Cortez Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 19, 2026
70
Score
Cortez Cafe has been inspected 12 times since 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 19, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near five violations each time.
When inspectors have written things up, “equipment in poor repair” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Cortez Cafe's latest score of 70 falls below the Cortez average of 83. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
12
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 19, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed three compartment sink quaternary sanitizer not at minimum ppm. Operator changed quaternary sanitizer. Quaternary sanitizer now at 400ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-43-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed duct tape being used to seal ceiling tiles in kitchen.
36-37-5
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation without a beard guard. Employee put on beard guard. **Corrected On-Site**
13-04-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop in sugar in back storage area. Operator removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall next to reach-in cooler in back dry storage area with wire mesh covering a hole.
36-30-4
70
Dec 19, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed tzatziki sauce in back room reach in cooler next to door to dining room with visible mold and dated from 11/29. Operator voluntarily discarded product. Operator voluntarily discarded product. **Warning**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings found on shelf in back corner under electrical box holding slicer. Operator cleaned and sanitized the area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed tzatziki sauce in back room reach in cooler next to door to dining room with visible mold and dated from 11/29. Operator voluntarily discarded product. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
01B-07-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed establishment operating with an expired DBPR license from 12/01/25. **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed household pesticide on shelf below the egg cooking burners holding cleaners. Operator discarded pesticide. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-05-4
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed quaternary sanitizer in 3 compartment at 0ppm. Operator changed the water and put in new sanitizer. Quaternary sanitizer now at 200ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-43-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a frozen ham and a measuring cup in hand wash sink in kitchen next to dish machine. Employee removed items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl being used to dispense hash browns on cook line. Operator removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-01-5
35
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl being used to dispense potatoes in 4 drawer reach-in cooler on cook line. Operator removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - 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.Observed commercially processed Swai fish thawed in packaging. Operator removed all fish from packaging. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee engaged in food preparation while wearing a watch. Employee removed watch. **Corrected On-Site**
13-07-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not hung to dry. Operator hung mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
42-01-4
82
Mar 4, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
78
Aug 27, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw unpackaged veal over French fries in reach-in freezer in back storage area. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pooled eggs over lettuce in 2 door reach-in in the back storage area. Operator moved pooled eggs to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. Observed operator with out a chemical test strips for quaternary solution in sanitizer bucket.
16-33-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer with build up of food debris. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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. Observed no signed employee health reporting agreements. Operator had employees sign health agreements. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed no handle scoop being used to dispense flour in back storage area.
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees cups of coffee on food prep surface next to steam table. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed broken/ missing dumpster lid on shared dumpster.
33-15-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed to go containers stored on floor in dry storage area in outside dry storage area. Operator mover containers to shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of 2 door reach-in in back storage area.
29-49-6
43
Mar 22, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
95
Jan 17, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12/01/23 **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed three compartment sink sanitizer 200ppm. Chlorine. **Warning**
41-18-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food particles on slicer. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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. Observed no employee agreements. Emailed forms to operator. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - 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 all food handlers certificates, expired. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed damage to ceiling in back storage area. Observed damage ceiling tiles in waitstaff area. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed dead roach in waitstaff area cabinet. Operator cleaned and sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed back scratcher between loafs of bread. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on reach in on cookline. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open employee drinks in cooler near food served to customers. **Warning**
12B-13-4
43
Aug 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on upright cooler on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-10: Observed gaskets still torn, owner has ordered. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
95
Aug 9, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - 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 employee handled dirty dishes then clean dishes with out washing hands after touching dirty dishes at three compartment sink. Advised employee to wash hands after handling dirty dishes. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: Observed dish washer handling dirty dishes and then clean dishes without washing his hands. **Admin Complaint**
12A-13-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Shredded Cheddar (52F - Cold Holding); Diced Ham (50F - Cold Holding); Egg Wash French Toast (52F - Cold Holding) . Operator stated items had been in cooler since 6:30am. Operator placed items on ice for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: Observed yogurt 51F. and turkey 50F. in cook line cooler. Operator iced down products. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone, metal water bottle, speaker stored over prep area next to cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic cups at hostess station wet nesting. Advised employee that cups need to be washed and air dried before placing together. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on upright cooler on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed at single service take out containers stored above cook line in upright position. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
25-05-4
61
Aug 4, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - 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 employee handled dirty dishes then clean dishes with out washing hands after touching dirty dishes at three compartment sink. Advised employee to wash hands after handling dirty dishes. **Warning**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in cooler raw ground beef stored on top of a feta cheese container. Operator moved raw ground beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Shredded Cheddar (52F - Cold Holding); Diced Ham (50F - Cold Holding); Egg Wash French Toast (52F - Cold Holding) . Operator stated items had been in cooler since 6:30am. Operator placed items on ice for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed cleaning wipes stored on shelf above prep area next to bread. **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - 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 form to operator. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - 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 plan to operator. **Warning**
11-27-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone, metal water bottle, speaker stored over prep area next to cook line. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on upright cooler on cook line. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed at single service take out containers stored above cook line in upright position. **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar and oatmeal removed from original container not labeled. Operator labeled items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic cups at hostess station wet nesting. Advised employee that cups need to be washed and air dried before placing together. **Warning**
24-08-4
35
Jan 6, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
95
Jul 6, 2022
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose bibb outside the back exit missing vacuum breaker. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked raw shell eggs, then handled clean utensils without washing hands. Instructed employee and manager on proper hand washing protocol. **Warning**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Employee hooked up the hose above flood rim of sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
29-37-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the top section of the reach in cooler on the right side of the cook line cut melon (52F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); ham (50F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (48F - Cold Holding); cheddar cheese (52F - Cold Holding) Employee stated all items has been in the reach in cooler for 1.5 hours. Employee placed bags of ice on all items. Pooled eggs 61F stored on ice on the cook line. Employee stated that eggs had been out for 2 hours. Employee placed the pooled eggs in the reach in cooler. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed can of cream beef dented on seam. Employee discarded the can. **Warning**
01B-01-4
High Priority - 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 reading 00 ppm. Operator called technician and set up a sanitizer bay in the three compartment sink. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - 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/ Observed 6 employee present. **Warning**
53A-05-6
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed on both exterior back doors of the establishment. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees across reach in cooler in the kitchen. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed exterior door and handles of reach in cooler across the dishwasher solid. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken thawing at room temperature. Operator placed the chicken in reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Observed ice machine located outside the back of the building not secured by lock. **Warning**
08B-62-4
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cortez Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cortez Cafe on file is from Feb 19, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cortez Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “equipment in poor repair” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Cortez Cafe.
How does Cortez Cafe compare to other restaurants in Cortez?
Cortez Cafe most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Cortez average of 83.
Has Cortez Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cortez Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cortez Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Cortez Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cortez Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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