MEXICAN GRILL CANTINA DON PATRON
1519 SADLER RD, Fernandina Beach FL 32034 · 904-613-4388
Last inspected Aug 21, 2026 · 8 visits since August 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
JAN 26
APR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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 procedures available. Provided DBPR Form HR 50-104 and 5030-204.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 21, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 20 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 20 findingsThe state's own report →
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In walk-in cooler, two large metal pans of refried beans (48F-53F - Cooling @ overnight). Operator stated employee made last night and placed in walk-in cooler in deep pans and lid covered lids. See stop sale.
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. On dry storage rack, one can of mushrooms extremely dented/crushed along top edge.
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. Employee stated he uses disinfectant liquid not meeting sanitizer requirements in sanitizer bucket at bar. Inspector educated employee and employee made sanitizer bucket with bleach and water.
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. At bar, Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm). Employee only put one quaternary tablet instead of two. Rechecked at 150ppm.
Show the remaining 16 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. In walk-in cooler, box of raw chorizo stored over various unwashed produce. Operator moved chorizo.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler, two pans of two beef stored over cooked chicken and cooked beef. Operator moved raw beef to bottom shelf.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In walk-in cooler, two large metal pans of refried beans (48F-53F - Cooling @ overnight). Operator stated employee made last night and placed in walk-in cooler in deep pans and lid covered lids. See stop sale.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwash sink near ice machine. Operator stocked paper towels.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at handwash sink near ice machine. Operator stocked soap.
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. All food handler certifications provided for current employees expired 8/20/2026.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. On dry storage rack near back door in chicken bouillon bucket, bowl used as scoop. Operator removed bowl.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag stocked of box of cans on bottom shelf of dry storage rack across from ice machine. Operator moved bag.
Floor, wall and/or ceiling soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under cook line soiled with food debris. Also, wall behind cook line soiled with grease.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed four (4) pairs of tongs of oven door. Operator removed.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. In reach in cooler on cook line, handle of knife in cooler touching cut lettuce. Operator removed knife from reach in cooler.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven on cook line soiled with food debris and black residue.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets on reach in coolers/walk-in cooler soiled/torn.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed multiple avocados cut in half with stickers on skin being used to make guacamole.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 0ppm). Employee stated he uses disinfectant liquid and a little bit of bleach. Inspector educated employee that sanitizer bucket are bleach and water only. Employee remade bucket and rechecked at 100ppm.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. On dry storage rack near back door, containers of rice, beans and various peppers not labeled. Operator labeled all items. Also, at server area, bucket of sugar not labeled. Employee added label.
Apr 13, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over cooked pork in drawers below the flat grill. Operator moved raw chicken to the bottom. Also, in reach-in freezer by the fryers, open raw pork tamales stored over fish. Operator rearranged products to proper storage. Also, in walk-in cooler, raw beef stored over bottled water and chilis. Operator rearranged products to proper storage.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Can of spray paint stored with and against flour tortillas on dry storage shelving. Operator removed spray paint.
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 procedures available. Provided DBPR Form HR 50-104 and 5030-204.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Soap dispenser had only water. Operator refilled the soap dispenser.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle with orange liquid on shelf under the chip dispenser. Operator identified contents as degreaser and labeled the bottle.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as a scoop in seasonings at back exit door. Operator removed the bowl.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee jacket and backpack stored on top of cases of tortillas in dry storage area. Operator removed personal items.
Faucet/handle missing/inoperable at plumbing fixture. Cold water valve on handwash sink by the fryers doesn't work.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. No choking poster posted. Provided DBPR Form HR 5030-105.
Open dumpster lid. Both dumpster lids are open. Employee closed lids.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk-in cooler shelving has rust.
Jan 26, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following temps in the walk in cooler cooler, beef 46F, chicken 47F, re fried beans 47F,, Milk 46F, Tamales 46F, all cold holding, operator stated that regular fridge door had been left open for over an hour during food delivery.
Jan 12, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Salsa in walk in cooler at 46F, operator states that cooked cut peppers where added the day before and that that it was left to sit out at room temperature overnight.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee at stove, wearing gloves, touched raw food items and then touched a ready to eat food but never changed gloves or washed hands, Person in charge educated employee on hand washing procedures.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over a ready to eat food in the reach in freezer at beginning of cook line. Operator relocated the beef
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Tamales in walk in cooler cooked at 12PM on 1/11/26, product observed at 2:00PM on 1/12/26 not date marked. Pork in walk in cooler cooked at 12PM on 1/11/26, product observed at 2:00PM on 1/12/26 not date marked
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Salsa in walk in cooler at 46F, operator states that cooked cut peppers where added the day before and that it was left to sit out at room temperature overnight.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following temps in the walk in cooler cooler, beef 46F, chicken 47F, re fried beans 47F,, Milk 46F, Tamales 46F, all cold holding, operator stated that regular fridge door had been left open for over an hour during food delivery.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice sitting at bottom of food prep table on cook line at 114F. Operator disposed of rice.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in hallway by dishwasher blocked by multiple items.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Menu states that steak is only seared but has no consumer advisory on the menu or in food establishment. Operator printer and displayed consumer advisory.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed Unlabeled spray with chemical substance in it bottle in bar area, employee labeled the bottle, Observed unlabeled spray bottle with chemicals substance at beginning of cook line, operator placed label on bottle.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed no handle scoop in bulk sugar container, operator removed the scoop.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open container beverage above food prep area, employee removed cup.
Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Multiple plastic spatulas in warewash area are chipped and cracked. Operator disposed of them on his own accord.
Food stored on floor. Observed one box of cooking oil on floor at beginning of cook line. Operator picked up oil.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils at bar area in container of water at 68F operators poured water out of container and cleaned utensils.
Stored food not covered. Chili Rellano in reach freezer at beginning of food line not covered. Operator covers food.
Mar 4, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. On shelf under dish machine, spray bottle containing chemical degreaser is not labeled. Manager labeled bottle.
Clean wiping cloth supply not properly stored. In bar, blue sanitizer bucket stored on floor. Bucket moved and stored correctly.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2023. Manager has new license and will print/post.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda gun holster in bar. Holster cleaned during inspection.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Case of single use bowls on floor in storage/office area. Bowls moved and stored correctly.
Oct 3, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. In dry storage area, one can of tomatoes is dented.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In cooler drawers below grill, raw chicken and raw beef stored over ready to eat onions and peppers. Items moved and stored correctly. In walk in cooler, raw shelled eggs stored over ready to eat oil. Items moved and stored correctly.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Vacuum breaker missing at the end of the splitter for mop sink faucet where black hose is attached.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine chemical test kit for dish machine.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing chemical degreaser stored on shelf by dish machine in kitchen. Bottle labeled.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. On pass through window shelf, employee cell phone is stored. Cell phone moved and stored correctly.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Last inspection could not be provided.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in women's restroom. Manager placed up sign.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda gun holsters at bar. Holsters cleaned during inspection.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Two employee drinks stored in reach in cooler on cook line. Both drinks discarded.
Nov 1, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In stand up freezer beef over chilli peppers, moved to store correctly
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Bar area and next to triple. Provided
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Clear bottle with gold substance in side, labeled at time of inspection
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plate in beans used as scoop, moved
Aug 28, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 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. 0 ppm provided 100 ppm
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle stored over prep cooler, moved
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Needed on non-chemical side of the splitter
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda guns. Water gun at bar
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handsink next ice machine
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Multiple personal drinks, moved
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Hats provided
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Broken handle. Fixed
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On oven door handle moved
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.