63F
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler next to reach in freezer and 3comp sink raw beef 59F cook rice 59F butter 58F potato cakes 52F ambient temperature 62F food held less than 4 hours discussed with person in charge to move foods to a working cooler manager told employee to move foods out of cooler. Walk In cooler - raw shelled eggs 59F-60F approximately 90 dozen shelled eggs. Ambient air temp 63F see stop sale Reach in cooler storage outdoor chicken 56F cook beef cook pork 51F pig feet cook 50F 5 cook rice 48F Held in reach in cooler over 4 hours ambient air temp 58F disscued with employee to move foods to a working cooler or add ice baths for rapid cooling. Reach in cooler front service cheddar cheese 53F white American cheese 52F
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/ 8 employees no food manager present
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drink on prep table
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. On floor out door storage area
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White bins under prep table with rice and beans not labeled manager labeled
Nov 20, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. White reach in freezer in back kitchen lid is broken.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup inside freezer on front line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have buildup of grease.
Nov 18, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. cooked pork (50F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken (49F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (51F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cooked pork (50F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken (49F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (51F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Cut vegetables held on time has no time stamp. Manager added proper time stamp to vegetables.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Chicken Cooked and held longer then 24 hours has no date markings inside walk in cooler. Employee added dates to foods.
Equipment in poor repair. White reach in freezer in back kitchen lid is broken.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup inside freezer on front line.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoop laying in ice. Manager removed scoop.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have buildup of grease.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Plastic bottles of sauces have no labeling of ingredients inside reach in cooler on front line. Manager added proper labeling to bottles.
Nov 18, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Equipment in poor repair. Deep freezer located next to fryer lid not properly fitting. Reach in cooler has torn gasket near back door.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in fridge behind sandwich press
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located by back door.
Jul 29, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
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/. Observed no plans on OnBase for establishment during inspection observed unenclosed storage area where food, paper goods and reach in cooler is stored.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Dishes above 3 compartment sink wet nesting
Equipment in poor repair. Deep freezer located next to fryer lid not properly fitting. Reach in cooler has torn gasket near back door.
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Oil, pickles, maple syrup, portion cups and portion cups lids, drinks, beans and sugar, fridge and walk in cooler in unenclosed area located outside of establishment.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in fridge behind sandwich press
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located by back door.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed concrete in walk in cooler in back of establishment.
Jul 28, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 27 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority2 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 1 insect underneath women's bathroom sink
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach with egg casing attached in reach in cooler in door frame along gasket. Employee eradicated and discarded.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 25 rodent droppings located in storage area in back of house; 3 rodent droppings along wall in kitchen
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cheese (54F - Cold Holding); raw pork (53F - Cold Holding) in walk in cooler. cheese (44F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler next sandwich press on cook line. cooked potato mix (72F - Cold Holding); lettuce (56F - Cold Holding); Mac salad (77F - Cold Holding); Poultry (51F - Cold Holding) on front line. ham (68F - Cold Holding); white cheese (70F - Cold Holding); yellow cheese (62F - Cold Holding); sausage (68F - Cold Holding); eggs ambient temp (65F - Cold Holding) in reaching in cooler under grill top on cook line. Operator voluntarily discarded food.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. empanadas (119F - Hot Holding) warmer next to front registers. grits (132F - Hot Holding) on front line steam table. Operator voluntarily discarded food.
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 operator with a print out
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/. Observed no plans on OnBase for establishment during inspection observed unenclosed storage area where food, paper goods and reach in cooler is stored.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Stored next to deep freezer in kitchen unsecured.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches located in storage area in back of house; 2 dead roaches in men's bathroom behind toilet
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee personal drink on 3 compartment-sink. Employee removed employee beverage.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee personal belongings on shelf with to go items in kitchen above 3 compartment sink near back door.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Dishes above 3 compartment sink wet nesting
Equipment in poor repair. Deep freezer located next to fryer lid not properly fitting. Reach in cooler has torn gasket near back door.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Rice and beans in containers stored on floor under prep table. Employee put bins on food prep area
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Oil, pickles, maple syrup, portion cups and portion cups lids, drinks, beans and sugar, fridge and walk in cooler in unenclosed area located outside of establishment.
Garbage can lids open. Employee closed lids
Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall above kitchen entrance door.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in fridge behind sandwich press
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored between equipment by stove in kitchen; knife stored between equipment by sandwich press
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Container located on prep table near kitchen entrance.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave located on prep table across from fryer, interior soiled with food debris
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled debris; Stove soiled with food debris; Greased buildup on fryer on cook line
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee drink in fridge in front of house near grill. Employee removed.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located by back door.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed concrete in walk in cooler in back of establishment.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. No labels on containers of sugar, flour and sazon on shelf above 3 compartment sink
Jan 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Potato balls, cracked eggs 79 F; croquettes and empanadas in hot box case front kitchen area at 110 F; 101 F and 100 F. Placing on existing time as a public health control form
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked food in reach-in-cooler on back kitchen area cooksline
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Boxes of oranges in front kitchen area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Jul 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
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 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/ 6 employees working at time of inspection
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked foods Walk-In-Cooler
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. Front and back kitchen counters
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Back kitchen area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust, grease and food debris.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Feb 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Dec 27, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored on top of box of plantains in walk-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.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Front kitchen hand sink blocked with large chair
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
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.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Jul 20, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed operator washing pot on front kitchen area hand sink. Operator took pot to back kitchen area to properly wash.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Coked food in walk-in-cooler and reach-in-cooler in kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed operator washing pot on front kitchen area hand sink. Operator took pot to back kitchen area to properly wash.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Screen in door torn/in poor repair.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of sugar in back kitchen area not labeled.
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.