EL TACO RICO
473 S DIXIE HWY, Coral Gables FL 33146 · (305)663-3200
Last inspected Jul 7, 2026 · 10 visits since November 2023
AUG 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
NOV 25
JUL 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 16 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed stored on top of reach in freezer container of shredded cheese (52F - Cold Holding). Observed at reach in cooler marinated raw beef (47F - Cold Holding). As per operator less than 2 hours.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink in kitchen used as a dump sink with food remnants in sink.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed next to ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled throughout kitchen with grease build up.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler broken.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at cook line area of kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at microwave and oven.
Stored food not covered. Observed at reach in cooler containers of corn on the Cobb and diced pineapples stored uncovered. Observed for gorillas stored on lower shelf of steam table.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood filters soiled with grease build up.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Nov 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in walk in cooler cooked ground beef (51F - Cold Holding); as per label from the 11/15. Observed cooled tray of ground beef was placed on top of new cooling tray of ground beef less than 2 hours. Operator removed.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at steam table shredded pork (129F - Hot Holding). As per cook for less than 3 hours. Cook placed onto grill to begin reheating.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink in kitchen used as a dump sink with food remnants in sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink. Employee restocked paper towels.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in a container of shredded pork in walk in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler broken.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at cook line area of kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine.
Stored food not covered. Observed for gorillas stored on lower shelf of steam table.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Aug 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
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. Observed for 2 new employees less than 60 days hired. Manager reviewed and completed with employees during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at ice machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in containers of spices at prep area.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach at front counter single serve storage cabinet. Employee removed and discarded.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee drinks on dry storage shelf and on top of canned tomatoes. Operator removed and discarded.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler broken.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at prep area and behind fixed cooling equipment. Operator began to clean during inspection.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine. Operator removed.
Stored food not covered. Observed container of tortilla chips at cook line not covered. Observed tray of taco shell bowls not covered at lower shelf at cook line.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed next to hand wash sink. Operator removed and stored on milk crate.
Feb 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a container of raw shelled eggs stored above containers of refried beans in walk in cooler.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed next to ice machine.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at oven under stove.
Stored food not covered. Observed at reach in cooler a container of pico de gallo not covered.
Aug 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 1 dented can of tomato paste and 2 dented cans of pineapple bits.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at grill cook line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in white chest freezers.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at microwaves at prep line. Observed at oven under stove.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler and reach in freezers soiled. Observed hand wash sink at entrance of kitchen soiled with food debris.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in cooler.
Mar 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed two cans of tomato paste at can storage rack dented. Manager removed from shelf.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed in ice machine in kitchen area.
Employee chewing gum while preparing food or while in a food prep/food storage/warewashing area. Observed at front counter, employee chewing gum. Manager spoke with employee and employee discarded gum.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone stored on rack next to tortillas at cook line. Manager removed and stored in designated area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest reach in freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed in oven food build up.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed storage racks with cans soiled with grease build up.
Stored food not covered. Observed at front counter, a container of tortilla chips uncovered. Employee placed cover on container. Observed in walk in cooler a container of cooked steak portioned bags uncovered.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed at front counter and next to three compartment sink, sanitizer bucket stored on floor.
Jan 30, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed clean bowls and plates stored on storage rack next to kitchen handwashing sink, located across from reach in cooler with no splash guard.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in between and behind equipment in kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest reach in freezers at kitchen area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior kitchen oven.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light shields throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed rust pitted surfaces under prep tables and on lid of chest freezers at kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed kitchen hood filters soiled with grease buildup. Observed soiled storage shelves used to store packages of tortillas, located across from flat top grill.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Jan 29, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in walk in cooler, refried beans (48F - Cooling) and cooked ground beef (45F - Cooling) as per manager food items were prepared approximately yesterday afternoon and placed into walk in cooler. Temperature taken today at about 10:45am, temperature of both food items observed above 41F.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed in walk in cooler, refried beans (48F - Cooling) and cooked ground beef (45F - Cooling) as per manager food items were prepared approximately yesterday afternoon and placed into walk in cooler. Temperature taken today at about 10:45am, temperature of both food items observed above 41F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at prep area garlic cilantro sauce, made with fresh garlic and oil (51F - Cold Holding) as per manager prepped about 2 hours ago. Manager placed into cooler to rapid cool.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Printed and provided to operator at time of inspection.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed clean bowls and plates stored on storage rack next to kitchen handwashing sink, located across from reach in cooler with no splash guard.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in between and behind equipment in kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest reach in freezers at kitchen area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior kitchen oven.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light shields throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed rust pitted surfaces under prep tables and on lid of chest freezers at kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed kitchen hood filters soiled with grease buildup. Observed soiled storage shelves used to store packages of tortillas, located across from flat top grill.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Dec 21, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Nov 7, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk-in cooler: refried beans, as per operator from yesterday. (61F - Cooling)
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed vegetables stored in shopping bags located in the walk-in cooler.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Walk-in cooler: refried beans, as per operator from yesterday. (61F - Cooling)
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed refried beans covered during cooling process.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the kitchen.
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.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for the female bathroom.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used to dispense ice,ice machine.
Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured, by ice machine.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed in the kitchen.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled,kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in the kitchen
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with accumulation of grease.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed for the squeeze bottles containing sauces.
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.