Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge

5434 N University Dr, Lauderhill, FL 33351
American
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
70
Score
Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge 12 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Jan 13, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around nine violations to closer to four violations per visit over the last few inspections.

Looking across the full record, “stop sale issued on time/temperature control” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.

The city-wide average sits at 75, which Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge's 70 doesn't quite reach. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
70
Aug 27, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
64
Jun 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Operator uses quaternary test strips for chlorine sanitizer
16-32-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. In three compartment sink area , metal containers wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Out of use reach in cooler docked with food debris
23-03-4
82
Oct 22, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food removed from cold holding for necessary preparation rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the preparation process and was not cooled back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. 1) single door cooler; raw chicken (46F at 0900am to 47F at 0938am - Ambient Cooling since 0700am). Per operator foods portioned and prepared today, in unit less than 4hrs. Operator moved raw chicken to reach in freezer for quick chill. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-07-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Paper towel dispenser at hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator provided paper towels **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Operator has no chlorine chemical Test Strips
16-37-1
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor by stove **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Open cup with straw and orange liquid inside, found in cooler. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee prepping food at prep table with no hair restraint
13-03-4
61
Jul 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
70
Jul 15, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 1-Kitchen - Hot box cooked fish 84F (HH) over 4 hours - see stop Sale. 2-Front counter: coleslaw 50F, mashed potatoes 51F (cold holding) - foods not prepared today. Per manager foods prepared over 4 hours. Observed triple panned.see stop sale. 3- Walk in cooler: Pig tail 54F, salt fish 50F (ambient cooling overnight), cooling covered in deep container. See stop sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. front counter: coleslaw 50F, mashed potatoes 51F (cold holding) - foods not prepared today. Per manager foods prepared over 4 hours. Observed triple panned.see stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Walk in cooler: Pig tail 54F, salt fish 50F (ambient cooling overnight), cooling covered in deep container. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03D-06-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 1-steam table (right) lobby : Plantain 124 F , fish fritters 112 F. Per operator in unit less than 4 hours. Observed water level low and food stored in shallow containers. Operator reheated foods to 166F. Kitchen - Hot box cooked fish 84F (HH) over 4 hours - see stop Sale. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Ambient air thermometer in holding unit not accurate within plus or minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit. 1) walk in cooler thermometer
05-05-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Reviewed information with operator.
11-07-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. 1- at dishwashing area. 2- at hand wash sink in kitchen 3- women's bathroom Operator replaced. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor at walk in cooler. Observed boxes of plantains. Per operator food just delivered.
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink at prep table in kitchen. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting at dishwashing area. Operator inverted containers to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Kitchen: reach in cooler: **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Some broken tiles in kitchen observed by stove.
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed a container of utensils at kitchen prep. Table at 84F. Operator discarded water. Prepared new and placed in stove. **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. 1- at hot box in kitchen.
05-09-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe under triple sink,
29-11-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. 2 towels in kitchen.
21-12-4
22
Feb 7, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 1) At front counter large HOT CASE - fried chicken (114-145F - Hot Holding); fried plantains (118F - Hot Holding). 2) At front counter small HOT CASE - assorted meat patties (108-112F - Hot Holding). Per manager all items cooked and in cases 2-2.5 hrs. All items returned to kitchen to reheat properly for hot holding. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food removed from cold holding for necessary preparation rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the preparation process and was not cooled back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. In kitchen Hobart reach in, raw prepped pig tail (52-54F - Cooling). Per employee, prepped more than 4 hrs - done night before and in cooler overnight. See stop sale.
03D-07-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In kitchen Hobart reach in, raw prepped pig tail (52-54F - Cooling). Per employee, prepped more than 4 hrs - done night before and in cooler overnight. **Repeat Violation**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Soap dispenser batteries dead in men's restroom.
31B-06-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee in kitchen wearing watch.
13-07-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Floor area around wall past dish machine and under triple sink has food debris buildup. **Repeat Violation**
36-01-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Heavy ice buildup around cooling unit in walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils in container of standing water on prep table in kitchen. Employee dumped water, replaced with new, and placed on stove to heat and maintain hot. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Two hot cases at front counter missing ambient thermometers.
