NERO’S CAFE/TINI MARTINI BAR
24 AVENIDA MENENDEZ, Saint Augustine FL 32084 · 904-829-0928
Last inspected Aug 4, 2026 · 19 visits since August 2023
5 inspections within 35 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach on wall at bar. Bar employee killed and removed roach.
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2019059030 | Nov 13, 2019 | Dec 20, 2019 | $400 |
| 5--2016005486 | Jan 26, 2016 | Mar 10, 2016 | $800 |
Inspection history
19 visits, newest first
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler overnight; Cook line; cheese 49F, tomatoes 47F, salmon 50F, ricotta 51F, Salad; lettuce 61F, tomatoes 45F, cheese 55F, feta 54F, parmigiana 45F; ( - Cold Holding) ham, shrimp, tomatoes 54F. Drawers; chicken 51F, shrimp, calamari 45F, cheese, sauerkraut 46F; ( - Cold Holding)
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Cook line reach in cooler, salad cooler and drawers are not keeping food cold.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
Show 14 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. Dish machine is not sanitizing. Oppm.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In cooler overnight; Cook line; cheese 49F, tomatoes 47F, salmon 50F, ricotta 51F, Salad; lettuce 61F, tomatoes 45F, cheese 55F, feta 54F, parmigiana 45F; ( - Cold Holding)ham, shrimp, tomatoes 54F. Drawers; chicken 51F, shrimp, calamari 45F, cheese, sauerkraut 46F; ( - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler overnight; Cook line; cheese 49F, tomatoes 47F, salmon 50F, ricotta 51F, Salad; lettuce 61F, tomatoes 45F, cheese 55F, feta 54F, parmigiana 45F; ( - Cold Holding) ham, shrimp, tomatoes 54F. Drawers; chicken 51F, shrimp, calamari 45F, cheese, sauerkraut 46F; ( - 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. Missing on eggs. Person in charge time stamped.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Person in charge labeled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines have black mold like substance on ice plates.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Cook line reach in cooler, salad cooler and drawers are not keeping food cold.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop on dirty surface. Person in charge removed.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Spatula in between wall and sanitizer. Person in charge removed.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Person in charge discarded water.
In-use wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Person in charge removed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Person in charge replaced.
Stored food not covered. In reach in freezer; chicken not covered. Person in charge covered.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop face down in bucket.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Ordered shut on the spot. 1 violations recorded, 1 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
Show 1 finding ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 6 around mop sink and 5 along same wall in opposite corners next to flour bins. Both areas are in the kitchen.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 16 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In cooler overnight; Salmon 51F, tomatoes 55F, ham 52F, cheese 51F, sausage 52F, butter 52F, sausage 51F; ( - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler overnight; Salmon 51F, tomatoes 55F, ham 52F, cheese 51F, sausage 52F, butter 52F, sausage 51F; French toast mixture 51F( - Cold Holding)
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. Test strips not used to test dish machine. Palm Coast got test strips and tested.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. At bar; soda nozzles are soiled. Person in charge cleaned nozzles.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand washing sink next to dishwasher used as a dump sink for coffer/stirrers. Addressed and person in charge removed all items.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Some staff are missing training.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in kitchen and bar not labeled. Person in charge labeled.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. 2 phones on prep surfaces. Person in charge moved phones.
Food stored on floor. Soda boxes and containers of oil on floor. Person in charge removed all items.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Both reach in chest freezers have ice buildup.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. 5 pairs of tongs hanging from oven door. Person in charge moved tongs.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing on serve side. Person in charge replaced sign.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on small chest freezer in kitchen has black/moldy substance on them. Sugar/flour containers soiled.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler lowboy has standing water in it. Person in charge wiped dry.
Stored food not covered. In reach in freezer chicken tenders not covered. Person in charge covered.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop face down in mop bucket.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salad reach in cooler: shredded cheese (52F - Cold Holding); sliced tomato (50F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); hard boiled eggs (49F - Cold Holding); hummus (50F - Cold Holding); feta (52F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (50F - Cold Holding); turkey (48F - Cold Holding); cut green (53F - Cold Holding) left in overnight. Ambient air temperature of reach in cooler 50F.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish above ready to eat cut onions in reach in cooler. Person in charge moved fish to another cooler. Observed raw shell eggs above ready to eat juice in walk-in cooler. Person in charge moved eggs to bottom shelf.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken above raw fish and shrimp in walk-in cooler. Person in charge moved raw chicken below everything.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed house made slaw dressing in walk-in cooler from 8/13 Observed house made 1000 island dressing from 7/10
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed two packages of raw reduced oxygen packaged fish fully thawed not removed from its reduced oxygen environment.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed salad reach in cooler: shredded cheese (52F - Cold Holding); sliced tomato (50F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); hard boiled eggs (49F - Cold Holding); hummus (50F - Cold Holding); feta (52F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (50F - Cold Holding); turkey (48F - Cold Holding); cut green (53F - Cold Holding) left in overnight. Ambient air temperature of reach in cooler 50F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salad reach in cooler: shredded cheese (52F - Cold Holding); sliced tomato (50F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); hard boiled eggs (49F - Cold Holding); hummus (50F - Cold Holding); feta (52F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (50F - Cold Holding); turkey (48F - Cold Holding); cut green (53F - Cold Holding) left in overnight. Ambient air temperature of reach in cooler 50F.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed clear spray bottles filled with blue liquid missing common name label. Person in charge added label to bottle.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed two packages of raw reduced oxygen packaged fish fully thawed not removed from its reduced oxygen environment. See stop sale
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed bottle caps and food debris on floor under equipment at bar.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two tongs hanging on oven handles at waist height.
