MONARCAS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE BAR & GRILL
4125 CLEVELAND AVE STE 1485B, Fort Myers FL 33901 · 239-560-4251
Last inspected Aug 5, 2026 · 10 visits since September 2023
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. 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 approximately 15 live small flying insects on shelf in ware washing area.
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2023017757 | Feb 28, 2023 | Apr 10, 2023 | $400 |
| 7--2021032676 | Jul 12, 2021 | Aug 11, 2021 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Stop Sale issued. Fish reduced oxygen packaged on premises, or commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish labeled with instructions to remain frozen until time of use, not held frozen. Observed 2 snapper fillet fully thawed in reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (58F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at front line, the operator relocated to walk in cooler. Observed red salsa (52F - Cold Holding) at salsa station. The operator added ice to salsa.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed line from tea maker in handwash sink, the operator removed the line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a gallon jug stored in handwash sink at cook line, the operator removed the item.
Show the remaining 12 findings ▾
Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Observed citrus squeezer coating peeling. The operator discarded.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on cook line.
No soap provided at handwash sink on cook line.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin near 3 compartment sink. The operator cleaned the machine.
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. See stop sale. Observed 2 snapper fillet fully thawed in reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use.
Door interior for walk in cooler in disrepair/has exposed insulation.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label for pork on a container of fresh cooked rice, the operator removed the old label.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up at salsa station, the operator corrected the items.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single service cups store on floor in dry storage, the operator relocated the item.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork thawing on 3 compartment sink, reviewed proper methods for thawing. Operator placed under cold running water.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked. For reporting purposes only. Observed rear exit blocked with ladders and equipment, the operator cleared a path to the exit.
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Carton of eggs stored over salsa in walk in cooler, the operator relocated the eggs.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut leafy greens (53F - Cold Holding); cheese (51F - Cold Holding) on front line. The operator relocated items to the walk in cooler, states reach in cooler lid had been open during lunch rush.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwash sink on cook line used to store washcloths.
Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Observed citrus squeezer coating peeling.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled at host station and on bus cart.
Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions, change date 10/24.
Food stored on floor. Margarita drink mix in buckets stored on floor of dry storage, the operator relocated the buckets.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed spoon handle in salt at prep area.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed container of rice made today with date marking for pork. The operator correctly labeled rice.
One out of four Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured near beverage walk in cooler.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 9 findings ▾
Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observed hot water at handwashing sink on cook line and women's restroom shut off.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water at handwashing sink on cook line and women's restroom shut off.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in cooler gasket tire.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container of rice.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair In dishwashing area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees In dishwashing area and cook line.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 19 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef (48F - Cold Holding) in walk-in cooler. The operator discarded beef in walk-in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed alcohol on prep table in kitchen. The operator removed the bottle of alcohol from prep table.
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 out Clean Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events DBPR Form HR 5030-204 for Operator. The operator posted form during inspection.
Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observed hot water at handwashing sink on cook line and women's restroom shut off.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwashing sink in kitchen blocked by dishes. The operator removed the dishes from handwashing sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on cook line.
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. Printed out Employee Reporting Form HR 5030-203 for Operator. The operator filled out form during inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
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.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water at handwashing sink on cook line and women's restroom shut off.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on prep table in kitchen. The operator removed cell phone from prep table.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in cooler gasket tire.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container of rice.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair In dishwashing area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees In dishwashing area and cook line.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed ribs in walk-in cooler with wrong date mark. The operator placed correct date on ribs.
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 2 findings ▾
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed one hand wash sink in kitchen with water at 71F.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup around door frame in walk in freezer.
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in front cooler in drink station: milk (49F - Cold Holding).
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled gasket on ice cream freezer on cook line.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 6 high priority.
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed trash bag in direct contact with black beans in prep kitchen, and in direct contact with chips in bar area. Also observed non food grade boxes in use in walk in cooler.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed multiple items with date marks past 7 days. Items include: Salsa verde, caldo mores, salsa de La Diablo, black beans and refried beans.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed multiple items with date marks past 7 days. Items include: Salsa verde, caldo mores, salsa de La Diablo, black beans and refried beans.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler under counter near drink station : white milk (50F - Cold Holding); ranch (49F - Cold Holding). Items were held in cooler overnight.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler under counter near drink station : white milk (50F - Cold Holding); ranch (49F - Cold Holding). Items were held in cooler overnight. See stop sale.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed pesticide stored above spices in prep area. Operator moved item for proper storage.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink near dessert freezer.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed wet cloth in direct contact with tortilla dough. Operator removed cloth.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed broken lid on chip container.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in ice. Operator moved item for proper storage.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on walk in cooler, and soiled handles on bulk rice and pinto beans containers.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 5 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 15 live small flying insects on shelf in ware washing area.
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 to operator.
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. Emailed to operator.
Food stored on floor. Observed multiple cases of food stored on floor of walk in freezer.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed floors soiled in dry storage room under shelves.
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.