SAHARA CAFE
10771 BEACH BLVD # 110, Jacksonville FL 32246 · 904-338-9049
Last inspected Apr 22, 2026 · 9 visits since January 2024
JAN 25
MAY 25
JUN 25
DEC 25
APR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 24 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 flies behind bar area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Apr 22, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed yogurt, sour cream (45F-46F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from stove. Operator stated both foods stored in cooler overnight. Stop sale
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed yogurt, sour cream (45F-46F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from stove. Operator stated both foods stored in cooler overnight. See stop sale
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards at triple sink soiled/ stained. Also, fryer baskets have accumulation of debris. Also, vegetable/ lemon wedger in dry food storage area soiled. Also, deflector plate in large ice machine soiled.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed three employees food safety training certificates expired in Jan and Feb. (Yesenia, Angela and John)
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup without handle used to dispense salt in dry food storage area and cup without handle used to dispense flour in prep area. Operator removed cup/souffle cup.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed clean stacked cups on counter next t to soda machine unable to properly air dry
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on walk in freezer torn. Also, ceramic plate in oven cracked/ in disrepair. Also, handle missing from white freezer on cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple filters in hood area above grill and stove soiled. Also, exterior of fryer and stove soiled. Also, gasket on walk-in-cooler soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed interior of white reach in freezer on cook line soiled.
Smoking or vaping in an enclosed indoor workplace. Observed guest smoking hookah in dining area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls in ware washing area soiled.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two containers containing white substance removed from original container unlabeled. Operator labeled both containers of salt.
Dec 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed two spray cans of cleaners stored next to container of sprinkles on shelf in bar area. Operator removed spray cans of cleaner to properly store.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of sandwich press and soda gun in bar area soiled. Also, cutting board at reach-in cooler across from fryers soiled/ stained.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water at hand wash sink next to triple sink. Operator turned nozzle below hand wash sink to turn hot water on.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup without handle used to dispense salt and chicken seasoning on dry food storage shelf. Also, observed cup without handle used to dispense lentils in container in prep area. Operator removed soufflé cups and large cup from all seasonings and lentils.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed multiple plates and bowls in prep area not inverted/ protected.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket torn and handle missing on white reach in freezer at end of cook line. Also, observed torn gasket on ice machine door. Also, ceramic plate in oven cracked and front plate covering wires on oven missing. Also, threshold below walk in freezer door in disrepair.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach-in cooler on cook line and gasket on walk-in-cooler soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelving inside reach-in cooler across from grill soiled with accumulation of debris.
Smoking or vaping in an enclosed indoor workplace. Observed multiple guests using hookah equipment at bar and in dining area of establishment.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking at triple sink. Operator stated he has already placed a call to have it serviced.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed plastic sour cream container on dry food storage shelf used to store salt that has been removed from original container and unlabeled. Operator labeled container of salt.
Jun 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed business license expired 6-1-2025.
May 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink in bar area. Operator replenished soap.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup without handle used to dispense lentils at prep area and bacon bits in reach in freezer.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked pans on storage shelf above triple sink unable to properly air dry
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach in freezer outside of cook line torn. Also, ceramic like plate in oven cracked.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple Filters in hood above grill soiled. Also, gasket on reach-in cooler across from grill soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior and shelving of reach-in cooler across from grill soiled. Also, interior of reach in freezer outside of cook line soiled.
Apr 7, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 8, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventers on 2 water spigot located on wall outside back door with attached water hose
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/. Operator plans not matching. Operator removed restroom and relocation of mop sink and added dish machine in kitchen. Provided operator with plan review application.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Three employees certificates are expired. Rob L, Alfred O and Mayor G
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl stored in rice
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Under handle of microwave soiled
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank at bar not secured
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee preparing food with bracelet
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee with facial beard preparing food with no beard guard
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters with grease build up
Apr 22, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of tums on shelf above pizza prep table, operator moved tums to office.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 flies behind bar area.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Cloth wiping towel lining the bottom and top of containers in walk in cooler with fresh herbs. Operator removed cloth towels.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw shrimp in reach in cooler on cooks line, operator moved chicken to the bottom.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine dish machine and quaternary ammonia.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 3 employees expired January.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in flour and orange pea/bean container. Operator propped handle up out of food.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters on cooks line. Bottom shelf on prep table.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Black reach in cooler near hallway to bathrooms.
Feb 6, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 29, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority5 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 5 flying insects in bar area across from glass door cooler. Also, observed 5 flying insects under counter near stacked cups in bar area, and also observed 3 flying insects near dishwashing machine in bar area. Operator tried killing some flying insects during this inspection
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs in walk-in-cooler stored over ready to eat sour cream. Operator removed shelled eggs to properly store.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. yogurt (50F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (46F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from fryer. Operator stated he was in and out of cooler today. Operator placed both items in walk in freezer to chill
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Underside of mixer in prep area soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in hookah area used to store misc pans and utensils. Operator removed items from hand wash sink. Also, hose from AC draining into hand wash sink in hookah area. Operator removed hose and redirected it to nearby service sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink in hookah area, in bar area and at hand wash sink near kitchen entry door. Operator replenished paper towels at all hand wash sinks.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Multiple employees food safety training certificates expired in early January 2024 (Tyler, Mayar)
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two Unlabeled Spray bottle containing toxic substance stored in chemical storage shelf and on shelf in bar area. Operator labeled both spray bottles of sanitizer.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked cups on counter across from bar area unable to properly air dry
Equipment in poor repair. Handle on reach in freezer next to grill area missing. Also, gasket on same reach in freezer torn. Also, ceramic plate in oven next to fryer cracked.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Heavy ice build up on shelving, on floor and around interior and exterior of walk in freezer door. Operator stated someone was out recently and is coming back out tomorrow to finish repair.
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.