RICO RICO RESTAURANT-CAFETERIA
11865 SW 26 ST STE J-1, Miami FL 33175 · 786-210-7093
Last inspected Aug 17, 2026 · 12 visits since August 2023
OCT 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
MAR 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 about 4+ small flying insects in kitchen, landing over the food storage shelves and on the walls in the kitchen area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Aug 17, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ham and cheese croissant (82F - Cold Holding); omelette (84F - Cold Holding) at front counter, as per manager for no more than 2 hours, advised operator to utilize time as a public health control.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cup inside HWS at kitchen, manager removed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
May 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed for shelf housing clean food equipment in the kitchen area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed not smooth ceiling tiles at the walk in cooler RIF area, in the kitchen area, and front counter area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in disrepair ceiling of walk in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed female employee wearing a watch while engaging in food production.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gasket for reach in cooler in the kitchen area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken and missing for tiles for flooring inside the walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for reach in freezer in the front area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gasket of walk in cooler and in reach in coolers in the front area.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in RIC in kitchen and front area.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at mop sink and at the wall and floor junction near the walk in cooler and RIF.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observe in the walk in cooler.
Mar 17, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 23 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 23 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 female employee pick up trash on the floor and then proceeded to wipe down the prep counter before washing her hands.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shelled eggs stored above unwashed onions inside the walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored above RTE cooked beef, cooked ground beef and cooked chicken inside upright RIC in the kitchen. Operator placed raw chicken on the bottom.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef empanada (cooked 1 hour ago) (127F - Hot Holding); chicken empanada (cooked 1 hour ago) (127F - Hot Holding) in hot holding unit at the front counter. Operator reheated food items, beef empanada (2nd temperature) (180F - Reheating); chicken empanada (2nd temperature) (200F - Reheating)
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed for various steak and egg your style items requested by customer.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Lolie Calbo (cook), per operator employee has been working three for 3 months.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed for shelf housing clean food equipment in the kitchen area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed not smooth ceiling tiles at the walk in cooler RIF area, in the kitchen area, and front counter area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in disrepair ceiling of walk in cooler.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed female employee wearing a watch while engaging in food production.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed dirty dishes inside the sanitizing basin of 3CS. Also observed employee rinsing washed soapy dishes inside sanitizing basin.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gasket for reach in cooler in the kitchen area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken and missing for tiles for flooring inside the walk in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of oranges stored in the walk in cooler floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for reach in freezer in the front area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in the female restrooms no handwashing sign. Operator was able to post a sign.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gasket of walk in cooler and in reach in coolers in the front area.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed in disrepair the hot water handle for the handwashing sink in the kitchen.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in RIC in kitchen and front area.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at mop sink and at the wall and floor junction near the walk in cooler and RIF.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observe in the walk in cooler.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed no label for sugar container in the front area near microwave. Also observed for three squeeze bottles in the cook line.
Jul 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shell eggs over peeled potatoes at walk in cooler. Employee removed eggs and wash the potatoes.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer soiled at kitchen.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hand sink at kitchen lack of hat water. Cook was able to open up the faucet but the plumbing is broken.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. For hand sink located at kitchen by prep table.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed walk in cooler wall need some paint or some kind repair.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook placed bucket on stoved.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Employee removed the towel.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. At front unit located at counter.
Feb 18, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 17, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed soup (46F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); yuca (47F - Cold Holding); tamales (48F - Cold Holding). In walk in cooler for more than 4 hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed soup (46F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); yuca (47F - Cold Holding); tamales (48F - Cold Holding). In walk in cooler for more than 4 hours.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed soup (46F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); yuca (47F - Cold Holding); tamales (48F - Cold Holding), was cooked for more than 4 hours as per operator.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk in cooler with ambient temperature of 50°F.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Oct 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in kitchen.
