El Palmar Cafeteria
Last inspected: Feb 5, 2026
52
Score
El Palmar Cafeteria appears in inspection records eight times, starting in 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 5, 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 nine violations each time.
“Food stored on floor” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 74, which El Palmar Cafeteria's 52 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
8
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 5, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
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 chicken over raw beef in reach in freezer inside prep area. Operator stored foods as per safety storage requirements. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed cooked pork by raw beef inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator stored foods as per safety storage requirements. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken inside thank you bags in reach in freezer interior soiled prep area. Operator replaced bag. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease accumulated n hood filters.
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Operator stored mop correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board on reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator removed towel. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
52
Oct 9, 2025
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 over cooked sweet potato inside reach in cooler. Operator stored products as per safety protocols. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled can opener blade. Operator sent blade to be washed. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic containers stored inside hand wash sink at front counter. Employee removed containers. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand washing station by three compartment sink. Operator provided paper towel. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed PIC did not know how to calibrate Probe Thermometer. PIC was trained how to calibrate Probe Thermometer. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-14-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed fried beef not date marked inside reach in cooler in kitchen. As per Operator beef was cooked last Saturday October 4th, 2025. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with degreaser unlabeled by three compartment sink.
41-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled reach in freezer interior inside prep area.
22-16-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic containers stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed container from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand wash sink by three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed swai fish inside bags in reach in cooler in kitchen, operator removed fish from bag. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
35
Mar 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
41
Oct 4, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a bag of vegetables stored inside hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator removed bag. **Corrected On-Site**
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/ **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled reach in freezer interior in storage.
22-16-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside sugar container in dry storage. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn in front of cook line.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic container stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed container from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed vegetables thawing at room temperature inside hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator placed vegetables inside reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container inside dry storage. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
61
May 15, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with degreaser not labeled under dish washing machine. Operator labeled spry bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
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/
53A-05-6
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container by coffee machine at front counter. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed fish inside drawers under griddle. Operator started to cut bags. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons faces up by dish washing machine. Operator stored spoons faces down. **Corrected On-Site**
24-18-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw pork thawing in standing water inside three compartment sink. Operator put pork under running water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
64
Jan 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef liver inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator stored meats correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork not date marked inside reach in cooler in kitchen. As per Operator pork was cooked last Friday January 5th, 2024. Operator date marked pork container. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with degreaser not labeled by dish washing machine inside kitchen. Operator labeled spry bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels on n prep table inside kitchen kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container on prep table inside kitchen without labeled. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw tuna under grill inside kitchen. Operator cut bags. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged with food preparation without hair restraint inside kitchen. Employee put a hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed chicken base and oil plastic containers stored on dry storage floor. Operator removed both containers from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer inside room by kitchen.
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled fan on wall inside kitchen.
23-03-4
50
Jun 23, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
58
Dec 16, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw fish inside drawers under griddle inside kitchen. Employee stored them correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed discarded Ice inside hand wash sink at front counter.
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/
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink inside kitchen.
31B-03-4
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. Lilian M. Hernandez.
53B-14-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic container stored on kitchen floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed clean pots stored on kitchen floor.
24-26-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed soiled floor inside dry storage.
36-73-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board inside kitchen.
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets inside kitchen.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed foam food tray containers stored on kitchen floor. **Repeat Violation**
25-05-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef and seafood thawing at room temperature inside kitchen. Employee stored them inside reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
41
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Palmar Cafeteria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Palmar Cafeteria on file is from Feb 5, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Palmar Cafeteria?
Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Palmar Cafeteria.
How does El Palmar Cafeteria compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Palmar Cafeteria most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Palmar Cafeteria's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Palmar Cafeteria have averaged around nine violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Palmar Cafeteria 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 Palmar Cafeteria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Palmar Cafeteria is inspected around three times per year on average.
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