COSTA SUR CUBAN CAFE
640 E SAMPLE RD, Pompano Beach FL 33064 · 954-501-4021
Last inspected Jul 22, 2026 · 12 visits since September 2023
SEP 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
OCT 25
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1. One live small flying insect flying at the front counter.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $2,300
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2024039691 | Jul 3, 2024 | Aug 8, 2024 | $400 |
| 2--2018006424 | Feb 1, 2018 | Jun 29, 2018 | $800 |
| 2--2017042142 | Aug 7, 2017 | Jan 12, 2018 | $300 |
| 2--2016052504 | Nov 10, 2016 | Feb 28, 2017 | $800 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Jul 22, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in front counter display cooler.
Jul 21, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Observed Puddim (46F); flan (48F); rice pudding (48F) in front counter display cooler, stored overnight per operator. Not prepared or portioned today. See Stop Sale. 2. Observed black beans (46F) in reach in cooler in prep area, stored overnight per operator. Not prepared or portioned today. See Stop Sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Observed Puddim (46F); flan (48F); rice pudding (48F) in front counter display cooler, stored overnight per operator. Not prepared or portioned today. See Stop Sale. 2. Observed black beans (46F) in reach in cooler in prep area, stored overnight per operator. Not prepared or portioned today. See Stop Sale.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
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. One new employee hired less than 60 days with no proof of signed employee reporting agreement.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed puddim, flan, and rice pudding prepared on site yesterday at 8am with no date marking at front counter display case.
Lights in food storage area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in front counter display cooler.
Dec 31, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 3 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Prometric, Alvaro Torres, expired 12/4/24
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed fork and spoon in basin of hand sink at front counter.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee purse stored on slicer and next to water bottles on shelf at front counter prep table.
Jul 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Light not functioning at the hood above cookline in kitchen.
Lights in food storage area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Door gasket on chest freezer in dry storage area.
Feb 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Observed packaged rice pudding at the front service counter without product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed in kitchen and dry storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Door gaskets on two door reach in cooler opposite triple sink in kitchen.
Sep 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Per operator, establishment cooks outside at the rear exterior of the building on occasion. No foods cooking outside at the time of inspection.
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.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Large opening at the bottom of front exterior door.
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Packaged rice pudding in reach in cooler at front counter.
Light not functioning. One light nit functioning at the hood above cook line in the kitchen.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights in kitchen, food prep, and storage areas observed without light shields.
Jul 3, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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/. Observed cooking equipment outdoors, per operator occasionally used to cook pork. Approval from plan review is required.
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. New employee hired less than 60 days, no proof of employee reporting agreement.
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.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside, large gap along bottom of front exterior door.
Light not functioning. One light not functioning at hood above cookline.
Jul 3, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 31 violations recorded, 10 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
10 High priority6 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 31 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed black beans 45-F-47F cooled overnight per operator, in large pot covered. See Stop Sale.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1. One live small flying insect flying at the front counter.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food. Observed cheese wrapped in brown paper towels in reach in cooler in kitchen.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw meats stored in direct contact with to go bags in reach in single door freezer in dry storage.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. 1. Opened bag of raw chicken stored over guava pastries in reach in freezer in dry storage. 2. Bowl of raw pork chops stored over water and juice in pitchers in reach in cooler in prep area. 3. Container or raw chicken stored over pit if cooked black beans in reach in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. 1. Raw Ground beef not in original packaging stored over raw chicken no longer in original package in reach in freezer in dry storage.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1. Approximately 20 rodent dropping observed on shelving, packaged single serve items, on the window sill, and beneath storage rack in dry storage room.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice pudding 53F in front counter reach in display cooler, not prepared or portioned today and stored in unit overnight per operator. Observed ice build up covering vents in unit. See Stop Sale. Black beans 55F in the reach in cooler in the kitchen, not prepared or portioned today and stored overnight in cooler per operator. Observed beans stored in large covered pot. See Stop Sale
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Rice pudding 55F in front counter reach in display cooler, not prepared or portioned today and stored in unit overnight per operator. Observed ice build up covering vents in unit. See Stop Sale. 2. Buttery Blend 72F, contains milk, stored at food prep table under no temperature control for less than three hours per operator. Operator placed in reach in freezer to quick chill to 41F or below.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. 1. Observed bottle of soap stored next to bagged raw potatoes. 1. Bottle of gorilla glue stored on shelf above rice warmer.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed soiled coffee mug and cleaning sponge in basin of hand wash sink at front counter.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed black beans 45-F-47F cooled overnight per operator, in large pot covered. See Stop Sale.
