SPECIAL PHO
1390 34 ST N, Saint Petersburg FL 33713 · 7279540909
Last inspected Jul 15, 2026 · 9 visits since December 2023
FEB 24
JUL 24
JAN 25
DEC 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in kitchen not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023071359 | Dec 6, 2023 | Apr 11, 2024 | $800 |
| 3--2022006314 | Jan 7, 2022 | Apr 12, 2022 | $160 |
| 3--2019019351 | Mar 13, 2019 | May 9, 2019 | $200 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Located in reach-in cooler across from grill station: cooked tofu (55F - Cold Holding); egg rolls (57F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (56F - Cold Holding) Items were placed into reach-in cooler two hours prior to inspection. Operator returned items to other cold holding units to begin cooling back down for corrective action. Rechecked temperatures as follows: cooked tofu (36F - Cold Holding); egg rolls (51F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (41F - Cold Holding)
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Peeled cooked chicken observed cooling inside walk-in cooler in plastic bags that have been tied off at the end. Discussed with operator proper cooling methods to achieve similar desired results.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting observed on blue drink cups at front counter
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor heavily soiled behind grill station.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides of equipment at grill station with heavy accumulation of grease.
Stored food not covered. Washed and cut green and white onions stored uncovered in walk-in cooler
Dec 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Frozen cooked pork and chicken stored in black to-go bags in reach-in freezer
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. Establishment utilized a written chart to mark items such as sliced pork, fried chicken wings, fried eggrolls, and rice noodles. Manager identified items and what time they were placed on time and properly labeled the chart.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Operator is only CFM. Upon arrival five employees engaged in food handling. Manager was called and advised she stepped out for supplies. Manager arrived during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened/prepared, frozen and then thawed and held at refrigeration temperature not properly date marked. Cooked and prepared egg rolls frozen and then thawed not date marked. Manager dated items.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked pork and cooked chicken prepared onsite and held over 24 hours not date marked inside walk-in cooler. Manager date marked item.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plate used to scoop mushrooms in walk-in cooler. Manager removed.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelves at front kitchen. Heavily soiled.
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler on front line
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled with heavy accumulation of grease under shelf and cook line at front kitchen.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice scoop in standing water less than 135F. Manager removed water and stored utensil dry.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven with buildup on old food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gasket on reach-in cooler at front line. Top of microwaves with accumulation of grease at front kitchen.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee coffee stored in front display counter with flan and coffee to be sold to customers. Employee removed drink.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of standing reach-in freezer with accumulation of debris located in the rear kitchen.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Hand wash sink in between three compartment sink and dish machine slow draining.
Jan 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over produce in walk in cooler Raw meats over produce in walk in cooler Operator had staff reorganize all items in walk in cooler
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Stored above paper towels in dry storage
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. Pork in reach in freezer in kitchen
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Jul 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on reach-in coolers are stained.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl with handle stored in container of sauce in walk-in cooler. Operator removed bowl.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen is rusted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in cooler doors are soiled.
Reach-in cooler at front counter interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken not covered in walk-in cooler.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Mar 6, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has built up food debris.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on cups at front counter.
Open dumpster lid.
Feb 28, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has built up food debris.
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/. 2 hand wash sinks removed, one on either side of three compartment sink.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on cups at front counter.
Open dumpster lid.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Rear door of kitchen propped open. Operator closed door.
Feb 15, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in kitchen not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bib just side kitchen door.
Establishment preparing food using a method that has been determined by the Divisions of Hotels and Restaurants to require an approved variance from the Division. Establishment does not have an approved variance for the method observed in use during the inspection. Establishment cooling beef soup outside of approved methods.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Beef soup left in large pot to cool at ambient air temperature of kitchen.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has built up food debris.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. 2 hand wash sinks removed, one on either side of three compartment sink.
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/. 2 hand wash sinks removed, one on either side of three compartment sink.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Sugar and salt containers. Operator removed.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on clean ware washing storage shelving. Operator removed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on cups at front counter.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice scoop in standing water of 74 F. Operator removed from water.
Open dumpster lid.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Rear door of kitchen propped open. Operator closed door.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry operator stored properly.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses by hand wash sink just inside kitchen.
Dec 6, 2023□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 6, 2023■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 8 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 priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Above food prep area on cooks line. Operator removed
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook scratch forehead with gloves on then continue food prep with no glove change or hand wash.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 15 grey colored dry droppings in close proximity to the dead rodent in the utility closet in the kitchen. Employee removed droppings.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items cooked at noon and left out at room temp for quick access orders: pork chop (77F - Cold Holding); diced chicken (77F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken breast (77F - Cold Holding); spring rolls (77F - Cold Holding); Pork (77F - Cold Holding) Operator placed items in freezer at 1:50pm
No soap provided at handwash sink. Prep area. Operator replaced
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. Meats in freezer re packaged need time tracking
Dead rodent present. 1 dead rodent in unused utility/storage closet at rear of kitchen with closed door. Employee removed immediately
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Rear kitchen door
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.