El Taco Rico
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2025
43
Score
Inspectors have visited El Taco Rico 11 times, with records going back to 2022. El Taco Rico was last inspected on Nov 18, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around eight violations each.
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 68, which El Taco Rico's 43 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at steam table shredded pork (129F - Hot Holding). As per cook for less than 3 hours. Cook placed onto grill to begin reheating. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in walk in cooler cooked ground beef (51F - Cold Holding); as per label from the 11/15. Observed cooled tray of ground beef was placed on top of new cooling tray of ground beef less than 2 hours. Operator removed.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink in kitchen used as a dump sink with food remnants in sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink. Employee restocked paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in a container of shredded pork in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler broken. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at cook line area of kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
10-08-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed for gorillas stored on lower shelf of steam table. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
43
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
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 for 2 new employees less than 60 days hired. Manager reviewed and completed with employees during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in containers of spices at prep area.
14-01-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach at front counter single serve storage cabinet. Employee removed and discarded.
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 employee drinks on dry storage shelf and on top of canned tomatoes. Operator removed and discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler broken.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at prep area and behind fixed cooling equipment. Operator began to clean during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
36-73-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-08-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed container of tortilla chips at cook line not covered. Observed tray of taco shell bowls not covered at lower shelf at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
36-27-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed next to hand wash sink. Operator removed and stored on milk crate. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
55
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
67
Aug 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 1 dented can of tomato paste and 2 dented cans of pineapple bits. **Repeat Violation**
01B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at grill cook line.
36-22-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in white chest freezers. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at microwaves at prep line. Observed at oven under stove. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler and reach in freezers soiled. Observed hand wash sink at entrance of kitchen soiled with food debris.**Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.
38-04-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in cooler.
14-17-4
64
Mar 27, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
52
Jan 30, 2024
Complaint Full
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed clean bowls and plates stored on storage rack next to kitchen handwashing sink, located across from reach in cooler with no splash guard. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
24-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in between and behind equipment in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest reach in freezers at kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: Still observed in chest reach in freezers. **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior kitchen oven. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: Still observed soiled interior kitchen oven. **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light shields throughout kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
38-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed rust pitted surfaces under prep tables and on lid of chest freezers at kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: Still observed rust pitted surfaces under prep tables and on lid of chest freezers at kitchen area. **Time Extended**
14-47-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed kitchen hood filters soiled with grease buildup. Observed soiled storage shelves used to store packages of tortillas, located across from flat top grill. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
64
Jan 29, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in walk in cooler, refried beans (48F - Cooling) and cooked ground beef (45F - Cooling) as per manager food items were prepared approximately yesterday afternoon and placed into walk in cooler. Temperature taken today at about 10:45am, temperature of both food items observed above 41F. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed in walk in cooler, refried beans (48F - Cooling) and cooked ground beef (45F - Cooling) as per manager food items were prepared approximately yesterday afternoon and placed into walk in cooler. Temperature taken today at about 10:45am, temperature of both food items observed above 41F. **Warning**
01B-36-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at prep area garlic cilantro sauce, made with fresh garlic and oil (51F - Cold Holding) as per manager prepped about 2 hours ago. Manager placed into cooler to rapid cool. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
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. Printed and provided to operator at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-27-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed rust pitted surfaces under prep tables and on lid of chest freezers at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-47-4
Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed clean bowls and plates stored on storage rack next to kitchen handwashing sink, located across from reach in cooler with no splash guard. **Warning**
24-27-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in between and behind equipment in kitchen. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest reach in freezers at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior kitchen oven. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light shields throughout kitchen. **Warning**
38-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed kitchen hood filters soiled with grease buildup. Observed soiled storage shelves used to store packages of tortillas, located across from flat top grill. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen. **Warning**
36-27-5
37
Dec 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-21: **Time Extended**
29-42-4
86
Nov 7, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Walk-in cooler: refried beans , as per operator from yesterday. (61F - Cooling) **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning**
29-42-4
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk-in cooler: refried beans , as per operator from yesterday. (61F - Cooling) **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed vegetables stored in shopping bags located in the walk-in cooler. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Warning**
50-17-3
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. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed refried beans covered during cooling process. **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the kitchen. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
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. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed for the squeeze bottles containing sauces. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for the female bathroom. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used to dispense ice,ice machine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured, by ice machine. **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed in the kitchen. **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled,kitchen. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in the kitchen **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with accumulation of grease. **Warning**
23-03-4
20
Jan 27, 2023
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Food contaminated by employees/consumers and operator continued to serve food. See stop sale. Observed tortillas being packed at the front counter by an employee who touched a dirty door returned to work without cleaning the hands.
01B-12-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed at the hot kitchen reach in drawers. Raw meat stored on top of cooked meat. Operator reversed the location of the raw and the cooked.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food while the establishment is under a foodborne illness investigation. Observed staff going to the kitchen return. Both time touching a dirty door return to work to back the tortillas in paper bags without cleaning his hands.
09-02-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container.
12B-12-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed at the kitchen area, a knife stored between the closed top cover of the reach in cooler and a support leg of an aluminum shelf. Operator removed the knife and send it to be cleaned and sanitized
10-17-4
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 the scoop handle of the pico de gallo touching the food. Operator removed the scoop
10-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed the taquitos in the white reach in freezer uncovered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed the squeeze bottles without name label.
02D-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
45
Aug 4, 2022
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Kitchen floor tiles by the cook line in disrepair.
36-17-5
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Taco Rico last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Taco Rico on file is from Nov 18, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Taco Rico?
Across the inspection record, “floor soiled/has accumulation of debris” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Taco Rico.
How does El Taco Rico compare to other restaurants in Coral Gables?
El Taco Rico most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Coral Gables average of 68.
Has El Taco Rico's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Taco Rico have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Taco Rico 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 Taco Rico inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Taco Rico is inspected around three times per year on average.
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