WHISKEY JOE'S BAR & GRILL
5313 19 ST E, Ellenton FL 34222 · 813.404.4079
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
SEP 24
FEB 25
DEC 25
MAR 26
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 21 points off where it started.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef stored over raw whole pork. Operator moved the pork.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $560
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2022015655 | Mar 2, 2022 | May 11, 2022 | $560 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed establishment using lime juice for ceviche containing shrimp and scallops instead of heat. Item on menu does not have indicator identifying it as raw.
Jul 29, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Observed establishment using lime juice for ceviche containing shrimp and scallops instead of heat. Establishment was unable to show proof of parasite destruction form.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed Tuna that was commercially processed reduced oxygen packaging fully thawed inside packaging and stored in walk in cooler. Chef discarded tuna.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter being utilized on mop sink faucet without vacuum breaker attached. Manager attached vacuum breaker.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed establishment using lime juice for ceviche containing shrimp and scallops instead of heat. Item on menu does not have indicator identifying it as raw.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed scoop with no handle stored in panko rolling container. Manager removed scoop.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed Tuna that was commercially processed reduced oxygen packaging fully thawed inside packaging and stored in walk in cooler. Chef discarded tuna.
Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Observed standing water inside the drain of dish washing area. Chef fixed draining issue.
Mar 25, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in the walk in cooler: Gumbo (52F - Cooling). Operator stated it was cooked the day before. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed in the walk in cooler: Gumbo (52F - Cooling). Operator stated it was cooked the day before. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed their make table cutting boards grooved.
Mar 24, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in the walk in cooler: Gumbo (52F - Cooling). Operator stated it was cooked the day before. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed in the walk in cooler: Gumbo (52F - Cooling). Operator stated it was cooked the day before. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork stored over cooked pork and observed raw chicken stored over tagged draw oyster in the walk in cooler. Operator moved the pork and oysters.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the right side cook line cooler: Chicken (56F - Cold Holding); Jumbalya (60F - Cold Holding); Sliced cheese (55F - Cold Holding). Operator stated it had been set up approximately 2hrs ago. Operator placed most food in the walk in cooler and the rest in half pans with ice.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the hot holding cabinet and the server steam table: Chicken (120F - Hot Holding); Fish (120F - Hot Holding); Queso (121F - Hot Holding). Operator stated the product had been place to hot hold approximately 1hr ago. Operator turned up their machines and started the process of reheating the food.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed their make table cutting boards grooved.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple employee drinks stored above the cook line. Operator disposed of the drinks.
Dec 16, 2025Inspection 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 foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef stored over raw whole pork. Operator moved the pork.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employees jacket stored above clean dishes in the back storage area. Operator removed it.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at the tiki bar.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the sides of the fryers with food debris and grease buildup.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple single service articles in the establishment not inverted. Operator inverted them.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed a wiping cloth stored on top of a container of drink mix. Operated removed it.
Feb 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle above mop sink. Manager labeled.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed current license not posted.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on food line. Manager removed and replaced with new board.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at tiki bar sink.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in beverage cooler at tiki bar.
Sep 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensil in container of water at 87f. Chef removed container to be washed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener with black buildup. Chef washed.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Obviously c02 tanks not secured.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at tiki bar hand sink.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in tiki bar reach in cooler.
Apr 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed last date used marked on oyster tags.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting boards on food line. Observed several small cutting boards heavily grooved.
Nov 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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. Observed employee washing dishes touch dirty dishes then go touch clean dishes without changing gloves and washing hands. Chef talked to employee concerning proper procedures.
Shellfish received from unapproved/unlisted shipper. See stop sale. Observed one case green tagged oysters in walk-in cooler. Chef removed from shelf.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed one case of green tagged oysters in walk in cooler. Chef removed case from shelf.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray paint and butane on shelf next to soda syrup. Chef moved chemicals to different area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cut board at hot foods station. Observed several heavily grooved cutting boards in rear storage area. Chef threw out.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on back storage shelf.
Jul 5, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting boards in kitchen area.
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.