SARA'S DINER
216 NE HWY 19, Crystal River FL 34429 · 352.794.3899
Last inspected Mar 30, 2026 · 7 visits since August 2023
FEB 24
SEP 24
MAY 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 11 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw pooled eggs in reach-in cooler on cook line. Employee moved and stored correctly.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2018063124 | Dec 6, 2018 | Mar 27, 2019 | $600 |
| 3--2018036257 | May 31, 2018 | Feb 12, 2019 | $400 |
| 3--2017017541 | Mar 24, 2017 | May 25, 2017 | $400 |
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Mar 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed cook prepare a wrap and place a pickle on a plate and put in service window for server to deliver to table without wearing gloves. Discussed with employee and operator. Operator had employee put on gloves.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw comminuted beef stored over opened box of croissants in reach-in cooler near kitchen entrance. Operator stored correctly. Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over pooled eggs in a container in reach-in cooler near cook line/service window area. Operator moved and stored correctly.
Oct 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw pooled eggs in reach-in cooler on cook line. Employee moved and stored correctly.
Jul 14, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 29, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 1 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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 chlorine sanitizing dishmachine with chlorine at 0 ppm. Employee set up three compartment sink with a chlorine solution at 100 ppm.
Sep 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dented cans present. See stop sale. Can of green beans and can of chili beans dented on seal
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. 0ppm, operator primed machine 100ppm at recheck.
Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured in soda rack storage area. Operator secured tanks.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drink cup on prep table in cook line. Operator removed.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food in prep area
Feb 26, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pooled eggs in cooks line Reach-in-Cooler above Ready to eat foods. Operator moved
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee used hand sink to rinse utensil. Discussed proper hand sink usage with operator
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee coffee on table near steam table in prep area. Operator removed
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Walk-in-Cooler floor soiled
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Section of Walk-in-Cooler floor not smooth, easily cleanable
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk-in-Cooler fan guards soiled Walk-in-Cooler shelves soiled Floor fan soiled
Open dumpster lid.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover near cooks line.
Single glass door Reach-in cooler on cooks line interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 8 Rusted cans of cream potato soup
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Dishwasher loaded dirty dishes the unloaded clean dishes. Discussed proper hand washing with operator and employee. Dishes were rewashed.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Liquid eggs stored above shredded cheese in reach in cooler near kitchen entrance, cooks line, and cart near cooks line cooler. Bacon stored over produce in walk in cooler. Operator moved.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Operator keeping eggs, sausage, hash browns on time without written plan. Provided operator with TPHC packet.
Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. 8 cans of cream of potato sound rusted and stored on shelf near dish area. Operator disposed of cans.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind/under equipment throughout establishment Wall under dish machine/three compartment sink
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Middle portion of walk-in in cooler has missing Diamond plate with exposed wood framing.
Food stored on floor. Deep fryer oil in rear storage area of kitchen Pickle buckets, potatoes on floor of walk in cooler
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At sink on cooks line. Operator hung sign.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler fan guards Trays and cart near cooks line cooler soiled Shelves under prep tables
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Cooks line sandwich unit and subtle door reach in cooler.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. In rear prep area near dish machine
Stored food not covered. Raw Chicken quarters in walk in cooler not covered
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. In dry storage area adjacent to walk in freezer.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
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.