CANDLELIGHT SOUTH RESTAURANT

Name: CANDLELIGHT SOUTH RESTAURANT
Address: 1 ANASTASIA BLVD, SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL, 32080, US
Rating: 38.6

1 ANASTASIA BLVD, SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL 32080

License #6500157

🍽️ American ℹ️

38.6 Grade F / 100

Failing Health Score

How is this score calculated? →

Latest inspection

October 5, 2026 · 9 findings · 2 critical

Routine - Food

View inspection data

Need help reading this?

Newest inspection first. Red dots matter most.

The score is the shortcut, but the inspection timeline is the proof. Start with the newest visit, then scan for repeat critical or major findings.

Critical

Highest-priority rows.

Major

Worth checking for repeats.

Minor

Usually lower-risk context.

Quick take

CANDLELIGHT SOUTH RESTAURANT in SAINT AUGUSTINE currently holds an InspectFL Health Score of 38.6 out of 100 — an F grade — a serious pattern of repeat or critical violations. This restaurant has been inspected 13 times from Florida DBPR, with the most recent inspection on October 5, 2026. Across those visits, inspectors documented 96 total violations — 19 critical, 17 major, 60 minor.

How to read this page

Start with the newest inspection

Use the score as a shortcut, then verify the latest DBPR record and nearby options.

Latest inspection ↓ Official DBPR ↗ Compare nearby ↓

Record snapshot

What stands out in this inspection history

Use this as context before you scroll through every inspection.

Inspections on file

Clean inspections

Callback visits

Latest clean pass

February 27, 2026

The latest inspection on October 5, 2026 shows 9 observation rows: 2 critical, 2 major, and 5 minor.

Official recordInspection data quality

DBPR source + data confidenceWhat’s powering this page

Official source: DBPR

Inspection coverage

77%

Inspector notes

Coverage note

Inspector notes linked where available

InspectFL turns public DBPR records into a scan-friendly timeline. Use the official DBPR link when you want to verify the newest inspection at the source. InspectFL reorganizes public DBPR inspection records into a page you can actually scan. When exact inspector notes are available, they appear inline. Otherwise, the page falls back to violation categories plus the official DBPR record.

What you’ll see here

•Inspector notes appear inline when available.
•The official DBPR inspection timeline still stays visible, even on pages with zero violations or zero inspector notes.

Map + verificationLocation + actions

Open the place or verify the recordSee the place, then share or verify

Open in Google Maps ↗ Open in Apple Maps ↗

DBPR

Community reaction

What do locals think?

Use the inspection history as the starting point, then compare it with real diner feedback. Vote first, then add what you actually saw.

Community pulse

Would you eat here?

CANDLELIGHT SOUTH RESTAURANT has a rough inspection history. Would you risk it?

F record

A rough inspection history changes the conversation. This vote is a quick read on community trust.

Join the discussion

Seen this place in person? Share what stood out — cleanliness, food handling, service, or whether the inspection record matches the real experience.

Add your take in under a minute

or comment with email

Also send the weekly restaurant roundup

Loading comments…

*Scores are calculated by InspectFL based on public DBPR inspection data and are not official state ratings.

Inspection timeline

Inspection History

Read the newest inspection first, then scan for patterns. Repeated high-priority findings matter more than one isolated bad day.

Critical Major Minor

Inspector notes are being added across all restaurants. Some inspections may only show violation codes until notes are available.