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 walk-in cooler with an ambient temperature of 56F. Informed operator about unit.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair at walk in cooler and at front counter low boy cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in reach in chest freezer front counter.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Oct 14, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 21 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority4 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed chicken stored over French fries in reach in freezer in kitchen.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over potatoes and margarine in walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs stored over pita bread in walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed at walk in cooler moros (49F - Cold Holding); white rice (49F - Cold Holding); (49F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (49F - Cold Holding); tamales cooked (48F - Cold Holding); raw marinated pork loin (48F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (49F - Cold Holding); provolone (54F - Cold Holding); mozzarella block (54F - Cold Holding). As per manager for more than 24 hours. Informed manager product cannot be served to public.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at walk in cooler moros (49F - Cold Holding); white rice (49F - Cold Holding); (49F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (49F - Cold Holding); tamales cooked (48F - Cold Holding); raw marinated pork loin (48F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (49F - Cold Holding); provolone (54F - Cold Holding); mozzarella (54F - Cold Holding). As per manager for more than 24 hours. Informed manager product cannot be served to public.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed front counter employee without knowledge of proper ppm for chlorine sanitizer. Discussed with employee proper concentration levels and use of test kit.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed products under TPHC, no written plan. Provided, printed, and explained TPHC document to operator. Operator filled out document during inspection.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed at women's bathroom.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed containers of cooked pork not dated marked in walk in cooler, as per operator, for more than 24 hours. Also observed single service flans and tres leches not date marked at front counter dessert, as per manager for more than 24hrs.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not secured at front counter.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in kitchen.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing above cook line in kitchen.
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 walk-in cooler with an ambient temperature of 56F. Informed operator about unit.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach at walk in cooler entrance. Operator provided pest control invoice dated 10/12/24. Operator removed and discarded dead roach.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 2 front counter employees no hair restraint.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair at walk in cooler and at front counter low boy cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in reach in chest freezer front counter.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no signs at women's and men's bathroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at front counter coffee station and at front counter low bar cooler. Also observed soiled fan guard in walk in cooler. Observed front counter ice machine with water reservoir containing mineral deposits.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple squeeze bottles of oil at cook line not labeled and bins of rice and beans in kitchen not labeled.
Jun 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over precooked fries stored inside standing freezer. Employee removed items and placed them correctly.
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.
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. Discussed with operator and provided email handout.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at front counter. Employee placed a new paper towel.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Discussed with operator and provided email form
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork loin, and ground meat stored inside reach in cooler, located at front counter without dated marked. As per operator food was prepared 2 days before the inspection. Employee labeled with the proper date.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin, located at front counter.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing tile above the walk in cooler.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates stored on shelf at preparation area not inverted.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engage in food preparation without hair restraint.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall, located between the 2 standing freezer near the walk in cooler.
Dec 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Kitchen.
Aug 29, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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. Provided form to the operator.
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 walk in cooler internal temperature of approximately 55F, informed manager not to store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler located in front of the preparation table gasket is torn.
Exhaust system operated with filters removed. No means to capture grease and/or condensation to prevent dripping.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven, located in the kitchen.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
Aug 14, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 27 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority8 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed about 4+ small flying insects in kitchen, landing over the food storage shelves and on the walls in the kitchen area.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed black garbage bags used as liner under raw chicken, in the reach in cooler located beside the walk in cooler.
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 raw chicken stored over pork chops, in the reach in freezer located in front of the walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In the walk in cooler observed sausage (53F - Cold Holding); sausage (53F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (55F - Cold Holding); cooked beans (52F - Cold Holding); shell eggs (54F - Cold Holding); Cheese (55F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (42F - Cold Holding), as per owner/manager held in this unit for more than 4 hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In the walk in cooler observed sausage (53F - Cold Holding); sausage (53F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (55F - Cold Holding); cooked beans (52F - Cold Holding); shell eggs (54F - Cold Holding); Cheese (55F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (42F - Cold Holding), as per owner/manager held in this unit for more than 4 hours. Manager discarded the food on site.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In the steam table observed cooked rice (108 F - Hot Holding), cooked chicken (109F - Hot Holding); boiled potatoes (109F - Hot Holding); cooked chicken (107F - Hot Holding) as per manager held in this unit for about 3 hours. Employee reheating food. In the hot box located at front counter observed beef empanadas (101F - Hot Holding), as per manager held in this unit for less than 4 hours. Employee reheating food.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed odor spray stored in the food storage shelves located in the cook line. Employee removed it on site.
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. Provided form to the operator.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed squeeze bottles stored In the hand wash sink, manager removed it on site.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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. Provided form to the operator.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Owner/manager was unable to answer minimum cold holding or hot holding temperatures.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed rib soup, chicken soup held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
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 walk in cooler internal temperature of approximately 55F, informed manager not to store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler located in front of the preparation table gasket is torn.
Exhaust system operated with filters removed. No means to capture grease and/or condensation to prevent dripping.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. In the storage area, in front on the walk in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In the kitchen area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Several tongs store on the oven door handle, manager removed it on site.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven, located in the kitchen.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In the reach in cooler located in the kitchen near the preparation table table.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In the hand sink locating the kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soap dispenser, pepper towel dispenser surface soiled with grease accumulation. Wall fan in the walk in cooler soiled.
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.