El Rio Lindo Cafe
Last inspected: Dec 19, 2025
52
Score
Going back to 2022, El Rio Lindo Cafe has eight inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 19, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around 15 violations to closer to 10 violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical Miami restaurant, which scores around 74. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200ppm) at kitchen area, employee diluted solution with a final reading of 100. **Corrected On-Site**
41-15-5
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed at glass door reach in cooler shelves rusting at pitting.
22-31-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed at dumpster area.
33-16-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine at front counter soiled with debris.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling tiles at kitchen area not smooth and easily cleaned.
36-37-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pot and containers on a rack between standing freezer and reach in cooler not inverted.
24-05-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed at women's bathroom is missing a trash can with lid.
32-12-6
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license displayed is from October 1st, 2025.
50-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of plastic water bottles stored on the floor under front counter area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket at glass door reach in cooler at kitchen area torn.
14-11-5
52
Mar 25, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef inside reach in cooler at cook line.
08A-20-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Repeat Violation**
05-08-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed establishment offers beef and raw shell eggs offered raw or undercooked with no consumer advisory posted. Printed to person in change and posted at front counter. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02B-02-5
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink.
12A-03-4
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. Provided to operator via email. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pans inside hws at kitchen, chef removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling with water damage at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cook line.
14-09-4
41
Dec 27, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
05-08-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked beans and cooked white rice inside reach in cooler with no date marked. As per operator for more than 24 hours prior. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling with water damage at kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in disrepair at reach in cooler by employees restroom. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil containers on floor by reach in freezers. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezers. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled inside reach in cooler by cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar by coffee machine not identified as its common name. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
52
Nov 1, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 23 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over ham and white rice at reach in cooler by cook line.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (62F - Cold Holding) on top of reach in cooler at cook line. As per operator from approximately 30 minutes prior. Operator placed inside reach in cooler for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken soup (84F - Hot Holding) on top of 3 compartment sink, as per operator for approximately 30 minutes prior. Operator placed product inside reach in cooler for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
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. Provided to operator via email.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Cook replaced. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed person in charge unaware of thermometer calibration procedures. Coached person in charge.
53A-14-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed establishment offers beef and raw shell eggs offered raw or undercooked with no consumer advisory posted. Printed to person in change and posted at front counter. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked beans and cooked white rice inside reach in cooler with no date marked. As per operator for more than 24 hours prior.
02C-02-5
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 Carmen Vasquez, Eliett Carmona, Suyapa Mendoza all certified by FRLA expired on 09-30-2024. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar by coffee machine not identified as its common name.
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling with water damage at kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in disrepair at reach in cooler by employees restroom.
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil containers on floor by reach in freezers.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezers.
14-69-4
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 touching flour inside container at cook line.
10-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water 77F at cook line.
10-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled inside reach in cooler by cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed handle leaking at kitchen hand washing sink.
29-11-4
16
Feb 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times in cook kitchen. Sink blocked with table holding plates. **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Cloth stored over tortillas.
21-05-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at front counter ice bin.
10-08-5
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Objectionable Odors in kitchen by deep freezer and in employee restroom.
36-64-5
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Left faucet in employee restroom doesn't turn on.
29-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Refried beans and bacon stored in upright freezer un covered. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Tilapia stored in ice bag in small deep freezer not labeled. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
58
Feb 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. white cheese (46F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); in single door reach-in cooler near kitchen entry door. Operator stated the items were left out for about 20 minutes during lunch rush. Operator stated she will keep both foods in cooler to chill. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
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. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink next to triple sink used to store equipment. Operator removed items from hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink next to triple sink, hand wash sink in bar area, or at hand wash sink in employee restroom. Operator replenished paper towels at all three hand wash sinks. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-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. Operator unable to provide proof that employees are informed of reporting symptoms related to food borne illnesses to person in charge. Distributed health form to operator during this inspection. Operator had employee read and sign form. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink next to triple sink. Operator replenished soap at hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in bar area soiled.
22-20-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Bowls and pots on clean storage shelf in back kitchen area not inverted. Also, plates on shelf in kitchen area not inverted. **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. No lid on waste receptacle in women's restroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees personal belongings stored on clean equipment in storage area of kitchen and in bar area on bottled waters. Operator removed employee jackets and purse to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Two pairs of tongs hanging from stove handle. Operator removed tongs to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Shrimp clean stacked pans on storage shelf unable to properly air dry triple sink thawing in standing water. Operator emptied bowl of water and started to cook shrimp **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Ceiling in kitchen, prep and cookline area not smooth and easily cleanable.
36-30-4
37
Mar 3, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed nonfood grade bags in contact with food inside most coolers. **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored oven cooked beans. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - 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.
11-07-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed Prep table blocking employee hand washing sink. **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris in three-compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site**
16-07-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed pan of cooked beans not covered inside kitchen cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor.
21-38-4
50
Aug 19, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 28 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed hose Bibb with no vacuum breaker at shower in employee bathroom.
29-34-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed used to store cheese.
14-31-5
High Priority - 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 over raw dough in the upright freezer.
08A-17-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. In mens bathroom.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at women restroom.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed bottom shelves rusted of upright freezer.
22-31-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled on reach in cooler.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed prep table stored in front of hand sink in kitchen. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed handle at reach in coolers soiled.
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted next to hand washing sink.
24-05-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. At reach in cooler.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee eating while preparing food. Observed employee eating lunch while engaged in food preparation.
12B-01-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed above reach in cooler.
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed air gap at back exit door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed containers of oil stored on the floor at hand washing sink.
08B-38-4
Basic - Garbage enclosure area in disrepair. Door broken.
33-24-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Kitchen area by prep table.
36-24-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - Inside/outside of dumpster not clean.
33-10-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soiled with old food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed a drink stored in upright cooler.
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. At upright cooler next to chest freezers.
22-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Throughout the kitchen area and bar.
21-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bottles containing different sauces missing labels, at reach in cooler.
02D-01-5
14
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Rio Lindo Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Rio Lindo Cafe on file is from Dec 19, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Rio Lindo Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Rio Lindo Cafe.
How does El Rio Lindo Cafe compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Rio Lindo Cafe most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Rio Lindo Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Rio Lindo Cafe have averaged around 10 violations per visit, down from roughly 15 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Rio Lindo Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is El Rio Lindo Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Rio Lindo Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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