EL RINCONCITO MEXICAN GRILL
1900 S PINE AVE, Ocala FL 34471 · 352-421-5911
Last inspected Jun 30, 2026 · 14 visits since November 2023
NOV 24
APR 25
SEP 25
OCT 25
JUN 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. June 1, 2023.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Jun 30, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jun 29, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 23 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority6 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Employee switched from working with raw food to clean dish ware without washing hands. Employee handled bags of raw beef and chicken then proceeded to handle clean serving plate without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and use new plate.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on 6/1/2026. Establishment observed preparing, serving, or selling food to customers with expired license.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over avocados in walk-in cooler. Manager placed chicken on bottom shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in reach-in cooler across from cook line: cheese (51F - Cold Holding); sour cream (52F - Cold Holding); lettuce (51F - Cold Holding); tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to reach-in cooler to reduce temperature to 41F. Items stored in cook line grill drawers: chicken (51F - Cold Holding); beef (50F - Hot Holding); pork (50F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to reach-in cooler to reduce temperature to 41F.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in cook line steam table: rice (121F - Hot Holding); queso (120F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed in steam table two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager had employees reheat items.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of degreaser on kitchen prep table next to single service items. Manager moved spray by to area where spray bottles are stored during inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Faucet outside of back door. Hose side of splitter for kitchen mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line stained.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Tiles and pan stored in cook line hand washing sink. Manager removed items from sink during inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap and hand towels at cook line hand washing sink. Manager provided towels and soap.
Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Probe thermometer reading 50F during calibration. Manager recalibrated thermometer to read 32F in cup of ice water.
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. Three employee certificates available. Manager stat3d there are eight employees for establishment.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of degreaser stored on kitchen prep table.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Dish machine next to wait station.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table next to cook line grill. Employee removed drink during inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone stored on prep table across from kitchen three compartment sink. Employee removed phone during inspection.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoops stored in wait station ice bin and front counter bar ice bin. Manager placed ice scoops in ice properly.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on file cabinet next to kitchen ice machine.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster behind building.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign at bar area hand washing sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Area around soda nozzles of wait station soda machine soiled with old food debris.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Containers stored on storage shelf.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed corn stored over tortillas in walk-in cooler.
Oct 14, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 6, 2025Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/. Establishment operating without a current license.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken and raw beef stored over raw shrimp and raw fish in cook line drawers. Manager had employee move chicken and beef to bottom drawer.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Hose side of splitter in mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Deflector plate inside of ice machine next to office.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand washing sink on cook line removed. Establishment plans show a hand washing sink should be located in this location.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap available at hand washing sink in men's restroom handicapped stall.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of degreaser on table across from three compartment sink.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table next to back door. Employee removed drink during inspection.
Employee eating while preparing food. Employee eating while cutting fruit in bar area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee backpack on shelf with chips and beer in dry storage area. Manager removed backpack during inspection.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Container in dry storage across from office.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of ice machine next to office.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster behind building.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above cook line. Fan covers in walk-in cooler.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Containers stored on shelf next to three compartment sink.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Stored food not covered. Peppers stored in reach-in freezer. Employee placed cover on peppers.
Sep 8, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw fish in cook line drawers. Manager moved chicken to bottom drawer.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Faucet on cook line. Both sides of splitter in mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line. Blade of can opener on prep table across from three compartment sink. Deflector plate inside of kitchen ice machine.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink next to back door. Manager placed soap at hand washing sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Flan stored in walk-in cooler. Manager stated flan prepared the previous morning. Employee placed proper date marked on Flan.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on kitchen prep table. Employee removed drink during inspection.
Food stored on floor. Case of chicken stored on walk-in freezer floor. Manager placed chicken on shelf.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of kitchen ice machine. Manager returned ice scoop to dish area to be washed, rinsed and sanitized.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives stored between door and frame of reach-in cooler across from cook line. Manager removed knives during inspection.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster behind building.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers in walk-in cooler.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers stored on kitchen shelf. Manager turned containers over.
Stored food not covered. Pans of stuffed peppers stored in walk-in freezer. Manager cover pans with plastic wrap.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored on counter across from cook line. Manager removed towel during inspection.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Fire extinguisher on cook line.
