FERNANDINA BEACH, Nassau County

BAR ZIN BISTRO & WINE BAR

4924 FIRST COAST HWY 10, FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034

FoodSeating
Latest violations
12
4 High Priority
Feb 12, 2026
City
FERNANDINA BEACH
County
Nassau
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
12

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Feb 12, 2026

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 1Basic: 7Total: 12

50-17-3

Detail 24369246

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment operating on license that expired June 1, 2025. Owner was made aware of expired license and he went online and renewed. Corrected On-Site

01B-02-5

Detail 24369251

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In mini cooler on counter by drink station, butter (57F - Cold Holding); Heavy whipping cream (51F - Cold Holding). Ambient temperature of cooler at 50F. Chef discarded. See stop sale.

03A-02-5

Detail 24369254

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In mini cooler on counter by drink station, butter (57F - Cold Holding); Heavy whipping cream (51F - Cold Holding). Ambient temperature of cooler at 50F. Chef discarded. See stop sale. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-10-4

Detail 24369248

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Hanging on edge of dry storage rack heading to bar area from kitchen, two spray bottles of cleaner in front of food. Chef removed cleaners. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

02C-02-5

Detail 24369250

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In stand up reach in cooler on cook line, container of cut melon made yesterday not date marked. Chef added date mark to container. Corrected On-Site

24-07-4

Detail 24369249

Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Ice bucket at bar area on floor. Chef removed from floor and hung up. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

12B-07-4

Detail 24369247

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink mug on top shelf of cook line over reach in cooler. Chef moved drink. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

40-06-5

Detail 24369243

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cellphone in kitchen pass thru window. Chef removed cellphone. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

36-73-4

Detail 24369245

Basic - Floor, wall and/or ceiling soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under cook line equipment soiled with grease and food debris. Also, floor under dish and 3 compartment sink has debris build up. Also, vent cover in ladies restroom soiled with dust build up. Repeat Violation

22-08-4

Detail 24369244

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of turbo oven soiled with food debris.

23-03-4

Detail 24369252

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line soiled with grease debris. Also, multiple gaskets in kitchen soiled with food debris/torn. Also, edge of reach in cooler under flip top cooler fluid on cook line soiled with food debris. Chef began cleaning areas that are soiled. Corrective Action Taken

25-06-4

Detail 24369253

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. On top shelf of cook line and on top shelf in wait station, to go boxes not inverted. Chef flipped boxes. Corrected On-Site

Mar 10, 2025

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 7Intermediate: 3Basic: 13Total: 23

09-05-5

Detail 23618744

High Priority - Employee not following establishment's approved Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. Cook on cook line washed hands and did not use hand sanitizer. Person in Charge coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly. Corrective Action Taken

12A-17-4

Detail 23618741

High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Cook on cook line washed hands for approximately three (3) seconds. Person in Charge coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

08A-02-6

Detail 23618749

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In outside reach in freezer, ziplock bag of raw fish stored on top of sealed bag of ready to eat vegetables. Items moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

08A-05-6

Detail 23618758

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler on cook line, package of raw beef stored over container of ready to eat sauce (bang-bang). Items moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

01B-24-5

Detail 23618757

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. In walk in cooler, cooked pork tenderloin prepared twelve (12) days prior. Pork discarded. In reach in cooler on cook line, crab stuffing prepared eight (8) days prior. Stuffing discarded.

03A-02-5

Detail 23618745

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line in kitchen, pan of shrimp 48F. Shrimp stored on top of pan of raw chicken. Shrimp placed on line approximately 15 minutes. Shrimp moved to bottom of reach in cooler to cool. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-10-4

Detail 23618752

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. On small prep table near pass through window, container of bleach stored near clean equipment. On small prep table at end of cook line, cans of butane stored on ledge next to chopped red onions. In server area near wine area, spray bottle containing green chemical cleaner stored next to clean silverware. In kitchen on shelf with cutting boards, cans of chemicals stored next to cutting boards. All chemicals moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

31A-09-4

Detail 23618753

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink in large bar blocked by small reach in cooler. Cooler moved. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

53A-01-7

Detail 23618742

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Missing for kitchen manager/chef in kitchen. Manager says has certificate (picture) but just switched phones.

