St. Augustine, St. Johns County

CORTESSE'S BISTRO

172 SAN MARCO AVE, St. Augustine, FL 32084

FoodSeating
Latest violations
0
No violations
May 29, 2026
City
St. Augustine
County
St. Johns
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
16

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.

May 29, 2026

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 12, 2026

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 3Total: 7

03A-02-5

Detail 24570675

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Tall glass cooler; milk 45F. Person in charge placed in walk in cooler. Corrective Action Taken

03B-01-6

Detail 24570673

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Lemon sauce 130. Person in charge reheated to 135F. Corrected On-Site

53B-13-5

Detail 24570676

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. Marco in kitchen food certificates have expired.

02C-02-5

Detail 24570670

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Mashed potatoes, cooked broccoli not dated. Person in charge dated. Corrected On-Site

29-27-4

Detail 24570671

Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Establishment does not have hot and cold running water at mop sink. Warning

08B-12-5

Detail 24570672

Basic - Stored food not covered. French fries not covered. Person in charge covered. Corrected On-Site

36-27-5

Detail 24570674

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. With black mold like substance behind dish machine.

Nov 4, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Basic: 2Total: 3

01B-24-5

Detail 24171043

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed house made mango salsa dated 10/27 in walk-in cooler.

08B-38-4

Detail 24171042

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed one case of food on floor in walk-in cooler. Repeat Violation

16-46-4

Detail 24171041

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed clean containers stacked on wire rack with old label residue stuck to sides.

May 27, 2025

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 8Intermediate: 3Basic: 4Total: 15

03D-02-5

Detail 23793231

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked pasta from previous day (55F - Cooling) 1640 see stop sale.

01B-36-5

Detail 23793240

High Priority - 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 cooked pasta from previous day (55F - Cooling) 1640

35A-02-7

Detail 23793229

High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed one live flying insect in kitchen near soup. Observed one live flying insect at bar near ice bin. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

01B-14-4

Detail 23793235

High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed one cracked raw shell egg in walk-in cooler.

01B-13-4

Detail 23793233

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed six bags of reduced oxygen packaged fish completely thawed while not being removed from its reduced oxygen environment.

01B-02-5

Detail 23793236

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed butter kept on time control being placed into a new pan and placed back on ice. Discussed with person in charge.

03F-04-5

Detail 23793239

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. Observed butter kept on time control being placed into a new pan and placed back on ice. Discussed with person in charge. See stop sale.

29-34-4

Detail 23793242

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed green hose by back door at bar missing vacuum breaker.

02C-03-5

Detail 23793241

Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed milk opened on Sunday per person in charge missing date mark. Person in charge added date mark. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 23793230

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board in flip-top cooler stained with black marks.

31A-11-4

Detail 23793228

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed large quantities of ice dumped in hand washing station by dish washer.

06-09-1

Detail 23793237

Basic - 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 six bags of reduced oxygen packaged fish completely thawed while not being removed from its reduced oxygen environment. See stop sale.

08B-38-4

Detail 23793234

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of fish on floor in walk-in freezer. Person in charge placed fish on shelf. Corrected On-Site

10-07-4

Detail 23793232

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed grill and cooking utensils sitting in 84F water. Person in charge placed on grill and slowly reheated water to 135F Corrected On-Site

24-17-4

Detail 23793238

Basic - Silverware/utensils/dishes dried with a towel/cloth. Observed dish employee drying dishes with towels.

Nov 20, 2024

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Nov 13, 2024

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 3Total: 7

35A-02-6

Detail 23354320

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two live flying insects at bar. Person in charge started killing flying insects. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

14-15-4

Detail 23354317

High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed Homer bucket used to store soups in walk-in cooler. Person in charge removed Homer bucket from walk-in cooler. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

31A-09-4

Detail 23354315

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing station by ice machine near bar blocked by out of order sign. Person in charge is unaware why hand washing station is out of order. Person in charge will speak to operator and plan to fix Repeat Violation Warning

31B-02-4

Detail 23354319

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed paper towels missing from hand washing station at bar near ice machine.

40-06-5

Detail 23354316

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone and speaker on top of dishes on cook line. Person in charge removed personal items from cook line.

23-03-4

Detail 23354314

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on some reach in coolers soiled with food debris.

29-11-4

Detail 23354318

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed faucet used to fill steamer table leaking.

Apr 16, 2024

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Apr 15, 2024

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 8Intermediate: 4Basic: 4Total: 16

35A-02-6

Detail 22803787

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two live flying insects in dry storage near bags of onions. Discussed with person in charge.

