Rio's Cafe and Grill
3937 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33064 · Permanent Food Service · License 1616215
What drove the grade
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Oct 12 routine inspection1 intermediate (fixed on the spot), 3 basic-5
- Safety score95
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
2 inspections · 3 visitsLatest inspection
Routine inspection
- First visitOct 12, 2026 No follow-up needed
Met the state's inspection standards; the inspector didn't need to come back. Any violations cited still count toward the grade.
4 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
Intermediate1
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
1. Potato cutter stored in kitchen hand washing sink, operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
Basic3
Code 06, Food properly thawed: Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner.
1. Frozen raw fish thawing in container in triple sink with no running water. Operator turned on cold running water water.
Fixed on the spot
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside in kitchen.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Earlier inspections 1
F58Routine inspection10 violations, 5 high priority · 1 follow-up visit Fixed at follow-up
- Follow-up visitJul 23, 2026 Fixed at follow-up
The inspector came back and found the problems fixed.
2 earlier violations still noted, but not enough to need another visit:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Basic2
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
Observed same.
More time given
Screen in door torn/in poor repair.
Observed same.
More time given
- First visitJul 15, 2026 Administrative complaint
Serious or repeated problems led the inspector to recommend formal action by the state, which can include fines.
10 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority5
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
Observed trays of raw shell eggs stored on shelf above bucket of beans in reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator reorganized.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violationAdministrative complaint
Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands.
Observed employees handling soiled spoon at triple sink in kitchen, then handling cleaned food utensils at cookline in kitchen.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled.
Observed employee visit triple sink at least four times to rinse soiled gloved hands.
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength.
Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Observed empty sanitizer container connected to machine.
Repeat violationAdministrative complaint
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use.
Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee taking a soiled spoon from the triple sink, rinsing it clean, and then using it immediately after to stir black beans at the cookline.
Intermediate2
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No soap provided at handwash sink in the kitchen.
Operator provided soap.
Fixed on the spot
Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: 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 & Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Operator unable to provide proof of training for chef and cook in kitchen, hired more than 60 days ago.
Repeat violationAdministrative complaint
Basic3
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
1. Door gaskets at two reach in cooler in kitchen. 2. Door gaskets at two door reach in freezer in kitchen. 3. Hood filters above cookline in kitchen. 4. Heavy grease build up at rear of stove top at cookline in kitchen. 5. Old food debris observed under microwave in kitchen. 6. Heavy food debris observed on drawer tracks and drawers in dry food pantry in kitchen.
Repeat violation
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
Repeat violation
Screen in door torn/in poor repair.
Observed hole in mesh screening at exit door in kitchen.
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.
Terms in the inspectors’ reports
- Time/temperature control for safety food
- Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
- Ready-to-eat food
- Food eaten without further cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, deli meats and cooked dishes.
- Food-contact surface
- Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.