La Tinajita Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 5, 2026
45
Score
Going back to 2022, La Tinajita Cafe has 10 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 5, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 13 violations per visit versus roughly eight violations earlier in the record.
“Food stored on floor” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 74, which La Tinajita Cafe's 45 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
5
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 5, 2026
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container in hand wash sink to the right of white chest freezer across from cook line. Operator removed container.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed establishment with 4 employees engaging in food preparation without CFM present. CFM arrived during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink in front counter. Employee provided soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed non food grade basting brush used at coffee maker in front counter to the right of hand wash sink. **Repeat Violation**
14-14-4
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 Gladys engaging in food preparation with employee training provided by, Florida Restaurant and Lodging association, that expired on 9/20/23. **Repeat Violation**
53B-14-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar without label of common name to the left of coffee maker.
02D-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bag of sugar on floor at front counter to the left of three compartment sink. **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 handle of scoop stored in sugar at front counter to the left of coffee machine. Employee Removed scoop from container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open.
33-16-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee personal soda can and drink container store in reach in cooler across from cook line to the right of three compartment sink. Employee removed drinks from reach in cooler.
12B-13-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood filter vents soiled with grease accumulation above cook line at kitchen.
36-50-4
45
Oct 7, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 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 at cook line fryer, fries (53F - Cold Holding). As per cook less than 1 hour, cooked placed into freezer to cool. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed at white standing freezer in covered/ wrapped chorizos stored directly on freezer shelf. Employee removed and began to wrap. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-27-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/1/2025. Operator paid during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed front counter hand sink used to stored milk gallon. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Interference/obstruction with the inspector's right of entry and access at any reasonable time. Was not allowed entry for 20 minutes. As per employee I needed to wait for manager to arrive. Advised employee that manager was not needed in order for inspection to be conducted. Employee called owner who granted access.
51-10-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed 5 employees engaging in food and drink preparation with no certified manager present. Manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
14-14-4
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 trading expired for Jose C. and Gladys M.
53B-14-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in container of sugar at dry storage shelf in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed at front counter ice machine exterior cover missing,
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed at front counter, bag of sugar stored on floor. Employee removed. **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 at front counter in a container if sugar, **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Observed for containers of rice pudding at lobby beverage cooler.
02D-03-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter hand sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed at front counter a container of sugar stored uncovered when not in use. Operator covered. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation**
42-01-4
23
Feb 14, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
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
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
17
Sep 17, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 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 in reach in cooler, cooked pork (50F - Cold Holding); as per operator since last night. Operator removed to discard.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed in reach in cooler of kitchen cleaned and cut onions stored in to go bag. Observed at front counter beverage cooler, cut pieces of bread stored in to go bag.
14-31-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter, milk (51F - Cold Holding); as per operator for 1 hour. Operator placed onto ice bath to cool. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink at entrance of kitchen. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter a paint brush used.
14-14-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed for egg and steak platter orders. Provided operator with correctly worded poster, operator printed and posted sign. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed at front counter a container of sugar.
02D-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed at storage shelf a container of lentils. Observed at front counter a container of sugar.
08B-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at cook line soiled with grease build up.
23-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed at entrance of kitchen plastic bottles of water and juice stored on floor. Operator removed and stored on shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter ice machine.
22-20-5
37
Apr 15, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
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 stored above raw beef located in the standing reach in freezer,by the 3 door reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed marinated chicken stored above pastry located in the 3 door reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the kitchen.
31B-02-4
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 no sanitizing sinks set up during wash,rinse sanitizing procedures, for both 3 compartment sinks.
16-13-5
64
Oct 26, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw breaded chicken,beef stored above tostones,yuca located in the standing reach in freezer by the back wall. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed marinated chicken stored above cooked pork located in the 3 door standing reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the unisex bathroom. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of both ovens soiled with accumulation of food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer gaskets soiled with mold like substance,chest unit. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed for for vents above front counter.
36-34-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
50
Sep 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-20: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
95
Jul 18, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
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 with fruits purée located in the chest freezer. Corrected on site. Observed raw shell eggs stored above breads located in the 3 door reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray cans of paint stored above flour bin,by storage shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water temperature at approximately 84F after running more than 5 minutes throughout establishment. **Warning**
27-16-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available at the time of the inspection. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for Nivia G, Gladys M, Alejandro C, Evelyn C as per operator all working at the establishment for more than two months **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Single-service articles stored on a soiled surface. Observed box containing togo food containers stored on the floor,frontline. **Warning**
25-17-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at the prep counter. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for the chest unit,back wall. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of plastic drinking bottled water stored on the floor of kitchen passageway. **Warning**
08B-38-4
43
Feb 1, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored in shopping bag,located in the kitchen. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
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 pork stored above croquettes located in the chest freezer by the prep cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shell eggs stored above breads located in the 3 door reach in cooler.
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer blade guard soiled with accumulation encrusted food debris.
22-02-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave oven , regular oven soiled with accumulation encrusted food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for the prep unit. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood soiled with accumulation grease.
36-50-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed carrots stored above cooked chicken located in the 3 door reach in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed in the kitchen. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed for the bulk rice,beans bins. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
43
Sep 14, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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 for Maria A, Yolany M, Nivia G, Glodis Y, Alejandro C, as per operator all working at the establishment for more than 2 months. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-14: As per operator appointment was scheduled but not able to complete due to illness. **Time Extended**
53B-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for prep unit,kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-14: **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-14: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Tinajita Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Tinajita Cafe on file is from Mar 5, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Tinajita Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at La Tinajita Cafe.
How does La Tinajita Cafe compare to other restaurants in Miami?
La Tinajita Cafe most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has La Tinajita Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Tinajita Cafe have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Tinajita Cafe 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 Tinajita Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Tinajita Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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