05-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand wash sign missing at lounge bar hand sink. Manager made a sign and posted. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee water bottles in kitchen 2 door reach in cooler.
12B-13-4
41
Dec 15, 2023
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Dec 7, 2023
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-07: Observed at callback inspection same. **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in front dining area discolored and show dust and mold like buildup. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-07: Observed at callback inspection same. Per manager, tiles ordered to be replaced. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
86
Dec 6, 2023
Complaint Full
7 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Sanitizer sink reading 0ppm chlorine. Employee added bleach to correct 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-42-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food items. 1) Employee washing dishes and proceeded to move into kitchen area to assist without washing hands before putting on gloves. 2) Employee left kitchen area with container of raw chicken and returned and put on gloves without first washing hands. **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed in lounge dining area, 1) 14 dropping along wall under bar area. 2) 6 droppings on shelves behind bar among liquor bottles and glassware. 3) 7 droppings on floor around booths in lounge dining room closest yo exit door. 4) 5 on droppings on floor around buffet area in lounge. 5) droppings too numerous to count under shelving unit in far back stock room behind walk-in cooler where beverages are kept. 6) 9 droppings along wall in dish room. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Water backing up from floor drains under reach in cooler in kitchen and in front of hand sink at front of kitchen. Observed employees walking through grey water and tracking around kitchen area. **Warning**
28-26-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 1) In kitchen reach in, HOBART - marinated chicken (46F - Cold Holding); cooked kidney (45F - Cold Holding); whole raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding). Per employee in unit more than 4 hrs. - in unit overnight. 2) In walk in cooler, raw marinated chicken (49-55F - Cold Holding); raw marinated oxtail (48F - Cold Holding). Per employee, thawed overnight in cooler, marinated in morning and replaced in cooler. No temperature change observed during inspection for cooling. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In kitchen reach in, HOBART - marinated chicken (46F - Cold Holding); cooked kidney (45F - Cold Holding); whole raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding). Per employee in unit more than 4 hrs. - in unit overnight. See stop sale. 2) At front counter, COLD RAIL - prepared salad (60F - Cold Holding); portioned potato salad (61F - Cold Holding). Per employee both items in unit less than 4 hrs. Observed sections of unit not covered to retain proper cold air circulation around food items. Employee removed items to cooler to rechill. 3) In walk in cooler, raw marinated chicken (49-55F - Cold Holding); raw marinated oxtail (48F - Cold Holding). Per employee, thawed overnight in cooler, marinated in morning and replaced in cooler. No temperature change observed during inspection for cooling. See stop sale. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 1) In kitchen hot box, brown stew chicken (128F - Hot Holding). Per employee in box since 9:30am. Employee placed back in oven to reheat above 165F. 2) At front counter hot rail, fried plantains (99-104F - Hot Holding). **Corrective Action Taken** **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Soap dispenser container in hand sink beside triple sink. Employee removed dispenser. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
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. Per manager, new employees on staff. No signature forms available. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in walk in cooler containers of raw chicken thawed more than 24 hrs missing date marking. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-14-5
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. Bulletin printed and provided. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee water bottle , keys, and glasses case on front counter next to fried chicken hot cabinet. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Multiple areas of floor in kitchen, lounge dining room, and dish room areas have buildup of food debris along edges of wall. **Warning**
36-01-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in front dining area discolored and show dust and mold like buildup. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
18
Oct 19, 2022
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards with mold like substance in kitchen and prep area. - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-19: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed paper towel dispenser located beside 3 compartment sink unable to dispense paper towel. - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-19: **Time Extended**
31B-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles directly over hot buffet line and styrofoam cups with dust build up. - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-19: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on walk in cooler - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-19: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-19: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler located in kitchen area and walk in cooler - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-19: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
67
Jul 7, 2022
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
82

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge?

Across the inspection record, “stop sale issued on time/temperature control” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge.

How does Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge compare to other restaurants in Lauderhill?

Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Lauderhill average of 75.

Has Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Donna's Rest & Cocktail Lounge is inspected around three times per year on average.