El Encuentro Restaurant
Last inspected: Apr 20, 2026
11
Score
Inspectors have visited El Encuentro Restaurant 12 times, with records going back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 20, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 18 violations lately compared to roughly 13 violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed”, showing up eight times.
Compared to other Miami restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
12
Inspections
6
Critical latest
5
Major latest
17
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 20, 2026
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 5 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 28 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medicine stored on top of cold holding unit next to steam table at kitchen area. **Warning**
41-07-4
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed 1 employee engaged in food preparation with dry hands with apron after washing them. Coached employee in proper procedures. Employee washed hands during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-18-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over ready to eat salami and shredded cheese at reach in cooler at kitchen area. **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored on top of raw beef and raw pork at reach in cooler at kitchen area. **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Rice and beans (57F - Cold Holding); Red beans soup (57F - Cold Holding); Cod fish (57F - Cold Holding); Salami (57F - Cold Holding); Smoked Pork Chop (56F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (59F - Cold Holding); Raw beef (58F - Cold Holding); Chicken stew (58F - Cold Holding); Pork stew (58F - Cold Holding); Beef Stew (58F - Cold Holding); Split peas soup (59F - Cold Holding); Cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Shredded Cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Minced garlic (61F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at kitchen area. Employee discarded them all during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Rice and beans (57F - Cold Holding); Red beans soup (57F - Cold Holding); Cod fish (57F - Cold Holding); Salami (57F - Cold Holding); Smoked Pork Chop (56F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (59F - Cold Holding); Raw beef (58F - Cold Holding); Chicken stew (58F - Cold Holding); Pork stew (58F - Cold Holding); Beef Stew (58F - Cold Holding); Split peas soup (59F - Cold Holding); Cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Shredded Cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Minced garlic (61F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at kitchen area. Employee discarded them all during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed 1 employee engaged in food preparation washing hands in three compartment sink at kitchen area. Coached employee during inspection. **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. Provided and printed to operator during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container and plastic cup inside hand wash sink at kitchen area. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at men's and women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed ice scoop with no handle inside container with ice at reach in cooler at front counter. Employee removed and discarded ice scoop during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in cooler no cooling properly at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
32-12-6
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on top of preparation table at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting inside clean utensils under cold holding unit next to steam table at kitchen area. **Warning**
24-08-4
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 only washing and rinsing and not sanitizing. Employee set up sanitizer during inspection and place clean utensils and pots to sanitize during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
16-13-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in disrepair at kitchen area. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer in front of men's bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled at kitchen area. Employee cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided and printed to operator during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed clean utensils stored upright inside container next to three compartment sink at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
24-18-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at kitchen area. **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining at hand wash sink at kitchen area. **Warning**
29-20-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall at men's bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-24-5
11
Mar 11, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic containers and beer bottles inside handwashing sink in kitchen area. Employee removed items from handwashing sink onsite. **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing sink by kitchen entrance. Operator placed paper towels onsite. **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled inside kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards with excessive cut marks on prep table in kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave. Operator cleaned it onsite. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in coolers. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed on both men and women's restroom. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
64
Jul 14, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic containers and beer bottles inside handwashing sink in kitchen area. Employee removed items from handwashing sink onsite. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Lack of toilet tissue at each toilet. Observed in men's restroom. Operator placed onsite. **Corrected On-Site**
32-11-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing sink by kitchen entrance. Operator placed paper towels onsite. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Luisa with a Food handler certificate from National Registry of Food Safety Professionals that expired on 5-18-2025. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-6
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed on both men and women's restroom. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled inside kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards with excessive cut marks on prep table in kitchen area.
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gasket on reach in cooler in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in front of reach in cooler by cook line. Operator cleaned up water onsite. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of water stored on the floor at the back of house. Operator moved it to a proper location onsite. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in the wall inside men's restroom.
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by restrooms.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave. Operator cleaned it onsite. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Repeat Violation**
33-11-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. **Repeat Violation**
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in coolers. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed plastic containers with utensils stored upright in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
24-18-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of insulated cups on the floor next to restrooms.
25-05-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls throughout dinning area.
