La Cocina Mexicana
Last inspected: Apr 6, 2026
58
Score
Inspectors have visited La Cocina Mexicana nine times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Apr 6, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around seven violations across recent inspections versus roughly 11 violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Compared to other St. Augustine restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 6, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple portable cutting boards soiled with dark mold like substance. Can opener blade has build up. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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/ No certified food manager present during time of inspection 4 employees on staff.
53A-05-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled with dark like mold substance in front of ovens. Walk-in cooler shelving has build up. Hood filters soiled with grease build up.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled in front of ovens.
22-16-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top exterior of dishwasher machine soiled with dust buildup.
16-21-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Back restroom door not self closing. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag of dry onions stored on floor in dry storage room. Operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging from oven handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Rice scoop utensil stored on top of rice cooker.
10-02-4
58
Dec 22, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 22, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 48F, pork 53F, both were above fill line. pork 41F; below fill line. Per chef items just loaded this morning. Items placed inside reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Snapper and talipia frozen in sealed bags when clearly the boxes say that the have to remain frozen and then removed for bags.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Tylenol next to microwave. Person in charge removed Tylenol. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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/ Establishment has 4 staff on during inspection without a food manager present. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53A-05-6
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. All staffs food safety certificates have expired. Christian, Juan, Elias, Edgar, Ceasar, Eva have all expired. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Public restroom is missing self closing hinge.
32-04-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In dry storage out back; 3 co2 tanks not secured.
51-11-4
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. Snapper and talipia frozen in sealed bags when clearly the boxes say that the have to remain frozen and then removed for bags
06-09-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Diet Coke of floor in back storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Scoop was on top of rice cooker. Person in charge removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-02-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Several bottled waters in reach in cooler. Person in charge removed drinks. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Unsealed concrete in front of dishwasher and under fryers. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
33
Jun 17, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
47
Feb 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed in reach in cooler on cook line across from 6 burner stove 3 packages of sealed thawed fish on bottom shelf. Employee voluntarily discarded fish. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener on prep table by dish machine with debris buildup. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed no asterisk or any other symbol pointing out that the Ceviche is raw on the menu. Explained to operator that the menu needs to have an asterisk or symbol by the raw foods on the menu and by the customer disclaimer so customers understand that the food is raw.
02B-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small bowl in container with crab meet on shelf in reach in cooler, on cook line,by front counter.
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 3 packages of thawed sealed Snapper in container on bottom shelf in reach in cooler on cook line, across from 6 burner stove top thawed in package. Not open. Employee voluntarily discarded fish. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed employee take clean dishes out of dish machine and stack on shelf. Also observed dishes stacked on clean shelf in dish room wet.
24-08-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on cook line across from 6 burner stove with debris buildup. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed on cook line,reach in cooler across from 6 burner stove gaskets with debris buildup. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed concrete floors in dish room unsealed.
36-02-5
52
Jun 10, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler overnight; in bottom; chicken 45F; ( - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler overnight; in bottom; chicken 45F; ( - Cold Holding)
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in freezer in back hallway; raw beef over cooked chicken. Person in charge moved beef to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled. Placed in dish area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled. Person in charge labeled degreaser. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In dry storage area. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor/on top of ice machine between uses. Ice bucket on top of ice machine and not upside down.
10-14-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In chest freezer in back; ice buildup in chest freezer. **Repeat Violation**
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. Scoop handle in rice and sugar. Person in charge moved scoops. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Both microwaves have food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood have grease accumulated on them. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Bottled water in reach in cooler. Person in charge removed drink. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. In dry storage area in back; rice, onions and sugar on floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles are cracked on cookline.
36-17-5
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. Fish thawing in vacuum packed bag. Still frozen. Person in charge cut bags open. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-09-1
32
Nov 21, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing from faucet at mop sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In reach-in freezer in supply shed behind establishment, repackaged raw chicken stored over repackaged vegetables.
08A-02-6
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. Emailed operator document during inspection.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine across from reach-in freezer has mold-like substance on ice plate. In liquor room, bottom shelf of drink mixers reach-in cooler has food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No person in charge present during hours of operation. 3 cooks and 2 servers working but no person in charge on premises.
