La Esquinita Havanera
Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026
33
Score
Going back to 2022, La Esquinita Havanera has 11 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 16, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around eight violations to closer to 10 violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface”, showing up six times.
The city-wide average sits at 63, which La Esquinita Havanera's 33 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
11
Inspections
4
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 16, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cooked beans inside walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed black beans (48F - Cold Holding; Rice with beans (49F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. As per operator since the night before. **Repeat Violation**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef empanada (112F - Hot Holding); chicken croquettes (108F - Hot Holding) inside warmer at front counter. Operator turned up heat to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed black beans (48F - Cold Holding; Rice with beans (49F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. As per operator since the night before.
03D-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed small trays inside hand washing sink at sandwich station.
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed inside walk in cooler.
14-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed sugar cane stored on walk in cooler floor. Observed plastic water bottles stored on floor behind front counter. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 3 pair of tongs hanging from oven door handle at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled next to cook line.
22-08-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken (frozen) thawing at room temperature at prep area.
06-01-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
33
Aug 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cream cheese (49F - Cold Holding); sour cream (45F - Cold Holding inside reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per operator for lo re than a day Operator discarded the products.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cream cheese (49F - Cold Holding); sour cream (45F - Cold Holding inside reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per operator for lo re than a day Operator discarded the products. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed next to washing area. Operator provided.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Warewashing machine not automatically dispensing the detergent and/or the sanitizer. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator started to set up triple sink. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-59-1
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board soiled with food debris across cook line.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Obviously tray inside hand sink at sandwich station. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 pair of tongs hanging from oven door handle at cook line.
10-20-4
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 inside sugar container with handle in contact with product at kitchen entrance.
10-01-5
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed on cutting board across cook line.
21-10-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed sugar cane stored on walk in cooler floor.
08B-38-4
39
Jun 11, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cream cheese inside walk in cooler. Operator properly rearranged items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over plantains inside walk in cooler. Operator properly rearranged products. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed small tray inside hand sink next to dish machine. Operator removed the tray. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed arroz con leche inside reach in cooler at front counter without date mark. As per operator for approximately 2 days. Operator started to date mark. **Corrective Action Taken**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed inside flour container at prep area. Operator removed the bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind prep table soiled at prep area.
36-27-5
52
Jan 16, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) employee replaced sanitizer container, retest Dishwasher (Chlorine 200ppm).
22-41-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mojo (garlic) (66F - Cold Holding) on prep table across cook line. Employee placed in ice bath for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
29-42-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at washing area.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with degreaser not properly labeled under triple sink.
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
50
Jul 18, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
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
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
30
Mar 19, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
43
Mar 18, 2024
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 5 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 27 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 raw shell eggs and then handle clean equipment with washing hands. Coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. **Warning**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed 3 smoked pork inside walk in cooler, also observed 3 at front counter. Invoice was not provided. **Warning**
01A-05-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw quail eggs stored with produce inside walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed 3 smoked pork inside walk in cooler, also observed 3 at front counter. Invoice was not provided. **Warning**
01B-04-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Cooked black beans (52F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. Employee stated that the product was cooked the night before and then placed inside walk in cooler and that it has not been out or used since the night before.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cut lettuce (71F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (70F - Cold Holding) on preparation table at kitchen. As per employee for about an hour. Also observed Cooked black beans (52F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. Employee stated that the product was cooked the night before and then placed inside walk in cooler and that it has not been out or used since the night before. Observed butter (76F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per employee for 2 hrs. Employee placed product inside reach in cooler for rapid cooling. **Warning**
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 cheese tequenos (118F - Hot Holding); ham croquettes (120F - Hot Holding); chicken empanada (120F - Hot Holding) inside hot box at front counter. As per employee for approximately 2 hours. Employee turned up the temperature for reheat. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at mop sink at the outside back area. **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink used to store plastic small trays at juice station. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to ware washing area. Employee provided the paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink at juice station. **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 flan, rice pudding prepared for more than 24 hrs inside reach in cooler at front counter. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board soiled with yellow food debris next to ware washing area. **Warning**
22-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plantains stored on floor at back storage area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine. **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed two microwave interior soiled with food debris at kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed white chest freezer door gaskets soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in freezer bottom soiled with food debris at storage area. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Screen in door torn at the back exit door. **Warning**
