Pinellas County, Florida, restaurants with most violations in last 30 days

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Recent inspections by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation have uncovered numerous violations at restaurants across Pinellas County. With an estimated population of 961,596, according to the United States Census Bureau 2023 data, Pinellas County has many residents and visitors dining out regularly.

Over the past 30 days, 355 restaurants in the county underwent inspections. While 247 passed on their first visit, 108 establishments did not meet initial inspection standards. State records acknowledged several restaurants were cited for double-digit violations, with four receiving 30 or more infractions.

Top Restaurants with the Most Violations

Ben Thanh Restaurant in Pinellas Park topped the list with 36 violations, including nine categorized as high-priority violations, leading to a temporary closure of the facility on September 24, 2024.

However, after follow-up inspections on Sept. 25, 2024, and Sept. 29, 2024, respectively, the restaurant reopened despite 13 remaining violations.

Other notable restaurants on the list include Hibachi Buffet Sushi & Grill and Burg Bar & Grill, both cited for 31 violations, and Halong Bay Vietnamese Cuisine with 30 violations.

These inspection results highlight the importance of food safety and proper food and safety practices in local eateries. Diners are encouraged to stay informed about restaurant inspections to make educated choices when eating out.

Pinellas County Restaurants with Most Violations in Last 30 Days:

1. Ben Thanh Restaurant - 36 violations (Sept. 24, 2024)
2. Hibachi Buffet Sushi & Grill - 31 violations (Sept. 23, 2024)
3. Burg Bar & Grill - 31 violations (Sept. 19, 2024)
4. Halong Bay Vietnamese Cuisine - 30 violations (Sept. 11, 2024)
5. Five Bucks Drinkery - 28 violations (Sept. 19, 2024)
6. Whatapho LLC - 26 violations (Sept. 9, 2024)
7. Buya - 25 violations (Sept. 24, 2024)
8. Dragon Phoenix USA Inc - 25 violations (Sept. 11, 2024)
9. Senor Taco - 25 violations (Sept. 10, 2024)
10. Broke N Board - 25 violations (Sept. 5, 2024)
11. Lil Bit Kuntry Restaurant - 25 violations (Sept. 5, 2024)
12. Sacred Spice Tampa Bay - 24 violations (Sept. 23, 2024)
13. Pho 97 - 24 violations (Sept. 17, 2024)
14. Jotos Pizza - 23 violations (Sept. 18, 2024)
15. I Thai and Sushi - 23 violations (Sept. 12, 2024)
16. Lotus Vegan Restaurant - 22 violations (Sept. 17, 2024)
17. Five Bucks Drinkery - 22 violations (Sept. 16, 2024)
18. Beef O Brady's - 22 violations (Sept. 12, 2024)
19. 727 Seafood and Grill - 21 violations (Sept. 23, 2024)
20. Yiannis Greek Cuisine - 21 violations (Sept. 16, 2024)
21. Burger King 3363 - 21 violations (Sept. 10, 2024)
22. Ban Thai & Sushi Inc - 21 violations (Sept. 10, 2024)
23. Ben Thanh Restaurant - 20 violations (Sept. 25, 2024)
24. Sam's Sushi - 20 violations (Sept. 17, 2024)
25. Moonlight Boba - 20 violations (Sept. 16, 2024)
26. Hungry Crab - 20 violations (Sept. 13, 2024)

Share Your Thoughts:

• How often do you check restaurant inspection reports before dining out?
• Have you noticed any changes in cleanliness or food quality at your favorite local restaurants recently?
• What steps do you think local restaurants should take to improve their inspection results?