LA COCINA MEXICANA
3290 US 1 S STE D, Saint Augustine FL 32086 · 904.794.1610
Last inspected Jul 29, 2026 · 8 visits since November 2023
FEB 25
JUN 25
OCT 25
APR 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed establishment open and operating with a license that expired on 6/1/2026. Person in charge renewed license during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2018046600 | Aug 1, 2018 | Oct 18, 2018 | $200 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jul 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed establishment open and operating with a license that expired on 6/1/2026. Person in charge renewed license during inspection.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed three tilapia and two snapper fish fully thawed while still in their reduced oxygen environment and bearing the label instructions to be removed from their reduced oxygen environment.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed hand washing station by drink station and in bar area missing paper towels. Person in charge had employees add paper towels.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed food ceiling vent in kitchen soiled with dust.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
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. Observed three tilapia and two snapper fish fully thawed while still in their reduced oxygen environment and bearing the label instructions to be removed from their reduced oxygen environment.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food debris in gaskets of cook line cooler.
Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). Observed single service napkins used for silverware stored outside back door. Person in charge had employee bring inside back storage room.
Apr 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple portable cutting boards soiled with dark mold like substance. Can opener blade has build up.
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 during time of inspection 4 employees on staff.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher machine soiled with dust buildup.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Back restroom door not self closing.
Food stored on floor. Bag of dry onions stored on floor in dry storage room. Operator stored properly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging from oven handle. Operator removed.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Rice scoop utensil stored on top of rice cooker.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled with dark like mold substance in front of ovens. Walk-in cooler shelving has build up. Hood filters soiled with grease build up.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled in front of ovens.
Dec 22, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 22, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Tylenol next to microwave. Person in charge removed Tylenol.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Snapper and talipia frozen in sealed bags when clearly the boxes say that the have to remain frozen and then removed for bags.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 48F, pork 53F, both were above fill line. pork 41F; below fill line. Per chef items just loaded this morning. Items placed inside reach in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled.
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/ Establishment has 4 staff on during inspection without a food manager present.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. All staffs food safety certificates have expired. Christian, Juan, Elias, Edgar, Ceasar, Eva have all expired.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Public restroom is missing self closing hinge.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In dry storage out back; 3 co2 tanks not secured.
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. Snapper and talipia frozen in sealed bags when clearly the boxes say that the have to remain frozen and then removed for bags
Food stored on floor. Diet Coke of floor in back storage area.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Scoop was on top of rice cooker. Person in charge removed scoop.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Several bottled waters in reach in cooler. Person in charge removed drinks.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed concrete in front of dishwasher and under fryers.
Jun 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 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. Open gallon of milk opened sunday per operator not dated. Operator dated.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled in kitchen.
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 on site during inspection.
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. Employees Christian,Eva,Cesar, Edgar, Elias, and Juan expired.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board at entrance of kitchen has marks that's no longer cleanable.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Behind and underneath equipment soiled.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave near back door soiled.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Last inspection not available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in coolers shelves in kitchen soiled.
Feb 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed in reach in cooler on cook line across from 6 burner stove 3 packages of sealed thawed fish on bottom shelf. Employee voluntarily discarded fish.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener on prep table by dish machine with debris buildup.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed no asterisk or any other symbol pointing out that the Ceviche is raw on the menu. Explained to operator that the menu needs to have an asterisk or symbol by the raw foods on the menu and by the customer disclaimer so customers understand that the food is raw.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small bowl in container with crab meet on shelf in reach in cooler, on cook line,by front counter.
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. Observed 3 packages of thawed sealed Snapper in container on bottom shelf in reach in cooler on cook line, across from 6 burner stove top thawed in package. Not open. Employee voluntarily discarded fish.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed employee take clean dishes out of dish machine and stack on shelf. Also observed dishes stacked on clean shelf in dish room wet.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on cook line across from 6 burner stove with debris buildup.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed on cook line,reach in cooler across from 6 burner stove gaskets with debris buildup.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed concrete floors in dish room unsealed.
Jun 10, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in freezer in back hallway; raw beef over cooked chicken. Person in charge moved beef to bottom shelf.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler overnight; in bottom; chicken 45F; ( - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler overnight; in bottom; chicken 45F; ( - Cold Holding)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled. Placed in dish area.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled. Person in charge labeled degreaser.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In dry storage area.
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. Fish thawing in vacuum packed bag. Still frozen. Person in charge cut bags open.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles are cracked on cookline.
Food stored on floor. In dry storage area in back; rice, onions and sugar on floor.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor/on top of ice machine between uses. Ice bucket on top of ice machine and not upside down.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In chest freezer in back; ice buildup in chest freezer.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in rice and sugar. Person in charge moved scoops.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Both microwaves have food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood have grease accumulated on them.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Bottled water in reach in cooler. Person in charge removed drink.
Nov 21, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In reach-in freezer in supply shed behind establishment, repackaged raw chicken stored over repackaged vegetables.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing from faucet at mop sink.
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. Emailed operator document during inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine across from reach-in freezer has mold-like substance on ice plate. In liquor room, bottom shelf of drink mixers reach-in cooler has food debris.
No person in charge present during hours of operation. 3 cooks and 2 servers working but no person in charge on premises.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In reach-in cooler next to cook line, plastic soufflé cup used as scoop in container of crab. Employee removed cup.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In storage shed in back, two co2 tanks not properly secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents throughout kitchen have dust buildup.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Uncovered employee drink next to reach-in cooler across from front counter. Employee moved cup.
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on walk-in cooler door are torn.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In storage shed in back, ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Employee unable to find last inspection on 3/20/23
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in cooler across from cook line has debris buildup. Also, both bottom shelves across from dish machine have rust accumulation. Also, mold-like substance on plastic plates around nozzles on soda machine. Also, gaskets on walk-in cooler door have mold-like substance like substance
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Exterior door at back of kitchen not self closing.
Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. In liquor room, leaf blower and hammer stored on shelves with drink mixers and sodas.
Stored food not covered. In walk-in cooler, containers of broth, queso, cooked chicken, black beans not covered. Employee covered all items.
Unsealed wood not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. In dish area, unsealed wood holding up table next to dish machine.
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.