Cowtown Tavern

1610 University Blvd W, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Bar / Pub
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
45
Score
High Risk

Cowtown Tavern has been inspected nine times since 2022. Cowtown Tavern was last inspected on Jan 7, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near seven violations each time.

When inspectors have written things up, “buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.

Compared to other Jacksonville restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Tray of raw eggs over ready to eat dairy in rear cooler. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soiled soda nozzle at bar.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing paper towels at kitchen Hand Wash Sink. Replaced by manger. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Missing soap at kitchen Hand Wash Sink. Replaced by manger. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Missing drain over at drain hole near Dish machine.
29-18-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers.
23-24-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured CO2 tank/s at bar. Secured by manger. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks container on kitchen prep table. Moved by manager . **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Torn / loose gaskets to coolers. Kitchen
14-36-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled cooler gaskets. Kitchen.
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in base of multiple coolers. Kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
45
Sep 5, 2025
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured CO2 tank/s at bar.
51-11-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Missing cove molding. Kitchen prep area.
36-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Grease buildup on floor. Cookline.
36-73-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Floors not smooth and easily cleanable. Kitchen. Rear storage. Per Person In Charge. Anticipated next few weeks.
36-11-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in base of reach in cooler. Kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
78
Dec 16, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
74
Sep 30, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 31, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Dish machine chlorine 0ppm. Person In Charge set up manual sanitizing. Called service company. 100 ppm chlorine. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-45-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Limited access to kitchen Hand Wash Sink. Cooler too close to sink.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing paper towels at Hand Wash Sink in kitchen. Replaced by manger. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
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. No proof of any employee training available. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at Hand Wash Sink in kitchen. Replaced by manger.
31B-03-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers. Kitchen.
23-24-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee personal bag on shelf near restaurant foods. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor by side of cookline cooler.
36-22-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Multiple coolers with loose / torn gaskets. Per Person In Charge. New gaskets on order. Arriving soon.
14-36-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in base of kitchen cooler.
29-49-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled Counters and shelves at kitchen. Grease buildup on some hood filters.
23-03-4
43
Dec 6, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked beans 47°. Cut tomato 47°. Cooed vegetables 47°. dairy. egg. ham. placed about 2 hrs.before. Moved by manager. (46 F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked beans 47°. Cut tomato 47°. Cooed vegetables 47°.
01B-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Missing soap at kitchen Hand wash sink.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ KEN ELMORE 6/5/18
53A-03-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing paper towels at kitchen Hand wash sink.
31B-02-4
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Missing Drain over . By ice machine. Covered by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
29-18-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers.
23-24-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Walk in cooler blowing air 47°. Adjusted by manager. air flow 42° at end of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
14-74-7
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled counters and shelves in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Slow draining Hand wash sink.
29-20-5
43
Jul 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical bottle at bar.
41-17-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers. Kitchen prep line. **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Missing cove molding at walls. In kitchen.
36-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels on exterior of cleaned containers. Dry rack.
16-46-4
78
Jan 5, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
58
Jul 19, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle at front bar. Marked by manger. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Soiled deflector plate to interior of ice machine located : Dish machine area.
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers. **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor in kitchen by cook line.
36-22-4
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cowtown Tavern last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cowtown Tavern on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cowtown Tavern?

Across the inspection record, “buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cowtown Tavern.

How does Cowtown Tavern compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?

Cowtown Tavern most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.

Has Cowtown Tavern's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cowtown Tavern have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Cowtown Tavern means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Cowtown Tavern inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cowtown Tavern is inspected around three times per year on average.