Alex Cafeteria Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 9, 2026
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Alex Cafeteria Restaurant nine times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 9, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly 10 violations before.
“No paper towels” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Miami restaurant scores 74. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 9, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink located in unisex public restroom and employee restroom. Operator restocked. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Observed wood at the coffee station not properly sealed.
14-06-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working container of sugar located at the coffee prep station. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
82
Sep 29, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chlorine test kit expired 05/2025.
16-37-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cans of cooking oil on floor in back storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in refrigerator located near front counter with rusted shelves.
14-33-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen swai being thawed in room temperature in back prep area. As per operator, it was recently taken out of freezer. Operator placed inside reach in cooler for proper thawing. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working container of sugar located in coffee prep area with no label. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
74
Apr 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef inside of thank you bags inside of the white reach in freezer located in the back. - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-23: Observed raw beef inside of thank you bags inside of the white reach in freezer located in the back. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water, boxes of cooking vegetables oil stored on the back area floor. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-23: Observed cases of water, boxes of cooking vegetables oil stored on the back area floor. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-23: Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Storage area not maintained clean and organized. Observed back area storage not organized with boxes, and equipment not in use. - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-23: Storage area not maintained clean and organized. Observed back area storage not organized with boxes, and equipment not in use. **Time Extended**
33-34-4
74
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef inside of thank you bags inside of the white reach in freezer located in the back.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee training expired for Aleyda Balladare, Daina Palacios expired on 01/26/25
53B-05-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in the front counter hand washing sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water, boxes of cooking vegetables oil stored on the back area floor. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Observed light not functioning in the kitchen area.
36-62-4
Basic - Storage area not maintained clean and organized. Observed back area storage not organized with boxes, and equipment not in use.
33-34-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed pork chops not covered inside of the reach in freezer.
08B-12-5
47
Aug 13, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed black beans (99F - Hot Holding); red beans (97F - Hot Holding) at steam table as per operator for approximately 10 minutes. Operator placed products at cook line to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed milk (55F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at front counter, as per operator is been outside for approximately 30 minutes.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored over unwashed produce inside reach in cooler at front counter.
08A-04-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored inside thank you bags inside reach in freezer at dry storage area and front counter. **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed operator placed gloves to start preparing no hand washing prior.
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Provided to operator via email.
11-07-5
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed cook washed hands inside 3 compartment sink. Coached operator on correct procedures.
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided to operator via email.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed ladder stored in front of hand washing sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee cut watermelon at front counter reach in cooler not segregated from other foods.
08B-49-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil container stored on floor at dry storage area. Operator moved container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer at dry storage area.
14-69-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
51-13-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw beef (31F - Cold Holding) thawing at ambient temperature, coached operator on correct procedures. Operator placed raw beef with running cold water. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-01-5
22
Apr 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice (82F - Hot Holding) at room temperature resting on containers at steam table. As per manager, for less than 2 hours.
03B-01-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef stored inside non food grade bag at chest reach in freezer.
14-31-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at back storage area and bathroom. Manager replenished paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers of cooking oil stored on floor at back storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Observed ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, and warewashing areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
58
Dec 5, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook don gloves, no hand wash.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed cook begin cooking, no hand wash.
12A-16-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cut tomato at reach in cooler at cook line.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed fruit pulp stored inside non food grade bag at reach in freezer across from cook line.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of ice machine soiled at front counter. Observed sliding door reach in cooler shelves soiled with green substance at front counter.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Printed and provided employee health reporting agreement and some employees reviewed and signed. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at front counter and men's bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed light shield in disrepair at back preparation area.
38-01-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook preparing food not wearing hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage and warewashing areas.
36-37-5
25
Mar 31, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed nonfood grade bags used to stored raw beef at all cold holding units. Coached operator on proper storage of foods. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored over fruit pulp and raw beef stored over fries at small white reach-in freezer near dry storage area.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Liver (46F - Cold Holding); Pork (48F - Cold Holding) as per operator, since previous day. Operator lowered unit temperature.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink near front service window, men bathroom, and hand washing sink next to large reach-in freezer. Operator provided the paper towels for hand washing sink near large reach in freezer. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing sink at front service window. Operator provided soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Observed no date of birth on food handler certificate. **Repeat Violation**
53B-10-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed employee washing and rinsing containers, no sanitizer step. Coached employee in correct washing process.
16-13-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair restraint while preparing food at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license posted expired on 10.01.2022.
50-09-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed hole on ceiling near men bathroom.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop on floor by hand washing sink.
42-01-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef products being thawed at room temperature at front counter. Coached operator in correct thawing procedures. Operator moved items to reach in cooler for thawing. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed single water bottles and oil containers stored on floor at back storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in cold holding unit at front counter in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
26
Jul 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed bread stored in non-food grade bags at reach in cooler at front counter area.
14-31-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Located at front counter and back storage area. Manager replenished paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Located at back preparation area and front counter area. Manager replenished soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Observed employee date of birth missing from training certificates.
53B-10-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed containers of cooking oil stored on the floor at back storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer at reach in cooler near front counter area. **Corrected On-Site**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer gaskets soiled with black substance at back storage area.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed container of single service cups stored on the floor at back storage area.
25-05-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood soiled with accumulated grease.
36-50-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Located at cook line.
36-36-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food employee preparing eggs not wearing hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer gasket in disrepair at back storage area.
14-11-5
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alex Cafeteria Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Alex Cafeteria Restaurant on file is from Mar 9, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Alex Cafeteria Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Alex Cafeteria Restaurant.
How does Alex Cafeteria Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Alex Cafeteria Restaurant most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is higher than the Miami average of 74.
Has Alex Cafeteria Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Alex Cafeteria Restaurant have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Alex Cafeteria Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Alex Cafeteria Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Alex Cafeteria Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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