COPACABANA CUBAN CAFE
320 DORA DRAWDY WAY, Mount Dora FL 32757 · 352.385.9000
Last inspected Mar 19, 2026 · 8 visits since December 2023
MAR 24
OCT 24
DEC 24
SEP 25
MAR 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours. Moved to freezer for quick cooling. Raw beef (60F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken (61F - Cold Holding)
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,660
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2026028077 | Mar 19, 2026 | Jun 8, 2026 | $200 |
| 4--2021023468 | Feb 10, 2021 | Apr 13, 2022 | $900 |
| 4--2020051038 | Oct 5, 2020 | Dec 3, 2020 | $400 |
| 4--2020000692 | Dec 6, 2019 | Jan 31, 2020 | $160 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 19, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Per operator from the day prior. Cooked beef (51F - Cooling); Pulled Chicken (50F - Cooling); Cooked pork (50F - Cooling); Black beans (80F - Cooling).
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Per operator from the day prior. Cooked beef (51F - Cooling); Pulled Chicken (50F - Cooling); Cooked pork (50F - Cooling); Black beans (80F - Cooling)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours. Moved to freezer for quick cooling. Raw beef (60F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken (61F - Cold Holding)
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. In large container full with lid on. Cooked beef (51F - Cooling); Pulled Chicken (50F - Cooling); Cooked pork (50F - Cooling); Black beans (80F - Cooling)
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board on prep table. Soda nozzles at wait station.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked with pans and nag of aprons. Operator removed.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots and pans on dish drying rack. Operator inverted.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In both white chest freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave above steam station.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. White chest freezer gaskets. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. White chest freezer interior Reach in cooler at cook line
Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). Cups in back storage area. Operator removed.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall by both hand washing sinks
Sep 26, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in kitchen area. Vents in kitchen area.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In back kitchen area and walk in cooler.
Sep 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 21 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Per operator from two days prior Black beans (69F - Cooling); Cooked beef (58F - Cooling); White Rice (63F - Cooling); Yellow rice (63F - Cooling) Moro rice (63F - Cooling); Red Beans (64F - Cooling)
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Black beans (69F - Cooling); Cooked beef (58F - Cooling); White Rice (63F - Cooling); Yellow rice (63F - Cooling) Moro rice (63F - Cooling); Red Beans (64F - Cooling)
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of fabulosity on table with teas. Operator removed.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk in reach in cooler. Operator date marked.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Too much in one pan and pans are covered
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board in the kitchen.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in kitchen area. Vents in kitchen area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cups on prep table.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In back kitchen area and walk in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor at cook line soiled
Food stored on floor. 2 bottles of cook oil on floor in the kitchen. Operator removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On oven handle. Operator removed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink when entering the kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line Exterior ice machine
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at cook line
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed peppers over cooked meat pork in walk in cooler. Operator removed.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall at three compartment sink. Wallaby hand washing sink.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. At mop sink
Dec 27, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. - Shelving in reach in coolers
Equipment in poor repair. - gasket on glass door cooler on cooks line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. - throughout the kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Exterior of cooking equipment in kitchen -Walk-in cooler door gasket - hood filters
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. - hand sink in kitchen
Dec 16, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 31 recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate26 Basic
Show 31 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. - 2 gallons of milk stored in front glass door cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -White cutting boards on cooks line and prep table - Interior of fryers and baskets
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. - water pitcher stored in hand sink at front bar.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -hand sink at patio bar -hand sink in kitchen area.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. - Shelving in reach in coolers
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. - reach in cooler on cooks line
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - red, green, white, yellow cutting boards stored in prep area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. - drink stored on shelf abocpve cooks line
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. - employee items stored on dry storage shelf's with food.
Equipment in poor repair. - gasket on glass door cooler on cooks line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. - front bar.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - walk-in cooler - under all cooking equipment in kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. - throughout the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. - cooking oil stored in front area of kitchen. - Bag n box at back door
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Towel under white cutting board in prep Tara.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - microwave located across from expo - microwave on cooks line - oven on cooks line
Light not functioning. - 3 lights out in hoods
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Exterior of cooking equipment in kitchen -Walk-in cooler door gasket - hood filters
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. - reach in cooler on cooks line (top and bottom )
Storage area not maintained clean and organized. - back outside storage
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. - hand sink in kitchen
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. - bulk sugar and salt
Oct 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. - cheese stored in retail bag in white chest freezer in back kitchen area.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. - spray bottle of clear stored next to tea machine.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting board at prep table. - fry baskets - white cutting board on line. - soda gun at front bar.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - hand sink at patio bar.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. - shelving in walk-in cooler
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. - spray bottle of clear liquid stored next to tea machine.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. - walk-in cooler
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. - knife stored at 3 compartment sink and wall
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.
Equipment in poor repair. - walk-in gasket
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -ice scoop in ice machine
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - microwave on cooks line. -microwave next to drink station.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - gasket on walk-in cooler - dish trays
Mar 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored above prep table.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - fry baskets - white cutting board on cooks line.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - patio hand sink
No soap provided at handwash sink. - patio hand sink
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. - hand sink next to cooks line.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. - drink stored on prep table in back area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. - storage shelf next to back door.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. - throughout the entire kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. - liquid margarine next to dry storage shelf
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. -oven on cooks line. - microwave on cooks line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior sandwich press on cooks line. - gasket on stand up freezer. - dish trays
Plumbing system in disrepair. - hand sink drain line broken next to cooks line.
Reach-in Freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues in kitchen area.
Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. -unwrapped straws stored on bar unprotected at patio bar.
Storage area not maintained clean and organized.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. - mushrooms over ready to eat food in walk-in cooler.
Dec 20, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. - spray bottle of cleaner stored Togo orders.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - interior of fryers and baskets - white cutting board on cooks line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. -Shredded beef in walk-in cooler - Seasoned ground beef in walk-in cooler -Chicken in dumpling sauce
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle stored on Togo rack.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. - 2 drinks stored on microwave in service area.
Equipment in poor repair. -Back door
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. -Back door
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. - throughout the entire kitchen area.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -Bar Ice bin
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. -Microwave in service area
Plumbing system in disrepair. -Hand sink next to cooks line drain pipe is broken. Per operator parts are on order.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. -spoons stored handle side down at service area.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.