NUEVA CANTINA
1625 4 ST S, Saint Petersburg FL 33701
Last inspected Jan 21, 2026 · 12 visits since September 2023
JAN 24
AUG 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. 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. 1 live fly in server station area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2022014081 | Mar 22, 2022 | Jan 20, 2023 | $800 |
| 3--2022003317 | Jan 18, 2022 | Mar 9, 2022 | $400 |
| 3--2019011378 | Feb 19, 2019 | Apr 3, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Jan 21, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 3- 55 oz dented can of Ripe Olives.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Food items hot holding in stand alone hot holding unit: cilantro rice (123F - Hot Holding); queso (95F - Hot Holding); black beans (127F - Hot Holding) The manager on duty turned up the temperature on the hot holding unit to maintain the temperature to 135 degrees or above. Discussed monitoring food stored in hot holding unit throughout the day going forward and a hot holding chart was provided. Food items were reheated on the stove top and the temperatures was above to 165 degrees.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with dried food debris.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 3 unlabeled spray bottle of light purple and clear liquid substance stored on push cart in server wait station. Bottles labeled as multipurpose.
Oct 16, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled
Oct 1, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled
Aug 8, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled
Jul 30, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 22 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority8 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 22 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. One 6 LBS 12 oz. dented can of Black Beans.
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. Ran dish machine multiple times and chlorine sanitizer is testing at 0 PPM. Employee set up three compartment sink to sanitize dish with quaternary sanitizer.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed employee reuse raw Al Pastor cone that was previously cooked yesterday 7/29 and cooled down in walk in cooler. Temperature recorded was 51 degrees.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Reach in deli cooler cutting boards stained across from cook line. Soda gun in bar area soiled with black mold like substance.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Piece of equipment inside hand sink next to three compartment sink. Item was removed.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand sink removed in exterior outside bar area. Confirmed from plans dated 2018 on OnBase.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quaternary chemical test kit.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Not present with 6 employees preparing or cooking food. CFM came during inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand sink in bar area.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed ice machine where exterior bar previously was in patio area, hand sink also removed in exterior bar and added walk in cooler outside rear door of back kitchen.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle of light purple substance stored on counter of bar area. Observed spray bottles labeled as all purpose cleaner.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine interior soiled with black mold like substance.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Red, brown, blue, green, and yellow cutting boards stored on clean dish rack in dish area heavily grooved.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean containers wet nesting with soapy water on dry rack in dish area.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 124 seats in outside patio area not on previous plan confirmed on OnBase.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk way leading to dish area.
Food stored on floor. Pot of al pastor on a screwer stored on the floor inside the walk in cooler in kitchen area. Item removed off the floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Store on oven handle on cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets in pull out drawer under flat top grill soiled
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Employee cutting unwashed onions and avocados. Educated employee and item was discarded.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Inside RIC across from fryer on cook line.
Feb 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Draino Stored over gloves in dry storage
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 104 patio seat added to license. Inspector sent seat change evaluation form.
Washed produce placed back into delivery box for prep
Aug 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Aug 14, 2024Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 1 dented can of tomato salsa, 6 pounds.
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 sanitizing at 0 ppm chlorine. Manager set up three compartment sink for sanitization at 100 ppm chlorine.
Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Unable to issue license at this time due to cold holding temperature issues and dish machine not sanitizing properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler at server station: salsa (50F - Cold Holding); guacamole with cut tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding) Manager moved to reach in freezer. In walk in cooler: cooked chicken (50F - Cold Holding); raw beef (50F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding) Manager moved items to reach in freezer.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bib underneath hand wash sink across from hot holding station.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on prep table has built up food debris.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottle of degreaser not labeled behind bar area.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food stored above food to be served to the public in upright two door reach in cooler by food preparation area. Manager discarded food.
Food stored on floor. Soda boxes stored on floor of outside closet area.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees behind bar area.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Open dumpster lid.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Clean forks stored with food contact surfaces upright. Manager stored correctly.
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go cups stored on floor behind bar.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go boxes behind bar not inverted for protection.
Portable fire extinguisher missing from its designated location. For reporting purposes only. Fire extinguisher on floor near ware washing area.
Jan 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority5 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in server station area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose bib in ware washing area lacks a vacuum breaker.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table and cutting boards on reach in coolers have built up food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in kitchen near microwave has knife in it. Hand wash sink in kitchen nearest walk in cooler and and hand wash sink in ware washing area have cleaning towels in them.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink behind bar.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink in men's restroom.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled bottle of sanitizer on hand wash sink in server station area.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Dish machine tip is soiled with hard water debris.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Scoop with no handle used to dispense rice in rear prep area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets not inverted next to soda machine.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on server expo table. Employee removed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on prep table in rear of kitchen.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food with no hair restraint. Employee put on hair restraint.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting on cups next to soda machine.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees behind bar.
Open dumpster lid.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelving and shelving holding clean ware washing have rust that has pitted the surface.
Portable fire extinguisher missing from its designated location. For reporting purposes only. Fire extinguisher used to prop open door to chemical supply closet.
Sep 25, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bibs underneath hand wash sink in kitchen across from hot holding station.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table has built up food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by prep area used to dump ice. Employee burned ice.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink by 2 compartment sink.
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in ware washing area has mold like substance.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup with no handle used to scoop sugar and flour. Manager removed.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets by soda station not inverted for protection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and keys on prep table near soda station.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave ovens on cook line have built up food debris.
Open dumpster lid.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelving has rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls in kitchen are soiled with grease and food debris.
Sep 19, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 20 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 currently sanitizing at 0 ppm chlorine.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken not commercially packaged over frozen shrimp in upright rear freezer. Manager stored properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler on other side of pass through window: cut leafy greens (55F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); shredded cheddar cheese (55F - Cold Holding) In walk in cooler: cooked rice (45F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (45F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) Manager moved items into reach in freezer.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bibs underneath hand wash sink in kitchen across from hot holding station.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on rear prep table has built up food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink by prep area used to dump ice. Employee burned ice.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink by 2 compartment sink.
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.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottle of degreaser not properly labeled. Employee labeled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in ware washing area has mold like substance.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup with no handle used to scoop sugar and flour. Manager removed.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets by soda station not inverted for protection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and keys on prep table near soda station.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employees engaged in food preparation on cook line with no hair restraint.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave ovens on cook line have built up food debris.
Open dumpster lid.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelving has rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls in kitchen are soiled with grease and food debris.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar and flour containers removed from their original containers and not labeled. Manager labeled.
Sep 1, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority6 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener on prep table has built up food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink at service station is being used to clean steel brushes.
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.
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.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at hand wash sink in service station area or at hand wash sink behind the bar.
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.