Rick's Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 23, 2026
61
Score
Public records show seven inspections at Rick's Cafe stretching back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 23, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around 12 violations each.
Across the inspection history, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
By comparison, the average Hialeah facility scores 76, putting Rick's Cafe on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 23, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Sliced tomatoes food stored over or with unwashed produce. Manager removed and separated during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed wet towels inside handwashing sink behind front counter.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed paper towel dispenser not working properly next to bathroom.
31B-05-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic container cooking oil being stored on the floor at kitchen area. Employee removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer behind front counter.
14-69-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled with food debris behind front counter. Employee cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-16-4
61
Sep 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags being used to stored corn tortillas inside reach cooler behind front counter.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled with food debris next to oven. Manager cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed inside handwashing sink with clean cooking utensils. Manager removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink next to 3 compartment sink. Manager provided during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with fabuloso not labeled behind front counter. Manager labeled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed metal container with no handle being used to dispense sugar at preparation area. Manager removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-6
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed mango juices being stored on the floor behind front counter. Employee removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee personal drinking water inside reach in cooler in kitchen area. Manager removed and discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled with food debris in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair . Observed screen door loose at backdoor kitchen area.
35B-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed plastic container with sugar not labeled next to oven. Manager labeled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
41
Jan 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed supermarkets bags being used to store plant food inside reach in freezer.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken on top unwashed vegetables at reach in cooler next to back door, manager removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed ham slicer soiled with food debris next to 3 compartment sink.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed inside handwashing sink soiled food debris.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink next to 3 compartment sink , manager provided during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed spray bottle with degreaser without label , next to 3 compartment sink. Manager labeled properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board with groove marks at preparation table. Manager discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee handling food without hair restraint. Manager provided hair net during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. **Repeat Violation**
36-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed soiled floor with grease buildup under the oven.
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer next to to 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed top of the oven soiled with grease. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed opened employee bottle of coconut water inside reach in cooler behind front counter. Manager removed and discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled with food debris next to back door.
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed handwashing sink with very slow draining water next to 3 compartment sink.
29-20-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind oven soiled with grease.
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping towel on top preparation table across from 3 compartment sink. Manager removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed plastic bucket with white rice not labeled across from 3 compartment sink. Also glass container with sugar not labeled next to coffee station.Manager labeled during inspection **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
25
Aug 6, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips on premises.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at ladies bathroom. Employee provided paper towels during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no hand soap at ladies and men's bathroom. Using sanitizer instead of soap. Coached operator soap is required at all hand washing sinks. Employee provided soap for both bathrooms. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed glass container with sugar not labeled at coffee station. Employee labeled product properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris under kitchen equipment , also under reach in cooler at front counter area.
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed at reach in freezer in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair .
35B-09-4
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. Observed door handle soiled with food debris and grease at reach in cooler in kitchen area.
42-03-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
50
Feb 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed employee dried hands with soiled towel after washing hands. Manager coached employee in proper hand washing. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-18-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed utensils stored inside hand wash sink at kitchen. Employee removed utensils from inside hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezers. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and sugar containers no identified with names. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
61
Mar 15, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed cooked rice and beans moldy inside reach in cooler, Manager discarded during inspection, **Corrected On-Site**
01B-07-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored above bacon inside reach in cooler. Manager rearranged properly during inspection.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed in kitchen area. As per employee about 2 hours, employee moved to reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-03-5
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 not date marked, as per Manager over 24 hours.
02C-02-5
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. Provided form during inspection.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cutting board inside front hand wash sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
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. Provided form during inspection.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed next to coffee machine.
14-14-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Provided form during inspection.
02B-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in both freezers.
14-69-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed in kitchen area.
21-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed rice and beans containers not identified.
02D-01-5
22
Oct 31, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored in shopping bag located in the reach in chest freezer. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw fish fillets stored with fruits pulp,located in the chest reach in freezer. Observed raw fish fillets stored above cooked potatoes,located in the reach in cooler by back door. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed by the reach in chest freezer. **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for Maria O as per operator working at the establishment for more than two months. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available at the time of the inspection. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap ,paper towel provided at handwash sink, at the front counter. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in the reach in chest freezer opposite stove. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled,unit at the front counter. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn and in disrepair, unit at the front counter. **Warning**
14-11-5
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rick's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Rick's Cafe on file is from Jan 23, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Rick's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Rick's Cafe.
How does Rick's Cafe compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
Rick's Cafe most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has Rick's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Rick's Cafe have averaged around 12 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Rick's 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 Rick's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Rick's Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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