14-15-4

Detail 22803779

High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed orange Home Depot Homer bucket used to store elbow macaroni soup.

08A-05-6

Detail 22803788

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed frozen individually wrapped fish stored above frozen cakes in walk-in freezer. Not all originally packaged. Observed raw veal stored above ready to eat milk in glass door reach in cooler. Person in charge moved raw veal to another cooler. Corrective Action Taken

01B-13-4

Detail 22803784

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed sheet pan in glass door reach in cooler of oysters. Person in charge could not find any oyster tags.

01B-02-5

Detail 22803786

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed mushroom soup (112F - Hot Holding); chicken stock (120F - Hot Holding); escargot sauce (97F - Hot Holding); elbow macaroni in bucket (120F - Hot Holding); house made red sauce (89F - Hot Holding); gravy (92F - Hot Holding) Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 22803777

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed house made sauces (gravy, cream) x 4 (52-54F - Cold Holding) left on speed rack from walk-in cooler 30 mins prior to inspection per person in charge. Person in charge placed in cooler to cool. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

03F-02-5

Detail 22803781

High Priority - 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. Observed garlic butter missing time mark. Butter put since 1500 per person in charge.

03B-01-6

Detail 22803789

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mushroom soup (112F - Hot Holding); chicken stock (120F - Hot Holding); escargot sauce (97F - Hot Holding); elbow macaroni in bucket (120F - Hot Holding); house made red sauce (89F - Hot Holding); gravy (92F - Hot Holding) Products have been left out since 1200 in various places in kitchen per person in charge. Warning

01C-02-4

Detail 22803783

Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. Observed no oyster tags for last 90 days for establishment. Repeat Violation

31A-09-4

Detail 22803785

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing station in dry storage kitchen blocked by trash can and vacuum cleaner. Observed hand washing station in kitchen blocked by cart. Person in charge moved cart.

53A-05-6

Detail 22803791

Intermediate - 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/ Observed seven food employees in establishment without food manager present.

01C-01-4

Detail 22803778

Intermediate - No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. See stop sale. Observed sheet pan in glass door reach in cooler of oysters. Person in charge could not find any oyster tags.

24-08-4

Detail 22803780

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed food pans stacked in storage with visible moisture. Repeat Violation

36-73-4

Detail 22803776

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed food debris on kitchen floors under equipment.

10-07-4

Detail 22803782

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooking utensils stored in 76F water on floor. Person in charge placed utensils in ware washing. Corrective Action Taken

23-03-4

Detail 22803790

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on small reach in coolers in kitchen soiled with food debris. Corrected On-Site

Sep 20, 2023

Complaint Full

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Sep 6, 2023

Complaint Full

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 8

22-41-4

Detail 22267953

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. Observed dish machine being used at 0ppm chlorine. Person in charge set up triple sink at 200ppm Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

22-45-4

Detail 22267955

High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed rack of dishes in dish machine while dish machine is 0ppm chlorine. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

03A-02-5

Detail 22267959

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mashed potatoes (78F - Cold Holding) left on prep table since 1330 person in charge. Person in charge placed in walk-in cooler to cool. Corrective Action Taken Admin Complaint

01C-02-4

Detail 22267952

Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. No tags from oysters served in prior month. Per person in charge.

22-20-5

Detail 22267956

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.Observed interior deflector plate in ice machine soiled with white/black/green mold like substance

24-08-4

Detail 22267958

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed food pans stacked on drying rack with visible moisture. Discussed with person in charge.

23-03-4

Detail 22267954

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple reach in cooler and walk-in cooler gaskets soiled with black/green mold like substance.

16-46-4

Detail 22267957

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels stuck to food pans on drying rack. Discussed with person in charge.

May 9, 2023

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 5Intermediate: 2Basic: 5Total: 12

22-41-4

Detail 21982365

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. Observed dishmachine at Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) after full cycle. Person in charge set up triple sink at 200ppm quat. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

22-45-4

Detail 21982358

High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed rack of dishes in Dishmachine when sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Person in charge sanitized dishes in triple sink. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

22-43-4

Detail 21982362

High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed triple sink multi quat sanitizer at Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm). Person in charge changed sanitizer and refilled. Retested at (Quaternary 200ppm). Corrected On-Site

08A-05-6

Detail 21982369

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs and raw fish stored above ready to eat items in walk-in cooler. Discussed with person in charge and they rearranged walk-in cooler. Corrected On-Site

03A-02-5

Detail 21982364

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter (59F - Cold Holding); oil in garlic (55F - Cold Holding) on prep counter next to cook line. Discussed with person in charge time as a public health control and provided paper work. Person in charge placed on time.

