Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
16
Score
Inspectors have visited Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine eight times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 24, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near 12 violations each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “ready-to-eat”, showing up five times.
The city-wide average sits at 74, which Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine's 16 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
6
Critical latest
5
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored with raw beef , raw pork at walk in cooler. Coach manager. **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed rice tacos de carne, raw marinade chicken with date exceeded more than 7 days at white reach in cooler near cook line. **Warning**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee touched soiled equipments and then began touching clean equipments. No gloves change. Coach employee. **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 1 can of coconut rusted and 1 can of green beans rusted at shelves near the triple sink. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed rice tacos de carne, raw marinade chicken with date exceeded more than 7 days at white reach in cooler near cook line. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cook chicken (110F - Hot Holding) stored on top of oven. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Operator placed product at steam table. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting boards soiled and has cut marks. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of food handler training for food employee Amanda working for more than 3 months. **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. Observed food employee Yanet, hired less than one month ago, does not have a signed food employee form on file. During the inspection operator provided form to operator. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed rice con leche with no date marking stored in reach in cooler at front counter, As per operator from prior day. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed 2 spray bottles stored under the steam table containing toxic substance not labeled. Coach manager. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents with accumulated mold like substance throughout the kitchen. Observed wall soiled ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated dust. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Observed walk in cooler shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pans at shelves near the triple sink not stored inverted. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee blue water container stored at prep table near microwave. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled with old food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed portions cup lid case stored on dry storage floor. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water at handwash sink at kitchen entrance. **Warning**
29-20-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted. **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar near coffee machine not labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
16
Oct 13, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
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 raw beef in chest freezer, located at preparation kitchen. During the inspection employee removed items and placed them correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemicals stored on floor underneath three compartment sink
41-10-4
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. Observed an employee, hired less than one month ago, does not have a signed food employee form on file. During the inspection operator provided signed form. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink, located in preparation kitchen and bathroom. During the inspection employee provided soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed chest freezer surface rusted, located at preparation kitchen.
22-31-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken tacos and cooked beef taco with no date marking stored in white reach in cooler, located at preparation kitchen. As per operator from prior day.
02C-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout the kitchen areas.
36-34-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers with cooking oil stored on the floor in dry storage.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in chest freezer, located at preparation kitchen.
14-69-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed white reach in cooler interior soiled, located at preparation kitchen.
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed portions cup lid case stored on dry storage floor.
25-05-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
35
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
67
Aug 26, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed rice and beans (59 F - Cold Holding); beef tongue (59 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. As per operator foods were placed yesterday night. Stop sale was issued.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice and beans (59 F - Cold Holding); beef tongue (59 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. As per operator foods were placed yesterday night. Stop sale was issued.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a slicer soiler at the kitchen.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken tacos inside the reach in cooler not date marked, Also observed a soup and nacatamales inside the walk in cooler not date marked. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a bucket with vegetable stored on the floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
52
Apr 5, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
52
Nov 9, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed beans (55 F - Cold Holding); pork ribs (49 F - Cold Holding) as per employee more than 10 hrs. Stop sale was issued.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans (55 F - Cold Holding); pork ribs (49 F - Cold Holding) as per employee more than 10 hrs. Stop sale was issued.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above pork inside the walk in cooler.
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed gallo s of milk not date marked inside the refrigerator. Employee date marked milk. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris inside the hand wash sink located at the front.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Observed 4 employees working at the time of the inspection.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the hand wash sink next to the 3 compartment sink.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Amanda Palacio, working over 60 days in the establishment.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken and beef tacos inside the refrigerator not date marked. As per employee foods were cooked on Monday. Employee was advised to date mark food after 24 hrs. Employee date marked the food. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching the sugar. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler interior with food debris.
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken and beef tacos not covered inside the refrigerator.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at the preparation table. Employee removed them. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a container with sugar not labeled at the front counter.
02D-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic bucket with onions stored on the floor. Employee removed it.
08B-38-4
23
Apr 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed beans, cooked beef, and beef broth not properly date marked. As per the manager since yesterday morning. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Observed cooked tongue, cooked beef, chicken broth at walk-in cooler not properly date marked. **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at preparation table. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Observed wet wiping cloth at preparation table. **Warning** **Time Extended**
21-12-4
82
Aug 4, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-04: No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed tiles missing by the entrance and over walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-04: Observed tiles missing by the entrance and over walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Time Extended**
36-36-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-04: Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. **Time Extended**
13-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-04: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair between the kitchen and front counter. And floor tiles missing by the exit door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-04: Observed floor tiles in disrepair between the kitchen and front counter. And floor tiles missing by the exit door. **Time Extended**
36-17-5
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine?
Across the inspection record, “ready-to-eat” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine.
How does Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine most recently scored 16 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine have averaged around 12 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chelas Nicaraguan Cuisine is inspected around two times per year on average.
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