Follow-Up Inspection
Aug 6, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Aug 6, 2026 · Original Source
Santa Clara County, CA
El Cafetal Restaurante Colombiano
1006 E Santa Clara St
Last inspected Aug 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
8 inspectionsFollow-Up Inspection
Jul 30, 2026
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
1 recorded violation
criticalCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: - A live adult cockroach was observed on the electrical conduit over the upright cooler in the kitchen. - Two live adult cockroaches near conduit by the exhaust hood. - A live adult cockroach was observed on the counter by the service window to the kitchen. - Multiple live nymphs were observed on the floor under the three compartment sink. - Multiple live adult cockroaches was observed in crevice above a surge protector behind the two small tvs in the warewash area. 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: S. Lew 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Gildardo, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 30, 2026 · Original Source
Follow-Up Inspection
Jul 28, 2026
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
1 recorded violation
criticalCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: - A live adult cockroach was observed on the floor under the prep table next to the three compartment sink. - A live adult cockorach was observed on the undercounter stainless steel cabinet in the kitchen. - A live nymph was observed on the undercounter stainless steel cabinet in the kitchen. - A hatched ootheca was observed on a tray above the three compartment sink. - Numerous nypmhs were observed around the three compartment sink. - A live adult cockroach was observed under the cookline equipment. 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: Yes 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Gildardo, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 28, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Jul 8, 2026
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
16 recorded violations
criticalCode K06Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Inspector’s notes
The handwash sink in the kitchen lacked paper towels. [CA] Handwashing facilities shall be equipped with handwashing cleanser and single-use sanitary towels in dispensers. [COS] PIC restocked the dispenser.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode K27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
Inspector’s notes
Raw beef was found stored above ready to eat foods in the upright cooler in the kitchen. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below ready-to-eat food items.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode K38Facility maintenance
Official wording
Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
Inspector’s notes
Facility was cooking with the exhaust hood fan off. [CA] Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be on while cooking is taking place.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesminorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices
Inspector’s notes
The restroom handwash sink was draining slowly. [CA] Investigate and repair plumbing fixture.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsminorCode K36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use
Inspector’s notes
Facility was using a bowl as a scooper for flour. [CA] Use approved utensils such as scoops or spoons with handles to ensure hands do not come in direct contact with food.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuescriticalCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: - One live adult cockroach near electrical conduit in the corner ceiling of the kitchen. - Numerous live cockroaches of all live stages in the door jam going from the kitchen area to the bathrooms. - A live cockroach on a Colombia flag near the upright cooler in the hallway across the water heater closet. - A dead cockroach on the floor in front of the two compartment pre-rinse sink. - Rodent droppings in the small dining room. - Rodent droppings under the warewash sink. - Rodent droppings between the small upright cooler and the bin of flour. - Minimum of 4 dead adult rats in the water heater closet, two on a trap and two stuck near the water heater drain valve. (PIC disposed of traps and dead bodies before allowing access to view the closet and was unclear on number of bodies disposed of) - Numerous amounts of fresh rodent droppings in the water heater closet. 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: S. Lew 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Gildardo, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectscriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
Eggs were found stored on a shelf and measured at 78F. Per PIC, they wre removed from the cooler about 1 hour prior. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] Eggs were moved to the upright cooler.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode K01Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification
Inspector’s notes
1. No food handler cards were available for review. [CA] Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of his or her employment as food handler. A valid food handler card shall be provided within 30 days of after the date of hire. 2. No Food Safety Certificate was available for review. [CA] Food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazard foods shall have a valid Food Safety Certificate available for review at all times.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode K29Chemicals
Official wording
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
Inspector’s notes
Facility did not label a pesticide put into a clear plastic sprayer bottle. [CA] Chemicals once removed from original container shall be labeled with common name. Ensure the pesticide being used is approved for a food facility and can be applied without a required pest control license. Per PIC, product is bought from a facility, they box was labeled "Pestie".
