SAKADA JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE
120 SAN MARCO AVE, Saint Augustine FL 32084 · 904.819.5857
Last inspected Jul 9, 2026 · 9 visits since September 2023
OCT 24
JAN 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed one(1) live and one(1) dead lizard on the chair railing near the hibachi table.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2025081717 | Sep 23, 2025 | Dec 18, 2025 | $800 |
| 5--2025006044 | Oct 23, 2024 | Feb 17, 2025 | $600 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over canned soy sauce. Person in charge moved beef.
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Spray hose is hanging in sink.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Salmon lined in paper towels.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken 48F; ( - Cold Holding). Per person in charge out for 1 hour. Placed inside walk in cooler.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk in front cooler not dated. Person in charge dated.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Large sprayer by back door not labeled.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Two co2 tanks not secured. Person in charge secured tanks b
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Knives on knife rack are soiled.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Grease on floor behind cookline.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Oil on floor. Person in charge moved oil.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging from bucket. Person in charge removed tongs.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Spatulas in standing water. Person in charge emptied water.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wet rag under cutting board. Person in charge removed.
Jan 14, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In walk in freezer raw chicken over raw pork. Person in charge moved chicken to bottom shelf.
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Hose is below the the rim of sink.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. At drink machine. Person in charge secured.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging from gas line. Person in charge removed.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wet rag under cutting board. Person in charge removed rag.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Rice not labeled. Person in charge labeled.
Sep 24, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 23, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 13 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed one(1) live and one(1) dead lizard on the chair railing near the hibachi table.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately sixteen(16) live roaches crawling in a clump of aprons hanging on wall of kitchen near hand washing station.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately four(4) rodent droppings on cardboard and metal shelf above dry storage rack near cook line. Observed six(6) rodent droppings on floor of sushi bar behind microwave and rice cooker.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing station near abandoned drink station blocked by personal items and equipment.
Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Observed cabinets at abandoned drink station to the right of the kitchen entrance falling apart.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with holes near abandoned drink station left of kitchen entrance. Observed ceiling tiles above hand washing station in kitchen with holes.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed several instances of cove molding at sushi bar torn or cracked.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately seven(7) dead roaches stuck in grease on paper towel dispenser. Person in charge started cleaning during inspection. Observed approximately nine(9) dead roaches inside metal tray above prep table to the right of the hand washing station. Person in charge threw tray into garbage.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed raw personal fish in walk-in cooler not separated from establishment fish. Person in charge placed personal fish on bottom of shelf.
Floors, walls, ceiling soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed walls on and near cook line soiled with build up of grease. Observed ceiling tiles in kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand washing station paper towel dispenser soiled with grease and dead roaches. Person in charge started cleaning during inspection.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed back door with torn screen. Observed back door not tight fitting around door frame by evidence of light surrounding door
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed metal walk-in cooler shelves rusty.
Jan 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs above unwashed carrots in walk-in cooler. Person in charge moved unwashed carrots from under eggs.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on flip-top cooler stained with food debris.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hose connected to hand washing station at kitchen entrance. Person in charge removed hose during inspection.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan for time control of sushi rice.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles above hand washing station in kitchen soiled with grease.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed cove molding at sushi bar Broken
Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on top of paper towel dispenser on kitchen wall. Person in charge cleaned and sanitized top paper towel dispenser.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanging off food trash receptacle on cook line. Person in charge removed tongs from trash receptacle and placed in ware washing.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach in cooler soiled with food debris. Observed top of paper towel dispenser soiled with grease. Person in charge cleaned top of paper towel dispenser.
Oct 24, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 23, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 15 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed person prescription medication stored above food at sushi bar. Discussed with person in charge.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately two live flying insects in kitchen. Observed approximately six live flying inspections outside back door on top of fish bait left uncovered by open back door
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 6 rodent droppings on floor under dish washer in kitchen. Observed approximately 4 rodent droppings on floor behind sushi bar.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed four packets of reduced oxygen packaged salmon and one packet of white tuna not removed from their reduced oxygen environment before being fully thawed out. See stop sale.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing station on cooling line blocked by attached hose. Person in charge removed hose.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed sushi rice kept on time. Operator not able to locate written procedures. Provided emailed blank copy last inspection. Provided emailed copy to person in charge again.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hand washing station on cook line has water that only reaches 75F during inspection.
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 four packets of reduced oxygen packaged salmon and one packet of white tuna not removed from their reduced oxygen environment before being fully thawed out. See stop sale.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed cove molding tiles broken and missing along sushi bar.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed two dead roaches on floor under dish machine.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee drink cups, tea cups, medication, mouth wash, vitamins all stored above soda bag n box system. Discussed with person in charge.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed kitchen floor heavily soiled with food debris, grease, and oil build up under equipment.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on cook line cooler soiled with food debris. Observed gaskets on walk-in cooler soiled with black/green mold like substance.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed visible light on sides and bottom of screen back door. Screen back door does not tightly close and back door left open. Discussed with person in charge.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed hand washing station on cook line continuously runs cold water (75F). Faucet handles are unable to be turned on or off. Person in charge turns hand washing station off using water shut off valve under stink.
Mar 28, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken and shrimp stored over ready to eat soy sauce. Observed raw chicken stored above unwashed carrots. Observed raw beef stored above raw fish in walk-in freezer all not in manufacture packaging. Person in charge started rearranging walk-in cooler.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed one package each of mackerel, tuna, and white fish in reduced oxygen environment completely thawed. Packages indicated to remain frozen or removed from package. Discussed with person in charge. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Observed big bowl of fried rice on cook line without time mark. Person in charge added time mark.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed green hose connected to thread attachment in hand washing station by kitchen entrance without a vacuum breaker. Person in charge disconnected hose.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee in kitchen exit walk-in cooler and wash hands in triple sink when inspector entered kitchen. Discussed its person in charge.
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. Provided written procedures and discussed with person in charge.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed green hose hooked up to hand washing sink at entrance of kitchen. Person in charge removed hose.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing station at sushi bar. Person in charge added dish detergent.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed walk-in freezer handle soiled with food debris.
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 one package of mackerel, tuna, and white fish in reduced oxygen environment completely thawed. Packages indicated to remain frozen or removed from package. Discussed with person in charge. See stop sale.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed personal food per person in charge stored with establishment food in walk-in cooler not segregated or labeled.
Floors, walls, ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed walls on cook line soiled with grease. Observed floors under equipment throughout kitchen and floors at sushi bar soiled with food debris, black sludge, and grease.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of meat on floor under prep table. Person in charge placed inside of walk-in cooler on shelf.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed black/green mold like substance build up around splash guard of hand washing station at sushi bar. Observed multiple gaskets on reach in coolers soiled with black/green mold like substance and food debris. Observed gasket on walk-in cooler soiled with black/green mold like substance.
Sep 28, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed cook handle raw chicken and proceeded to touch clean bowl of ready to eat food and clean plastic wrap. Discussed with cook. Cook washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw scallops over ready to eat rice. Observed raw chicken over ready to eat soy sauce. Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell egg above unwashed vegetables. Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. Observed raw ground pork in same sheet pan as prepared salads. All above items in walk-in cooler. Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed frozen chicken on sheet pans above frozen sushi fish on sheet pans not in original packaging in walk-in freezer. Person in charge correctly organized walk-in cooler.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed hose connected to hand washing station by kitchen entrance without a vacuum breaker. Person in charge disconnected hose.
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. Provided written procedures and discussed with person in charge.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hose connected to hand washing station sink. Person in charge removed hose.
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 reduced oxygen fish in walk-in cooler thawed out without being removed from reduced oxygen packaging. Person in charge cut open all bags of fish.
Dead flying insects on premises. Observed 6 dead flying insects stuck in grease on top of paper towel dispenser. Person in charge cleaned and removed the dead insects from the paper towel dispenser.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed several employee food, per person in charge, in multiple reach in cooler and walk-in cooler not labeled or segregated from food served to public.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets throughout kitchen on reach in cooler torn or removed.
Floor, wall, ceiling soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors throughout kitchen soiled with old food debris and grease. Observed walls near cook line and walk-in cooler soiled with grease build up. Observed ceiling through out kitchen soiled with grease and dust.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cook line utensils in 74F water in prep sink. Observed cook placed spatula into water and take out of water to flip-top cooler vegetables. Discussed with person in charge.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on reach in coolers and walk-in cooler throughout kitchen heavily soiled with black/green mold like substance. Observed top of paper towel dispenser heavily soiled with grease and food debris. Observed hood filters soiled with dust and grease in kitchen and hibachi stations.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen shrimp in bucket of water on prep table. Person in charge dumped water and placed shrimp in walk-in cooler.
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.