In-use utensil stored in sanitizer between uses. Observed several cook line utensils stored in quat sanitizer. Discussed with person in charge and person in charge dumped all sanitizer and utensils in ware washing.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored in mop water.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 4 high priority.
Show 14 findings ▾
Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed glass champagne bottle stored in drink ice at bar. Bar employee removed glass bottle from drink ice.
Live, small flying insects found Observed two live flying insects at bar.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed glass bottle stored in drink ice. Stop sale for drink ice.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter (66F - Cold Holding) stored above chill line on flip-top cooler. Person in charge voluntarily disposed.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed open gallon of milk, from two days prior to inspection per person in charge, missing date mark. Person in charge added date mark.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing station at bar blocked by clean sipping cloths. Bar employee unblocked hand sink.
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. Observed no current proof of food handler training for any employee hired over 60 days.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machines heavily soiled with black/green mold like substance. Person in charge immediately started cleaning ice machines.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple drinks on and above food prep areas in kitchen. Person in charge removed drinks from food prep area during inspection.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed ware washing employee eating food near dish machine. Person in charge asked employee to removed food from restricted area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed kitchen floors behind equipment heavily soiled with trash and food debris. Observed floors at bar heavily soiled with trash.
Food stored on floor. Observed bag n box soda on floor near back door. Observed plastic food container with chopped potatoes on floor in kitchen. Observed plastic container of chopped potatoes on floor in beer walk-in cooler. Person in charge placed potatoes in beer walk-in cooler on shelf.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in walk-in freezer preventing products from being frozen. Ambient temperature of walk-in freezer is 40F
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled with food debris.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 7 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed sausage patties (68F - Cold Holding); corned beef (55F - Cold Holding); ham (63F - Cold Holding); milk (69F - Cold Holding); shrimp (67F - Cold Holding); pork sausage (64F - Cold Holding); bacon (66F - Cold Holding); chicken (58F - Cold Holding); beef patties (64F - Cold Holding); ambient air raw shell eggs (66F - Cold Holding); sour cream (68F - Cold Holding); hummus (69F - Cold Holding); yogurt (67F - Cold Holding); ricotta (66F - Cold Holding); sliced cheddar, Swiss, hot pepper, provolone (67-68F - Cold Holding); fresh mozzarella (70F - Cold Holding); smoked cheddar (65F - Cold Holding); goat cheese (64F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (65F - Cold Holding); Plant Foods (66F - Cold Holding); beans (68F - Cold Holding); corned beef cooked (68F - Cold Holding); rice (55F - Cold Holding); turkey (65F - Cold Holding); ham (69F - Cold Holding); butter (71F - Cold Holding); tartar sauce (69F - Cold Holding); clam base (66F - Cold Holding) Inside walk-in cooler. Walk-in cooler has been not working since approximately 0330 per person in charge. No food was taken out of walk-in cooler by morning shift.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sausage patties (68F - Cold Holding); corned beef (55F - Cold Holding); ham (63F - Cold Holding); milk (69F - Cold Holding); shrimp (67F - Cold Holding); pork sausage (64F - Cold Holding); bacon (66F - Cold Holding); chicken (58F - Cold Holding); beef patties (64F - Cold Holding); ambient air raw shell eggs (66F - Cold Holding); sour cream (68F - Cold Holding); hummus (69F - Cold Holding); yogurt (67F - Cold Holding); ricotta (66F - Cold Holding); sliced cheddar, Swiss, hot pepper, provolone (67-68F - Cold Holding); fresh mozzarella (70F - Cold Holding); smoked cheddar (65F - Cold Holding); goat cheese (64F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (65F - Cold Holding); Plant Foods (66F - Cold Holding); beans (68F - Cold Holding); corned beef cooked (68F - Cold Holding); rice (55F - Cold Holding); turkey (65F - Cold Holding); ham (69F - Cold Holding); butter (71F - Cold Holding); tartar sauce (69F - Cold Holding); clam base (66F - Cold Holding) Inside walk-in cooler. Walk-in cooler has been not working since approximately 0330 per person in charge. No food was taken out of walk-in cooler by morning shift.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk-in cooler at ambient 72F.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two sets of tongs on oven door handles.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cook line utensils sitting in 70F water. Person in charge had water dumped.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in kitchen soiled with food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on reach in coolers soiled with food debris.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 9 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach on wall at bar. Bar employee killed and removed roach.
