UPTOWN EATS
689 DR MLK JR ST N STE D, Saint Petersburg FL 33701 · 727-810-3287
Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023
OCT 24
APR 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Live, small flying insects found 3 flies (2) flies flying in front bar area not landing on any food contact surfaces. (1) fly in cooler freezer room not landing on any food contact surfaces.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2019044407 | Aug 20, 2019 | Oct 31, 2019 | $400 |
| 3--2018014066 | Feb 12, 2018 | May 3, 2018 | $400 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jul 16, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
2 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. On pipe coming from ceiling in room containing ice machine.
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 and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. No time stamp on quiche on cook line.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Blade guard of slicer on table of slicer on prep table in prep room. Stand mixer in prep area soiled.
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/. Establishment previously submitted a plan review application in October 2025. Discussed re-submitting current layout for area that was previously a retail space. Area has tables, chairs, hand sink, ice machine, cold holding refrigerator, freezer, dry storage racks. Provided the following handouts: Plan Review Requirements (DBPR Form HR 5030-082) Plan Review for Fixed Public Food Service Establishment (DBPR HR-7005) Discussed updating the plans to match the current layout, completing the required application, and then submitting the updated plans, application, and menu to the plan review email within 60 days of the callback date.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Observed water filter under by espresso machine dated 1-2-25
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Bathroom door in dinning room.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In room housing ice machine.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven interior in prep area soiled with backed on debris.
Jul 15, 2026■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 21 violations recorded, 8 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
8 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked raw shell eggs wearing single service gloves and then proceeded to grab sauce bottle and scoop for cheese. Employee washed hands. Inspector educated employee about proper hand washing practices.
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. Employee touched scone with bare hands and then placed scones on plate to serve to customer. Inspector discussed with employee and operator about alternate serving possibilities. Tongs, parchment paper etc.
Live, small flying insects found 3 flies (2) flies flying in front bar area not landing on any food contact surfaces. (1) fly in cooler freezer room not landing on any food contact surfaces.
Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Under front counter where coffee and drink preparation takes place.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 10 rodent droppings under silver double door reach-in-cooler in freezer cooler room. Approximately 15 rodent droppings under dry storage racks storing plastic containers of food products and metal cans. Approximately 20 rodent droppings next to glass double door cooler and dry storage racks storing plastic containers of food in corner.
Rodent bait not contained in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. Bag of rodent bait in corner next to freezer in cooler freezer room.
Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. On pipe coming from ceiling in room containing ice machine.
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 and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. No time stamp on quiche on cook line.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Blade guard of slicer on table of slicer on prep table in prep room. Stand mixer in prep area soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink blocked by plastic container. Container was removed from hand 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/. Establishment previously submitted a plan review application in October 2025. Discussed re-submitting current layout for area that was previously a retail space. Area has tables, chairs, hand sink, ice machine, cold holding refrigerator, freezer, dry storage racks. Provided the following handouts: Plan Review Requirements (DBPR Form HR 5030-082) Plan Review for Fixed Public Food Service Establishment (DBPR HR-7005) Discussed updating the plans to match the current layout, completing the required application, and then submitting the updated plans, application, and menu to the plan review email within 60 days of the callback date.
Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Observed water filter under by espresso machine dated 1-2-25
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Bathroom door in dinning room.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Ramekins stored in chi tea, earl grey tea, and decaf espresso.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Oven handle in prep area. Cooler handles in prep cooler area.
Dead roaches on premises. 3 dead roaches in under double door reach-in-cooler in cooler freezer room. 2 dead roaches under dry storage rack holding containers of food in bags. 3 dead roaches in corner of room next to table and chairs in added dining room area. 5 dead roaches under black floor storage cabinet in hallway next to bathroom.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on top of prep table in prep area. Bottle was removed.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout restaurant. Under prep tables. Under cooler and freezers in cooler freezer room. Under equipment and shelving in bar area.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In room housing ice machine.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven interior in prep area soiled with backed on debris.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Pizza boxes in freezer and cooler room stored on floor.
Mar 2, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained white cutting boards on reach in deli cooler on cook line.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Grooved white cutting boards on reach in deli cooler on cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. 500X counter oven interior soiled with burnt food debris.
Oct 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Quaternary sanitizer bucket in front counter testing at 500+ PPM. Employee replenished sanitizer bucket and quaternary is now testing at 200 PPM.
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. Operator printed and posted DBPR Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events form.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Reach in deli cooler cutting boards on cook line are stained.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee training certificate Lara S. Dated for 1/29/2025 through FLRA.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed expired employee training certificates for Katherine D. dated 10/5/2021 and Rebecca B. Date 3/10/2021 through FLRA.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License posted expired on 2/1/2025. License was printed during the inspection.
Apr 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. house made hollandaise (67F - Cold Holding), recommend item be held on tphc
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. Emailed to operator
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/ 7 employees present with no CFM
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Old license posted on cooler behind front counter
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler behind counter not holding proper temperature, all time/temperature control for safety foods removed
Oct 28, 2024Inspection 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. On cook top: okra (77F - Hot Holding)
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle in kitchen.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
May 1, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler in kitchen has built up food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in kitchen used to dump ice.
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/
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing behind front counter.
Open dumpster lid.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters not covered and protected behind front counter.
Oct 27, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in ware washing area not landing on food or food contact surfaces. 1 live fly near trash area not landing on food or food contact surfaces.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On top of reach in cooler in kitchen: cut leafy greens (72F - Cold Holding); cut melons (64F - Cold Holding) Discussed with operator using Time as a Public Health Control.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. 3 compartment sink chlorine sanitizer over 200 ppm chlorine. Employee corrected to 100 ppm chlorine.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board behind bar area above reach in cooler has built up food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee dumped beverage in hand wash sink in kitchen.
No handwash sink located in vending machine area where employees service bulk food machines.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on oven handle in kitchen.
Open dumpster lid.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Clean silverware in ware washing area stored with food contact surfaces upright.
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.