11-27-4

Detail 21982367

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. Provided paper written procedures and discussed with person in charge. Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 21982366

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked lamb, pork, mashed potatoes and variety of sauces not date marked. Person in charge states product was from 2-3 days prior to inspection.

12B-02-4

Detail 21982361

Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee food on cutting board of flip-top cooler in kitchen. Discussed with person in charge and he removed food from kitchen. Corrected On-Site

08B-38-4

Detail 21982363

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed 4 plastic tubs of food in walk-in cooler and 3 cases of frozen food in walk-in freezer on floor. Discussed with person in charge.

10-17-4

Detail 21982359

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed three knives in between prep tables near microwave. Person in charge removed knives.

23-03-4

Detail 21982368

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on reach in coolers in kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance. Repeat Violation

21-08-4

Detail 21982360

Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Wiping cloth tested at 0ppm Quats person in charge tested triple sink and multi quat sanitizer at Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm). Person in charge changed sanitizer and refilled. Retested at (Quaternary 200ppm). Person in charge refilled wiping cloth buckets from triple sink. Corrected On-Site

Oct 20, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

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

22-41-4

Detail 21516320

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. 1) Dishmachine at 0ppm chlorine. Triple sink is set up at 200 ppm quats.

09-01-4

Detail 21516316

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. 1) chef grabbed ready to eat cooked pasta with barehands to check pastas temperature. Immediately discussed with chef. No visible contamination occurred.

22-45-4

Detail 21516314

High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 1) dishes and utensils ran through dishwasher at 0ppm chlorine. Dishwasher placed dishes in triple sink 200ppm quats. Corrected On-Site

01C-03-4

Detail 21516315

Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. 1) Clam tags not marked with last sold date.

31B-02-4

Detail 21516322

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. 1) hand washing station by entrance to kitchen missing paper towels. 2) hand washing station by back door missing paper towels. Person in charge added paper towels. Corrected On-Site

31B-03-4

Detail 21516317

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. 1) hand washing station by back door missing soap. Person in charge added soap. Corrected On-Site

24-05-4

Detail 21516318

Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. 1) plates on storage rack not inverted or protected. Top plate dusty. Person in charge placed in wash.

14-11-5

Detail 21516321

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. 1) gasket on fry reach in cooler torn.

23-03-4

Detail 21516319

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1) gaskets on flip-top coolers on make line soiled with food debris. 2) walk-in cooler gasket soiled with black/green mold like substance.

Jul 14, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 12, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Extension given, pending

Intermediate: 1Total: 1

53B-01-5

Detail 21082416

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Establishment does not have food safety training. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-12: Extension given to comply. Time Extended

May 9, 2022

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 8

09-01-4

Detail 21072544

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. Observed cook using bare hands to pull buns off the grill. Addressed immediately and person washed hands and placed gloves on. Corrected On-Site

01B-02-5

Detail 21072547

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. On counter; Heavy cream 63F, escargot 68F, butter 70F, garlic n oil 68F; ( - Cold Holding) Make 1; pasta, rice, pasta, clams, mussels, scallops, fish 48F; ( - Cold Holding) Make 2; asparagus, cheese, tomatoes, broccoli, octopus, prime rib, heavy cream 49F; ( - Cold Holding); All in 4+ hours. Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 21072543

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On counter; Heavy cream 63F, escargot 68F, butter 70F, garlic n oil 68F; ( - Cold Holding) Make 1; pasta, rice, pasta, clams, mussels, scallops, fish 48F; ( - Cold Holding) Make 2; asparagus, cheese, tomatoes, broccoli, octopus, prime rib, heavy cream 49F; ( - Cold Holding); Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 21072548

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. Establishment does not have food safety training. Warning

08B-47-4

Detail 21072545

Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. In walk in freezer; fish filets on floor. In walk in cooler; potatoes and other cooked food on floor. Oil on floor in dry storage area.

12B-13-4

Detail 21072549

Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Drink in make table. Person in charge removed drink. Corrected On-Site

25-05-4

Detail 21072542

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Case of to go boxes on floor in dry storage area. Person in charge moved to store properly. Corrected On-Site

21-09-4

Detail 21072546

Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Several wet clothes on prep table.

Oct 15, 2021

Food-Licensing Inspection

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

No violations recorded for this inspection.