31B-02-4

Detail 23618762

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sinks at both bars in dining area. Repeat Violation

24-07-4

Detail 23618746

Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Blue ice bucket stored on floor in bar. Bucket moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

12B-12-5

Detail 23618760

Basic - 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 drink cup on top of flip top cooler at end of cook line has no lid. Cup discarded. Corrected On-Site

40-06-5

Detail 23618763

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee car keys stored on white cutting board near pass through window. Keys moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

13-03-4

Detail 23618747

Basic - Employee with no hair/beard restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook in kitchen missing both hair and beard restraints. Cook placed on both restraints. Corrected On-Site

36-73-4

Detail 23618761

Basic - Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in outside storage room where ice machine is located Floor in small storage closet near entrance to kitchen. Repeat Violation

09-07-5

Detail 23618755

Basic - Food employee not using the two additional control measures after washing hands as required by the Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. No bare hand contact allowed with ready-to-eat food. All employees not using secondary measure of using hand sanitizer after washing and drying hands as evidenced by no sanitizer at any hand washing sink. Person in Charge placed sanitizer by hand washing sinks. Corrective Action Taken

10-20-4

Detail 23618759

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on handle of oven. Tongs moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

31B-04-4

Detail 23618754

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink by dish area. Inspector emailed sign. Corrective Action Taken

09-09-5

Detail 23618750

Basic - No proof available showing that employees touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands have received the required training on risks, handwashing, finger nail maintenance, prohibited jewelry and good hygienic practices. Establishment has an approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Current AOP has not been reviewed since 2019. Repeat Violation

14-47-4

Detail 23618743

Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Multiple shelves below prep tables are rusted. White cutting boards on cook line are grooved and stained. Repeat Violation

35B-03-4

Detail 23618748

Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Side exit door in kitchen. Front door for wine area. Repeat Violation

42-03-5

Detail 23618751

Basic - Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Yellow power drill stored on shelf with clean cutting boards. Drill moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

02D-01-5

Detail 23618756

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk container of flour mixture on shelf in pass through area. Container labeled. Corrected On-Site

Oct 24, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 7Intermediate: 5Basic: 12Total: 24

09-01-4

Detail 23308725

High Priority - 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. Bartender cutting and handling fruit for drink garnishes. Bartender stopped, washed hands and put on gloves.

35A-02-6

Detail 23308717

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One (1) live fly in kitchen.

08A-05-6

Detail 23308715

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In flip top cooler on cook line, raw grouper stored over ready to eat beef au jus. In flip top cooler at end of cook line, raw tuna stored over bread crumbs. Items moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

08A-20-5

Detail 23308724

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In walk in cooler, raw ground beef stored over raw grouper. Items moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

03A-02-5

Detail 23308720

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In small reach in cooler across from cook line, cream 48F. Cream voluntarily discarded. In walk in cooler, blanched asparagus 46F. Walk in cooler was opened constantly during dinner prep. Door kept closed to cool walk in cooler. Corrective Action Taken

41-10-4

Detail 23308706

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. On storage rack in kitchen, cans of butane fuel stored with seasonings/spices. Butane moved and stored correctly. In server station near dining room, spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored on prep table with clean silver ware and water pitchers. Bottle moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

29-34-4

Detail 23308723

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing on both outside faucets in patio area.

12A-03-4

Detail 23308708

Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Cook in kitchen washed hands in triple sink. Cook re-washed hands in hand washing sink. Corrective Action Taken

31A-09-4

Detail 23308722

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink in bar blocked by small reach in cooler. Cooler moved. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

31B-02-4

Detail 23308703

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in bar. Towels provided. Corrected On-Site

11-26-1

Detail 23308705

Intermediate - 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. Missing for bartender working today. Manager gave form to bartender to review and sign. Corrective Action Taken

53B-13-5

Detail 23308709

Intermediate - 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. Missing for bartender working today.

50-09-4

Detail 23308721

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2024.

14-09-4

Detail 23308710

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Middle cutting board on cook line.

35A-03-4

Detail 23308714

Basic - Dead roaches on premises. One (1) dead roach in bar on floor. Dead roach discarded. Corrected On-Site

40-06-5

Detail 23308702

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on prep table in kitchen where clean silverware is stored. Phone moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

09-04-5

Detail 23308713

Basic - Establishment does not have a written copy of their approved Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. Establishment has written copy from 2019. Plan has not been reviewed since it was written, and multiple current employees have not reviewed plan.

