Back 40 Urban Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 30, 2026
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Back 40 Urban Cafe 16 times, with records going back to 2022. On Jan 30, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around six violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Compared to the broader St. Augustine restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 30, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 22, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
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. Dish machine sanitizer is at 0ppm. Manual 3cs tests at 50ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw pork over raw chicken. Raw eggs over beef. Person in charge rearranged everything to place. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Ahi tuna thawed in a cryo packed bag. Bag clearly states fish showed remain frozen until thawed out of bag.
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled. Person in charge placed in dish. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of training. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice bin is black on sides.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Soufflé cup used to scoop cheese. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
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. Ahi tuna thawed in a cryo packed bag. Bag clearly states fish should remain frozen.
06-09-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Oil and potatoes on floor. Person in charge moved all items. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service cups on floor in dry storage. Person in charge moved cup to store properly. **Repeat Violation**
25-05-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar not labeled. Person in charge labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
39
Jul 24, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 6/1/2025. Person in charge renewed over the phone during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs above ready to eat beans, onions in reach in cooler. Person in charge placed raw shell eggs on bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 6lb can of mandarin oranges with dent on top seam.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed chemical spray bottle filled with blue liquid missing label. Person in charge added label to bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Observed three spatulas with chips.
14-12-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on white refrigerator in storage shed torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach in cooler soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed multiple sleeves of foam cups on floor in storage shed. Person in charge placed all cups on shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
47
Feb 12, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Feb 4, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : 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 Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Triple Sink (Chlorine 0ppm) **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-04: Observed dish machine at 10ppm chlorine on food contact surfaces. Operator is calling service again to recalibrate the machine. **Time Extended**
22-41-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed dishes in triple sink and dish washed while sanitizer is at 0ppm chlorine. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Triple Sink (Chlorine 0ppm) **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-04: Observed dish machine at 10 ppm chlorine. Person in charge is having machine recalibrated by service. **Time Extended**
22-45-4
74
Jan 29, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Triple Sink (Chlorine 0ppm) person in charge remade sink at 100ppm chlorine. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-42-4
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 Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Triple Sink (Chlorine 0ppm) **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed dishes in triple sink and dish washed while sanitizer is at 0ppm chlorine. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Triple Sink (Chlorine 0ppm) **Warning**
22-45-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (87F - Hot Holding) left sitting on top of another container of food in steam table. Discussed with person in charge. Food left out for less than an hour. Person in charge placed in steam table to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small plastic bowls without handles used to scoop food out of steam table and reach in cooler. Discussed with person in charge. They removed bowls from food. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Observed rear door ramp with rotten planks.
36-51-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled with black/green mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
47
Aug 28, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 6/1/2024. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 12 fully thawed tuna fillets not removed from their reduced oxygen environment. Box for fillets indicates fish to be removed before thawing starts. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-13-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on refrigerator in shed separated from door. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
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 12 fully thawed tuna fillets not removed from their reduced oxygen environment. Box for fillets indicates fish to be removed before thawing starts. **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in ice. Person in charge removed handle from ice. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on flip-top cooler and reach in freezers soiled with black/green mold like substance.
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed window in kitchen broken. Operator has taped plastic to opening. **Corrective Action Taken**
35B-04-4
58
Apr 26, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Apr 19, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hand washing station by ice machine with no water. Person in charge state hand washing station is turned off due to leaks. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-19: Establishment does not have any water at sink at all. **Time Extended**
27-16-5
90
Apr 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 22 live flys under both hand washing stations and triple sink. Flys are landing on food containers. Person in charge started having employee kill flys. Food containers were placed in ware washing to be rewashed. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Observed approximately 20 live flying insects at hand washing station by ice machine. Observed approximately 4 live flying insects at hand washing station by triple sink Observed approximately 2 live flying insects near back door. Violation placed on warning during routine inspection conducted at the same time as this callback. **Time Extended**
35A-02-6
86
Apr 17, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 22 live flys under both hand washing stations and triple sink. Flys are landing on food containers. Person in charge started having employee kill flys. Food containers were placed in ware washing to be rewashed. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed five packages of white fish not removed from their reduced oxygen environment prior to being completely thawed. See stop sale.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Mac n cheese 1000 (144F - Reheating) 1130 (156F - Reheating) 1210
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. Observed Mac n cheese 1000 (144F - Reheating) 1130 (156F - Reheating) 1210. Discussed with person in charge. Cook refused to place on flat top to rapidly reheat. See stop sale.
03E-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Mac n cheese left on top of steamer well not in water (119F - Hot Holding). Discussed with person in charge. Cook refused to place Mac n cheese on flat top or in steamer well to reheat.
03B-01-6
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 five packages of white fish not removed from their reduced oxygen environment prior to being completely thawed. See stop sale.
06-09-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink on flip-top cooler cutting board. Discussed with person in charge. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on white refrigerator in shed torn. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed wall in shed being held up with tape that is not smooth easily cleanable and non porous.
36-24-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach in coolers soiled with food debris. Observed gaskets on deep freezer soiled with black/green mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
37
Nov 13, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 25, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Unable to license restaurant during inspection due to missing plans. Discussed with operator. Operator is working on submitting plans to plan review. **Warning**
50-08-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand washing station at wait counter used to fill pitchers.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - 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/. Unable to find plans on file for establishment. Operator has drawn plans, discussed how to submit plans to plan review. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
51-16-7
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. Provided employee reporting agreement and discussed with person in charge. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
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 written procedures and discussed with person in charge. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on flip-top cooler cutting board.
21-12-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on single door reach in cooler torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Beverage tubing/cold plate not separated from stored ice. Observed beverage tubing running through and contacting ice in ice bin at wait counter.
14-18-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee coffee on prep surface on flip-top cooler. Person in charge moved coffee away from food.
12B-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on reach in coolers and reach in freezers in kitchen and back storage soiled with black/green mold like substance and food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink. Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed single hand washing station in kitchen slow draining. Observed water leaking from hand washing station faucet.
29-20-5
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Observed utensil on cook line with melted handle.
14-12-4
41
Aug 25, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
16
May 9, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
39
Sep 19, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Back 40 Urban Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Back 40 Urban Cafe on file is from Jan 30, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Back 40 Urban Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Back 40 Urban Cafe.
How does Back 40 Urban Cafe compare to other restaurants in St. Augustine?
Back 40 Urban Cafe most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the St. Augustine average of 81.
Has Back 40 Urban Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Back 40 Urban Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Back 40 Urban Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Back 40 Urban Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Back 40 Urban Cafe is inspected around five times per year on average.
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