Official DBPR inspection report ↗

Disposition: Inspection Completed - No Further Action
[16-36-4] No color/concentration comparison chart available for chemical test kit used to check sanitizer. Observed test kit had comparison chart covered by vendor stickers.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed unused drawer gaskets soiled with food debris. Observed tracks and handles of drawers soiled with food debris.
[36-03-4] Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed cove molding behind bar separating from wall.
[36-22-4] Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed floors in kitchen ware washing have standing water. Observed standing water pooling outside back door. Employee step in water and track it inside.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Obviously sanitizer and degreaser stored above food product in kitchen. Person in charge removed both chemicals from kitchen and placed in ware washing.
[35A-03-4] Dead roaches on premises. Observed two dead roaches on floor of outside stored shed. Person in charge had employee clean and removed dead roaches.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on cook line stained with food debris.
[36-73-4] Floors and walls soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors in kitchen soiled with food debris. Observed floors behind bar soiled with food debris. Observed walls in ware washing and on cook line soiled with food debris.
[08A-05-6] Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken, beef stored above ready to eat potato buns. Person in charge moved ready to eat food away from raw. Observed raw shell eggs above cooked sausage and bacon bits. Person in charge moved raw shell eggs below ready to eat.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[24-05-4] Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket near ice machine not stored in inverted.
[32-12-6] Covered waste receptacle not provided in womens bathroom. No covered waste receptacle in smaller shared restroom.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups near soda machine wet nesting.
[36-01-4] Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Behind and underneath equipment in kitchen soiled with old food debris and utensils. Walls in kitchen soiled with food splash.
[31B-04-4] No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No employee handwashing sign in smaller shared restroom.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets on cookline soiled with food debris. Walk in cooler shelves soiled with food debris.
[22-16-4] Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves on the cookline soiled with food debris.
[02D-01-5] Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk container of white powder substance not labeled. Operator labeled flour.
[08A-05-6] Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw box of chicken over box of shredded cheese. Operator removed cheese to proper location.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on cookline soiled.
[53A-05-6] 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 certified manager available during time of inspection six employees currently on site.
[53B-02-5] No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of training for employees currently on staff tom, Robert,Joe, Jodi all been employees over 60 days of hire.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[22-20-5] Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine deflector plate soiled.
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. No handle scoop cup used for gravy. Operator discarded.
[24-05-4] Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket not stored in a protected manner. Operator fixed.
[14-09-4] Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on small reach in cooler no longer cleanable.
[12B-07-4] Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee Red Bull on prep table. Operator discarded.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups wet nesting near soda machine.
[36-01-4] Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Behind and underneath equipment throughout kitchen soiled. Walls soiled in kitchen area and dishwasher area.
[08B-47-4] Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Bulk containers of oil not stored 6 inches off floor.
[14-69-4] Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in reach in deep freezers in kitchen.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in gaskets soiled. Soda gun holder soiled behind bar. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
[22-16-4] Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled on cookline.
[01B-07-4] Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Sliced tomatoes in reach in cooler mold like substance.
[35A-02-7] Live, small flying insects found Observed 23 live fling insects 15 behind bar area 8 in kitchen area
[01B-02-5] Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler on cookline corn beef (47F - Cold Holding); raw beef (48F - Cold Holding); roast beef (51F - Cold Holding)
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler on cookline corn beef (47F - Cold Holding); raw beef (48F - Cold Holding); roast beef (51F - Cold Holding)
[11-26-1] 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. Employees Andres, Christian, jozsef not informed of responsibility. Emailed operator document.

Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic containers being used for scoops in sauce in flip top cooler on cook line. Also bowl in flour mix on cook line by fryers. Operator removed bowl. Operator removed plastic containers.
[24-06-4] Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or container. Observed on bottom shelf in dish room clean plastic lids stored in a dirty plastic container. Operator had employee clean container.
[12B-07-4] Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink on shelf over reach in cooler on prep line. Operator moved drink.
[40-06-5] Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees personal phone on prep table on cook line. Operator removed phone.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed in dish room clean plastic containers wet on shelf. Operator removed wet dishes and had employee rewash items and air dry.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Observed multiple gallons of oil stored on floor in kitchen area near wait station. Observed multiple items in walk in cooler stored on floor. Observed plastic container of rice stored on floor under prep table near cook line in kitchen. A box of chili sauce on floor in small dry area storage by cook line. Operator had employee move all items off of the floor.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed areas on hood system on cook line with grease buildup. Observed cook top/ burners on cook line with grease buildup. Observed fan on floor with debris buildup. Observed gaskets on walk in cooler with debris buildup. At bar, holster for soda gun has debris buildup. Operator had employee clean gun holster behind bar.
[35B-03-4] Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed back door to kitchen not self closing.
[36-27-5] Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind grill on cook line with grease buildup. Observed wall by window in dish area with buildup.
[22-47-4] Dishmachine quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine sanitizer at 0ppm. Explained to operator that they will have to use 3 compartment sink until dishwasher machine gets fixed.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed boiled eggs on cook line in flip top cooler 44F. Operator stated employees have been in and out of cooler for the past hour for lunch rush. Operator put eggs in reach in cooler. 2nd temperature took 1hour later 40F.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemicals on floor in storeroom. Operator moved chemicals off of floor.
[02C-03-5] Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed heavy cream in reach in cooler in kitchen, in server area with no date. Operator dated cream.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer on prep table near cook line in kitchen with debris buildup. Operator had employee clean slicer during inspection. Observed cutting boards on cook line with debris buildup.

Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
[12B-07-4] Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple drinks on flip-top coolers on cook line. Person in charge moved all drinks away from food prep area.
[40-06-5] Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone, keys, cigarettes stored on plastic cart next to food prep line and above vegetable oil. Person in charge removed personal items from food area.
[14-11-5] Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine lid is broken and completely falling off machine.
[36-22-4] Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water by ice machine and in dish washing area.
[36-73-4] Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor at bar soiled with single service trash
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on cook line coolers soiled with food debris.
[08A-08-5] Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs inside same container as roasted lemons. Person in charge voluntarily disposed of lemons and placed eggs by themselves. Observed raw bacon on top of butter in flip-top cooler. Person in charge moved bacon go bottom shelf.
[03F-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Observed par cooked wings on prep near fryer on time with no time mark. Person in charge added time mark.
[03C-96-4] Establishment conducts non-continuous cooking of raw animal foods without monitoring and documenting initial heating time and temperature, cooling times and temperatures, cold holding temperature and final cooking temperature. Observed temperature log empty. Discussed with person in charge.
[03C-89-4] Establishment conducts non-continuous cooking of raw animal foods without written procedures approved by the division. Observed wings being partially cooked without written procedures. Person in charge filled out written procedures during inspection.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed multiple cutting boards on flip-top coolers soiled and stained with food debris.
[53B-10-4] Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Observed two certificates missing date of training. Discussed with person in charge.
[41-17-4] Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed one chemical spray bottle filled with yellow liquid by kitchen entrance missing common name label. Person in charge added label.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[14-74-7] 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. Per operator, outside walk-in cooler not working properly. Breaker on walk-in cooler has been tripping on and off since yesterday. Electricians on site attempting to fix the breaker box for the cooler. All time/temperature controlled for safety foods moved to inside walk-in cooler.
[12B-12-5] Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. On cook line, employee drinking from styrofoam cup. Employee removed cup.
[36-24-5] Hole in or other damage to ceiling. Over triple sink in dish area.
[10-17-4] In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. 2 knives stored between flip top coolers. Operator moved knives.
[10-20-4] In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On cook line, tongs on oven handle. Employee moved tongs.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. In kitchen behind grill, hood filters have grease buildup.
[06-01-5] Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. In prep sink, bags of fish and shrimp sitting in cold water. Operator stated he had them under running water prior to us arriving. Operator turned water back on.
[01B-02-5] Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 32 blocks of butter at 49F-50F and 4 cartons of buttermilk at 46F-48F moved from outside walk-in cooler to reach in freezer and keg walk-in cooler, per manager all items where delivered around 11:30am and final temperature check at 4:20pm.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In outside walk-in cooler, roast beef (55F - Cold Holding); corned beef hash (54F - Cold Holding); butter milk (46F - Cold Holding); provolone (55F - Cold Holding); sliced cheddar cheese (55F - Cold Holding); blue cheese crumbles (56F - Cold Holding); sliced American cheese (55F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (54F - Cold Holding); mashed potatoes (54F - Cold Holding) butter (49F-50F - Cold Holding) Per operator, he had been dealing with issues since the day before. He moved all items to different walk-in cooler and put them on ice. In reach-in cooler across from cook line, Swiss cheese (47F - Cold Holding); mixed grated cheese (50F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (47F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (50F - Cold Holding) Per operator, employees had been in and out of cooler multiple times during lunch rush. Operator moved items to different cooler. On prep counter next to grill, ranch (60F - Cold Holding) Operator stated it came from non working walk-in cooler. He moved it to different cooler. Everything re temped at or below 41F, except for butter 49-50F and butter milk 46-48F
[03C-96-4] Establishment conducts non-continuous cooking of raw animal foods without monitoring and documenting initial heating time and temperature, cooling times and temperatures, cold holding temperature and final cooking temperature. Operator doesnt keep temperature logs for his non-continuous cooking for chicken wings.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Behind bar, ice bin not in use has dirt buildup. Also behind bar, cooler not in use has dirt buildup. Also behind bar, soda gun not in use has buildup.