PlateScore

Cafe Rio

A

1515 N Higley Rd, Gilbert 85234

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-81558

Score based on 10 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 17, 2026.

87
Good

Gilbert restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Aug 16, 2023 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Dec 11, 2023 — Routine — score 79 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Apr 3, 2024 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Aug 13, 2024 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Nov 6, 2024 — Routine — score 93 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 2 core)Mar 19, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jun 16, 2025 — Routine — score 65 (2 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Sep 29, 2025 — Routine — score 69 (2 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Mar 19, 2026 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jul 6, 2026 — Routine — score 98 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)98
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history11 on record

2026

Jul 6, 2026Routine2 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection. Report emailed.

#45 — Single-Use/Single-Service Articles; Properly Stored, UsedCore4-903.11

Inspector's notes

Observed a stack of to-go containers uncovered and upright at the service line for the drive-thru. Discussed turning them upside down or to cover to reduce risk of contamination. Person in charge (PIC) turned them upside down at time of inspection. Also observed new boxes of gloves for service on the shelves with cleaners. Discussed moving the gloves to the shelf with other single service items and away from the chemicals to reduce risk of contamination. PIC moved the gloves at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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4-903.11 (A) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Utensils, Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles - Storing; Single-Use/Single-Service Items

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-201.16

Inspector's notes

Observed a ceiling tile missing above the hand sink in the back. Person in charge (PIC) said it will be replaced. Physical facility must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Observed a buildup of dirt and debris on the ceiling and vent covers throughout the front and back kitchen areas. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-201.16 - Core: Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings

Apr 14, 2026Advisorynot scoredclean
Mar 19, 2026Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB°

Predefined Comment: Due to the violations noted on this inspection report, County legal action may result from this inspection.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed grilled chicken, shredded chicken, and fire grilled steak holding 105-122F in the hot holding table by the drive through window. Also observed sweet pork barbacoa holding 102-120F in a hot box. PIC said they had been prepared less than 2 hours prior and reheated them to 165F. ***3rd repeat violation. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above.

2025

Sep 29, 2025Routine2 priority1 coreC

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report emailed.

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

Inspector's notes

**2ND REPEAT** Observed raw beef and raw shrimp stored above pre-cooked, ready-to-eat packages of meat in the walk-in cooler. Discussed storing raw animal foods below any ready-to-eat foods, and according to cooking temperature (highest cooking temperature on the bottom) to prevent cross contamination. Meats were rearranged at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

**2ND REPEAT** Observed grilled chicken on the to-go serving line with an internal temperature of 120*F when measured with a probe thermometer. Observed cooked fajita vegetables on the main serving line and to-go serving line with internal temperatures of 98-100*F. All hot held TCS (time and temperature controlled for safety) foods must maintain internal temperatures of 135*F. According to manager, items had been on the line for less than 1 hour. Chicken and vegetables were reheated at time of inspection before being placed back on the line. Discussed not double panning vegetables so heat is retained. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding.

#49 — Non-Food-Contact Surfaces CleanCore4-602.13

Inspector's notes

Observed food debris and buildup on surfaces of equipment and storage shelves. All non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean to sight and touch. Please deep clean and maintain clean prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-602.13 - Core: Nonfood Contact Surfaces

Jun 16, 2025Routine2 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteC°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report delivered via email.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-205.11

Inspector's notes

Observed hand sink next to tortilla making area blocked by a large bin and fan. Hand sinks must be kept clear and accessible at all times so that proper handwashing can take place. Hand sink was unblocked at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

Inspector's notes

Observed raw pork and raw beef being stored above cooked chicken and cooked pork in the walk-in cooler. All raw animal products must be stored below ready-to-eat food, and according to cooking temperature. Meats were rearranged at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed cooked fajita vegetables, pinto beans, shredded chicken, shredded beef, sweet pork, grilled chicken, and pollo asado in hot holding near the drive thru window with internal temperatures from 96*F-130*F when measured with a probe thermometer. All hot held TCS (time and temperature controlled for safety) food must maintain internal temperatures of 135*F and above. According to manager, food listed was in hot holding for about 6 hours. Food was discarded at time of inspection (see embargo). Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding.