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelyminorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean
Inspector’s notes
1. There are numerous holes and gaps in the walls of the water heater closet. 2. There are gaps around the waste pipe of the pre-rinse sink. 3. There are gaps around electrical conduit in the kitchen. [CA] Seal gaps and holes in the structure to prevent pest entrance and harborage. Seal holes in the water heater closet with a material that is smooth, durable, and easily cleanable.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode K44Pests
Official wording
Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing
Inspector’s notes
1. The back premises have an accumulation of cardboard. [CA] The premises of a food facility shall be free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the facility, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used. 2. The "to go" window is kept open with the screening removed. [CA] The drive thru or passthrough window shall be provided with a solid or screened window, equipped with a self-closing device.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode K34Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips
Inspector’s notes
Facility lacks testing materials for their choice of sanitizer, chlorine. [CA] Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to adequately measure the applicable sanitization method used during manual or mechanical warewashing.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
Inspector’s notes
The surfaces of equipment had an accumulation of food debris and grime. [CA] Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode K42Facility maintenance
Official wording
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector’s notes
The dumpster was overfilled and did not close. PIC reported that is picked up once a week. [CA] Refuse containers shall be collected or cleaned frequently enough to minimize the development of objectionable odors or conditions that attract or harbor insects or rodents.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesminorCode K48Other
Official wording
Plan review
Inspector’s notes
Facility has added a handwash sink and a prep sink (with no drainboard or adjacent table) without submitting to plan check. [CA] A person proposing to build or remodel a food facility shall submit plans and specifications for review and shall receive plan approval prior to starting any new construction or remodeling. Contact DEH at 408-918-3400 or at www.ehinfo.org to obtain plan check requirements. Submit plans within 2 weeks.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode K35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity
Inspector’s notes
Facility has a non-ANSI toaster oven in use. [CA] New and/or replacement food equipment shall be certified or classified for sanitation by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certification program (e.g. NSF, UL EPH, UL Sanitation, CSA Sanitation, or ETL Sanitation).
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jul 8, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
May 30, 2025
Pass
5 recorded violations
minorCode K23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds, or animals
Inspector’s notes
Numerous flies were observed in the back of house area near the door to the back premises. [CA] Ensure to maintain the facility free of animals, pests, and vermin.
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode K39Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Thermometers provided, accurate
Inspector’s notes
Facility lacks thermometers for their cold holding units and hot holding units. [CA] A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided and correctly located in each hot and cold holding unit containing potentially hazardous foods.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuescriticalCode K07Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot and cold holding temperatures
Inspector’s notes
In the hot holding unit, at the top rack, the empanadas measured at 99°F. Per Gildardo they brought them from a different restaurant about 2 hours prior. Note: the hot holding unit has three levels, each with wire racks that were wrapped in aluminum foil. Aluminum foil may be blocking equipment's ability to maintain food warm. Lower levels were within temperature at or above 135°F. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] Facility agreed to discard items after 4 cumulative hours of removal from hot holding unit. Facility also removed aluminum foil from wire racks.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode K34Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips
Inspector’s notes
Facility lacks testing materials for their choice of sanitizer, chlorine. [CA] Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to adequately measure the applicable sanitization method used during manual or mechanical warewashing.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode K48Other
Official wording
Plan review
Inspector’s notes
1. Facility lacks a dedicated hand sink in food preparation and ware washing areas. 2. Facility lacks a food preparation sink. [CA] A person proposing to build or remodel a food facility shall submit plans and specifications for review and shall receive plan approval prior to starting any new construction or remodeling. Contact DEH at 408-918-3400 or at www.ehinfo.org to obtain plan check requirements. Submit to plan check for the addition of these sinks by 6/13/2025.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, May 30, 2025 · Original Source
Risk Factor Inspection
May 28, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
minorCode K27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
Inspector’s notes
Facility was holding PHFs outdoors and vending from the street. [CA] Food shall be protected from contamination and stored in the permitted food facility.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode K49Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Permits available
Inspector’s notes
--48 HOUR NOTICE— Our records indicate this facility is operating without a valid permit as a change of ownership has occurred. Submit a permit application and facility evaluation application to DEH at the address at the top of this report or via our website at www.Ehinfo.org. Failure to comply within 48 hours will result in facility closure and additional enforcement, including but not limited to reinspection(s) and additional cost recovery fees. A facility found to be in continued operation without a permit may incur a penalty of three (3) times the operating permit fee, and fee(s) for re-inspection(s) charged at the current hourly rate approved by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Penalties and fees incurred due to enforcement activities must be paid in full prior to the issuance of an operating permit.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode K38Facility maintenance
Official wording
Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use
Inspector’s notes
Facility was using a propane tank and stove to heat up coffee on the street. [CA] Exhaust hoods shall be provided to remove toxic gases, heat, grease, vapors and smoke and be approved by the local building department.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, May 28, 2025 · Original Source
Follow-Up Inspection
Jan 24, 2025
Pass
1 recorded violation
minorCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
Water at the three compartment sink reached a maximum of 112F. [CA] Hot water shall be provided at 120F.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jan 24, 2025 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Jan 22, 2025
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
3 recorded violations
criticalCode K06Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible
Inspector’s notes
Facility has no operable hand wash sink/ hand wash station. [CA] All food facilities shall provide an operable handwashing station.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemscriticalCode K21Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Hot and cold water available
Inspector’s notes
Facility has no hot water. Per PIC, they are having it repaired. [CA] An approved, adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water and cold water shall be provided.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemscriticalCode K14Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized
Inspector’s notes
Facility lacks ability to wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes due to the dishwasher being disconnected and no drain plugs for the three compartment sink. [CA] All food facilities shall have the equipment and materials needed to wash, rinse, and sanitize wares.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Jan 22, 2025 · Original Source