Cafe Rio
Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Cafe Rio five times, with records going back to 2024. Cafe Rio was last inspected on Jan 12, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near one violation each time.
“Time/temperature control for safety food, hot holding” comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Mesa average 95, so Cafe Rio is doing better than most peers. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 12, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 28, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed metal pans in dishwashing area stacked on top of each other with water trapped in between. Discussed with manager and employee dish washer to ensure that equipment is properly dried before storage. Rearranged pans in a way for air to circulate to complete drying
4-901.11
95
May 23, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw chicken and raw beef in containers and packaged raw beef stored on top shelf above various packaged cooked meats. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Discussed reorganizing shelving in order to make the storage of raw meats easier for all employees
3-302.11(A1-2)
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed rice, beans, and various proteins holding at 115-125*F in front prep line. Per PIC, the items were in the line for less than an hour. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. PIC turned the settings for the steam wells higher and all TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection. **Second Consecutive Violation**
3-501.16(A)(1)
74
Feb 4, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cut chicken, shredded chicken and cut steak in steam table near front of store being held at 115-125*F. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. All TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection. Manager adjusted the temperature of the steam table to be higher
3-501.16(A)(1)
No soap available at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: No soap was available at handwash sink near the dishwashing area. Soap dispenser was also missing. Per staff present, a work order was submitted for a new soap dispenser and the repair was pending. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC provided soap for handwash sink at time of inspection
6-301.11
Time used as public health control not properly documented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Time of violation was 1:20 PM. Observed various guacamole, salsa and vegetables in cold wells in preparation table in front of grills that measured 45-51*F. Per manager, items being cold held are on time as a control and TCS items were prepared at 12:00 pm that day. TCS items were not marked with time. All TCS foods being held under time as a control were properly time stamped at time of inspection. Time as a Public Health Control requires written procedures detailing process for Time as a Public Health Control and time-stamping for items actively held under Time as a Public Health Control
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
70
Oct 7, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Improper handwashing procedure
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed line staff member access front sink for a hand wash and conducted a sub 5 second handwash, Staff member was asked to re wash hands for the full 20 seconds at time of inspection
2-301.12
Time used as public health control not properly documented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Time of violation 12:30pm, Observed the following TCS line items on time control without stamps, cut lettuce, pico de gallo, mixed salsa, guacamole w/ tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, and corn salsa. Temperatures ranged 48-55*f degrees. Per manager items were pulled out at 10:30am. Items had been unlabeled for the past 2 hours. All items time stamped
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed staff cleaning scissors in the rear hand wash sink. Observed same hand sink obstructed by 3 stacked buckets. Observed dish pit hand sink obstructed by cleaning materials and sani bucket in sink basin, also a stand up dustpan was in front of same handsink. Items all moved at time of inspection and scissor washed correctly. Hand sinks most only be used for hand washing and remain free and clear
5-205.11
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Rio last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Rio on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Rio?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food, hot holding” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cafe Rio.
How does Cafe Rio compare to other restaurants in Mesa?
Cafe Rio most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Mesa average of 95.
Has Cafe Rio's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Rio have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe Rio means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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