36-73-4

Detail 23308712

Basic - Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment in kitchen. Floor under outdoor ice machine. Floor under prep table in server area. Ceiling in kitchen.

10-20-4

Detail 23308711

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On cook line, tongs on handle of oven. Tongs moved and stored correctly. Corrected On-Site

31B-04-4

Detail 23308718

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink by dish machine. Inspector emailed sign. Corrective Action Taken

14-47-4

Detail 23308719

Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Multiple shelves in kitchen are rusted.

23-03-4

Detail 23308716

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cooking equipment. Manager states that cleaners are coming tomorrow. Corrective Action Taken

35B-03-4

Detail 23308704

Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Both exterior doors on either side of kitchen. One door re-attached door closer. Corrective Action Taken

33-34-4

Detail 23308707

Basic - Storage area not maintained clean and organized. Storage closet near bar.

Apr 10, 2024

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 1Total: 1

14-11-5

Detail 22793331

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in coolers - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: Time Extended

Mar 27, 2024

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 1Total: 5

22-41-4

Detail 22756190

High Priority - 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. 0 ppms

11-27-4

Detail 22756189

Intermediate - 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 and printed Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 22756193

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun soiled, cleaned at time Corrected On-Site

31A-09-4

Detail 22756192

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. At area, items moved Corrected On-Site

14-11-5

Detail 22756191

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in coolers

Aug 9, 2023

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 2Total: 6

50-17-3

Detail 22190346

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. 6-1-23 Admin Complaint

08A-05-6

Detail 22190345

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shelled eggs over boiled eggs. Moved Corrected On-Site

41-10-4

Detail 22190343

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Stored over prep line cooler, moved

53B-13-5

Detail 22190344

Intermediate - 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.

40-06-5

Detail 22190347

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phones stored over line coolers , moved Corrected On-Site

14-36-5

Detail 22190348

Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. 2 door stand up freezer

Aug 9, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 1Total: 1

36-34-5

Detail 22189499

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Dust covers on fans in walk in cooler - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: Still the same Time Extended

Apr 12, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 5

53B-01-5

Detail 21933308

Intermediate - 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.

36-34-5

Detail 21933307

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Dust covers on fans in walk in cooler

12B-07-4

Detail 21933309

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Multiple personal drinks on prep areas, moved Corrected On-Site

14-38-4

Detail 21933310

Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Clear cracked container holding beef, removed from service Corrected On-Site

02D-01-5

Detail 21933306

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large clear containers with white substances inside Manager labeled, flour Corrected On-Site

Dec 21, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Nov 30, 2022

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 1Basic: 3Total: 4

31A-04-4

Detail 21600764

Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Handsink salad station area, needs fixing to be accessible to use. Warning

14-01-5

Detail 21600761

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup in sugar, moved Corrected On-Site Warning

31B-04-4

Detail 21600762

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At handsink at bar with beer tap Warning

02D-01-5

Detail 21600763

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White substance in clear container Manager labeled sugar, Corrected On-Site Warning

Mar 14, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 1Total: 3

08A-02-6

Detail 20929249

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Frozen raw beef over bread and ice cream, moved Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 20929251

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Noddles made Saturday in reach in cooler, manager dated Corrected On-Site

12B-07-4

Detail 20929250

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open Energy drink over prep cooler and coffee thermal on prep area, moved Corrected On-Site

Nov 3, 2021

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 3Basic: 4Total: 9

22-41-4

Detail 20633075

High Priority - 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. 0 ppms

08A-05-6

Detail 20633077

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shelling eggs, over sauce Scallops over bread , moved Corrected On-Site

01C-03-4

Detail 20633083

Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Some tags for mussels

01C-10-4

Detail 20633080

Intermediate - Clams/mussels/oysters tag removed from original container prior to container being emptied. Mussels, placed with Pan Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 20633078

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun at bar

23-24-4

Detail 20633079

Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Gaskets on walk in cooler

14-11-4

Detail 20633081

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn on flip top coolers

14-36-5

Detail 20633082

Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Freezer near back door,

36-34-5

Detail 20633076

Basic - vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Fan covers in walk in cooler