PAPA JOE'S CUBANS
9520 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, Tampa FL 33610 · 813.630.1418
Last inspected May 5, 2026 · 8 visits since November 2023
APR 24
NOV 24
APR 25
SEP 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on floor near hot box by bathroom. Observed approximately 6 live roaches in crease of bathroom door. Observed 4 live roaches underneath cabinets adjacent from mop sink
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025071924 | Sep 18, 2025 | Dec 11, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
May 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over shredded cheese. Operator moved eggs to lower shelf.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sani bucket tested 200ppm+. Operator diluted solution. Testing at 100ppm.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards in kitchen at time of inspection.
Carbon dioxide tank not adequately secured. Observed carbon dioxide tank near soda fountain not secured at time of inspection.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed discarded boxes and other trash in ground around dumpster at time of inspection. Dumpster is shared in strip mall location.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed missing drain plug at dumpster at time of inspection. Dumpster is shared in strip mall location.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork butt in prep sink without running water. Operator turned water on during inspection.
Sep 24, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on reach in sandwich cooler soiled with food debris.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tank by soda machine not secured by chains.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Throughout kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on sandwich reach in cooler with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside of reach in freezer in back area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area. Observed 1 dead roach underneath reach in cooler in back storage area. Observed 2 dead roaches in dining area. Observed 2 dead roaches underneath soda machine Observed 4 dead roaches underneath stairwell Observed approximately 10 dead roaches in spiderweb next to Coca Cola machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to chip stand. Observed 2 dead roaches on wall by hot box near bathroom. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor by hot box near bathroom. Observed 6 dead roaches inside of bathroom Observed 5 dead roaches in cabinets adjacent from mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on rodent sticky trap underneath wooden shelf upstairs in dry storage area with single service items. Observed 1 dead roach on top of case of monster energy drinks.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floors tiles throughout entire establishment not smooth and easily cleanable.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed old food debris on ground around dumpster
Sep 19, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 11 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on floor near hot box by bathroom. Observed approximately 6 live roaches in crease of bathroom door. Observed 4 live roaches underneath cabinets adjacent from mop sink
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings on the side of reach in cooler in back area. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed approximately 100 rodent droppings underneath stairwell in back storage area with coolers. Observed 2 rodent droppings in dining area by large mirror Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings upstairs with single service cups and drinking straws
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on reach in sandwich cooler soiled with food debris.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tank by soda machine not secured by chains.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Throughout kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on sandwich reach in cooler with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside of reach in freezer in back area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area. Observed 1 dead roach underneath reach in cooler in back storage area. Observed 2 dead roaches in dining area. Observed 2 dead roaches underneath soda machine Observed 4 dead roaches underneath stairwell Observed approximately 10 dead roaches in spiderweb next to Coca Cola machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to chip stand. Observed 2 dead roaches on wall by hot box near bathroom. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor by hot box near bathroom. Observed 6 dead roaches inside of bathroom Observed 5 dead roaches in cabinets adjacent from mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on rodent sticky trap underneath wooden shelf upstairs in dry storage area with single service items. Observed 1 dead roach on top of case of monster energy drinks.
Dead rodent present. Observed 1 dead rodent underneath reach in cooler in back storage area
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floors tiles throughout entire establishment not smooth and easily cleanable.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed old food debris on ground around dumpster
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple sandwich press throughout kitchen soiled with old food debris
Sep 18, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 24 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority4 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shelled eggs stored over Swiss cheese in refrigerator to the right of 3 door freezer.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on floor near hot box by bathroom. Observed approximately 6 live roaches in crease of bathroom door. Observed 4 live roaches underneath cabinets adjacent from mop sink
Roach excrement and/or droppings present. Observed 1 egg sac casing underneath soda machine
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings on the side of reach in cooler in back area. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed approximately 100 rodent droppings underneath stairwell in back storage area with coolers. Observed 2 rodent droppings in dining area by large mirror Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings upstairs with single service cups and drinking straws
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sliced ham (44F - Cold Holding), employee moved to freezer for rapid cooling.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on reach in sandwich cooler soiled with food debris.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed roast pork in reach in cooler next to 3 door freezer dated 09-09, per employee was moved from freezer to thawed yesterday 09-17
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed purple liquid in spray bottle underneath 3 compartment sink. Observed clear liquid in spray bottle underneath 3 compartment sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold-like substance inside of ice machine near 3 compartment sink.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tank by soda machine not secured by chains.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Throughout kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on sandwich reach in cooler with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside of reach in freezer in back area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area. Observed 1 dead roach underneath reach in cooler in back storage area. Observed 2 dead roaches in dining area. Observed 2 dead roaches underneath soda machine Observed 4 dead roaches underneath stairwell Observed approximately 10 dead roaches in spiderweb next to Coca Cola machine by front counter. Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to chip stand. Observed 2 dead roaches on wall by hot box near bathroom. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor by hot box near bathroom. Observed 6 dead roaches inside of bathroom Observed 5 dead roaches in cabinets adjacent from mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches on rodent sticky trap underneath wooden shelf upstairs in dry storage area with single service items. Observed 1 dead roach on top of case of monster energy drinks.
Dead rodent present. Observed 1 dead rodent underneath reach in cooler in back storage area
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink sitting on top of bottled water underneath front counter. Observed employee drink sitting on top of drain board of 3 compartment sink.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floors tiles throughout entire establishment not smooth and easily cleanable.
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Observed reach in freezer hard cut salami, smoked ham.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed old food debris on ground around dumpster
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave near back door soiled with grease.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple sandwich press throughout kitchen soiled with old food debris
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of drinking straws on floor in upstairs in dry storage area.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service forks on reach in cooler not stored inverted.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth on prep table near sandwich press.
Apr 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. Large slicer and microwave
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed in large ice machine
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Over 3 compartment sink and prep area.
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.
Nov 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over box of cheese in reach-in-cooler
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cooksline
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Observed wrapped brownies on front kitchen bar for customer self serve not labeled
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Apr 15, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Nov 27, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Large ice machine
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front kitchen area
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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Front kitchen area
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Black pepper container
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic containers on top shelf over 3 compartment sink
Light not functioning. Dry storage room with reach-in-freezers
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Front kitchen area
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.