RIO'S CAFE AND GRILL
3937 N FEDERAL HWY, Pompano Beach FL 33064
Last inspected Jul 23, 2026 · 13 visits since October 2023
JUL 24
NOV 24
JUL 25
NOV 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. Three live roaches behind hand sink faucet in kitchen. 2. One live roach in storage drawer under hand sink in kitchen. 3. One live roach in boxed foil on counter by hand wash sink in kitchen. 4. One live roach in dry storage cabinet in kitchen. 5. One live roach in water heater pan, next to cook line in kitchen.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,120
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2024013185 | Feb 26, 2024 | Mar 18, 2024 | $400 |
| 2--2018047793 | Aug 27, 2018 | Sep 27, 2018 | $320 |
| 2--2016018567 | Apr 13, 2016 | May 9, 2016 | $400 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jul 23, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed hole in mesh screening at exit door in kitchen.
Jul 15, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Observed empty sanitizer container connected to machine.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee taking a soiled spoon from the triple sink, rinsing it clean, and then using it immediately after to stir black beans at the cookline.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed trays of raw shell eggs stored on shelf above bucket of beans in reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator reorganized.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employees handling soiled spoon at triple sink in kitchen, then handling cleaned food utensils at cookline in kitchen.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee visit triple sink at least four times to rinse soiled gloved hands.
No soap provided at handwash sink in the kitchen. Operator provided soap.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Operator unable to provide proof of training for chef and cook in kitchen, hired more than 60 days ago.
Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Door gaskets at two reach in cooler in kitchen. 2. Door gaskets at two door reach in freezer in kitchen. 3. Hood filters above cookline in kitchen. 4. Heavy grease build up at rear of stove top at cookline in kitchen. 5. Old food debris observed under microwave in kitchen. 6. Heavy food debris observed on drawer tracks and drawers in dry food pantry in kitchen.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed hole in mesh screening at exit door in kitchen.
Nov 5, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
Nov 4, 2025Warning 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 ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm).
Employee used tobacco, ate, or drank then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee drinking water and then handled cleaned food utensils without handwashing.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Container of raw fish stored on shelf above mayonnaise and chopped garlic in two door reach in cooler in kitchen.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee personal water bottle stored on food prep table next to cutting board and cleaned utensils.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee drinking at food prep table in the kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters at cookline in kitchen. 2. Two door Grista reach in freezer door gaskets in kitchen.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee personal water bottle stored in two door reach in freezer in kitchen.
Jul 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed food employee rinse gloved hands with no soap at the triple sink in the kitchen after handling raw chicken.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Container of raw chicken stored directly on top of container of cooked chicken on same shelf in two door reach in cooler in kitchen. 2. Container of raw steak stored on shelf above bagged bread in two door reach in cooler in kitchen.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed food employee rinsing soiled gloves at the triple sink in the kitchen and then handling cleaned utensils.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed prepared, Fresh garlic in oil (66F - Hot Holding) on shelf opposite cookline in kitchen, under no temperature control. Prepared less than two hours ago per operator.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed French fry cutter stored in hand sink basin in kitchen.
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. Two new employees hired less than 60 days working at the time of inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink in the kitchen.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Establishment selling hamburgers cooked to order with no posted consumer advisory. Provided operator consumer advisory poster.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed container of cleaned spoons and spatulas at the hand sink in the kitchen stored not inverted or protected.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cookline in kitchen. 2. Door gaskets at two door Delfield reach in cooler in kitchen.
Jan 3, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 4, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mirella Soares, expired 6/18/24, Prometric.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed soiled French fry cutter in basin of hand sink in kitchen.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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/ Four employees observed working with food or food utensils at the time of inspection.
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.
Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease or dust in ware wash area in kitchen.
Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed plastic baskets for food and food service film stored on floor in kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed cracked tiles in front of reach in coolers in kitchen.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed on lighting above triple sink in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Observed old food debris under microwave on counter in kitchen. 2. Observed old food debris on shelving in dry storage cabinet in kitchen. 3. Doors gaskets on two door reach in freezer in kitchen. 4. Door gaskets on both two door reach in coolers in kitchen.
Jul 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed duct tape being used to repairs crack in counter top around hand sink at front counter.
Food stored on floor, plastic containers of oil stored on the floor next to prep table in kitchen.
Light not functioning. One light not functioning above triple sink in kitchen.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed on lighting above triple sink in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cook line in kitchen. 2. Door gaskets on both two door reach in coolers near back door in kitchen.
Ripped tin foil used as shelf cover on utensil storage shelf opposite triple sink in kitchen.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of stretch wrap for food stored on floor, next to storage rack in kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on food prep table at front counter. Operator removed.
May 1, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, in the prep area in the kitchen.
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. Frozen raw fish thawing in sealed ROP packaging at the triple sink in the kitchen. Fish still frozen. Operator removed from packaging.
Floor tiles in disrepair. Observed cracked tiles throughout the kitchen, prep, and storage area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer in the prep area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed above ware wash area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cookline. 2. Door gaskets on reach in freezer in the prep area.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Loose faucet and not fully connected to sink at the hand wash sink at the front counter.
Feb 27, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters in kitchen. 2. Hood in kitchen.
Feb 27, 2024■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. Three live roaches behind hand sink faucet in kitchen. 2. One live roach in storage drawer under hand sink in kitchen. 3. One live roach in boxed foil on counter by hand wash sink in kitchen. 4. One live roach in dry storage cabinet in kitchen. 5. One live roach in water heater pan, next to cook line in kitchen.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit.
Dead roaches on premises. 1. Two dead roaches behind hand sink cabinet in kitchen. 2. Three dead roaches in cabinet under hand sink in kitchen. 3. One dead roach next to reach in cooler at the front counter. 4. One dead roach in light shield in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters in kitchen. 2. Hood in kitchen.
Feb 26, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 7 violations recorded, 1 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. Three live roaches behind hand sink faucet in kitchen. 2. One live roach in storage drawer under hand sink in kitchen. 3. One live roach in boxed foil on counter by hand wash sink in kitchen. 4. One live roach in dry storage cabinet in kitchen. 5. One live roach in water heater pan, next to cook line in kitchen.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit.
Dead roaches on premises. 1. Two dead roaches behind hand sink cabinet in kitchen. 2. Three dead roaches in cabinet under hand sink in kitchen. 3. One dead roach next to reach in cooler at the front counter. 4. One dead roach in light shield in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Bagged rice stored on the floor in kitchen.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container, scoop inside rice container in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters in kitchen. 2. Hood in kitchen.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Single serve cup stored on floor in kitchen.
Oct 3, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish machine chlorine sanitizer solution tested at 0ppm. Observed empty sanitizer solution bottle connected to the dish machine. Operator replaced with filled sanitizer solution bottle. Dishwasher retested at 100ppm.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. A pan of raw chicken and a pan of raw beef stored over hot dogs and shredded cheese. Operator reorganized.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Wet wiping cloths and a spoon observed in the handsink at the front counter. Operator removed.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit for chlorine sanitizer.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the employee bathroom. Operator provided.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. No written plan for salads at the cold buffet. Provided operator Time as Public Health Control. Operator completed and signed form.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag stored on packaged juices on food storage rack in the kitchen. Operator removed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease and food debris. 1. Door gaskets on reach in freezer in the kitchen. 2. Dry pantry shelves in the kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt in an unlabeled container in the kitchen. Operator labeled.
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.