Esquinita San Jose
Last inspected: Mar 11, 2026
82
Score
Across the available record, Esquinita San Jose has 12 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Mar 11, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around seven violations across recent inspections versus roughly 13 violations before.
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Esquinita San Jose's latest score of 82 sits above the Hialeah average of 76. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 11, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of training for Sarah B. As per operator working for 5 month. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: Still observed **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed groove cutting board on top of mini reach in cooler in front of stove at kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: Still observed. **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed mini reach in cooler and reach in cooler at kitchen entrance gaskets torn at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-11: Still observed **Time Extended**
14-11-5
82
Mar 10, 2026
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Raw Chicken (57F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken Breast (55F - Cold Holding); Beef Soup (71F - Cold Holding); Beef Steak (50F - Cold Holding); Cooked Ground Beef (70F - Cold Holding); Pickled vegetables (73F - Cold Holding) inside double door reach in cooler at kitchen area. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Operator segregated to discard at the time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bag used to cover cooked white rice at preparation table at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-31-5
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 wings over raw beef inside triple door reach in cooler at kitchen area. Operator stored properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed corn bread with no proof of source at front counter. Operator discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01B-04-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Raw Chicken (57F - Cold Holding); Raw Chicken Breast (55F - Cold Holding); Beef Soup (71F - Cold Holding); Beef Steak (50F - Cold Holding); Cooked Ground Beef (70F - Cold Holding); Pickled vegetables (73F - Cold Holding) inside double door reach in cooler at kitchen area. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Operator segregated to discard at the time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified manager unable to answered the right concentration of chlorine sanitizer. **Warning**
53A-10-4
Intermediate - Lack of toilet tissue at each toilet. Observed no toilet paper at women's bathroom. **Warning**
32-11-5
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. Observed employees Wendy C. and Ana M. with no proof of employee health agreement. As per operator working for 1 month. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of training for Sarah B. As per operator working for 5 month. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance inside ice machine at front counter. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean utensils not inverted inside metal container under preparation table next to hand wash sink at kitchen area. Employee inverted utensils during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-05-4
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 double door reach in cooler next to vegetables fridge in disrepair at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed groove cutting board on top of mini reach in cooler in front of stove at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed mini reach in cooler and reach in cooler at kitchen entrance gaskets torn at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed inside ice machine at front counter. Employee stored with handle up at the time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored under coffee machine not stored in sanitizing solution. Employee stored inside sanitizer at the time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-12-4
21
Dec 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment licensed for 30 seats with approximately 50 seats in total. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Observed establishment licensed for 30 seats with approximately 50 seats in total. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-09: Still observed establishment licensed for 30 seats with approximately 50 seats in total. **Time Extended**
51-09-4
95
Oct 7, 2025
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed on handwash sink at kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Observed on handwash sink at kitchen area. **Time Extended**
29-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment licensed for 30 seats with approximately 50 seats in total. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Observed establishment licensed for 30 seats with approximately 50 seats in total. **Time Extended**
51-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at reach in coolers and reach in freezer at kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Still observed at reach in coolers and reach in freezer at kitchen area. **Time Extended**
05-09-4
86
Oct 6, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 25 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed cinnamon cake with not invoice provided to verify source. **Warning**
01B-04-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Ground Beef (71F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler. As per operator prepared for over 4 hours. Operator discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Raw Beef (44F - Cold Holding); Raw Beef (51F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler. As per operator for less than 4 hours. Operator stored inside reach in freezer for rapid cooling. Also observed Ground Beef (71F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler. As per operator prepared for over 4 hours. Operator discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed cinnamon cake with not invoice provided to verify source. Operator discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
01A-05-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee at kitchen area. Coached employee on proper procedures during inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee at kitchen area. Coached employee on proper procedures during inspection. **Warning**
12A-17-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwash sink next to triple sink at kitchen area. Operator provided at the time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwash sink next to triple sink at kitchen area. Operator provided at the time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed not date marked for Cooked Ground Beef in reach in cooler at kitchen area. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl inside fish seasoning at dry storage area. Operator removed it during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed at three doors standing unit at kitchen area. **Warning**
23-24-4
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed clean utensils and plates inside dirty rack at dry storage area next to kitchen entrance at kitchen area. **Warning**
24-06-4
Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed clean knives stored between wall and plumbing tube at triple sink at kitchen area. Coached operator on proper procedures. **Warning**
24-14-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal water bottles inside reach in cooler next to establishment food at kitchen area. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing bracelet while engaging in food preparation at kitchen area. **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn across cook line at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment licensed for 30 seats with approximately 50 seats in total. **Warning**
51-09-4
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 inside rice, corn flour, flour at kitchen area. Operator removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled with food debris next to reach in cooler at kitchen area. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at reach in coolers and reach in freezer at kitchen area. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer and reach in cooler gaskets soiled at kitchen area. Also observed vegetable reach in cooler interior soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed on handwash sink at kitchen area. **Warning**
29-20-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed grease accumulation on walls at cook line at kitchen area. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed one wet wiping cloth on top of prep table at kitchen area. **Warning**
21-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed white rice, corn flour and flour container not identified at kitchen area. Operator labeled them during inspection. Also observed sugar container not identified at front counter. Employee labeled container during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
14
Jan 7, 2025
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 11 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 pork at 3 doors reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed three compartments sink Chlorine 200ppm). Employee added more water to the Triple Sink (Chlorine 100ppm) **Corrected On-Site**
22-42-4
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed Cooked pork belly (80F - Cold Holding)stored on top of the preparation area. As per employee food was prepared the day before.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee washed his hands without taking off his gloves. Discussed and coached employee in proper methods. Employee washed hands. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw beef at 3 doors standing freezer. During the inspection employee removed items and placed them correctly.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked pork belly(80F - Cold Holding)stored on top of the preparation table. As per employee food was prepared the day before.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed 3 doors standing freezer doors handles soiled.
