El Castillo Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
52
Score
Inspectors have visited El Castillo Restaurant seven times, with records going back to 2023. The most recent report on file is from Feb 20, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around 11 violations compared to roughly 14 violations earlier on.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “equipment in poor repair”, showing up four times.
The city-wide average sits at 74, which El Castillo Restaurant's 52 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
7
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed beef inside of thank you bags inside reach in freezer.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed seasoned chicken over unwashed plantains inside reach in coolers next to ice machine. Operator placed them in proper order onsite. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled microwave in kitchen area. Observed soiled cutting board on prep table.
22-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting board in prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair on reach in cooler in front of sandwich prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed some floor tiles in disrepair throughout establishment. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of rice stored on the floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in freezers. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
52
Jul 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. **Warning**
53A-02-7
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed expired test strips from 09/22.
16-37-1
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in freezer by rear exit door.
23-03-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tiles throughout establishment. As per operator they are remodeling. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling tiles and ceiling vents throughout establishment.
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting board on prep table by cook line. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in disrepair on reach in freezer next to rear exit door, also on reach in cooler near cook line. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at the threshold of rear exit door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair throughout establishment.
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up inside the 3 reach in freezers closest to employee restrooms. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls to the right of the cook line.
36-27-5
47
Jan 28, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed refried beans cooling in plastic bucket. As per operator beans were cooked on 1/27/25 at 6pm, temperature taken at the time of inspection, 1/28/25, was 72°F. **Warning**
03D-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 above raw pork in reach in freezer inside office area. Also blood residue on the bottom of reach in freezer. Repeated from inspection from 2023. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed refried beans cooling since 1/27/25 around 6PM. At the time of inspection refried beans had a temperature of 72°F. Stop Sale Issued. **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed manager not knowing to calibrate thermometer. I informed her and we calibrated thermometer together. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53A-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels to dry hands at hand wash sink. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing in the office area. One above office and the other above reach in freezers in office area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. At the time of inspection, there was no license in the establishment. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board no longer cleanable. Operator placed it in the trash. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer by the restrooms in disrepair. Also racks in the reach in cooler by the entrance are in disrepair. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed excessive amount of ice build up in reach in freezer near the restrooms. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets throughout reach in coolers. Observed grease accumulation on kitchen equipment. Observed excessive accumulation of dirt/debris behind 3compartment sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed faucet in restroom in disrepair. **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop not hung to dry, stored in mop bucket. Operator hung the mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
35
Jul 17, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
26
Jun 13, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 7 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over vegetables in the upright reach in cooler next to the ice machine. **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed the waitress take dirty plates to the back and serve a customer a coffee without washing her hands. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed a waitress take dirty dishes to the sink and wiped her hands on her pants and went to serve a guest a plate of food. **Warning**
12A-18-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed the license has been expired since 10/01/2022. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the restroom and kitchen. **Warning**
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. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
11-26-1
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 Lily,Sandy,and Lilian with no proof of food handler training. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed the cook rinse her gloved hand in the triple sink and return to cook line. **Warning**
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. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed over the chest freezer located by the restroom. **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed throughout the kitchen. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
51-13-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed a raptor sports drink in the white upright freezer **Warning**
12B-13-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed a case of pork chops in the triple sink. The cook turned on the cold water. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the kitchen and storage areas. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-37-5
18
Feb 14, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Form provided. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: 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. Form provided. **Warning** **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: **Admin Complaint**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 Lily,Sandy,and Lilian with no proof of food handler training. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Form provided. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: 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. Form provided. **Warning** **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the kitchen. **Warning** **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed across from the restroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed across from the restroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Form provided. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Form provided. **Warning** **Time Extended**
51-13-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed several plastic squeeze bottles not labeled at the cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed several plastic squeeze bottles not labeled at the cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
45
Dec 5, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sauce bottles and seasonings with no labels. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sauce bottles and seasonings with no labels. **Warning** **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair across from bathroom areas **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair across from bathroom areas **Warning** **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer across from bathrooms is in disrepair. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer across from bathrooms is in disrepair. **Warning** **Time Extended**
14-11-5
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Castillo Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Castillo Restaurant on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Castillo Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “equipment in poor repair” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Castillo Restaurant.
How does El Castillo Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Castillo Restaurant most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Castillo Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Castillo Restaurant have averaged around 11 violations per visit, down from roughly 14 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Castillo Restaurant 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 El Castillo Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Castillo Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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