Cafe Rio

2748 S Signal Butte Rd, Mesa, AZ 85209

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Nov 25, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2024, Cafe Rio has five inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 25, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “time/temperature control for safety food, hot holding” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.

Restaurants in Mesa average 95, so Cafe Rio trails the local norm. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 25, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Observed shredded chicken in steam table with an internal temperature of 120*F. PIC stated food had been on steam table for 1.5 hour prior to inspection and was re-heated to 165*f at time of inspection. Also observed steak with an internal temperature of 109*F in hot case. Steak had been previously cooked and cut less than 10 minutes prior to inspection and was instructed to re-heat to 135*f. Steak is served medium rare based on consumer advisory on menu

3-501.16(A)(1)

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed citrus juicer with accumulation of dust and food debris actively being used. PIC stated juicer is cleaned once a week and discussed cleaning requirements for food contact surfaces must be cleaned at the end of service

4-602.11(E)

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed reach-in cooler underneath hot box warmer with a build up of ice. Unit was holding ambient air temperature below 41*f at time of inspection. Please make repairs prior to next routine inspection

4-501.11

Sep 18, 2025

Routine

5 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed reach-in cooler underneath hot box warmer with a build up of ice. Ambient air temperature of unit was 32*F at time of inspection. Non TCS foods were being stored in unit at time of inspection. Make repairs prior to next routine inspection

4-501.11

Insect control devices improperly placed or designed

Inspector notes: Observed sticky fly strip stored on rack for soda bibs

6-202.13

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

4-602.11(E)

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: PIC at time of inspection did not have manager certification available upon request. CFPM was not present at time of inspection

2-102.12(A)

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Floors and walls throughout establishment were observed with spills and dried up food debris. Also observed floor drains with accumulation of food. Must maintain a regular cleaning cycle to prevent accumulation of food debris in all areas. Correct prior to next routine inspection

6-501.12

May 8, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed pinto beans, black beans, grilled chicken, grilled steak, mango salsa, and shredded chicken with an internal temperature of 118*F on steam table. According to PIC, items had been re-stocked within 1 hour prior to inspection and were re-heated to 165*F

3-501.16(A)(1)

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

Inspector notes: Observed small reach-in equipment underneath hot box holding ambient air temperature of 60*F at time of inspection. All cold held TCS foods will be stored in cold equipment holding temperatures below 41*f until repairs are completed

4-301.11

Time used as public health control not properly documented (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed sour cream, salsa fresca and pico de gallo with an internal temperature of 48*f. According to PIC, all cold items use time as a control, however all items listed did not have time stamp at time of inspection

3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)

Dec 12, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Observed grilled chicken stored on steam table with an internal temperature of 99-108*F. PIC stated chicken had been previously cooked and diced prior to moving to steam table. Discussed importance of monitoring temperatures prior to placing in steam table to ensure temperatures is above 135*f

3-501.16(A)(1)

Oct 25, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed organic debris on ice machine. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent build up. Correct prior to next routine inspection

4-602.11(E)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Rio last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Rio on file is from Nov 25, 2025. 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 three times, more than any other issue at Cafe Rio.

How does Cafe Rio compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Cafe Rio most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower 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 four violations 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.

Nearby Restaurants

Beast of Bourbon Bar and Grill

2235 S Power Rd

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

Chili's Grill & Bar

1951 S Signal Butte Rd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Bosa Donuts

1752 S Signal Butte Rd

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Mesa → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Maricopa → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Mesa