MERCEDES CAFECITOS
3595 NW 54 ST, Miami FL 33142
Last inspected Jun 24, 2026 · 8 visits since December 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. -can of "Black Flag" flying insect spray on shelf behind bar, operator discarded
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $480
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2015000367 | Dec 8, 2014 | Feb 5, 2015 | $480 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jun 24, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water on bathrooms located in the bar area.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed two doors cooler ambient temperature 72 F
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach prep reach in cooler in disrepair not in use, observed two doors cooler ambient temperature 72 F
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gasket soiled in the front area, back area, kitchen area.
Jun 23, 2026Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate8 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/
Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw eggs over marinated beef in reach in cooler.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed in kitchen reach in cooler 6 King Fish in ROP packaging stating that it must be removed from packaging before defrosting. Operator discarded product.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Pork (54 F - Cold Holding); Beef (56 F - Cold Holding); Chicken breast (59 F - Cold Holding); Swai (61 F - Cold Holding); Marinated beef (61 F - Cold Holding); Diced ham (60 F - Cold Holding) according to operator stored in reach in cooler for more than 6 hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Pork (54 F - Cold Holding); Beef (56 F - Cold Holding); Chicken breast (59 F - Cold Holding); Swai (61 F - Cold Holding); Marinated beef (61 F - Cold Holding); Diced ham (60 F - Cold Holding) according to operator stored in reach in cooler for more than 6 hours.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed containers inside of the front counter handwashing sink. Employee removed containers.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Provided consumer advisory to operator.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water on bathrooms located in the bar area.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed two doors cooler ambient temperature 72 F
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 in kitchen reach in cooler 6 King Fish in ROP packaging stating that it must be removed from packaging before defrosting. Operator discarded product.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach prep reach in cooler in disrepair not in use, observed two doors cooler ambient temperature 72 F
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gasket soiled in the front area, back area, kitchen area.
Oven exterior soiled.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container not labeled l
Feb 6, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed pill container on prep table on kitchen area.
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee scratching his head, then continuing to work with food products without washing hands. Coached employee on proper handwashing.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired since October 1, 2025.
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/. observed Wendy Garcia certification done on 10/16/2020, expired.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed container inside hand washing sink. Operator removed onsite.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine with mold like substance.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in coolers in kitchen area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler interior soiled in kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls throughout kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop inside mop bucket. Operator hung to dry onsite.
Sep 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed 3CS chlorine sanitizer at 300+ppm. Coached operator on proper sanitation. Operator diluted the sanitizer to 100PPM.
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 chicken over beef not all commercially packaged inside reach in freezer.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed container inside handwash sink. Operator removed it onsite.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink. Operator placed onsite.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance at interior of ice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards in kitchen area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair throughout kitchen area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up inside reach in freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in coolers.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls throughout kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored inside mop bucket.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths on top of prep tables.
Mar 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 27 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate22 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed 5 slices of cheese in reach in cooler at the back of the kitchen that had mold like substance on them. Operator removed and discarded cheese.
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 frozen shrimp commercially packaged above frozen fries that are not commercially packaged inside reach in freezer by walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Chicken croquettes (102F - Hot Holding); Tequeno (98F - Hot Holding), being held at hot holding unit. As per operator it has been less than 1 hour since cooked. Operator raised the temperature so equipment can reach proper temperature.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed Raid and other chemicals being stored above food prep area in the back of the kitchen.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed paint brush being used for coffee machine in front counter area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance inside ice machine.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed on both men and women's restroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles in disrepair throughout entire kitchen area. Observed missing tile and other tiles in disrepair above front counter area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pots and pans stored not in a protected manner by kitchen entrance.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards with excessive cut marks in front counter area and kitchen area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee doing food preparation at cook line no hair restraint.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed screen door that leads to exterior in the kitchen with gaps all around.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair throughout the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed milk stored on the floor inside walk in cooler and water stored on floor in dining area.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall next to kitchen entrance.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up inside reach in freezer by walk in cooler.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled in kitchen area.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed light shield in disrepair in kitchen area above 3 compartment sink.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets inside reach in coolers in kitchen area. Observed exterior of microwave soiled in kitchen area.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed missing exit door and window in the kitchen area, both locations have a metal mesh protecting the openings but no proper sealing.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed no screen on window next to kitchen entrance behind reach in cooler.
Stored food not covered. Observed pork belly inside reach in cooler not covered.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted shelves inside walk in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled throughout entire kitchen area.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed soiled floor throughout entire kitchen area.
Oct 8, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee cleaning inside reach in cooler with a towel, then he continued working with food without washing his hands.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef above raw pork inside reach in cooler. Employee inverted the storage order.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Missing backflow at the mop sink, hose was connected at the time of the inspection.
Water misting device not maintained/cleaned as required. Observed walk in cooler gaskets soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed kitchen hand sink blocked with a tray.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Missing chlorine test kit.
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/ Certified Manager not present.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed accumulation of mold like substance inside ice machine.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive accumulation of cut marks on cutting board on the top of the sandwich reach in cooler.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed accumulation of water at the refrigeration area by the walk in cooler and reach in freezers.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop left on the top of the ice machine. Surface has not been cleaned and sanitized.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of plastic scoop touching the sugar.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed accumulation of grease inside the oven in the kitchen.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Poster was printed.
Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Observed to go plastic spoons stored with the food contact surface up inside a foam container at the steam table front area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels left on counters.
Mar 14, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. -employee washed and rinsed drinking glasses in triple sink in bar area then failed to sanitize the drinking glasses, operator set up chlorine sanitizer, employee sanitized drinking glasses
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. -can of "Black Flag" flying insect spray on shelf behind bar, operator discarded
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. -multiple employees in front counter area, operator educated employees, employees washed hands
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. -2 hose bibbs above mop sink
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. -slicer has a significant accumulation of grease and food debris
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -handwash sink in front counter area covered with plastic tray with coffee mugs, operator removed
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink in bar area.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. -operator located and posted
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. -employee drinking in front counter area over hot holding table
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. -multiple employees wearing bracelets and rings with stones while packaging food in front counter area
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. -oil jugs stored on the floor next to walk-in cooler, operator relocated
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. -sugar container at front counter, operator removed
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. -operator located poster and posted
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -exterior doors/door handles of reach-in coolers are soiled -inside bottom of triple door reach-in freezer has an accumulation of food debris -walk-in cooler door gasket soiled
Dec 4, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked chicken in a shopping bag in the upright freezer.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw steak over garlic in the upright refrigerator. The cook moved the ready to eat items to the top shelf.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at the mop sink.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed the chlorine sanitizer in the triple sink at 400 ppm. The cook turned on the water and the level is now at 200 ppms.
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. Form provided via email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the white cutting board solid next to the oven.
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. Form provided.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed under the front counter by the triple sink.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed the reach in cooler gasket torn.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed several cracked tiles in the kitchen area.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed by the kitchen entrance.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Form provided via email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the front counter and out side area. Form provided via email.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filter soiled. Observed the upright freezer gaskets soiled.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two plastic containers with different types of food not labeled behind the front counter.
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.