TOWN HALL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1970 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY, Sarasota FL 34234 · 941 955 3133
Last inspected Nov 13, 2025 · 9 visits since October 2023
FEB 24
AUG 24
DEC 24
AUG 25
NOV 25
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Handed operator a copy to post.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $640
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2024007464 | Dec 18, 2023 | May 24, 2024 | $640 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Nov 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed them not using sanitizer on their dishes. I had the operator set up their triple sink with chlorine sanitizer and santize the dishes.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observe raw shell eggs stored over sliced cheese in their reach in cooler. Operator moved the eggs.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed on the cook line counter: Ambient shell eggs (70F - Cold Holding). Operator stated it had been out for approximately 1hr. Operator placed it back in the reach in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed incense stored above tomatoes on the cook line. Operator moved the incense.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at their hand sink. Operator placed more there.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of beer cans stored on the floor behind the bar.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed a missing sign at their hand sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up next to the fryers.
Aug 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the oven: Sausage (89F - Hot Holding). Operator stated they had been out approximately 2hrs. Operator turned the oven top on to reheat.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at their kitchen hand sink. Operator placed some there.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of oil stored on the floor. Operator placed it on a shelf.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed a missing drain plug.
Open dumpster lid. Observed their dumpster lid open.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed coffee filters not stored properly when not in use. Operator placed them in a bag.
Dec 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed raw shell eggs stored over containers of water in the reach in cooler. Operator moved the water.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee items stored with dry goods in the kitchen. Operator removed the items.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed multiple utensils in 75F degree water. Operator emptied the water.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at the kitchen hand wash sink.
Open dumpster lid. Observed their dumpster lid open.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple single service articles both inverted on the cook line. Operator inverted them.
Aug 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the stovetop: Sausage (103F - Hot Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs. Operator turned on the stovetop and started to reheat the sausage.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of glue and hand sanitizer stored next to and above food products in the kitchen. Operator removed the containers.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed black and rust build up on the can opener.
Food stored on floor. Observed boxes of fryer oil and cases of water and soap stored on the floor of the establishment.
Open dumpster lid. Observed the dumpster lid open. Operator closed the lid.
Feb 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a can opener with rust and black build up.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the hand wash sink with electrical equipment stored in it. Operator removed equipment. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed grease build up on the roof pillar to the right of the cook line. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Uncleanable knife block in use to store knives. Observed a wooden knife block in use.
Dec 18, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no proof of food managers training.
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. Observed no proof of food handlers employee training.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observe and grease build up on a roof pillar above the cook line.
Oct 27, 2023Call 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 ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no proof of food managers training.
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. Observed no proof of food handlers employee training.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in use ladles in standing water on the cook line. Operator removed water.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash signs at any of the hand wash sinks.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observe and grease build up on a roof pillar above the cook line.
Oct 20, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employees washing hands in the triple sink due to the hand wash sink being inoperable.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed the kitchen hand wash sink broken at this time.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no proof of food managers training.
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. Observed no proof of food handlers employee training.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in use ladles in standing water on the cook line. Operator removed water.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash signs at any of the hand wash sinks.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up on the hood filter of the cook line.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observe and grease build up on a roof pillar above the cook line.
Oct 19, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority8 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of prescription medicine above the cook line. Operator removed container.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed a spray can of pesticide in the kitchen area. Operator removed can.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed on the kitchen counter: Ambient shell eggs (80F - Cold Holding); Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs and put them on ice.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the kitchen cook line: Ambient shell eggs (80F - Cold Holding); Butter chips (80F - Cold Holding); Sliced cheese (72F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs and put them on ice.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the cook line: Beef (100F - Hot Holding); Sausage (100F - Hot Holding). Operator stated they had been out for approximately 2hrs and put them on a heater.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Observed no knowledge of the big 6. Handed operator a copy to post.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employees washing hands in the triple sink due to the hand wash sink being inoperable.
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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Handed operator a copy to post.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed the kitchen hand wash sink broken at this time.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwash sink with a build up of trash in it.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no proof of food managers training.
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. Observed no proof of food handlers employee training.
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. Observed no signed agreements. Had operator sign a copy and email them more.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple employee drinks on food prep areas.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phones and glasses stored above food prep areas. Operator removed items.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in use ladles in standing water on the cook line. Operator removed water.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash signs at any of the hand wash sinks.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up on the hood filter of the cook line.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observe and grease build up on a roof pillar above the cook line.
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.