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/. Observed cooking equipment outdoors, per operator occasionally used to cook pork. Approval from plan review is required.
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. New employee hired less than 60 days, no proof of employee reporting agreement.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Black beans prepared two days ago and stored in reach in cooler in kitchen not dated.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed spoons at the cook line and containers stored at clean storage rack, not inverted.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bags and purses observed stored with canned sodas and drinks at the front counter. Operator removed.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed employee completing all steps of warewashing in the sanitizer bay of the triple sink in kitchen.
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface, food prep table at the front counter.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside, large gap along bottom of front exterior door.
Food stored on floor. Plastic bottles of water stored on the floor at front counter. Operator moved to shelf.
Ice buildup in reach-in cooler at front counter.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensil water 84F at front counter with spoons for coffee station. Operator stored dry.
Interior of toaster oven and microwave has accumulation of grease and food debris in the kitchen.
Light not functioning. One light not functioning at hood above cookline.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Microwave interior in kitchen. 2. Toaster oven interior at front counter.
Stored food not covered. Potato balls stored uncovered in reach in freezer door in dry storage room.
Uncleanable knife block in use to store knives in kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on cutting board in kitchen. Operator removed.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt at the cookline. Operator labeled.
Dec 13, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee slicing oranges in half and pressing them over the juicing cone with bare hands.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice pudding made in house 51F, stored in the front display overnight per operator. Unit has ice buildup on both side walls. See Stop Sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice pudding made in house 51F, stored in the front display overnight per operator. Unit has ice buildup on both side walls. See Stop Sale.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Two cups in the basin of hand sink at the front counter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing wares in the hand wash sink at the front counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Styrofoam cup used in bagged rice and bagged black beans in dry storage area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In use spoons at the coffee counter in standing water 76F. Operator removed.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee beverages stored in reach in cooler with food to be served to customers. Operator removed.
Stored food not covered. Tamales in the reach in freezer door stored uncovered, in the dry storage area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored on front counter. Operator removed.
Sep 29, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Cooked yucca (51F); oxtail (50F); shredded beef (49F); cooked beef (49F), per operator not portioned or prepared today. All food items held overnight in reach in drink cooler opposite the front line prep table. Monitored temperatures for 30 minutes, no changes, unknown time out of temperature. See Stop Sale. 2. In the flip top, reach in cooler in the kitchen, Shredded lettuce 57F, raw shell egg ambient 55F, raw beef 52F, raw chicken 53F, cut tomato 54F, cooked chicken 61F, cooked pork 59F, all foods moved from reach in cooler to flip top cooler at 7:30am. All foods placed in freezer to quick chill to 41. Verified temperatures at below 41.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Equipment in poor repair. Flip top cooler door, in the kitchen, interior panel hanging loose.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler in the kitchen.
Sep 28, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon stored over ready to eat cheese and deli ham. Operator reorganized.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature 1. Cooked yucca (51F); oxtail (50F); shredded beef (49F); cooked beef(49F), per operator not portioned or prepared today. All food items held overnight in reach in drink cooler opposite the front line prep table. Drink cooler ambient temperature 60°. See Stop Sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Cooked yucca (51F); oxtail (50F); shredded beef (49F); cooked beef (49F), per operator not portioned or prepared today. All food items held overnight in reach in drink cooler opposite the front line prep table. Monitored temperatures for 30 minutes, no changes, unknown time out of temperature. See Stop Sale. 2. In the flip top, reach in cooler in the kitchen, Shredded lettuce 57F, raw shell egg ambient 55F, raw beef 52F, raw chicken 53F, cut tomato 54F, cooked chicken 61F, cooked pork 59F, all foods moved from reach in cooler to flip top cooler at 7:30am. All foods placed in freezer to quick chill to 41°. Verified temperatures at below 41.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ham croquette (112F - Hot Holding); guava and cheese pastry (110F - Hot Holding) in the hot box at the front counter. Prepared less than 3hours ago per operator. Hot box set to low setting. Operator reheated foods to 165F and adjusted hot box to higher setting.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee using hand wash sink at the front counter for ware washing.
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. Provided employee reporting agreement. Operator reviewed and signed with new associates.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom in the dining room.
Equipment in poor repair. Flip top cooler door, in the kitchen, interior panel hanging loose.
Food being prepared outside. Observed pork cooking in pot on the grill behind the establishment.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee beverage in the reach in cooler stored with food for the public. Operator removed.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler in the kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Tostones in the reach in cooler at the front counter without covering. Potato balls and tamales in the reach in freezer in the storage area, stored in the freezer door uncovered.
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.