VACA GRILL
702 N KROME AVE, Homestead FL 33030 · 786.337.1812
Last inspected Aug 19, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
AUG 23
AUG 24
NOV 25
APR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 4 live flies flying inside of the mobile unit.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2023049039 | Aug 29, 2023 | Oct 5, 2023 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 19, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee began working with food without first washing his hands.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 4 live flies flying inside of the mobile unit.
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 diced tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Observed cook black beans (64F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator from the day prior. Observed cooked yuca (51F - Cold Holding) as reach in cooler near exit door, as per operator from the day prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed diced tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Observed cook black beans (64F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator from the day prior. Observed cooked yuca (51F - Cold Holding) as reach in cooler near exit door, as per operator from the day prior.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures of cooked time/temperature control for safety food.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed 2 blue spray bottles inside of the mobile unit not labeled.
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 reach in cooler near exit door 50+F.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle service opening not kept closed except during food service. Also observed both MFDV exit doors open at time of inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed bag of raw chicken thawing at room temperature inside of the triple sink.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Advised employees to set up sanitizing solution.
Aug 18, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority7 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee began working with food without first washing his hands.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 4 live flies flying inside of the mobile unit.
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 diced tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Observed cook black beans (64F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator from the day prior. Observed cooked yuca (51F - Cold Holding) as reach in cooler near exit door, as per operator from the day prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed diced tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Observed cook black beans (64F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per operator from the day prior. Observed cooked yuca (51F - Cold Holding) as reach in cooler near exit door, as per operator from the day prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mashed potatoes (116F - Hot Holding) stored on top of the stove, as per operator for less than 2 hours.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwash sink blocked by black container with chemicals. Coach operator.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwash sink used to store metal and plastic container lids. Coach employee. Employee removed container lids.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures of cooked time/temperature control for safety food.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed mash potatoes, raw marinated chicken, cut tomatoes no date marked.
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed 2 blue spray bottles inside of the mobile unit not labeled.
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 reach in cooler near exit door 50+F.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards stored above the handwash.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee open water bottle stored at prep table.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Food stored in a prohibited area. Observed containers of oil, case of water stored outside of the MFDV.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle service opening not kept closed except during food service. Also observed both MFDV exit doors open at time of inspection.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. At reach in cooler near exit door.
Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. Observed single service bags stored outside of the MFDV. Also Observed single service bowls stored outside of the MFDV.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed bag of raw chicken thawing at room temperature inside of the triple sink.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed parsley stored over cilantro sauce, cook mashed potatoes, shredded cheese at reach in cooler near smoker.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Advised employees to set up sanitizing solution.
Apr 22, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Ice buildup in black reach-in freezer.
Nov 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Provided operator with poster via email. Coach operator.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed Vents soiled with accumulated dust.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet plastic containers stacked together at shelves above the three compartment sink.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided operator with poster via email.
Aug 1, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a metal bucket with utensils soiled.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed towel under the cutting board. Employee removed it.
Nov 28, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 27, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 1, 2023Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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. Observed Alejandro Guerra working more than 2 months at the establishment.
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.
Sep 1, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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.
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.
Aug 29, 2023■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 13 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority6 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized. Observed chlorine sanitizer was less than 10 ppm.
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 establishment operating without running water at the time of the inspection. Employees are not able to wash hands.
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands because there is not running water at the time of the inspection.
Establishment operating with no potable running water. Observed Establishment operating with no potable running water..
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed chlorine sanitizer was less than 10 ppm.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled.
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. Observed Alejandro Guerra working more than 2 months at the establishment.
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.
No running water at three-compartment sink. Observed No running water at three-compartment sink and at the hand wash sink at the time of the inspection.
No running water at three-compartment sink. Observed no running water at 3 compartment sink.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed an employee drinking water on top of the preparation area.
Aug 25, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 24 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority9 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 10 live flies Flying in and out of the MFDV and landing on the walls.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle disposing of wastewater at an unapproved location.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle using a commissary that does not have sewer approval. Received notification from DERM that septic tank being used by MFDV to discharge waste water.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed raw beef (as per operator since 11:35 am) (47 F - Cold Holding); raw chicken with bacon (47 F - Cold Holding); raw pork (57 F - Cold Holding); chorizo (57 F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler. As per labels was prepared between 11:00 am and 11:45 am.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Observed raw beef (as per operator since 11:35 am) (47 F - Cold Holding); raw chicken with bacon (47 F - Cold Holding); raw pork (57 F - Cold Holding); chorizo (57 F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler. As per labels was prepared between 11:00 am and 11:45 am.
Water supply does not meet the requirements of a public water supply. As per inspection of Miami Dade report: Sample results are out of compliance.
Failure to provide water system sample reports onsite.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed red cutting board soiled.
Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Observed knives in Knife holster.
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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.
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.
Nonself-sufficient mobile food dispensing vehicle not reporting to commissary as required.
Nonself-sufficient mobile food dispensing vehicle operating from an unapproved commissary. Observed the MFDV is connected to a well water of a place that does not have the well water testing available.
Well water testing report/documentation is not available upon request. Observed the MFDV is connected to a well water of a place that does not have the well water certificate and the sample result of the Miami Dade is revealed that Sample results are out of compliance.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. One red cutting board.
Food being stored outside. Observed a reach in cooler/reach in freezer outside next to the MFDV with yuca, French fried.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle service opening larger than necessary for food service. Observed MFDV missing screen at the window.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an open water bottle inside of the reach in cooler.
Screen in windows torn/in poor repair - vermin present.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed ribs and lamb thawed on the three compartment sink at room temperature.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
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.