LA COCINA DE ABUELA
125 NW 23 AVE, Gainesville FL 32609 · 352.204-5561
Last inspected Aug 4, 2026 · 7 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed four flies in mop sink room.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2017010506 | Feb 27, 2017 | Mar 29, 2017 | $160 |
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Aug 4, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 18 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 18 findingsThe state's own report →
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment open and operating with an expired license of 6/1/2026.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over cooked foods in reach in cooler in side storage area. Chicken was moved below.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. sausage (122F - Hot Holding); empanada (127F - Hot Holding) items in display case other items over 135F. Retemped sausage 186F empanada 183F. plantains (125F - Hot Holding) item in steam table at front counter, other items above 135F. Retemped plantains 208F.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Soap over single service Togo lids in side storage room, employee moved soap.
Show the remaining 14 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Dust pan in front counter Handwash sink. -Fan blocking Handwash sink at front counter.
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 proof of food manager.
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 of training.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Scoop with no handle in uncooked rice, employee removed scoop.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 2 tanks not secured in side storage room.
Ceiling tile missing. 2 tiles in middle prep kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Metal bowls on clean storage shelf with the food contact upwards. Manager turned bowls over.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 opened drinks on shelf above prep table in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. -Jug of vegetable oil on floor in side storage room. -Bag of peas on floor in side room. Oil was placed on shelf.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. 1 filter missing from hood system in kitchen.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights in side dry storage room.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Hood vents soiled with grease. -Reach in cooler gasket soiled in produce cooler. -Exterior ice machine door soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Metal shelves in reach in cooler in side storage room with rust on the surface.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Plastic wrap on floor in prep area, operator placed item on table.
Jan 16, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mold like substance on ice deflector in ice machine.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at both front handwash sinks. Manager restocked.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured in kitchen.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling tiles in storage area are not smooth and cleanable
Ceiling tile missing. Two ceiling tiles missing in kitchen
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door does not seal along the bottom of the door.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Plastic bins cracked in clean ware rack
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on reach in freezer soiled with debris.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Self closing mechanism on women's bathroom door disconnected
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop not in use stored in mop bucket
Sep 16, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 18 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment observed preparing, serving, and selling food to customers with an expired license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants dated June 1, 2025
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. empanadas at front counter kept on time but no time mark
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Odoban sanitizer spray bottle on prep tables and hanging with dishes on clean ware rack. Employee removed spray bottles
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink at front counter blocked by step ladder and fan. Manager moved both items
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test strips for three-compartment sink Quat
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured in dry goods storage area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Several acoustic ceiling ties in kitchen and dry goods storage area are not smooth and cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach in air conditioner vent. employee removed
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drink bottle and lunch box above prep table. Employee removed items
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked (metal bins )not properly air-dried, and stored wet on clean ware rack resulting in wet nesting.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap under and on side of back door of kitchen
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Plastic bin with multiple cracks. Manager discarded.
Food stored on floor. container of lentils and beans on floor in dry goods storage area. Manager placed on rack.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in reach in freezers
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Light shield missing in dry goods storage area above reach in coolers
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in freezer with mold like substance
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in reach in cooler rusting
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop not in use stored in mop bucket water.
Jan 16, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from dining room proceeded to put on gloves and serve food behind front counter without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw beef stored in same container as raw chicken in dry storage area reach-in cooler. Employee removed beef from container and placed in pan above chicken in reach-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Pan of rice in table top warmer behind front counter: rice (118F - Hot Holding). Manager stated rice placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed rice in oven to reheat, rice (179F - Reheating). Items in steam table next to glass warmer behind front counter: rice (111F - Hot Holding); plantains (118F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed rice in oven to reheat, plantains (168F - Reheating); rice (169F - Reheating).
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottles of chemicals stored next to soda bottles behind front counter. Employee moved bottles to mop sink area.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute for dining room soda machine.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. 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 certified food manager present with six employees working. Certified food manager arrived during inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at hand washing sink behind front counter.
Original container of toxic substance or chemical does not bear the manufacturer's label. Spray bottle in prep area no label.
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. One employee training certificates expired.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee backpack stored next to go containers behind front counter. Coat hanging from dry storage shelf.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans stored on shelf across from mop sink area.
Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Plastic containers on shelf across from mop sink area.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One hood filter missing above cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket for bread reach-in cooler across from front counter. Area around soda nozzles for dining room soda machine.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in cooler next to dry storage shelf.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go pans stored in dry storage area.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Fire extinguisher next to back door.
Jul 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
6 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from dining room and began handling to go containers to serve customers without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed four flies in mop sink room.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on 6/1/2024.
Raw animal food not separated from ready-to-eat food during preparation. Shell eggs stored over garlic mayonnaise in front counter stand up reach-in refrigerator. Manager moved eggs to the bottom shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in front counter warmer next to register: sausage (129F - Hot Holding). Employee stated item placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Employee placed sausage in oven to reheat. Item stored in warmer at the beginning of the serving line next to front counter hand washing sink: chicken (127F - Hot Holding). Employee stated item placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Employee placed chicken in oven to reheat.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of cleaner stored over kitchen prep table. Manager placed cleaner in mop sink area.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Green cutting board on kitchen prep table. Deflector plate inside of front counter ice machine. Ice chute for front counter soda machine.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. 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 certified food manager present with six employees working. Certified manager began working during inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No hand soap at kitchen hand washing sink.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottles stored in mop sink area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tile in hallway outside of storage room.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Aluminum to go pans stored in storage room.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table behind front counter.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on prep table behind front counter. Employee removed phone.
Food stored on floor. Cases of soda and cooking oil on floor in storage room.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wet wiping cloth underneath cutting board on kitchen prep table.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Door frame of kitchen reach-in freezer. Area around soda nozzles of front counter soda machine.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mops stored in buckets of water in mop sink room. Manager had employee remove mops from buckets of water.
Jan 23, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw pork in dry storage reach-in cooler. Manager moved chicken to bottom shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in reach-in cooler behind front counter: ham (44F - Cold Holding). Manager stated item placed in cooler two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager added ice to pan to reduce temperature to 41F.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in steam table on front counter: rice (127F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in steam table one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved item to oven to reheat.
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 behind front counter. Employee stated item opened the morning of 1/22.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute of dining room soda machine.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at kitchen hand washing sink. Manager provided hand towels.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored in reach-in cooler behind front counter.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers stored on shelf across from mop sink room.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer next to mop sink room.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets of reach-in freezer next to cook line. Hood vents above oven. Area around soda nozzles of dining room soda machine
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Containers stored on shelf across from mop sink room.
Jul 24, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw whole muscle beef in reach-in cooler across from mop sink room. Manager placed ground beef to shelf below whole muscle beef.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Water nozzle for tea machine behind front counter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Spoon stored in hand washing sink across from front counter. Manager removed spoon.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at hand washing sink behind front counter.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Flan stored in reach-in cooler behind front counter.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table across from three compartment sink. Employee removed drink from table.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door to kitchen.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor in storage room across from mop sink.
Food stored on floor. Soda boxes stored on floor in storage room across from mop sink room.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Area behind soda nozzles of dining area soda machine.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Pans stored on clean dish rack across from mop sink room.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Cut avocado in reach-in cooler behind front counter, label shrill on avocado after being washed.
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.