Apr 21, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 18, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Portioned raw Chicken stored over Krab and Octopus in walk-in-cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The following items and cold holding temperatures in the flip-top make table cooler on cook line : Sour cream 54F; Guacamole 48F; Cut Tomato 47F Pico de gallo 49F Ambient Temperature 50F. All items had been in walk-in-cooler overnight and placed in flip-top make table cooler 2 hours earlier. Manager placed all items in walk-in-freezer
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing vacuum breaker on hose Bibb at mop sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. House made tomato sauce with no date mark. Sauce made two days earlier per Manager. employee placed date on sauce
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup with no handle used to dispense food (condiment container ). Manager removed portion cup
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish ( salmon ) labeled indicating product to remain frozen until time of use not open or removed from package. Salmon COLD HOLDING. 37F
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink bottle on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. employee jackets stored above beer bottles and soft drink syrup boxes.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tile cracked and missing at entrance to walk-in-cooler
Food stored on floor. Four containers of salsa stored on floor in walk-in-cooler
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoop handle touching ice at server station
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Light shield damaged and missing at server station
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Missing drain plug
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Self closing mechanism missing on men's room door.
Nov 25, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine at 0ppm Cl
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. The following items and cold holding temperatures in the Walk-in Cooler: beans (50F - Cold Holding); rice (48F - Cold Holding). Both item were prepared last night and were in the walk-in-cooler overnight.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The following items and cold holding temperatures in the Walk-in Cooler: beans (50F - Cold Holding); rice (48F - Cold Holding). Both item were prepared last night and were in the walk-in-cooler overnight.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. "Y" connector at mop sink is missing vacuum breaker on the non-chemical side of the "Y" connector.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cookline Cutting board on flip-top make table with mold like substance in the grooves in kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cookline Cutting board on flip-top make table with mold like substance in the grooves in kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee take out coffee cup on prep table in kitchen
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Equipment ( cups at server station )not properly air-dried, and stored wet on clean ware rack resulting in wet nesting.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster behind establishment
Jun 28, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jun 27, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine 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 dishmachine at 0ppm Cl
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. Observed raw chicken and raw meat not in commercial package in walk-in-freezer. Raw Chicken was stored above raw beef. Employee moved items and placed in correct order.
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 gallon of milk in rice by server station open two days earlier not date marked. Observed Pico de gallo prepared four days earlier in walk-in-cooler not date marked
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed mold like substance on the inside food contact surface of the nozzles on the soda gun dispensing machine at bar.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips for dishmachine or three-compartment sink
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed Bowl with no handle used to dispense food ( sugar ). Manager removed bowl.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining shelves in walk-in-cooler and dry goods storage area
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed in kitchen acoustic ceiling tiles that are not smooth and easily cleanable.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed used aprons stored on soda syrup boxes
Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Observed wood shelf above r server station not sealed.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control food stored with handle touching food ( rice )
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of food removed ( sugar ) from original container not labelled with name of contents on kitchen
Mar 15, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 7, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Chlorine 0 ppm, manager primed, chlorine 0 ppm, manager set up triple sink and called service for dish machine. At inspection time, dish machine was in use.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Reach-in cooler at the cook line, raw chorizo stored above cut mushrooms, Manager moved.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Reach-in cooler at the front line, chimichurri made with fresh garlic and oil made 02/29/24.
No certified food manager for establishment. 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 certification available at inspection time.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle with yellow substance above dish machine, manager labeled Clorox.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. June 1, 2023.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee back pack on top of reach-in cooler, employee purse and cellphone on prep table at the kitchen entrance, manager moved all.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. At the kitchen entrance, spoons not inverted, manager inverted.
Nov 8, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Reach-in cooler at the cook line cut cabbage in direct contact with thank you bag, also in walk-in cooler observed cooked yellows rice stored in thank you bag, Employee removed all foods from bags.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. June 1, 2023.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. In walk-in cooler, observed food containers with date marked from September and October, per Employee food items were cooked 11/05-08/2023. Employee date marked.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. At the bar area, Soda gun soiled, Employee cleaned during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In walk-in cooler, observed multiple containers with food no date marked (beans, salsa, queso, pork and beef), per employee items were cooked/prepared 11/05-07/2023.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee personal food stored above customers food in walk-in cooler and reach-in cooler at the server area, manager moved.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Stacked cups at the server station.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At the server station, observed ice scoop handle in direct contact with ice, manager moved.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. At the cook line, knife between reach-in coolers.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Cleaned stacked container in front of dish machine, also observed multiple containers in walk-in cooler with old stickers
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Reach-in cooler at the cook line, observed employee drink, no lid no straw stored above cabbage, employee removed the drink.
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.