53A-11-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Employee unable to find last inspection on 3/20/23
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in cooler across from cook line has debris buildup. Also, both bottom shelves across from dish machine have rust accumulation. Also, mold-like substance on plastic plates around nozzles on soda machine. Also, gaskets on walk-in cooler door have mold-like substance like substance **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Exterior door at back of kitchen not self closing.
35B-03-4
Basic - Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. In liquor room, leaf blower and hammer stored on shelves with drink mixers and sodas.
42-03-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. In walk-in cooler, containers of broth, queso, cooked chicken, black beans not covered. Employee covered all items. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Unsealed wood not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. In dish area, unsealed wood holding up table next to dish machine.
36-52-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In reach-in cooler next to cook line, plastic soufflé cup used as scoop in container of crab. Employee removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In storage shed in back, two co2 tanks not properly secured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents throughout kitchen have dust buildup. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Uncovered employee drink next to reach-in cooler across from front counter. Employee moved cup. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on walk-in cooler door are torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In storage shed in back, ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
30
Mar 20, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
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. Dishmachine tests at 0ppm. Person in charge set up manual ware washing and it tested at 50ppm. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-41-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing at outside hose.
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In bottom of reach in cooler #2; in bottom; chicken 45F. Person in charge placed back into reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk opened 24 hours ago not dated. Person in charge dated. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle at dish machine not labeled.
41-17-4
Basic - Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Wood under dishmachine and behind 3 compartment sink not sealed.
14-06-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In dry storage in back; co2 tanks not secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling is soiled with dust/water damage.
36-34-5
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Dish machine is not dispensing sanitizer.
16-55-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Phone on back table. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. In walk in cooler; cases of chicken on floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Rice and flour scoops touching product.
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods soiled with debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Avacados no washed. Stickers still on avacado. Next to tomato. Person in charge washed avacados. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-17-4
33
Nov 1, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Observed no parasite destruction letter that matches the brand of tilapia they use for ceviche. **Warning**
01D-01-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In outdoor dry storage area observed chemicals stored over togo cups and onions. Operator moved chemicals during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At handwash sink in glass storage area observed no paper towels. At wait station handwash sink observed no paper towels. Operator stocked paper towels during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. In top of beverage reach-in cooler in glass storage are, observed mold-like substance buildup around the interior edges. Observed mold-like substance buildup on top of interior of ice machine. Observed can opener attached to prep table with food debris buildup on blade. Operator removed opener to be cleaned during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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 four employees and no certified manager. **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed employee bathroom door in kitchen not self closing. Observed bathroom door in dining room area door not self closing.
32-04-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In dining room bathroom observed no employee hand wash sign.
31B-04-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanging on oven door. Employee moved tongs during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler observed multiple cases of unwashed produce stored over multiple ready to eat pans of food.
08B-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. In dry storage area observed bottle water stored on floor. In walk-in cooler observed multiple cases of food stored on floor. In glass storage area observed beverage mix stored on the floor. Operator began moving items during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. In walk-in cooler observed multiple pans of ready to eat prepared food uncovered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed back door to kitchen near walk-in cooler with screen door not self closing.
35B-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. On ice machine observed mold-like substance buildup around exterior of ice bin. Observed mold-like substance build up around exterior of margarita dispensers. In top of beverage reach-in cooler in glass storage are, observed mold-like substance buildup around the exterior edges. Around juice dispensers in wait station, observed mold-like substance. In wait station observed mold-like substance buildup around outside edge of ice bin.
23-03-4
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Cocina Mexicana last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Cocina Mexicana on file is from Apr 6, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Cocina Mexicana?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at La Cocina Mexicana.
How does La Cocina Mexicana compare to other restaurants in St. Augustine?
La Cocina Mexicana most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Augustine average of 81.
Has La Cocina Mexicana's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Cocina Mexicana have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at La Cocina Mexicana 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 La Cocina Mexicana inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Cocina Mexicana is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants