TACO RICO
426 SW 8 ST 8, Miami FL 33130
Last inspected May 8, 2026 · 8 visits since August 2023
FEB 24
OCT 24
FEB 25
NOV 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired October 1, 2025.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
May 8, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can op er soiled.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Observed person in charge provided copies of the food handler trainings. Original certificates need to be provided.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting boards at the cook line no longer cleanable.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed male employee wearing bracelet while engaged in food preparation.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers stored in shelves by the 3 compartment sink not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets torn at the cook line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken tacos inside the reach in freezer not covered.
Apr 30, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 21 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority6 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee was not sanitizing utensils at the 3 compartment sink. Employee was coached how to sanitize utensils properly.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Employee was not sanitizing utensils at the 3 compartment sink. Employee was coached how to sanitize utensils properly.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can op er soiled.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bathroom.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Observed person in charge provided copies of the food handler trainings. Original certificates need to be provided.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water reached 79°F after water running for about 3 minutes at the hand wash sink by the front counter.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting boards at the cook line no longer cleanable.
Employee beverage container above food preparation table in the kitchen area.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed male employee wearing bracelet while engaged in food preparation.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers stored in shelves by the 3 compartment sink not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets torn at the cook line.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed under the 3 compartment sink at the front counter.
Food stored on floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled at the cook line.
Standing water and very slow draining water in handwash sink in the hand wash sink at the front counter.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken tacos inside the reach in freezer not covered.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed under hand wash sink at the front counter.
Nov 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed a dented can of tomato paste at dry storage.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired October 1, 2025.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed handless portion cup used to serve birria sauce at steam table. Employee removed said item.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed two white cutting boards at cook line with deep marks and not easily cleaned.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and metal containers at warewashing area wet nesting.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of fry oil stored on the floor at dry storage.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed front panel of reach in cooler heavily soiled with grease debris.
Reach-in cooler /Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves of reach in cooler at cook line across from flattop soiled with mold like substance.
Feb 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ground beef (80F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken breast (62F - Cold Holding) at ambient temperature in prep area, as per chef for approximately 1 hour prior. Coached him on correct procedures.
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 to operator via email.
Expired chlorine chemical test kit on 11-2024 provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic containers and lids stored inside hand washing sink by 3 compartment sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand washing sink by 3 compartment sink. Chef replaced bottle.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed bathroom door not self closing. Observed gaps at top and bottom of bathroom door.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in poor repair inside reach in cooler at cook line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw pork thawing at room temp on top of preparation table, coached chef on correct procedures. Chef placed inside reach in cooler.
Oct 22, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked pork sauce with date marking exceeding 7 days at walk in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed oven mitts soiled at preparation area. Observed stored knives soiled at preparation area.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Observed establishment utilizing chlorine and only quaternary ammonium test kit available.
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. Observed employee training for Yani, Patricia and Fishonda expired.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed bathroom door not self closing. Observed gaps at top and bottom of bathroom door.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook not wearing hair restraint while cooking chicken.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed water leaking from ceiling into plastic bucket on floor inside walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed can opener holster soiled at preparation area. Observed shelves underneath grill heavily soiled with old food debris.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with food debris near chest freezer across from 3 compartment sink. Observed wall and floor heavily soiled with old food debris near fryer.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from faucet when valves are off at front area. Also observed water leaking from fan inside walk in cooler into plastic bucket on floor.
Oct 16, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook handle raw chicken and then changed gloves and began handling cooked chicken at cook line. Person in charge discussed proper hand washing procedures with cook. Cook washed hands.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked pork sauce with date marking exceeding 7 days at walk in cooler.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked pork sauce with date marking exceeding 7 days at walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed refried beans (75F - Hot Holding); rice (72F - Hot Holding), yellow rice (70F - Hot Holding) at steam table. As per person in charge, product placed at steam table 1 hour prior. Discussed reheating procedures for hot holding with person in charge. Person in charge began reheating products to 165F.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed oven mitts soiled at preparation area. Observed stored knives soiled at preparation area.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Observed establishment utilizing chlorine and only quaternary ammonium test kit available.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink at ware washing area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink at ware washing area.
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. Observed employee training for Yani, Patricia and Fishonda expired.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed bathroom door not self closing. Observed gaps at top and bottom of bathroom door.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook not wearing hair restraint while cooking chicken.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed water leaking from ceiling into plastic bucket on floor inside walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed can opener holster soiled at preparation area. Observed shelves underneath grill heavily soiled with old food debris.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with food debris near chest freezer across from 3 compartment sink. Observed wall and floor heavily soiled with old food debris near fryer.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from faucet when valves are off at front area. Also observed water leaking from fan inside walk in cooler into plastic bucket on floor.
Feb 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
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 during inspection. Operator posted.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of microwave soiled. Observed can opener blade soiled.
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 during inspection. Operator signed.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed at hand sink.
Aug 11, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of reach in cooler soiled.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Observed table fan soiled. Observed oven mitts soiled. Observed food container soiled with accumulated grease near warmer.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
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.