NUEVA CANTINA
35903 US HWY 19 N, Palm Harbor FL 34684 · 4043601303
Last inspected Mar 5, 2026 · 12 visits since November 2023
DEC 24
MAR 25
JUN 25
AUG 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 small live flies observed near prep table.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $2,400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025051289 | Jun 25, 2025 | Aug 13, 2025 | $400 |
| 3--2021045252 | Aug 13, 2021 | Nov 8, 2021 | $800 |
| 3--2021028188 | May 18, 2021 | Jul 19, 2021 | $800 |
| 3--2020013893 | Mar 4, 2020 | May 18, 2020 | $400 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Mar 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Observed: Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Receptacle in womens restroom uncovered Priority: Basic
Observed: Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors of men’s and women’s restroom soiled. Operator cleaned restrooms Priority: Basic
Observed: Hole in or other damage to wall. Walls in hallway leading to restroom in disrepair. Priority: Basic
Aug 26, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee put lime on glass with bare hands, discussed wearing gloves for ready to eat foods, operator put gloves on.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Large cutting board on cook line stained
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Paper copies of safe staff certificates
Jun 26, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jun 26, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 2 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 3 flies underneath 3 compartment sink. Operator killed and sanitized area. 4 flies under rack next to Dishmachine. Operator killed 2 flies and sanitized the area. 1 fly in prep table. Operator killed and sanitized.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 rodent droppings on top of hot water heater. 2 rodent droppings on floor next to hot water heater. Operator discarded and sanitized area.
Jun 25, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 5 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 3 flies underneath 3 compartment sink. Operator killed and sanitized area. 4 flies under rack next to Dishmachine. Operator killed 2 flies and sanitized the area. 1 fly in prep table. Operator killed and sanitized.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 rodent droppings on top of hot water heater. 2 rodent droppings on floor next to hot water heater. Operator discarded and sanitized area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tiles above dishmachine. Tile above water heater is damaged.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Small gap at the corner of the back door exit. Gap underneath front door. Discussed with owner.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on top has food debris. Discussed with owner.
Mar 18, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 11, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 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. 0ppm after being ran twice. There only a small amount of dishmachine sanitizer left in the bucket and the operator does not have another. Discontinue use of dishmachine until it is able to sanitize properly. Triple sink 50ppm
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Underneath 3 compartment sink. Employee cleaned area. Behind equipment on cookline
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides of equipment on cookline.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in freezers on cookline.
Mar 10, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. beans (82F - Cooling), second temp 180F Beans were cooked around 11am and were sitting in a pot on the stove. Operator states they are cooling the beans. The beans were reheated and proper cooling procedures were discussed.
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. 0ppm after being ran twice. There only a small amount of dishmachine sanitizer left in the bucket and the operator does not have another. Discontinue use of dishmachine until it is able to sanitize properly. Triple sink 50ppm
Live, small flying insects found 7 flies underneath dishmachine? Area was cleaned and sanitized, then observed flies landing on cut carrots, zucchini and green beans. See stop sale.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Flies landed on cut carrots and green beans and zucchini. See stop sale.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cooked beans sitting in a pot on the stove. Operator states they are in the cooling process. Discussed proper cooling procedures.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Salsa cup in handwash sink. Cup was removed.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Sunny side up eggs. Provided operator with paper consumer advisory. Sign is not posted.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Underneath 3 compartment sink. Employee cleaned area. Behind equipment on cookline
Food stored on floor. Operator relocated food in the walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides of equipment on cookline.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in freezers on cookline.
Dec 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 small live flies observed near prep table.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked chicken 45F, operator stated that the chicken was on the counter less than 4 hours. Raw chicken 45F operator stated the chicken was out of the refrigerator for less than 4 hours, operator placed in walk in cooler
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink near back door. Discussed the need to keep hand wash sinks stocked at all times
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Walk in cooler cooked chicken.operator was able to determine the prep date and dated accordingly,
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors and wall soiled with an accumulation of food debris.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Discussed the need to use non porous surface for stability of cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fixed equipment, shelving through out cook line, prep areas and storage area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Double door refrigerator at the back of the restaurant interior soiled with food debris
Stored food not covered. Walk in cooler- cooked chicken x3 pans, sauce,
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles on cook line containing food removed from its original container not labeled with common name.
May 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. OTC medication and vitamins being stored on shelf next to food used in restaurant. Discussed nether importance of Soto ring personal OTC Medicine and vitamins away from food and clean equipment used in the restaurant
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding); tamales (44F - Cold Holding)ambient temperature of the unit is 39F.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.hand wash sink near dish washer blocked with a cart full of dishes. Operator moved the cart
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Cone strainer stored in hand wash sink by back door.. Discussed the need to always use hand wash sinks for hand washing only.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Clean utensils stored in soiled food container. Discussed the importance of of storing utensil on clean surfaces.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Food stored on floor. Food container of sauce stored on the floor of walk in cooler. Discussed the need to store all food a minimum of 6" off the ground.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of glass front reach in cooler has a heavy accumulation of food debris on interior walls and shelves.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink. Hand wash sink neat dish washer slow draining
Jan 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food stored on floor. Raw shell eggs and a case of avocado stored on the floor of walk in cooler. Operator moved the raw shell eggs and avocado to be a minimum of 6" off the floor.
Stored food not covered. Walk in cooler, prepared raw vegetables and sauces not covered. Operator covered foods during inspection.
Nov 13, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. OTC medicine stored on shelf with food for establishment.operator moved Medicine from area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. pork (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (46F - Cold Holding); whole milk (47F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. pork (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (46F - Cold Holding); whole milk (47F - Cold Holding)
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink near walk in cooler. Operator stocked paper towels during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Walk in cooler cooked chicken x2, operator was able to deter the prep date of the chicken and date accordingly.
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.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone stored on shelf with food and clean equipment for restaurant. Operator moved cell phone
Food stored on floor. Raw shell eggs and a case of avocado stored on the floor of walk in cooler. Operator moved the raw shell eggs and avocado to be a minimum of 6" off the floor.
Stored food not covered. Walk in cooler, prepared raw vegetables and sauces not covered. Operator covered foods during inspection.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloths on prep table of cooks line not stored in sanitizer solution.
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.