Moldy syrup, maggots found during Dallas health inspections; 1 restaurant closed
One Dallas restaurant was temporarily closed during May 17-23 health inspections due to no hot water, and maggots, fruit flies and roaches were found at other establishments, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram.
Dallas food establishments are scored on a 100-point system that is different from Fort Worth. A range of 100-90 is considered very good. Restaurants that score from 69-60 fail and must undergo a follow-up inspection within 10 days or face closure.
Fruteria Cano at 723 S. Beacon St. scored 80 on May 22. The inspector saw a live roach and a dead roach in the facility, some cooked meat that wasn’t being cooled properly and reported that the hot water heater wasn’t working. The city closed the establishment until the hot water issue could be fixed.
Eight establishments passed but will require a follow-up inspection.
- The Barley House at 5612 SMU Blvd. scored 74 on May 18. The inspector found a black substance inside the ice machine and under some equipment, meat that was improperly stored and cooked corn without a date marking.
- Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken at 460 N. Lamar St. scored 75 on May 22. There was no certified food handler on site, the can opener blade was dirty and employee food was left out on the prep table.
- Deli Refresh at 12377 Merit Drive scored 76 on May 19. An employee didn’t put on gloves before cutting chicken, some tuna salad wasn’t dated and a chemical spray bottle needed a label.
- Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen at 2021 McKinney Ave. scored 76 on May 20. There was no soap at two of the handwashing sinks, raw meat was stored above some ready-to-eat food and a thermometer on the dishwasher wasn’t working.
- Brazil Latino Market at 4727 Frankford Road scored 77 on May 21. The inspector found mold on the ice machine, food debris on the meat and vegetable slicer and some raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat food in the cooler.
- Carnitas La Primera Meat Market at 8721 Lake June Road scored 77 on May 19. The microwave was dirty, there were moldy vegetables in the cooler and cooked rice was stored without a date label.
- Mariscos La Reyna at 1818 S. Buckner Blvd. scored 78 on May 18. The food manager and food handler certificates had expired, some beans were stored at an unsafe temperature and the can opener was dirty.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit at 4610 N. Central Expressway scored 79 on May 18. There were no paper towels at the handwashing sinks, some raw beef was left uncovered in the cooler and there was food debris under the equipment.
Cafe Brazil at 2815 Elm St. scored 80 on May 19. The inspector found a bottle with moldy syrup, mold on the ceiling of the ice machine, maggots under one of the sinks and fruit flies under the cabinet in the coffee area.
Sirenas at 2903 Lombardy Lane scored 85 on May 18. The inspector found a major roach infestation, including cockroaches in open food items.
La Madeleine at 4343 W. Northwest Highway scored 82 on May 21. The inspector saw several cockroaches and an employee was touching ready-to-eat food with his bare hands.
Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Dallas for May 17th- May 23rd, 2026. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Scores below 80 require a re-inspection, and below 60 require closure and inspection before reopening. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score.
Some data analysis in this story was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.
