The Cavern
9825 San Jose Blvd 18, Jacksonville, FL 32257 · Permanent Food Service · License 2615866
What drove the grade
Live, small flying insects found.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Jul 8 complaint inspection4 high priority (3 fixed by the Sep 30 follow-up, 1 fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 4 intermediate (1 repeat), 1 basic-28
- Administrative complaint on Jul 8, since fixedReduced from 20 because a follow-up found the problems fixed-12
- Safety score60
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 4 visitsComplaint inspection
- 3rd follow-up visitSep 30, 2026 Fixed at follow-up
The inspector came back and found the problems fixed.
All earlier violations corrected.
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website - 2nd follow-up visitSep 14, 2026 Extension granted
Some problems still weren't fixed, but the owner was working on them, so the inspector allowed more time and will come back again.
1 violation still not corrected:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Intermediate1
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress.
Person in charge has installed faucet at hand wash sink. Provided email showing deficiency letter from plan review, has responded and awaiting response from plan reviewer.
More time given
- 1st follow-up visitSep 11, 2026 Extension granted
Some problems still weren't fixed, but the owner was working on them, so the inspector allowed more time and will come back again.
1 violation still not corrected:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Intermediate1
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress.
Per person in charge has submitted application. Received deficiency letter yesterday. At time of inspection hand wash sink in back kitchen not functional as in process of changing faucet. Person in charge is at hardware store to purchase new sink. Has two other hand wash sinks available in establishment.
More time given
- First visitJul 8, 2026 Administrative complaint
Serious or repeated problems led the inspector to recommend formal action by the state, which can include fines.
9 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority4
Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source.
See Stop Sale. Observed strawberry jelly and Datil mustard on menu from Kickin Ash Datil Products. Person in charge reached out to supplier who states is operating under cottage food. Also, tortillas from La Tortilla Bonita person in charge unable to provide proof from approved source during inspection.
Administrative complaint
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source.
Observed strawberry jelly and Datil mustard on menu from Kickin Ash Datil Products. Person in charge reached out to supplier who states is operating under cottage food. Also, tortillas from La Tortilla Bonita person in charge unable to provide proof from approved source during inspection.
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
In walk in cooler raw beef stored over sauce, drinks in walk in cooler. Person in charge moved to appropriate location.
Fixed on the spot
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Live, small flying insects found.
Two flying insects observed in back kitchen area.
Repeat violationAdministrative complaint
Intermediate4
Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening.
Hot dogs opened more than 24 hours ago per person in charge with no date mark.
Repeat violation
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Establishment utilizes chlorine to sanitize, unable to provide test strips.
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: 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/. Per plan review on file, hand wash sink is no longer on outside wall of restroom facing bar. Hand sink has been added to back kitchen area with no separation from mop sink. Also, at front bar area indicated as no food preparation without hand wash sink on plans. Observed instapot, mixer, pretzel oven, other tabletop applicances.
Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: Required employee training expired for some employees.
To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Two employees working at establishment for 60+ days with no proof of training, expired
Basic1
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Ceiling not smooth and easily cleanable in back kitchen area, above secondary food preparation area in front of house where pretzels are made.
Reporting only1
Code 45, Fire extinguishing equipment: Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed.
Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Establishment cooks raw beef burgers on flattop griddles in back kitchen. No hood system observed.
Repeat violation
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.
Terms in the inspectors’ reports
- Time/temperature control for safety food
- Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
- Ready-to-eat food
- Food eaten without further cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, deli meats and cooked dishes.
- Stop sale
- An order that the food can’t be sold or served.