La Cocina Mexicana
3290 US 1 S Ste D, Saint Augustine, FL 32086 · Permanent Food Service · License 6501660
What drove the grade
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Jul 29 complaint inspection2 high priority (1 no follow-up needed, 1 fixed on the spot), 1 intermediate (fixed on the spot), 4 basic (1 repeat)-13
- Safety score87
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 1 visitComplaint inspection
- First visitJul 29, 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.
7 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority2
Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition.
Observed three tilapia and two snapper fish fully thawed while still in their reduced oxygen environment and bearing the label instructions to be removed from their reduced oxygen environment.
Code 50, Current license displayed: Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Observed establishment open and operating with a license that expired on 6/1/2026. Person in charge renewed license during inspection.
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate1
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Observed hand washing station by drink station and in bar area missing paper towels. Person in charge had employees add paper towels.
Fixed on the spot
Basic4
Code 06, Food properly thawed: Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
Observed three tilapia and two snapper fish fully thawed while still in their reduced oxygen environment and bearing the label instructions to be removed from their reduced oxygen environment.
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Observed food debris in gaskets of cook line cooler.
Repeat violation
Code 25, Single-service items: Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened).
Observed single service napkins used for silverware stored outside back door. Person in charge had employee bring inside back storage room.
Fixed on the spot
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Observed food ceiling vent in kitchen soiled with dust.
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
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
- Stop sale
- An order that the food can’t be sold or served.