Mar 19, 2025RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report delivered via email.

2024

Nov 6, 2024Routine1 foundation2 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed using hand sinks for hand washing only as hand sinks were observed to have food debris. Inspection report delivered via email.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no paper towels available at hand sink next to prep sink and no paper towels at dish pit hand sink. According to PIC, paper towel machines were broken. Paper towels must be available at all hand sinks at all times to ensure proper handwashing is taking place. Paper towels were placed at sinks at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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6-301.12 - Priority Foundation: Hand Drying Provision. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#37 — Food Properly Labeled; Original ContainerCore3-302.12

Inspector's notes

Observed spray bottle of oil above food preparation area with no label. All food must be labeled with the common name if not in the original container. Oil bottle was labeled at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-302.12 - Core: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food

#49 — Non-Food-Contact Surfaces CleanCore4-601.11

Inspector's notes

Observed food debris and buildup on surfaces of equipment. Maintain premises clean and free of food debris prior to the next routine inspection to prevent attraction of pests. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-601.11(B) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils

Aug 13, 2024RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report delivered via email.

Apr 3, 2024Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a B Grade and had 0 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager - Please ensure a certified food protection manager is on the premises during all hours of operation - manager on duty finished course last week and is waiting on results/certification.Inspection report delivered via email.No County legal action will result from this inspection.On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: B,Food Manager Licenses: 0,Signer: Irving Gandara

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.11

Repeat Violation Priority Foundation-6-301.11, Pf: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox---Handwashing. - Observed men's bathroom with no hand soap available. Soap must be available at all handwashing sinks at all times to ensure proper handwashing is taking place. Soap was stocked at time of inspection. Priority Foundation-6-301.12, Pf: Hand Drying Provision. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox---Handwashing. - Observed hand sink next to prep area with no paper towels available. A hand drying provision must be available at all hand sinks at all times to ensure proper handwashing is taking place. Paper towels were stocked at time of inspection. 2nd repeat violation. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection,Repeat Violations: 2nd

2023

Dec 11, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB

This establishment received a B Grade and had 1 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Discussed written policy for using time as a control. Guidance document attached to email.Discussed using a sheet tray for storage of ice buckets on top of ice machine.Inspection report was delivered via email.No County legal action will result from this inspection.On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: B,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Mayra Caabay

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.12

Priority Foundation-6-301.12, Pf: Hand Drying Provision. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox---Handwashing. - Observed hand sink near cook line and hand sink next to dish pit without paper towels. All hand sinks must have hand drying provisions available at all times. Paper towels were stocked at time of inspection. Priority Foundation-5-205.11, Pf: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox---Handwashing. - Observed measuring cup in hand sink near cookline. Observed hand sink next to dish pit blocked by stacked dirty dishes. Hand sinks must be used for hand washing only and must be accessible at all times. Measuring cup removed at time of inspection. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#39 — Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and DisplayPriority3-303.11

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-303.11, P: Ice Used as Exterior Coolant, Prohibited as Ingredient. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination. - Observed employee bottled beverage being stored in the ice machine. According to person in charge, ice from ice machine is used for food preparation. To prevent contamination, ice used for consumption or food preparation may not be used as an exterior coolant. Beverage and surrounding ice was removed at time of inspection. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.12

Core-6-501.12, C: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions - Observed some debris and dust on walls, food debris accumulation in floor drains, and grease on surfaces of equipment. Please ensure facilities are cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of debris. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Aug 16, 2023RoutinecleanA

This establishment received an A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Inspection report was delivered via email.No County legal action will result from this inspection.The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in the coming months. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.Award: A,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Liam Whitehead

Nearby restaurants

Other places to eat within a short walk, with their current scores.

Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 17, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →