RED GROUPER TAVERN
345 COMMERCIAL CT, Venice FL 34292 · 9414417661
Last inspected Dec 12, 2025 · 8 visits since July 2023
NOV 23
AUG 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
— STEADY
5 inspections within 23 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw live lobster stored over coleslaw in the walk on cooler. The operator operator properly stored the raw lobster.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025012474 | Feb 5, 2025 | Apr 14, 2025 | $200 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Dec 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 14 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw live lobster stored over coleslaw in the walk on cooler. The operator operator properly stored the raw lobster.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed an employee handle soiled dishware than handle clean plated food without washing hands. Educated the employee on proper handwashing procedures.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged swordfish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. The operator discarded the swordfish
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 milk opened and held for more than 24 hours with no date mark.
Show the remaining 10 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed raw fish thawing in the handwashing sink near the dishmachine. The operator removed the fish from the hand sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the prep area.
Water pressure lacking at fixtures that require the use of water. Observed low hot water pressure at the handwashing sink near the dishmachine.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged swordfish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. The operator discarded the swordfish.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee belongings stored on a food preparation table at the entrance to the cook line.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed an ice scoop stored unprotected on top of the ice machine.
In-use tongs stored on the oven door handle between uses. The operator properly stored the tongs.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed crab cracker utensils stored with the food contact surface up at the server expo line.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at the end of the cook line on the server station.
Jul 30, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the prep area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at the entrance to the cook line.
Jul 22, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 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. Observed the chlorine solution for the dishmachine at 0ppm. The operator set up the three compartment sink.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times in the prep area.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the prep area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened/prepared, frozen and then thawed and held at refrigeration temperature not properly date marked. Observed thawed meatloaf not properly date marked.
Water pressure lacking at fixtures that require the use of water.
Accumulation of debris on the top exterior of warewashing machine.
Coffee/iced tea filters not stored inverted or protected from contamination. The operator properly stored the filters.
Forks stored upright with the food-contact surface up in the 2-door salad cold holding unit.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at the entrance to the cook line.
Feb 5, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork stored over marinara sauce in the single door reach in cooler on the cook line. Observed raw shell eggs stored over butter in the walk in cooler. An employee properly stored the raw animal foods.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a chemical spray cleaner stored near a cutting board on a food preparation table in the kitchen. An employee properly stored the spray cleaner.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sinks near the dishmachine and in the prep area. The operator provided paper towels for the hand sinks.
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 cooked meatballs and house ground sausage not properly marked with the date removed from the freezer to thaw.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water at 78F at the handwashing sink on the cook line.
Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Coffee filters not stored inverted or protected from contamination near the coffee maker.
Oct 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on the blade of the can opener.
Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Aug 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw bacon stored over cut onions in the reach in cooler at the entrance to the cook line. The operator properly stored the raw bacon.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed clarified butter (76F - Cold Holding) on the cook line. The operator stated the butter half been held overnight. The operator discarded the butter.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sour cream (50F - Cold Holding) stored on top of ice at the server expo station. The operator stored the sour cream in a reach in cooler. Observed clarified butter (76F - Cold Holding) on the cook line. The operator stated the butter half been held overnight. The operator discarded the butter.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a hand cart blocking access to the handwashing sink in the prep area. The operator moved the hand cart.
No cleaning agent provided in the dishmachine. The operator set up the three compartment sink for ware washing.
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.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on the blade of the can opener.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. The operator posted a consumer advisory.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed a spray bottle containing bleach solution not labeled on the cook line. The operator labeled the spray bottle.
Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
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 thawed snapper not removed from reduced oxygen packaging with label indicating to remove from packaging prior to thawing. The operator discarded the snapper.
In-use tongs stored the tilt skillet door handle between uses. The operator properly stored the tongs.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at the handwashing sink on the cook line.
No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels near the dishmachine and in the prep area. The operator placed trash cans near the hand sinks.
Nov 29, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority5 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above cartons of cream. The operator properly stored the raw shell eggs.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the hand sink on the cook line used to fill a container with water.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit for the dishmachine.
No cleaning agent provided for the dishmachine. The operator switched the empty container of detergent with a full container.
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. Observed a spray bottle of sanitizer with no label behind the bar. The operator labeled the spray bottle.
Accumulation of debris on top of the warewashing machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a metal container used as a scoop for uncooked rice at the end of the cook line. The operator removed the container.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers wet nesting in the kitchen.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed the ice scoop at the ice machine stored on a soiled surface of the ice machine. The operator removed the scoop for sanitization.
In-use knife stored between the cutting board and table top surface on the cook line. The operator properly stored the knives.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting boards on the cook line. The operator removed the wet cloths form underneath the cutting boards.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in the reach in cooler near the soda machine.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign for the hand sink on the cook line.
No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels.
Unnecessary items stored in garbage enclosure. Observed discarded equipment in the dumpster area.
Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. The operator discarded the solution and refilled with bleach and water.
Jul 27, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority7 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 15 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. Observed the chlorine sanitizer for the dishmachine at 0ppm. The operator replaced the empty container of sanitizer solution.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. The operator cleaned the thermometer with an alcohol wipe.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed small cutting board on the cook line soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed the handwashing sink in the prep area blocked by a weight scale. The operator cleared the handwashing sink.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the handwashing sink in the dish area and behind the bar.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the handwashing sink behind the bar.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. The operator was provided with printed copy and posted the consumer advisory.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed the hot water at the handwashing sinks in the dish area and the cook line at 79F.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed the displayed license expired 12/1/2022.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed a shelf containing cleaning equipment on the cook line soiled with grease.
Open dumpster lid.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed rear exit door not protected with a self-closing device.
Unnecessary items stored in garbage enclosure. Observed construction debris in the dumpster area.
Waste line missing at soda gun holster 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.