36-27-5
30
Mar 6, 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 unwashed vegetables in non food grade bag - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: Observed unwashed vegetables in non food grade bag. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: Observed Bathrooms located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: Observed Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottles of vinegar, oil, and cooking wine with no label - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-06: Observed squeeze bottles of vinegar, oil, and cooking wine with no label. **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
74
Mar 4, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 15 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork being stored in thank you bags inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed pork being stored in thank you bags inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over unwashed produce inside reach in cooler in kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed raw beef over unwashed produce inside reach in cooler in kitchen area. **Time Extended**
08A-04-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw frozen chicken over raw frozen pork not commercially packaged inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed raw frozen chicken over raw frozen pork not commercially packaged inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms. **Time Extended**
08A-17-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 engaged in food handling with no CFM in establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed 4 employees engaged in food handling with no CFM in establishment. **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both bathrooms used by employees. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both bathrooms used by employees. **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle inside container of sugar and salt at kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed bowl with no handle inside container of sugar and salt at kitchen. **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair in mens restroom, also in gaming area in front of restrooms. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed ceiling in disrepair in mens restroom, also in gaming area in front of restrooms. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no cover in women's restroom. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed no cover in women's restroom **Time Extended**
32-12-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets broken in reach in cooler in the back of house. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed gaskets broken in reach in cooler in the back of house. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back exit door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back exit door. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed water bottles stored on floor at entrance of kitchen as well as back of house. Observed oil stored on the floor of kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed oil stored on the floor of kitchen. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed closet door and excessive trash debris around dumpster pad. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed closet door and excessive trash debris around dumpster pad. **Time Extended**
33-19-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed microwave soiled interior and exterior. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler in kitchen area. Observed exterior of reach in fridge soiled in kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed microwave soiled interior and exterior. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler in kitchen area. Observed exterior of reach in fridge soiled in kitchen area. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed utensils stored in container with food contact surface facing upwards at kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed utensils stored in container with food contact surface facing upwards at kitchen area. **Time Extended**
24-18-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored standing up, not drying, next to reach in cooler inside kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed wet mop stored standing up, not drying, next to reach in cooler inside kitchen area. **Time Extended**
42-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers with salt and sugar with no labels inside kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed containers with salt and sugar with no labels inside kitchen area. **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
27
Mar 3, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 16 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
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
16
Oct 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw meat stored in thank you bags in the 2 door reach in cooler in the kitchen.
14-31-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mangu (48F - Cold Holding) stored in the microwave for less than 1 hour as per operator. Operator placed item back into the reach in cooler.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed dryer dispenser unable to turn on.
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed kitchen handwashing sink blocked by plates. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn in the 2 door reach in cooler.
14-11-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed cracked container where whole vegetables are being stored in.
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed peppers and cooking oil stored on the floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. 2 door reach in cooler in the kitchen.
14-33-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
43
Jun 17, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed the cashier handled money then filled an order without washing her hands.
12A-16-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed several different products in shopping bags in the upright freezers. **Repeat Violation**
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. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed dishes and a towel in the sink. The manager removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the men's restroom. **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. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed the cashier wash her hands in the triple sink.
12A-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of water bottles on the floor at the front counter.
08B-38-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up.
24-18-4
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Observed three freezers in the back of the establishment with customer access not looked.
08B-63-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
32
Feb 21, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation** **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed the women's restroom door drags on the floor when trying to open it. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed the women's restroom door drags on the floor when trying to open it. **Repeat Violation** **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding **Time Extended**
05-09-4
82
Nov 1, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed beef in shopping bags in the freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-3
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed in the men's restroom.
31B-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**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed several pans stacked up in the kitchen hand washing sink.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the men's restroom.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
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. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed the women's restroom door drags on the floor when trying to open it. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filters soiled.
23-03-4
32
Mar 23, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed unwashed vegetables in non food grade bag
14-31-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed clean dish ware stored in hand wash sink. Operator removed dish ware. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-02-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink.
27-16-4
Basic - Bathroom facility in disrepair. Observed light and hand dryer hanging by wire
32-05-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall above ac room
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed scoop handle touching ice. operator lifted handle. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Plumbing system improperly installed or repaired. Observed faucet in disrepair at hand wash sink in kitchen area.
29-07-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw beef thawing in standing water
06-01-5
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Observed cooked food in unlocked reach in cooler in lobby area
08B-63-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottles of vinegar, oil, and cooking wine with no label
02D-01-5
33
Aug 30, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs received in a unit not maintaining an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed carton of raw shell eggs sitting on top of cold holding unit. As per operator eggs were out for approximately 30 mins Operator moved eggs to reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-20-4
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone on cutting board. Operator removed phone **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets are torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink
29-20-5
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Encuentro Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Encuentro Restaurant on file is from Apr 20, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Encuentro Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at El Encuentro Restaurant.
How does El Encuentro Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Encuentro Restaurant most recently scored 11 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Encuentro Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Encuentro Restaurant have averaged around 18 violations per visit, up from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Encuentro 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 Encuentro Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Encuentro Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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