Tia Cacha Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 5, 2026
64
Score
Going back to 2022, Tia Cacha Cafe has nine inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 5, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around 13 violations compared to roughly 16 violations earlier on.
The pattern that stands out is “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer”, which has been cited four times.
By comparison, the average Miami facility scores 74, putting Tia Cacha Cafe on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed at cook line. Operator placed eggs inside fridge. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed at hand sink at cook line a container with utensils stored at hand sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed beef stew ( not in cooling process) uncovered at reach in cooler at kitchen.
08B-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee at front counter.
13-03-4
Basic - Hermetically sealed container of food not cleaned of visible soil prior to opening. Observed at kitchen.
08B-18-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Operator closed lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
64
Oct 20, 2025
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 6 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 28 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed cheese and ham stored on top of towel paper in reach in cooler in front of steam table.
14-86-1
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed corn stored in reach in freezer behind kitchen area in a plastic bag not food grade.
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/25. Operator made the payment during the inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ham (48F - Cold Holding)inside the reach in cooler at the front counter. As per operator less than 1 hour.
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 empanadas (115F - Hot Holding)inside the hit box at the front counter. As per employee less than 2 hours.
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed no vacuum breaker at mop sink behind kitchen area.
29-42-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medication stored above prep area in the kitchen. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed orange store in dirty surface next to coffee station.
08B-27-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee at the front counter is no sanitizer properly she is rinse utensils after sanitizer.
22-45-4
Intermediate - Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Observed employee did not know the adequate method of sanitation at time of washing equipment.
53B-15-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test strip.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed paint brush used in the coffee station. Employee discarded it. **Corrected On-Site**
14-14-4
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed at the front counter and in the kitchen area a paper towel dispenser no working properly.
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Laritza Gonzales, 6 months.Laraza S. Over a year.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container with food in reach in cooler behind kitchen area with no date marked. As per employee food was cooked last Thursday.
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in the interior of ice machine next to coffee station.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic container with no handle inside of the salt bin.
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling vents in lobby area.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed utensil stored on top of dusty pizza oven in front of the steam table.
24-06-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks stored on top of prep area.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored above prep table in kitchen area.
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket at reach in cooler next to kitchen area.
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at reach in freezer in front of steam table and reach in freezer behind kitchen area.
14-69-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in any of the reach in cooler in establishment.
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gasket at reach in cooler next to steam table in front line, reach in cooler and reach in freezer behind kitchen area and reach in cooler next to dry storage. Observed outside of microwave soiled with grease in dry storage.
23-03-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitizer bucket stored on the floor at the front counter.
21-44-1
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water inside the reach in cooler behind kitchen area.
29-49-6
7
Feb 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
58
Aug 13, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer soiled at kitchen.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
05-10-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed a hole by the back door ( parking lot)
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook placed utensils on the stove. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed at kitchen.
