NICO'S AREPAS GRILL RESTAURANT
8303 N ARMENIA AVE STE B, Tampa FL 33604 · 813 932 1777
Last inspected Apr 27, 2026 · 9 visits since September 2023
MAR 24
AUG 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
APR 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Apr 27, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 14, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 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. Machine testing 0ppm at time of inspection
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over sauces in reach in cooler. Operator moved chicken to lower shelf during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed whisk in hand wash sink in prep room at time of inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed a mold like substance on white plastic shield inside ice machine bin at time of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed clear plastic food containers in bulk rice and bulk sugar at time of inspection.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler door handles are soiled at time of inspection.
Aug 13, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 8, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler on cooks line by steam table Cold holding: cheese 53 f queso 62 f
Food stored on floor. Walk in freezer food in boxes
Jul 21, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 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. Tested at 0 ppm tested 2 times employees will use the three compartment sink. To sanitize dishes.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler on cooks line by steam table Cold holding: cheese 53 f queso 62 f
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Food stored on floor. Walk in freezer food in boxes
Feb 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over arepas and shredded cheese in reach-in-cooler near large ice machine
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.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Aug 23, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 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.
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. Observed on prep table near large ice machine
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
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Mar 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over containers of dressing. On cooksline
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Boxes of food stored on floor in walk-in-freezer
Hood filters missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Sep 26, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 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.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Objectionable odors in dish machine areas of the establishment.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
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.