La Cocina
Last inspected: Aug 6, 2025
47
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at La Cocina, the earliest from 2022. The most recent visit was on Aug 6, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near 11 violations per visit.
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Williston facility scores 72, putting La Cocina on the weaker side. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 06/01/2025. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of ice machine door soiled with lime-like substance.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink beside dish machine blocked by tray containing utensils. Manager removed tray from top of sink during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No soap and/or paper towels/mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand soap and towels missing from both handwash sinks in kitchen. Manager replaced both during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Filters in hood above grill soiled with grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Top of reach-in freezer in back of kitchen rusted.
14-47-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 1. Employee coffee cup sitting directly on top of microwave in prep area. 2. Employee drink can stored on shelf inside reach-in cooler, directly above pans of salsa. Manager removed both drinks from areas during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. Drain pipe below dish machine clogged and leaking water onto the floor. Manager stated a plumber has already been called to fix it.
29-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Exterior of hood above grill soiled with dust.
36-50-4
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. Leaf blower stored on shelf in back of kitchen, directly above single-use items. Manager removed the leaf blower from the kitchen during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
42-03-5
47
Mar 28, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Backflow prevention device missing after splitter added to mop sink behind building.
29-42-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee backpack stored on shelf directly above fountain soda syrup at front counter. Manager removed backpack from area during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nested clear plastic pans on shelf above three-compartment sink.
24-08-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid left open beside building.
33-16-4
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. Electric leaf blower and battery charging on top of reach-in freezer in kitchen, near manager's office. Manager removed blower and battery from top of freezer during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
42-03-5
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Unused cooler stored behind storage shed behind building.
33-31-5
67
Jan 13, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Pans containing chicken and beef lined with grocery bags in warming unit near cookline. Employee removed food from bags during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 06/01/2024. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee at cookline washed hands in three-compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Lime-like buildup on interior of lid on ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Two large pans containing food stored inside handwashing sink in prep area. Manager removed pans of food from sink during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No towels at handwashing sink in prep area. Manager replenished towels during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - 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. Person in charge unable to locate food handler training for any employees. 1. Person in charge, Jontel Hammond, has been employed since the restaurant opened. 2. Omar Castenada, person in charge stated he has been employed here for approximately five months. *Mari Morales, person in charge stated she has only been employed for two weeks, but will need food handler training within 60 days of hire. **Warning**
53B-02-5
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. Three employees who work with food without food handler training. Person in charge unable to locate proof the employees have been informed of their responsibilities to report symptoms of foodborne illness to the person in charge. Inspector provided person in charge with the employee health reporting agreement during this inspection.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Two large containers filled with green salsa and red salsa missing date marks inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Manager stated the salsa was made two days prior and added proper date mark during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. 1. Drink cups on front counter wet nested. 2. Clear plastic containers on shelf in back of kitchen wet nested. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Handwashing sink near three-compartment sink not functioning. **Repeat Violation**
29-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over grill soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Heavy ice buildup in back of reach-in cooler at cookline.
14-69-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Boxed fountain soda syrup stored directly on floor inside exterior storage shed. Manager instructed employee to reorganize the storage shed. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
29
Jul 9, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
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
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
35
Mar 15, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices
FL-28
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
21
Dec 8, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Jug of bleach on shelf beside straws on storage rack in storage shed behind building. Jug of bleach stored on shelf beside bottles of juice and straws below handwash sink behind front counter. Manager removed all chemicals from areas during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Inside reach-in cooler in prep area: rice (40F - Cooling overnight). Manager stated the rice was cooked the previous day and cooled on the table at room temperature for approximately one hour, then placed into the reach-in cooler where it has stayed overnight. Manager stated the rice has not been in-use.
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. Inside reach-in cooler in prep area: rice (40F - Cooling overnight). Manager stated the rice was cooked the previous day and cooled on the table at room temperature for approximately one hour, then placed into the reach-in cooler where it has stayed overnight. Manager stated the rice has not been in-use.
01B-36-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Grocery bag lining rice in steam table at cookline. Manager removed and discarded grocery bag during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-15-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan of raw beef stored above packages of cheese inside reach-in cooler across from cookline. Manager moved raw beef to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Inside reach-in cooler in prep area: rice (40F - Cooling overnight). Rice was cooled in a very large covered plastic container.
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dishes stored inside handwash sink in prep area. Manager removed dishes from handwash sink during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Towels missing from handwash sink in kitchen near cookline. Manager replenished towels during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Exterior of hood above grill dusty.
36-50-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above grill soiled with grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee keys stored on corner of prep table in prep area above microwave. Manager removed keys from table during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink cup on table beside takeout cups and above refrigerator behind front counter. Manager removed drink cup from area during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Foam cup without handle used as scoop in seasoning container in kitchen near cookline. Manager discarded scoop during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
27
May 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
90
Oct 19, 2022
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 22 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices
FL-28
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
4
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Cocina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Cocina on file is from Aug 6, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Cocina?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at La Cocina.
How does La Cocina compare to other restaurants in Williston?
La Cocina most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Williston average of 72.
Has La Cocina's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Cocina have averaged around 11 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Cocina 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 La Cocina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Cocina is inspected around three times per year on average.
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