Joel Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
55
Score
Across the available record, Joel Restaurant has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Mar 20, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around eight violations compared to roughly 11 violations earlier on.
“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Compared to other Miami restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed beef over calamari inside reach in cooler.
08A-20-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee organizing boxes then putting gloves on to go prep food. Coached her on proper handwashing. Employee washed hands and changed gloves onsite. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container inside handwashing sink. Operator removed onsite. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in cooler.
23-03-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
55
Jul 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork skin inside "thank-you" bags stored inside reach in freezer in kitchen area.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting boards on prep table in kitchen area.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked beans and cooked chicken inside walk in cooler with no date marking.
02C-02-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked beans, cooked chicken, and raw chicken stored inside walk in cooler with no cover.
08B-12-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave at kitchen prep table.
22-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gasket on walk in cooler door.
14-11-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls alongside 3 compartment sink and steam table in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler and walk in freezer shelves rusted. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards on prep table in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
52
Nov 25, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
27
Oct 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board in kitchen soiled. Observed slicer blade soiled with accumulated old food debris. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-25: Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board in kitchen soiled. Observed slicer blade soiled with accumulated old food debris. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water, when hot water valve is open no hot water comes out at all. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-25: Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water, when hot water valve is open no hot water comes out at all. **Time Extended**
27-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed faucet at hand sink in kitchen in disrepair. Observed faucet loose. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-25: Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed faucet at hand sink in kitchen in disrepair. Observed faucet loose. **Time Extended**
29-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-25: Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soiled in kitchen. Observed exterior of stove at cook line soiled with excessive old grease. Observed wall fan near prep area in back kitchen soiled with dust. Observed shelf under warmer in kitchen soiled. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-25: Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soiled in kitchen. Observed exterior of stove at cook line soiled with excessive old grease. Observed wall fan near prep area in back kitchen soiled with dust. Observed shelf under warmer in kitchen soiled. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor under cookline soiled with accumulation of old food debris / grease. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-25: Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor under cookline soiled with accumulation of old food debris / grease. **Time Extended**
36-73-4
67
Jul 23, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed food employee put gloves on to wash and rinse equipment. Observed Food Employee change gloves to start cooking food for customer. Educated food employee on proper hand washing. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed yuca (112F - Hot Holding) at cook line. Food employee placed to reheat.
03B-01-6
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. At the time of the inspection observed employee washing and rinsing dishes and utensils and not sanitizing. Instructed operator to set up three compartment sink. Educated employee on proper ware washing.
22-45-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water, when hot water valve is open no hot water comes out at all.
27-16-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands in three compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site**
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 to operator during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board in kitchen soiled. Observed slicer blade soiled with accumulated old food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed Joel Hernandez manager certificate 04-07-24 expired.
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.
31B-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water.
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor under cookline soiled with accumulation of old food debris / grease.
36-73-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall at kitchen entrance next to prep table.
36-24-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soiled in kitchen. Observed exterior of stove at cook line soiled with excessive old grease. Observed wall fan near prep area in back kitchen soiled with dust. Observed shelf under warmer in kitchen soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed faucet at hand sink in kitchen in disrepair. Observed faucet loose.
29-08-4
20
Apr 24, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs in the same container with ham. The cook removed the eggs. **Corrective Action Taken**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed at the front counter.
12A-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a bowl in the sink. The cook removed the bowl from the sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the cook line.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the cook line.
31B-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in a container of yellow rice. The cook removed the bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed 5 large plastic containers with cooking oil on the floor in the dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
47
Jan 4, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
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. **Corrective Action Taken**
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. Form provided. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed in the men's restroom. The owner put soap in the men's restroom. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Form provided. **Corrective Action Taken**
51-13-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. The owner closed it. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
64
Mar 1, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use. Observed probe thermometer starts at 50F
05-03-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water in walk in cooler
36-22-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
29-49-6
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed reach in cooler not being used on premises
33-31-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler and walk in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
61
Jul 28, 2022
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair at front counter **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-28: At time of callback inspection Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair at front counter **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spoons at coffee station in water with temperature 79. Operator discarded water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-28: At time of callback inspection observed In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spoons at coffee station in water with temperature 79. **Time Extended**
10-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-28: At time of callback inspection Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed broken coolers stored across from kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-28: At time of callback inspection Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed broken coolers stored across from kitchen **Time Extended**
33-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-28: At time of callback inspection Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Time Extended**
36-02-5
78
Jul 27, 2022
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb next to mop sink **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter milk (90F - Hot Holding), as per operator milk was used in the last hour, operator discarded milk. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter cut tomatoes (75F - Cold Holding), as per operator items have been out for approximately 3 hours, at prep table in kitchen area sliced ham (89F - Cold Holding), as per operator item has been out for approximately 2 hours operator discarded ham. Operator moved tomato to walk in freezer for rapid chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Hand wash sink in kitchen area operating with no running water **Warning**
27-12-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink in kitchen area blocked by containers. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair at front counter **Warning**
36-32-5
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 rice scoop handle touching rice. Operator lifted handle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spoons at coffee station in water with temperature 79. Operator discarded water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed towel. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Operator cleaned out water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed broken coolers stored across from kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
33-31-5
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-02-5
32
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joel Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Joel Restaurant on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Joel Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Joel Restaurant.
How does Joel Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Joel Restaurant most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has Joel Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Joel Restaurant have averaged around eight violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Joel Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Joel Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Joel Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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