Copacabana Cuban Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 19, 2026
29
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at Copacabana Cuban Cafe stretching back to 2023. The most recent report on file is from Mar 19, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near 13 violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Restaurants in Mount Dora average 69, so Copacabana Cuban Cafe trails the local norm. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
11
Inspections
3
Critical latest
4
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 19, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Per operator from the day prior. Cooked beef (51F - Cooling); Pulled Chicken (50F - Cooling); Cooked pork (50F - Cooling); Black beans (80F - Cooling). **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Per operator from the day prior. Cooked beef (51F - Cooling); Pulled Chicken (50F - Cooling); Cooked pork (50F - Cooling); Black beans (80F - Cooling) **Repeat Violation**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours. Moved to freezer for quick cooling. Raw beef (60F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken (61F - Cold Holding) **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board on prep table. Soda nozzles at wait station. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked with pans and nag of aprons. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
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.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. In large container full with lid on. Cooked beef (51F - Cooling); Pulled Chicken (50F - Cooling); Cooked pork (50F - Cooling); Black beans (80F - Cooling) **Repeat Violation**
03D-15-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pots and pans on dish drying rack. Operator inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In both white chest freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave above steam station.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. White chest freezer gaskets. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. White chest freezer interior Reach in cooler at cook line **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). Cups in back storage area. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
25-11-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall by both hand washing sinks
36-27-5
29
Sep 26, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-26: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in kitchen area. Vents in kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-26: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-26: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In back kitchen area and walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-26: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
82
Sep 24, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of fabulosity on table with teas. Operator removed. **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. Per operator from two days prior Black beans (69F - Cooling); Cooked beef (58F - Cooling); White Rice (63F - Cooling); Yellow rice (63F - Cooling) Moro rice (63F - Cooling); Red Beans (64F - Cooling) **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Black beans (69F - Cooling); Cooked beef (58F - Cooling); White Rice (63F - Cooling); Yellow rice (63F - Cooling) Moro rice (63F - Cooling); Red Beans (64F - Cooling)
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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 in reach in cooler. Operator date marked. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Too much in one pan and pans are covered
03D-15-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in kitchen area. Vents in kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cups on prep table. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In back kitchen area and walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor at cook line soiled **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 2 bottles of cook oil on floor in the kitchen. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On oven handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink when entering the kitchen.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets at cook line Exterior ice machine
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at cook line
22-16-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed peppers over cooked meat pork in walk in cooler. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall at three compartment sink. Wallaby hand washing sink.
36-27-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. At mop sink
29-11-4
22
Dec 27, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. - Shelving in reach in coolers **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - gasket on glass door cooler on cooks line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. - throughout the kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Exterior of cooking equipment in kitchen -Walk-in cooler door gasket - hood filters - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: -Walk-in cooler door gasket **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
33-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. - hand sink in kitchen - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-27: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
64
Dec 16, 2024
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
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
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
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
17
Oct 18, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. - cheese stored in retail bag in white chest freezer in back kitchen area. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. - spray bottle of clear stored next to tea machine. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - hand sink at patio bar. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. - shelving in walk-in cooler
22-31-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. - spray bottle of clear liquid stored next to tea machine. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting board at prep table. - fry baskets - white cutting board on line. - soda gun at front bar. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -ice scoop in ice machine **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - walk-in gasket
14-11-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-03-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. - walk-in cooler
23-24-4
Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. - knife stored at 3 compartment sink and wall **Corrected On-Site**
24-14-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - microwave on cooks line. -microwave next to drink station. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - gasket on walk-in cooler - dish trays **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
30
Mar 21, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
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
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
29
Dec 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
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
35
May 23, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Floors, Walls, and Ceilings Clean and in Good Repair
FL-52
37
Mar 15, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 28 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Line cook left line and returned.
12A-09-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of yellow liquid hanging from 3 compartment sink. Ajax stored next cooking oil I dry storage area. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Green cutting in deep area.
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/
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Gallon of cleaner stored in hand sink in dish area. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand sink in dish area. **Corrected On-Site**
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.
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. 17 employees
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of yellow liquid hanging from 3 compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. In kitchen area. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cooks line.
22-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag n box stored on floor at back door. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoop stored in ice machine **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bulk salt.
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. All equipment on cooks line
23-24-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. All cutting boards in prep area stored under prep table.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating and drinking at prep table in back area.
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee items stored on dry storage shelf in back area.
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Missing grout throughout the kitchen area.
36-17-5
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Pepsi glass door cooler at expo. Glass door cooler on cooks line. **Corrected On-Site**
05-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand sink in dish area. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Glass door cooler on cooks line.
22-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw beef thawing in a bucket of water in dish area. Operator placed in walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Under all cooking equipment on cooks line.
36-10-4
14
Jan 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Copacabana Cuban Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Copacabana Cuban Cafe on file is from Mar 19, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Copacabana Cuban Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Copacabana Cuban Cafe.
How does Copacabana Cuban Cafe compare to other restaurants in Mount Dora?
Copacabana Cuban Cafe most recently scored 29 out of 100, which is lower than the Mount Dora average of 69.
Has Copacabana Cuban Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Copacabana Cuban Cafe have averaged around 13 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Copacabana Cuban Cafe 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 Copacabana Cuban Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Copacabana Cuban Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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