MELLOW MUSHROOM
2630 GULF TO BAY BLVD, Clearwater FL 33759 · 727-723-2000
Last inspected Aug 26, 2026 · 11 visits since October 2023
NOV 24
MAR 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
(12) Live, small flying insects found (9) live flies at front bar (1) live fly at dish area (1) live fly at prep area (1) live fly in dry storage Call to supervisor Benedict regarding live flies. Advised to educate manager and issue a warning with next day callback.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
5 cases · $2,000
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023004107 | Dec 27, 2022 | Feb 10, 2023 | $400 |
| 3--2019049584 | Aug 5, 2019 | Oct 25, 2019 | $200 |
| 3--2017032728 | May 30, 2017 | Aug 2, 2017 | $800 |
| 3--2016054604 | Sep 30, 2016 | Dec 23, 2016 | $400 |
| 3--2016028638 | May 12, 2016 | Aug 31, 2016 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 26, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
No soap provided at handwash sink at wait station by exit in dining area. Soap placed at hand wash sink. Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks must be stocked at all times:ed
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. - chill stick on the floor of the walk in freezer. Manager ran the chill stick through the dish machine to store protected in the walk in freezer
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public ( on top of boxed pineapple juice ) in the walk in cooler by the bar. Manager placed employee food in a designated container
Exterior window has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside in the bar area. Manager to adjust the lock to close the gap this day
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in walk in freezer. Per manager, floor to be cleaned this day
Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Small to go cups not inverted or covered in to go area. Employee inverted cups
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength.0 ppm quaternary at the bar and kitchen areas. Manager changed solution. Recheck 200 ppm quaternary
Mar 27, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemicals stored on shelf above triple sink ( manager placed chemicals on table away from triple sink -spray bottles of cleaner stored next to to go containers at wait station ( manager relocated to go containers) t. Reviewed with manager
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter at 51 F in small glass cooler at cook line. Moved to cooler less than two hours. Manager moved butter back to walk in cooler. Recheck 46 F 30 minutes later
No soap provided at handwash sink at cook line. Manager installed soap dispenser with soap at hand wash sink. Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks must be stocked at all times.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Tray of pitchers of ice tea stored in front of hand washing procedures sink at wait station by exit. Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks must be available at all times. Manager relocated tray.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on shelf in dishwashing area - cups stacked at wait station have moisture in between
Brown cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on edges.
Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Ice buckets on floor at wait station by exit. Manager relocated ice buckets
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation at cook line. Employee put beard guard on
Water leaking from pipe under hand wash sink in food preparation area. Manager placed bucket under pipe and will schedule repair this day.
Oct 10, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chemical test kits are soiled.
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. Raquan Jackson Christian Westlake Chris Berry No proof of training.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Reviewed with manager to keep originals and not cpies of training.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting observed on drink cups at server station and dry storage racks
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled on cook line.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Top cover of reach-in cooler itch exposed styrofoam.
Utensils in poor condition. Wooden Pizza peel broken I. Poor repair.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand-wash sink at server station leaking. Hand-wash sink at prep area leaking.
Oct 9, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 23 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority7 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
(12) Live, small flying insects found (9) live flies at front bar (1) live fly at dish area (1) live fly at prep area (1) live fly in dry storage Call to supervisor Benedict regarding live flies. Advised to educate manager and issue a warning with next day callback.
Pesticide use not in accordance with manufacturer's directions. White and yellow pest strip out at front bar while people are present.
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. Beer cheese dated 10/7 at 50F. Manager and employees unsure how long item has been out of temperature.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beer cheese dated 10/7 at 50F. Manager and employees unsure how long item has been out of temperature.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Cambro blocking handwash sink at server station indicating it is broken.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chemical test kits are soiled.
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. Two new employees who have not filled out employee health agreements. Inspector will provide black forms for employees to sign.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Inspector provided manager with written application via email. Manager correctly filled out application during inspection.
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. Raquan Jackson Christian Westlake Chris Berry No proof of training.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Reviewed with manager to keep originals and not cpies of training.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Front bar
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop inside reach-in cooler on cook-line.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone above prep table. Manager removed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting observed on drink cups at server station and dry storage racks
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor near prep area hand wash sink and dish area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled on cook line.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Top cover of reach-in cooler itch exposed styrofoam.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed mushrooms above ready-to-eat carrots and cabbage.
Utensils in poor condition. Wooden Pizza peel broken I. Poor repair.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand-wash sink at server station leaking. Hand-wash sink at prep area leaking.
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. Container of white granular substance not labeled. Manager corrected.
Mar 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 3, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No hot water in the entire establishment. Water between 73-80 F when run 2 minutes Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Reviewed with manager.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting of cups stacked at wait station.
Mar 1, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded.
0 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee filled container with water in cook line area. Reviewed with manager and employee hand wash sink is for washing hands only
No hot water in the entire establishment. Water between 73-80 F when run 2 minutes Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Reviewed with manager.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at wait station and prep area. Reviewed with manager. Paper towels placed at hand wash sinks
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in bar area. Employee labeled spray bottle
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.Reviewed with manager
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting of cups stacked at wait station.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in food prep area. Manager states ice machine repair was completed this morning. Manager cleaned floor
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in walk in freezer
In-use towel used under cutting board in food prep areas. Reviewed with manager.
Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Reviewed with manager
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at cook line
Nov 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. ricotta (46F - Cold Holding) on front line, manager voluntarily discarded and replaced
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Prep cooler in kitchen
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Rear exterior door does not completely seal when shut
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under ice machine
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Staff observed cutting onions without prior washing
May 6, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Souflee cup in Mac n cheese for portioning.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Chill stick in freezer stored in container on floor in freezer.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Two purses on shelf with single service items in alley. Items moved.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored over ready-to-eat food. Unwashed sliced mushrooms over pizza sauce in line cooler. Orange juice stored under the fresh unwashed herbs and unwashed mushrooms in bar walk in cooler.
Mar 5, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Staff member sweeping floor did not change then wash hands before touching food. Spoke to employee.
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. Email one to operator.
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.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. 70f, operator ran water for a few minutes now 85f, and 91f, restrooms at 71f,.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Souflee cup in Mac n cheese for portioning.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Under olive oil in prep station.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Chill stick in freezer stored in container on floor in freezer.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in liquor storage room. Cleaned and sanitizer area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on line next to microwave.spoke to manager regarding other areas to store drinks.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Two purses on shelf with single service items in alley. Items moved.
Food stored on floor. One container of food in walk in freezer.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop at bar store with in use store and pour container. Spoke to employee about storing ice scoop in ice with handle not touching ice.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop for semolina touching product.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Pizza boxes on floor in front alley.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored over ready-to-eat food. Unwashed sliced mushrooms over pizza sauce in line cooler. Orange juice stored under the fresh unwashed herbs and unwashed mushrooms in bar walk in cooler.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Oct 18, 2023Inspection 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 ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. GFuel container on shelf in prep area above work station.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top of machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Souflee cup used for portioning in Mac n cheese.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Soiled cardboard used under cooking oils in prep area.
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket bottom drawer next to convection oven.
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.