The Kookaburra
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
52
Score
The health department has logged 12 inspections at The Kookaburra, the earliest from 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 24, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around three violations to closer to six violations.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which The Kookaburra's 52 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
12
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In hot holding unit at front; cheddar pot pies 121F. Discussed time control and emailed it to operator.
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled. Person in charge washed, rinsed and sanitized it. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Person in charge secured. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles are dusty.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots not upside down on clean dish rack. Person in charge arranged pots to be inverted **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Speaker and other personal items on prep table. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored in a prohibited area. Reach in cooler out in public area and open to the public. Person in charge locked reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-37-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest freezer in hallway has ice buildup.
14-69-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink is missing at back sink. Person in charge replaced. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Ceiling tiles not smooth and easily cleanable in food prep area.
14-47-4
52
Aug 27, 2025
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on stand up reach in cooler torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed walk-in cooler door with exposed insulation.
14-36-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed he's at ware washing missing hand washing sign. Person in charge has a digital copy to print. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed stand up reach in freezer/reach in cooler gaskets soiled with food debris and black/green mold like substance. Observed non-food contact outside portions of mixers soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
78
Oct 30, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
78
Sep 24, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Employee using bare hand contact with nonready-to-eat food (such as raw animal food or flour) unnecessarily without the use of gloves, deli paper, scoops, tongs or other utensils. Observed employee start cutting apples used in bake goods without gloves. Person in charge asked employee to place gloves on. **Corrective Action Taken**
09-17-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed handles of reach in cooler in bakery soiled with food debris.
23-24-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink on bakery prep table. Employee removed drink from food area. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee meat pie in foil bag inside display unit. Person in charge moved employee food to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor inside bakery heavily soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler in bakery have gaskets soiled with black/green mold like substance.
23-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed condenser fan in walk-in cooler heavily soiled with black/green mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
36-50-4
67
Sep 11, 2024
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Sep 10, 2024
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 60 maggots inside floor mat in kitchen under green drying rack in ware washing. Person in charge started having the area cleaned. **Admin Complaint**
35A-09-4
86
Aug 1, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed frozen opened chicken breast in deep freezer on top of ziplock vegetables. Discussed with employee.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed half n half opened on 5/16 per date mark in walk-in cooler. Employee threw away. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-24-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing station by bakery entrance.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing station by bakery entrance. Observed no paper towels at hand washing station by triple sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors through kitchen and bakery soiled with old food debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave by kitchen entrance soiled with food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign by hand washing station at bakery entrance. Employee hung provided sign. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on large double door reach in cooler soiled with black/green mold like substance and food debris. Observed non food contact parts of floor mixers and other bakery equipment soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed fan guards on condenser unit in walk-in cooler heavily soiled with black/green/white mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
36-50-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed blueberries on top of ready to eat meat sauce. Employee moved blueberries. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
45
Mar 7, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
52
Sep 29, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing station by triple sink and by ovens. Person in charge added paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed handles on double door reach in cooler in back kitchen soiled with food debris.
23-24-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured Observed CO2 tank at front counter by ice machine not secured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors through out kitchen heavily soiled with food debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on double door reach in cooler in back kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk food containers on metal storage rack not labeled with common food name.
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed metal bowl without handle inside powder sugar container.
14-01-5
61
Mar 8, 2023
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. New remodel hand washing station missing paper towels. Person in charge added paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. New remodel hand washing station missing soap. Person in charge added soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
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. Gallon of milk and quart of heavy cream in walk-in cooler without date mark. Person in charge stated they were open previously day.
02C-03-5
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. Provided written procedures and discussed with person in charge. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
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/ No food mangers onsite while establishments has more than four employees working with food.
53A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice deflector plate heavily soiled with black/green mold like substance.
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Carbon dioxide tanks at front coffee bar next to ice machine not secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Two cases of food in walk-in cooler on floor. Discussed with person in charge.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1) walk-in cooler shelves soiled with black/green/white mold like substance. 2) large reach in cooler in kitchen has black/green mold like substance on gaskets. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Walk-in cooler fans soiled with black/green/white mold like substance.
36-50-4
47
Sep 8, 2022
Complaint Partial
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Food stored on floor. 1) 6 cases of food stored on walk-in cooler floor. Discussed with employees.
08B-38-4
95
Aug 1, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. half n half (48F - Cold Holding); milk (45F - Cold Holding) front counter ice well. Items sitting on top of ice and not submerged in ice. Employees added additional ice to ice well. Items have been out for 1 hr per person in charge.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Mop sink Y-splitter missing vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Reach in freezer, bulk food container handles soiled with food debris.
23-24-4
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Floor drain at front counter missing cover.
29-18-4
Basic - Floor, walls, ceiling, vents soiled/has accumulation of debris. 1) floors in walk-in cooler and throughout kitchen soiled with food debris. 2) walls through out kitchen soiled with food debris. 3) wall at three compartment sink soiled with black/green mold like substance. 4) ceiling and vents in kitchen soiled with black/green mold like substance and dust. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cases of food stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Person in charge had employees started moving them in shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1) Walk-in cooler shelves soiled with food debris and black/green/white mold like substance. 2) front counter wood above hot held cabinet soiled with dust. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service items stored on floor. Employee started putting on shelve. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
25-05-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan fixture in walk-in cooler soiled with dust and black/green/white mold like substance.
36-50-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk-in cooler metal shelves rusted.
14-17-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee clothes, purse, keys, lighter on single service items. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Kookaburra last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Kookaburra on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Kookaburra?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at The Kookaburra.
How does The Kookaburra compare to other restaurants in St. Augustine?
The Kookaburra most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Augustine average of 81.
Has The Kookaburra's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at The Kookaburra have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at The Kookaburra 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 The Kookaburra inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Kookaburra is inspected around three times per year on average.
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