21-10-4
61
Mar 12, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs stored at room temperature at kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed raw shell eggs stored at room temperature at cook line. As per cook, for 2 hours. Advised cook to place product over ice or inside reach in cooler. Observed raw shell eggs stored inside reach in cooler with ambient temperature of 50F. As per cook, more than 4 hours. **Admin Complaint**
03A-03-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut ham (52F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at kitchen. As per cook from 2 days prior. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed raw shell eggs stored inside reach in cooler with ambient temperature of 50F. As per cook, more than 4 hours. **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut ham (52F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at kitchen. As per cook from 2 days prior. Observed milk (55F - Cold Holding)at front counter reach in cooler. As per employee for approximately 10 minutes. Observed cut tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at front counter. As per owner for approximately 3 hours. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed cut ham at 54F, sliced ham 53F all cold holding at reach in cooler at kitchen. As per cook, more than 4 hours. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
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, cooked yuca and cooked ribs at reach in cooler at back storage area with no date marking. As per cook from 2 days prior. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed cooked beans, cooked yuca and cooked ribs at reach in cooler at back storage area with no date marking. As per cook from 3 days prior. **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed training for Ana expired. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed training for Ana expired. **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining shelves above stove. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining shelves above stove. **Time Extended**
14-45-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed at back of the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed at back of the kitchen. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed 3 containers of oil stored on floor at hallway at kitchen. Discussed with operator. Observed bread bag stored on floor at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed 3 containers of oil stored on floor at hallway at kitchen. Discussed with operator. Observed bread bag stored on floor at front counter. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole at wall and screen at back storage room. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole at wall and screen at back storage room. **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at back storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at back storage area. **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Observed pizza peel stored on top of soiled oven at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed pizza peel stored on top of soiled oven at front counter. **Time Extended**
24-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed at back storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed at back storage area. **Time Extended**
35B-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed plastic single service trays not inverted at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed plastic single service trays not inverted at front counter. **Time Extended**
25-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken and raw bacon thawing at room temperature at storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Observed raw beef thawing at room temperature at back preparation area. **Time Extended**
06-01-5
32
Mar 11, 2024
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 25 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed paper towel stored on the bottom of cut ham. **Warning**
14-86-1
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed cook cracked shell eggs then cut cooked bacon no hand washed. **Warning**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license on 10-01-23. Operator paid license during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over sauce at reach in cooler at kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs stored at room temperature at kitchen. **Warning**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut ham (52F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at kitchen. As per cook from 2 days prior. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut ham (52F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at kitchen. As per cook from 2 days prior. Observed milk (55F - Cold Holding)at front counter reach in cooler. As per employee for approximately 10 minutes. Observed cut tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at front counter. As per owner for approximately 3 hours. **Warning**
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 beef empanada (117F - Hot Holding); chicken empanada (118F - Hot Holding); croqueta (128F - Hot Holding) at hot box front counter. As per employee for approximately 1 hour. Provided time as a public health control procedures to operate via email. **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical store on shelf with cooking pots and cooking oil at back storage area. **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed training for Ana expired. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of microwave at storage area, ice machine, juice machine, and pizza trays soiled with old food debris at front counter. **Warning**
22-02-4
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, cooked yuca and cooked ribs at reach in cooler at back storage area with no date marking. As per cook from 2 days prior. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tank stored inside storage area at back of the kitchen. **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining shelves above stove. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-45-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed at back of the kitchen. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed 3 spatulas stored between 3 compartment sink and wall at kitchen. **Warning**
24-14-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed rice pudding stored inside reach in cooler, not identified. **Warning**
08B-49-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed 3 containers of oil stored on floor at hallway at kitchen. Discussed with operator. Observed bread bag stored on floor at front counter. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole at wall and screen at back storage room. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at back storage area. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Observed pizza peel stored on top of soiled oven at front counter. **Warning**
24-06-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed at back storage area. **Warning**
35B-09-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed plastic single service trays not inverted at front counter. **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken and raw bacon thawing at room temperature at storage area. **Warning**
06-01-5
10
Sep 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed at reach in cooler outside kitchen( storage area)raw shell eggs stored next to vegetables.
08A-05-6
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. Sent to operator while conducting the inspection.
11-27-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed at cook line soiled cardboard over stove. Cook removed the cardboard. **Corrected On-Site**
14-05-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at exterior door in the back for storage area.
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Operator placed bucket with utensils over stove. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
67
Jun 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
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
55
Sep 9, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored in non-food grade bags at reach in freezer at back storage area. Observed bread stored in non-food grade bags at reach in cooler at front counter area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-09: Observed raw chicken stored in non-food grade bags at reach in freezer at back storage area. Observed bread stored in non-food grade bags at reach in cooler at front counter area. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Located at back storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-09: Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Located at back storage area. **Time Extended**
35B-09-4
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tia Cacha Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tia Cacha Cafe on file is from Mar 5, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tia Cacha Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Tia Cacha Cafe.
How does Tia Cacha Cafe compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Tia Cacha Cafe most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has Tia Cacha Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Tia Cacha Cafe have averaged around 13 violations per visit, down from roughly 16 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Tia Cacha 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 Tia Cacha Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tia Cacha Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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