El Chalan Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 11, 2026
32
Score
Going back to 2022, El Chalan Restaurant has 10 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 11, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 17 violations per visit versus roughly nine violations earlier in the record.
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Miami average 74, so El Chalan Restaurant trails the local norm. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
10
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
14
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 11, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 14 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed burn medicine stored next to clean dishes in dry rack area. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed one flying insect landing on bag of onions in back dry storage area. Operator swatted insect and discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed small bag of onions in back dry storage area with flying insect landing on them. Operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-03-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed one plastic container cracked in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
14-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up inside walk in freezer near ventilation system.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed four knives stored between wall and prep table in kitchen area.
10-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two sets of tongs on fire suppression system at the cook line. **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed several fans in kitchen area soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler in back dry storage with soiled interior.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves inside reach in cooler in kitchen area with rust accumulation.
14-33-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed kitchen floor unsealed.
36-02-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working containers of seasonings with no label near cook line.
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior of dish machine with food debris.
16-21-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed black microwave door handle soiled in kitchen area.
23-24-4
Basic - Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed soiled card board on floor inside walk in freezer.
36-06-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed several cutting boards with cut marks and no longer cleanable in kitchen prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed several reach in cooler door handles in disrepair.
14-11-5
32
Oct 13, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shelled eggs stored above diced tomatoes inside walk in cooler. Operator removed eggs and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed male server bring in dirty dishes and immediately grabbed clean glass cups without washing hands. Coached employee on proper hand washing. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked scrambled eggs (49F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler located across the cook line. As per operator product has been there since 11AM. Operator placed inside walk in cooler for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed male employee wash hands with gloves on and then continued working with ready to eat food at preparation table. Coached employee on proper hand washing. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed kitchen dishes inside hand wash sink next to three compartment sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chlorine test kit expired 09/25.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink near prep table in kitchen.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted shelves on dry rack where clean dishes are stored.
22-31-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed kitchen ceiling soiled.
36-34-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed several white cutting boards in kitchen area with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed several torn gaskets throughout the restaurant for reach in coolers and freezers.
14-11-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed kitchen and ware washing floor not smooth and durable.
36-11-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed cracked lid inside walk in cooler covering diced onion. Operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed gallon of cooking oil on floor near cook line.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed a knife stored between wall and food preparation table in kitchen area.
10-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on fire suppression system.
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed kitchen utensils in standing water at 83F at steam table.
10-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign near hand wash sink by prep table.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at the cook line soiled. Observed multiple reach in coolers in the kitchen area soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in freezer in back storage area with soiled interior.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler located across ware washing sink with rust accumulation on shelves.
14-33-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves rusted located next to ware washing sink.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall next to cook line and behind cook line soiled.
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth on top of prep table in kitchen not stored in sanitation bucket.
21-12-4
17
Mar 27, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shelled eggs stored above raw fish inside walk in cooler. Operator placed raw shelled eggs under fish. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed several white cutting boards with cut marks and no longer cleanable at thenprep table.
14-09-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water near cook line.
36-22-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed two knives tied in between wall and prep table. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed a set of tongs on fire suppression system at the cook line. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at the cook line soiled. Observed reach in cooler gaskets located across the cook line soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler located across the cook line with rusted shelves.
14-33-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust accumulation.
14-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working container of sugar at the coffee station not labeled. Operator labeled immediately. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
58
Nov 12, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
26
May 16, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-16: Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. **Time Extended**
16-23-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at bottom of exit door at cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-16: Observed gap at bottom of exit door at cook line. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. Observed holes in screen in back exit door at kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-16: Screen in door torn/in poor repair **Time Extended**
35B-09-4
86
May 15, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 15 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 cooked rice (51F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per manager, product was prepared on the previous night. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed preparation cook exit through back exit door and then reentered kitchen and began portioning raw beef at preparation area across from cook line, no hand wash. **Warning**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 live flies land on raw beef at preparation area. Observed 1 live fly land on container of grated ginger at cook line. Observed 2 live flies land on cutting board at cook line. Observed 1 live fly land on cooking pan at cook line. Employees removed cutting boards and cooking pan to wash, rinse and sanitize. Observed approximately 6 live flies flying in air at kitchen. **Corrective Action Taken** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 3 live flies land on raw beef at preparation area. Observed 1 live fly land on container of grated ginger at cook line. **Admin Complaint**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked rice (51F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per manager, product was prepared on the previous night. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pots and pans stored inside handsink at ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed dead flies on glue traps at kitchen and storage room. **Warning**
35A-06-4
Basic - Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. **Warning**
16-23-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at bottom of exit door at cook line. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed back exit door opened during inspection. Manager closed door. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35B-03-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. Observed holes in screen in back exit door at kitchen. **Warning**
35B-09-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw shrimp thawing in standing water on floor underneath preparation sink. **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Uncovered food stored near sink exposed to splash. Observed raw corn not covered at storage area. **Warning**
08B-54-4
Basic - Observed Interior of microwave has accumulation food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
27
Dec 13, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed rice (52F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per manager, item was prepared on the previous day. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-13: Observed cooked pork belly with sauce at 47F cooling at walk in cooler. As per manager, product was prepared on the previous day. **Admin Complaint**
03D-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed quaternary ammonium solution at 0 ppm. Manager added quaternary ammonium tablet to solution. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-13: Observed chlorine solution at 10ppm. **Time Extended**
22-43-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed rice (52F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per manager, item was prepared on the previous day. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-13: Observed cooked pork belly with sauce at 47F cooling at walk in cooler. As per manager, product was prepared on the previous day. **Time Extended**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-13: Observed chlorine solution at 10ppm across from cook line. **Time Extended**
16-33-4
58
Dec 6, 2023
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 6 major violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed quaternary ammonium solution at 0 ppm. Manager added quaternary ammonium tablet to solution. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-43-4
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed rice (52F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per manager, item was prepared on the previous day. **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine dish machine at 0 ppm. Employee primed line. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed rice (52F - Cooling) at walk in cooler. As per manager, item was prepared on the previous day. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed fish ceviche (52F - Cold Holding) over ice at expo area. As per manager, for 1 hour. Employee added ice to surrounding container. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed chlorine solution at 200 plus ppm. Manager took solution to dilute with water. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
41-15-5
Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. **Warning**
16-33-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board with stains at expo area. Observed interior of ice machine soiled with black substance at server station. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic lids and metal container stored inside hand sink at ware washing area. Employees removed items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** **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. Printed and provided employee health reporting agreement and some employees reviewed and signed. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-03-4
22
Mar 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef patty stored over vegetables at reach in freezer at storage area. Manager rearranged items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed drain line inside hand sink near kitchen entrance. **Repeat Violation**
31A-10-4
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board with stains at expo area.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed soiled bowls, pan and utensils stored inside hand sink at kitchen entrance. Employee removed items. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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.
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 container of cooked beef tripe at walk in freezer not date marked. As per manager, item was prepared on previous days.
02C-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of celery stored on floor at walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing potatoes not wearing hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside sauce at front storage area. Manager removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with accumulated grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
36-02-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with dust near exhaust fan at cook line.
36-27-5
35
Sep 26, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
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
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Chalan Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Chalan Restaurant on file is from Mar 11, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Chalan Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Chalan Restaurant.
How does El Chalan Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Chalan Restaurant most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Chalan Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Chalan Restaurant have averaged around 17 violations per visit, up from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Chalan 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 Chalan Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Chalan Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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