Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa
Last inspected:
6110 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa (formerly El Quijote Bar & Grill through 2021) has accumulated 336 violations across 32 inspections since 2016, averaging 10.5 per visit. The facility was shut down once for roach activity and has faced 2 disciplinary actions totaling $5,000 in fines. Fire inspections documented a propane tank stored inside the building under two separate operators across three years, a hazard that persisted despite correction orders. Recent enforcement shows escalating compliance problems: in November 2025, inspectors recommended an emergency order after finding 18 violations including 7 high-priority issues.
Most recent closure: November 18, 2025 for roach activity.
Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records.
Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa: Comparison to Hillsborough County Averages
This Facility
10.5
violations / inspection
10.5 violations per inspection
Hillsborough County Avg
5.74
violations / inspection
5.74 county average
This Facility
1
emergency closures
1 closures
Hillsborough County Avg
0.25
closures / facility
0.25 county average
Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa: Emergency Closure History (1)
Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa: Fines & Disciplinary Actions (2)
Total fines on record: $5,000.00
| Action Date | Case Number | Fine | Violation Date | Enforcement Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2016005277 | $3,500.00 | Jan 5, 2016 | District 13 | |
| 3--2015014633 | $1,500.00 | Feb 24, 2015 | District 22 |
Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa: Fire Safety & Life Safety Violations (3)
— 1 fire violation
— Routine - Food · 48-04-4 · Inspection Completed - No Further Action
Inspector Observation: Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed propane tank stored in dry storage area. Operator placed propane tank outside. **Corrected On-Site**
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.
— 2 fire violations
— Routine - Food · 48-04-4 · Warning Issued
Inspector Observation: Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only.
- 2 10lb tanks in dry storage shed outside **Corrected On-Site**
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.
— Food-Licensing Inspection · 49-05-4 · Warning Issued
Inspector Observation: Increased seating 20 seats outside ,46 seats inside . For reporting purposes only.Violation must be complied by 5/1/18
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.
Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa: Full Inspection History — DBPR (32)
— 1 inspection10 violations · 5 high priority
— Routine - Food· 10 violations (5 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 4 inspections32 violations · 23 high priority
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (4 high priority)· Emergency Order Callback Complied
High Priority Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 12 violations (8 high priority)· Emergency order recommended
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 11 violations (8 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— 4 inspections33 violations · 22 high priority
— Complaint Full· 3 violations (2 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Complaint Full· 11 violations (6 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 9 violations (7 high priority)· Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 10 violations (7 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 2 inspections24 violations · 16 high priority
— Routine - Food· 8 violations (6 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 16 violations (10 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 1 inspection1 violations · 1 high priority
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 1 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
— 1 inspection10 violations · 3 high priority
— Routine - Food· 10 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 2 inspections6 violations · 3 high priority
— Complaint Full· 3 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 3 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— 4 inspections18 violations · 10 high priority
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 3 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 8 violations (6 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 3 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— 4 inspections38 violations · 17 high priority
— Routine - Food· 11 violations (4 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied
Intermediate Violations
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 5 violations (2 high priority)· Call Back - Extension given, pending
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 21 violations (11 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 4 inspections29 violations · 14 high priority
— Complaint Full· 6 violations (3 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Complaint Full· 7 violations (3 high priority)· Call Back - Extension given, pending
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Complaint Full· 8 violations (4 high priority)· Call Back - Extension given, pending
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Complaint Full· 8 violations (4 high priority)· Call Back - Extension given, pending
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 5 inspections55 violations · 30 high priority
— Complaint Full· 10 violations (5 high priority)· Call Back - Extension given, pending
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Complaint Full· 15 violations (10 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 12 violations (7 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Complaint Full· 7 violations (3 high priority)· Admin. Complaint Callback Not Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 11 violations (5 high priority)· Call Back - Complied
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa: Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa last inspected?
- Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa was last inspected by Florida DBPR on March 5, 2026. The result was: Inspection Completed - No Further Action.
- When was Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa last shut down?
- Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa was last shut down on November 18, 2025 for roach activity. This data reflects state records at time of publication. The facility may have since resolved these issues.
- What are the most common violations at Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa?
- The most frequently cited violations at Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa are: Food contact surfaces, Consumer advisory, Proper ventilation.
- How many health inspections has Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa had?
- Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa has had 32 inspections on record with Florida DBPR, averaging 10.5 violations per inspection, above the statewide average of 5.2.
- What did the most recent inspection of Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa find?
- Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa was most recently inspected on March 5, 2026 with 12 violation(s), including 1 high-priority violation(s). Disposition: Inspection Completed - No Further Action.
- Has Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa ever been shut down?
- Yes, Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa has been emergency-closed 1 time by Florida DBPR inspectors.
- What does Florida violation V08 (Proper hand/arm washing) mean?
- Violation 08 (Proper hand/arm washing) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/08.
- What does Florida violation V12 (Shell stock requirements) mean?
- Violation 12 (Shell stock requirements) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/12.
- What does Florida violation V14 (Food contact surfaces) mean?
- Violation 14 (Food contact surfaces) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/14.
- Has Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa had any fire safety violations?
- Yes, Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa has 3 fire safety violation(s) on record from Florida state fire inspections.
- Has Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa faced any disciplinary actions?
- Yes, Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa has 2 disciplinary action(s) on record with Florida DBPR totaling $5,000.00 in fines.
- How much has Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa been fined?
- Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa has been fined a total of $5,000.00 across 2 disciplinary action(s) on record with Florida DBPR.
- Has Sal & Pimienta Restaurant in Tampa operated under other names?
- Yes, this location previously operated as: El Quijote Bar & Grill (2018-2021).
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Editorial Standards & Data Oversight
Data Source: This report is based on official public inspection records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Editorial Process: Content generated using AI to synthesize complex regulatory data, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.
Disclaimer: All data reflects official state records at time of publication. Facilities may have since corrected cited violations, resolved enforcement actions, or changed ownership.
Editor: All content reviewed and verified by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org and is not affiliated with Sal & Pimienta Restaurant. How we collect and verify this data.