23-24-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed chest freezer interior soiled, located at front counter.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed 2 doors standing reach in cooler shelves rusted.
14-33-4
27
Jul 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
67
Dec 28, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
90
Dec 27, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
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 crack an egg, touched clean plate and utensil without washing their hands, educated how to properly wash hands between uses of cracking eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed employee touch a cooked tortilla from the flattop to place with an order. Inspector showed other processes on how to handle cooked food with either gloves or tongs.
01B-03-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked soup (54F - Cold Holding); rabo de vaca (47F - Cold Holding) stored in the reach in cooler for more than 4 hours, as per operator. Operator discarded items.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked soup (54F - Cold Holding); rabo de vaca (47F - Cold Holding) stored in the reach in cooler for more than 4 hours, as per operator. Operator discarded items. Observed raw chicken (54F - Cold Holding); raw pork (49F - Cold Holding); raw beef (47F - Cold Holding) stored in the reach in cooler less than 4 hours. Operator placed items in another reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed red beans (89F - Hot Holding) stored on top of prep table. Operator was asked to reheat items to 165F and above. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at front counter hand washing sink or in the kitchen. Operator placed new bottle of soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At the front counter or in the kitchen. Operator placed new rolls. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container used as a scoop with no handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
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 washing and rinsing dishes but not sanitizing. Showed employee how to wash, rinse and sanitize properly using the 3 compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site**
16-13-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler with ambient temperature of 50F.
14-11-5
Basic - Establishment does not have a written copy of their approved Alternative Operating Procedure for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food. Observed employee touch a cooked tortilla from the flattop to place with an order. Inspector showed other processes on how to handle cooked food with either gloves or tongs.
09-04-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of green plantain, raw beef, and cooking oil stored on the floor. In the office observed cases of water, cooking oil and cases of soda stored on the floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Plumbing system improperly installed or repaired. Observed handwashing sink faucet not closing properly, water keeps leaking.
29-07-5
29
Jul 26, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 8 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 Moro (50°F/48°F - Cooling) located inside reach in cooler, was cooked from the day before as per operator.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells, located inside reach in cooler. Operator discarded it.See stop sale. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-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 multiple flan inside reach in cooler was cooked for more than 24 hours without labeled. Operation properly labeled it during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gasket in disrepair.
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gasket soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water on hand washing next to 3 compartment sink.
29-20-5
52
Apr 12, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cheese inside reach in cooler. Operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
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 - 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 - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with degreaser without label. Operator labeled it. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellular phone on top of preparation table, operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Interior of microwave, reach in freezer has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label on clean metal container.
16-46-4
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly.
29-19-4
52
Dec 20, 2022
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Flip top reach in cooler in disrepair located inside the kitchen. No food stored inside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-20: Equipment in poor repair. Flip top reach in cooler in disrepair located inside the kitchen. No food stored inside. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Esquinita San Jose last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Esquinita San Jose on file is from Mar 11, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Esquinita San Jose?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Esquinita San Jose.
How does Esquinita San Jose compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
Esquinita San Jose most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is higher than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has Esquinita San Jose's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Esquinita San Jose have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Esquinita San Jose means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Esquinita San Jose inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Esquinita San Jose is inspected around four times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants