La Esquinita Colombiana
Last inspected: Feb 27, 2026
14
Score
Across the available record, La Esquinita Colombiana has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Feb 27, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 15 violations per visit versus roughly 11 violations earlier in the record.
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
La Esquinita Colombiana's latest score of 14 falls below the Miami average of 74. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
4
Critical latest
2
Major latest
23
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 27, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 23 minor violations.
View 29 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 9 lbs of cooked rice (60F Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler in the kitchen. Per PIC, was cooked yesterday evening. A stop sale was issued. Chef discarded. **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed frozen raw shrimp and fish out of their original pancaking stored in non food grade bags. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed 9 lbs of cooked rice (60F Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler in the kitchen. Per PIC, was cooked yesterday evening. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm). Employee corrected chlorine 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-27-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed expired Dec. 30, 2025. **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use. Observed not one was available. **Warning**
05-03-4
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Observed ice scoop in disrepair with cracks. **Warning**
14-12-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed soiled ice machine in the front area. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl being used as a scoop for rice at the steam table. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled oven door handle. **Warning**
23-24-4
Basic - Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed near cook line. **Warning**
36-06-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed in the secondary food storage area. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in the secondary food storage area. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed two personal water bottle on prep table and shelves in the kitchen. Chef removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed male employee wearing a watch while preparing coffee. **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken door gasket of the reach in cooler in the kitchen area, disrepair gasket inside the oven. Also observed ice scoop in disrepair with cracks. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed no cove molding for 3 compartment sink and handwashing sink in the kitchen. **Warning**
36-08-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed through out kitchen, hallway secondary food storage area and front area. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of corn and raw beef stored on the floor in the kitchen. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in the upright reach in freezer near exit door in the kitchen and white reach ins in secondary storage area. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven handle. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed handle on top of cooked rice found in reach in cooler. PIC removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-06-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of oven. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided for the operator via email. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed in the reach in cooler across of stove. Employee was able to get provide. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled post of shelving unit where cooked food is stored above the steam table. Also observed in disrepair the exterior of white reach in freezer located at the entrance of kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed on plastic working food pans stored on shelf in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open for both dumpsters. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cut tomatoes not covered in the reach in cooler located in the kitchen. **Warning**
08B-12-5
14
Aug 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed Advil bottle stored on the preparation table at kitchen. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink located at preparation area. Operator refilled paper towel on site. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Observed guacamole mixed with tomatoes and inions and cilantro vaccum packaged, frozen for a week. Operator decide to discard food on site. **Corrected On-Site**
03G-50-1
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanged on oven door handle.
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on preparation table by the hand wash sink, standing water at 75F.
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters with grease buildup.
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels in clean plastic container located on food storage shelves in the kitchen.
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in cooler located at the kitchen entrance.
22-16-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed underneath the preparation table at cook line.
14-20-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers. Observed over the preparation table.
21-02-4
50
Jan 23, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Degreaser Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
41-17-4
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 employee training for Adriana Keins, Vanessa Monterrey, Maria Zambrano, Alejandra Charria, expired on 08-2024.
53B-14-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket in disrepair, cooler located at cook line.
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven interior soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact hood system has grease buildup.
23-03-4
70
Aug 9, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile cracked in storage area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-09: Observed ceiling tile in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile cracked in storage area. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on top of plate ware at cook line. Also observed multiple handbags on top of chest freezer in storage area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-09: Observed 2 cell phones on slicer. **Time Extended**
40-06-5
90
Aug 1, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
22
Feb 6, 2024
Routine - Food
10 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 18 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 cooked beef (55F - Cooling); rice (77F - Cooling) at reach in cooler. As per the manager cooling over night. Operator discarded products. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed food employee at cook line. Operator was informed that she needs to wash hands after cracking eggs. Operator washed hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked meat stored inside thank you bag at reach in freezer. Operator moved product to change bag.
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license since 10-01-23. Operator pay the license at the time of inspection. Confirmation number 237454350.
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw pork stored over cooked pork and arepas. Operator was informed the correct order to store products.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef stored over potatoes. Operator was informed the correct order to store products.
08A-04-5
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 beef stored over raw bacon. Operator relocated raw bacon. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink at 3 compartment sink.
29-37-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked beef (55F - Cooling); rice (77F - Cooling) at reach in cooler. As per the manager cooling over night. Operator discarded products. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle stored on top of preparation table at front counter.
41-10-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed food employee washed hands at 3 compartment sink.
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 via email to operator. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
31B-02-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with water damage in storage area.
36-32-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 20 seats and the license has approved 9 seats.
51-09-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at cook line. Operator removed towel.**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled located across hand washing sink.
23-03-4
13
Aug 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
64
Feb 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef stored over raw bacon in upright cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled at reach in cooler next to three compartment sink
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels available at hand washing sink next to steam table. Person in charge provided towels **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed water collector with green like substance inside ice machine at front counter
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the kitchen area
36-34-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation and with no hair restraint
13-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed a gap at back door of restaurant. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed drinks and cases of food stored on the floor at alley towards walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed a spatula stored between the wall and three compartment sink. Employee removed the spatula. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-17-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer available in up right units and reach in cooler in grill area.
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets in upright freezer torn
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed raw beef stored uncovered in reach in cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed food prepared and ready to use not labeled in reach in coolers as well as upright coolers.
02D-01-5
43
Jul 18, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above fish (tilapia) in reach in cooler 2. Employee moved chicken to bottom shelve and fish to another reach in. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
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 beef above bags of vegetables in upright cooker. Employee moved vegetables to another reach in. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed reach in upright Rice white (56 F - Cold Holding). As per person in charge rice was prepped last night around 9pm and stored in reach in.
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled above prep reach in cooler.
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 packaged soups in freezer not labeled in the storage room.
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed no handle bowl used to dispense beans and flour. Person in charge removed them from containers. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled, stained and in poor repair in storage room area.
36-34-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed back exit door with an air gab, not easily closed.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water bottles stored on the floor at kitchen entrance.
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed paint falling on wall between three compartment sink and exit door.
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up in reach in freezer 2 next to steam table.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed a spatula stored between the three compartment sink and the wall. Manager removed the spatula. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed inside microwave soiled with green like substance.
22-08-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels on ready to use items at three compartment sink area.
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed a pan of breading not covered exposed to fall out from ceiling above microwave rack.
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted shelves in upright freezer and coolers.
14-17-4
Basic - Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Observed wood cart not being of sealed wood, holding the batter next to steam table.
14-06-4
27
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Esquinita Colombiana last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Esquinita Colombiana on file is from Feb 27, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Esquinita Colombiana?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at La Esquinita Colombiana.
How does La Esquinita Colombiana compare to other restaurants in Miami?
La Esquinita Colombiana most recently scored 14 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has La Esquinita Colombiana's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Esquinita Colombiana have averaged around 15 violations per visit, up from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Esquinita Colombiana 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 La Esquinita Colombiana inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Esquinita Colombiana is inspected around two times per year on average.
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