SOUTH CAPE DINER
1215 CAPE CORAL PKWY E, Cape Coral FL 33904 · 315.369.5051
Last inspected Aug 26, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
NOV 24
MAY 25
OCT 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 21 points better than where it started.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach crawling on floor under reach in cooler between cook line and dish wash area.
★ 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--2021021400 | Apr 6, 2021 | Jun 9, 2021 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 26, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cream 62F cold hold, sour cream 58F cold hold less than 4 hours. Operator states opening, closing, and door ajar. Operator turned down reach un cooler.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Educated operator on importance of having receptacles with lids in women's restroom.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler in hallway at kitchen entrance.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Operator discarded cloth.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Pancake mix.
Jan 23, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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 precooked frozen meats/foods in reach in freezer not date marked.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Women's accessible bathroom handwashing sink. Operator fixed paper towel dispenser.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Educated operator on importance securing tanks. Operator secured tanks.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Oct 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 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 chlorine concentration at 0 ppm. Operator changed and primed sanitizer. Rechecked concentration at 50 ppm.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed whisk stored inside hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator removed whisk.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Operator placed paper towels at hand wash sink.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Left-side handwashing sink in women's restroom.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Educated operator on the importance of having tanks secured. Operator secured tanks.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Educated operator on proper storage of knives. Operator removed knives.
May 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb in dishwash area. Educated operator on importance of having vacuum breaker. Operator purchased vacuum breaker and just has to install.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Operator labeled bottle.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Operator secured tanks.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed knives.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed tongs.
Nov 14, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed raw pooled eggs stored in non food grade buckets. Educated operator on using food grade containers.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed gravy 128F hot hold less than 4 hours. Operator reheated gravy on stove to 165F
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored food ad clean food equipment. Educated operator on proper storage of chemicals. Operator removed chemicals.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb in dishwash area. Educated operator on the importance of having vacuum breaker.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Educated operator on having lid with straw. Operator discarded beverage.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use spatulas stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed spatulas.
Aug 14, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed no food grade containers used to store raw shell eggs.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed mashed potatoes date marked 07/20/24. Stop Sale. Operator discarded mashed potatoes.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored by clean equipment. Operator removed chemical.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb in dishwash area. Educated operator on importance of having vacuum breaker.
No chlorine 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 precooked frozen beef not date marked. Educated operator on importance of date marking. Operator date marked foods.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Operator removed employee beverages.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food prep employee prepping eggs with no hair restraint. Educated operator on importance of wearing hair restraints. Employee put on hair restraint.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Educated operator on proper storage of knives. Operator removed knives.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed tongs.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler in hallway in kitchen near hand wash sink.
May 28, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 25, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed packaged raw beef stored over ready eat cheese in reach in cooler. Operator placed raw beef on shelf.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb in dishwash area. Educated operator on having vacuum breaker.
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 operator with written procedures.
Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Right side hand wash sink in women's restroom.
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.
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. Operator completed form.
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 precooked foods not date marked in reach in freezer.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook at cook line. Educated operator on importance of hair restraints.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed knife.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
No handwashing signs provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Restrooms. Educated operator on having hand washing signs.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour bins.
Dec 7, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cut melon 49F cold hold, coleslaw 45F cold hold less than 4 hours. Operator turned down reach in cooler at end of cook line.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored near food. Educated operator on importance of proper storage of chemicals. Operator removed chemical.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb in dishwash area.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. Can opener. Operator cleaned can opener.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Precooked sauce not date marked.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Educated operator on labeling bottles. Operator labeled bottle.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed vitamins stored on shelving above clean plated. Operator removed vitamins.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook. Employee put on hat.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Operator placed thermometer in reach in cooler.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Restrooms.
Sep 1, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 12/01/22.
Aug 31, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed one 6 lb can of corn hash dented. Educated operator on importance of going through cans. Operator discarded can.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 12/01/22.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach crawling on floor under reach in cooler between cook line and dish wash area.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical stored on shelving near food. Operator removed chemical.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink in middle of kitchen. Educated operator on having paper towels. Operator placed paper towels at hand wash sink. Corrected On-SiteCorrected On-SiteRepeat ViolationWarning**
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 4 dead roaches on floor next co2 tanks at kitchen entrance.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Cook line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand wash sink at middle of kitchen and hand wash sink at beverage/Wait station. Educated operator on having hand wash sign.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Cook line. Operator place employee beverage on bottom shelf.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Educated operator on inverting containers. Operator inverted containers.
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.