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 written procedures and discussed with person in charge. Person in charge stated procedures are locked in office.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand washing station by dish machine used to rinse food off of steel wool by evidence of food inside hand washing station and steel wool inside hand washing station.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no food manager certification present. Person in charge says certifications are locked in office.
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. Observed no proof of food handler training. Person in charge stated training is locked in office.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tank by Bach in box and ice machines not secured.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor through out kitchen and dish area soiled with food debris. Observed food and single service items on floor at bar.
Food stored on floor. Observed two plastic bottles of oil and one bag n box on floor near back door. Person in charge had employee removed food product from floor.
Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). Observed several sleeves of single service plastic cups stored in rear shed no longer fully enclosed due to rotten floors.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 11 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two flying insects near bag n box machine.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shell eggs stored above raw fish in walk-in cooler. Person in charge reorganized walk-in cooler placing eggs on bottom shelf.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed two CO2 tanks by bag n box and ice machine not secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles missing near triple sink and dish washer. Observed holes in ceiling by triple sink and visible water damage.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors in kitchen soiled with food debris.
Food stored on floor Observed potatoes in water on floor in kitchen. Person in charge placed potatoes on reach in freezer. Observed bags of ice on floor in walk-in freezer. Observed two cases of food on floor in walk-in freezer.
Food stored outside. Observed 23 cases of plastic water bottles stored outside uncovered, exposed to rain and sun, next to walk-in cooler. Person in charge had employee move cases of water into storage sheds.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on multiple reach in cooler, walk-in coolers soiled with food debris/black/green mold like substance.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels stuck to clean food containers on storage rack.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed HVAC mini split units in kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall covering missing, exposed insulation on vent stack above oven.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 6 high priority.
Show 15 findings ▾
Insect/Vermin excrement and/or droppings present. Observed roach droppings in back storage cabinets by walk-in cooler were single service items are stored. Discussed with person in charge.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 6/1/23. Person in charge renewed during inspection.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed 20 boxes of 100 count tea bags contaminated by dripping water from ceiling.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed walk-in cooler: Potato Salad (66F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes salad (78F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (78F - Cold Holding); butter chips (68F - Cold Holding); hummus (70F - Cold Holding); red sauce (70F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (70F - Cold Holding); yogurt (69F - Cold Holding); basil pesto (70F - Cold Holding); cut melon salad (68F - Cold Holding); cooked black beans (67F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (69F - Cold Holding); cheese Brie (71F - Cold Holding); blu cheese (71F - Cold Holding); beef (62F - Cold Holding); cheese cubes (62F - Cold Holding); ricotta cheese (69F - Cold Holding); sliced cheddar,sliced Swiss, sliced American (66F-69F - Cold Holding); fresh mozzarella (70F - Cold Holding); butter (65F - Cold Holding); Gouda cheese (71F - Cold Holding); no shell hard boiled eggs (72F - Cold Holding) In broken walk-in cooler for 5 hours per person in charge. Person in charge disposed of all products.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed walk-in cooler: Potato Salad (66F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes salad (78F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (78F - Cold Holding); butter chips (68F - Cold Holding); hummus (70F - Cold Holding); red sauce (70F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (70F - Cold Holding); yogurt (69F - Cold Holding); basil pesto (70F - Cold Holding); cut melon salad (68F - Cold Holding); cooked black beans (67F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (69F - Cold Holding); cheese Brie (71F - Cold Holding); blu cheese (71F - Cold Holding); beef (62F - Cold Holding); cheese cubes (62F - Cold Holding); ricotta cheese (69F - Cold Holding); sliced cheddar,sliced Swiss, sliced American (66F-69F - Cold Holding); fresh mozzarella (70F - Cold Holding); butter (65F - Cold Holding); Gouda cheese (71F - Cold Holding); no shell hard boiled eggs (72F - Cold Holding) All items were in walk-in cooler that stopped working five hours prior to inspection per person in charge. See stop sale. Person in charge disposed of all products and walk-in cooler technician fixed unit during inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottle stored hanging off sugar rack. Person in charge removed toxic substances from food area.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed multiple foods on time in kitchen indicated by time labels and per person in charge kitchen process. Written plans not filled out. Discussed with person in charge.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk-in cooler with ambient temperature of 72F. Walk-in cooler stopped functioning five hours prior to inspection per person in charge. Person in charge called technician prior to inspection start. Technician was able to repair condenser unit and get the walk-in cooler functional by end of inspection. Ambient air temperature 65F after technician left. Ambient air temperature 56F by end of inspection.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed black coffee mug on top of main flip-top cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor heavily soiled through out kitchen and dish washing area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong hanging off grill equipment on cook line. Discussed with person in charge and they had employee remove.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple cooler gaskets in kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance and food debris.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels and tape stuck to food containers on storage racks in kitchen. Discussed with person in charge.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed deli paper stored in outdoor cabinets exposed to wood dust from insect activity. Discussed with person in charge.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed mini split AC in kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance.
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.