El Tropico Rest
Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026
37
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at El Tropico Rest, the earliest from 2022. El Tropico Rest was last inspected on Feb 17, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around nine violations, down from roughly 17 violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed”, showing up six times.
El Tropico Rest's latest score of 37 falls below the Miami average of 74. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 17, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed chiles halapenos and sliced mushrooms dented cans inside dry storage.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef by pastas inside Walk in cooler. Also, observed raw beef over beer inside Walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed more than a dozen eggs stored outside in kitchen. Operator put eggs inside reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pastas not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Operator pastas were cooked last Sunday February 15th, 2026.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed inside kitchen. Operator turned on hot water. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
27-16-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom in kitchen.
32-04-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed milk plastic containers stored on Walk in cooler floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on gas pipe in kitchen. Operator removed tong from pipe. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by employee restroom entrance.
14-33-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
37
Oct 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzle inside Bar. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water shut off at hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator turned on hot water. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Observed inside dry storage.
36-62-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside room to serve outside. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled Walk in cooler fan covers. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed flans container uncovered inside Walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand wash sink in kitchen.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen.
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container unlabeled in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
52
Mar 17, 2025
Complaint Full
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At time of callback inspection observed Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At time of callback inspection observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen. **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At time of callback inspection observed reach in cooler by ware washing area. **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At ti e of callback inspection Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. **Time Extended**
32-17-4
82
Jan 15, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw fish inside Walk in cooler. Operator stored food properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled bread toasters at front counter. Also, observed Soda nozzle in Bar. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
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. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork not date marked inside reach in cooler in front of griddle in kitchen. As per Operator food was cooked last Monday January 13th, 2025. Operator date marked food. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-02-5
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. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer unlabeled in Bar. Operator labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
41-17-4
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. **Warning**
11-27-4
Basic - Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. **Warning**
32-17-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken container uncovered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed oil bottle and salt container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled bottle and container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease accumulated under cook line. Also, observed soiled floor inside coffee machine area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken tiles inside kitchen. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside Walk in freezer. Also, observed inside ice creams reach in freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at front counter. Operator stored scoop correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside women's restroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in shake prep area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-33-4
25
Sep 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over beer bottles inside Walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracking eggs and touching clean containers without changing gloves and washing hands.
12A-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzles in Bar.
22-02-4
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 - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer unlabeled inside Bar. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed employee restroom inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling tile in front of Walk in cooler.
36-32-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaged with food preparation without hair restraint in kitchen and front counter.
13-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease under cook line.
36-73-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed missing grout throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-11-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled oven interior by stove inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sinks in front of beverage cooler at front counter, and inside front window room. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in front of cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by slicer in kitchen.
14-33-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed ground beef and black beans containers uncovered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered containers. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed on Bar counter.
25-27-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed by griddle. Operator discarded towel. **Corrected On-Site**
21-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed oil bottle unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
25
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
50
Oct 26, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed more than a dozen raw eggs stored on reach in cooler in kitchen. As per Operator eggs have been outside for 30 minutes. Operator stored them inside reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hand at three compartment sink.
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board on prep table in front of Walk in cooler.
22-02-4
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/. Food Manager Certified arrived at time of Routine Inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked ground beef not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Operator ground beef was cooked last Monday October 23rd, 2023. Operator date marked container. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed VO2 tanks not secured inside Bar.
51-11-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dishes not inverted inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged with food preparation without hair restraint inside kitchen. Operator put a hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles under cook line inside kitchen.
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed Ice buildup in Walk-in.
14-69-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by beverage reach in cooler at front counter, and inside room outside.
31B-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed Walk in cooler shelves with accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler by ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork inside reach in cooler in front of cook line. Operator covered plate. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
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**
21-12-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed soiled towels inside kitchen. Operator discarded towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-09-4
32
Mar 30, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Observed by dish washing machine.
29-37-4
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/. CFM arrived at time of Routine Inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceilings over hallway between kitchen and front counter. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dishes not inverted inside kitchen.
24-05-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Operator provided Current Hotel and Restaurant license. **Corrected On-Site**
50-09-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at 90°F on reach in cooler inside shakes prep area.
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on shelf inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets inside shakes prep area. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area inside kitchen.
14-33-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork container not covered inside Walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed inside sandwich prep area.
21-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container on prep table by walk in cooler. Operator labeled it. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
43
Aug 18, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed three dented Guava Shells Cans inside dry storage. **Repeat Violation**
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Also, observed soiled cutting board on reach in cooler in front of griddle. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with windex not labeled at front counter.
41-17-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed inside Bar. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling by sandwich prep area.
36-32-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife used to cut plantains stored between wall and three compartment sink. Employee removed knife. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching sugar inside dry storage. Employee stored scoop correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled microwave interior on shelf by cook line. Also, observed soiled cutting board on reach in cooler in front of griddle.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled shelf in front of cook line. Also, observed soiled Walk-in cooler gaskets. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork not covered inside reach in cooler in front of griddle.
08B-12-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand sink by Walk in cooler entrance. **Repeat Violation**
29-11-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on reach in cooler inside kitchen.
21-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container inside dry storage.
02D-01-5
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Tropico Rest last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Tropico Rest on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Tropico Rest?
Across the inspection record, “bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at El Tropico Rest.
How does El Tropico Rest compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Tropico Rest most recently scored 37 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Tropico Rest's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Tropico Rest have averaged around nine violations per visit, down from roughly 17 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Tropico Rest 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 Tropico Rest inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Tropico Rest is inspected around three times per year on average.
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