36-60-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on juice station. **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt inside plastic container without label on shelve under preparation table at kitchen. Also observed flour inside plastic container without label on preparation table. **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl without handle inside salt plastic containers. Employee removed the bowl. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile and vent dusty at kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed in unisex restroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee without hair restraint while preparing food at kitchen. **Warning**
13-03-4
9
Jan 30, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed sweet plantains and raw chicken stored in Nonfood-grade bags inside white chest freezer next to walk in cooler door. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: Observed raw chicken stored in Nonfood-grade bags inside white chest freezer next to walk in cooler door. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee with no food safety training for Yamila and Cristobal - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: During the callback inspection no proof of state approved employee training provided for Yamila and Cristobal . **Admin Complaint**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed prep table with food contact equipment soiled with food debris. Employee cleaned up the table. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl without handle inside salt container under prep table at kitchen area. Also observed bowl inside cereal container at sandwich station. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard on flat grill and on pans storage shelves over stove. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
14-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled with water damage throughout the kitchen area. Also ceiling vents dusty throughout kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at preparation area. Also at kitchen prep table and sandwich station. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
13-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of old food debris. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at restrooms. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan cover dusty. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-30: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
43
Nov 20, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 25 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Employee fixed the chemical connection and last reading Dishwasher (Chlorine 50ppm)**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed sweet plantains and raw chicken stored in Nonfood-grade bags inside white chest freezer next to walk in cooler door.
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 over sweet plantains at white chest freezer.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (111F - Hot Holding ) as per employee less than one hour. Employee placed the rice inside over for reheating and last reading white rice (167F - Reheating)
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed prep table with food contact equipment soiled with food debris. Employee cleaned up the table. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee with no food safety training for Yamila and Cristobal
53B-02-5
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee area at front counter.
14-14-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl without handle inside salt container under prep table at kitchen area. Also observed bowl inside cereal container at sandwich station. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard on flat grill and on pans storage shelves over stove. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled with water damage throughout the kitchen area. Also ceiling vents dusty throughout kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at preparation area. Also at kitchen prep table and sandwich station.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone stored on steam table at kitchen area.
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed coffee creamers stored on floor at front counter. Employee rearranged properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
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 in contact with sugar inside plastic bucket in kitchen area. Employee stored properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of old food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at restrooms.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan cover dusty.
23-03-4
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed employee washing two empty milk gallons for reuse. Instructed employee about not reusing single service articles.
25-32-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed ham mix stored uncovered inside walk in cooler. Employee covered food during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and sugar without label at kitchen prep area.
02D-01-5
16
Mar 2, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored above unwashed veggies inside walk in cooler. Employee rearranged properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
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 form during inspection.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled white cutting board.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test available.
16-37-1
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. Provided form during inspection.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service.
02B-02-5
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,cooked rice and home made croquettes not date marked inside walk in cooler. Also rice pudding at the front counter.
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water marks in ceiling tiles in kitchen area.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents in sandwich area.
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in white freezer in kitchen area,
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 soiled gaskets in white freezer.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork not covered inside walk-in cooler. Employee covered during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed in kitchen area.
21-09-4
30
Aug 8, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed stored in front counter.
41-07-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed in reach in freezer.
14-31-5
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 raw pork inside of reach in cooler next to hand wash sink in kitchen area.
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled white cutting boards on preparation table.
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 shrimp ceviche and fish ceviche prepared the day before and not date marked. Also rice pudding and flan on front counter. Employee labeled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
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 training for Cristobal Jaime expired on 03/21/20.
53B-14-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in flour container . Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of margarine stored on floor inside walk in cooler.Also card of water bottle in front counter.Employee rearranged properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
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 in rice container. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed in preparation table.
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container in preparation table not labeled with common name. Employee labeled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Esquinita Havanera last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Esquinita Havanera on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Esquinita Havanera?
Across the inspection record, “walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at La Esquinita Havanera.
How does La Esquinita Havanera compare to other restaurants in Sweetwater?
La Esquinita Havanera most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the Sweetwater average of 63.
Has La Esquinita Havanera's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Esquinita Havanera have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Esquinita Havanera 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 Havanera inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Esquinita Havanera is inspected around three times per year on average.
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