Merengue

329 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33019

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Sep 17, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2022, Merengue has five inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Sep 17, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around one violation compared to roughly four violations earlier on.

“No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Among Hollywood restaurants, the typical score is 75; Merengue is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 17, 2025

Routine - Food

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Dec 13, 2024

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-13: **Time Extended**

36-37-5

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-13: Observed same **Time Extended**

51-11-4

Oct 14, 2024

Routine - Food

4 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Warning**

05-08-4

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. Employee signed reporting agreement during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

11-26-1

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. **Warning**

53B-01-5

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at front counter. Operator provided **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

31B-03-4

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured at front counter. **Warning**

51-11-4

Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning**

36-37-5

Jan 26, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.

29-42-4

Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.

36-37-5

Nov 8, 2022

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 8 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In left end upper freezer section, packaged raw meat, chicken, and shrimp above hotdog buns and arepas in left lower freezer.

08A-02-6

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit.

16-37-1

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at front counter hand sink.

31B-02-4

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Manager unable to locate thermometer.

05-08-4

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unknown substance in bottle at front counter. Manager labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**

41-17-4

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. 1) Kitchen hand sink blocked with plastic tray and bowl. 2) Front counter hand sink blocked with ice scoop and utensils. Manager removed items. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-09-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk containers of flour and sugar in kitchen not labeled.

02D-01-5

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bulk container of flour on floor in kitchen.

08B-38-4

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Merengue last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Merengue on file is from Sep 17, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Merengue?

Across the inspection record, “no probe thermometer provided to measure temperature” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Merengue.

How does Merengue compare to other restaurants in Hollywood?

Merengue most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Hollywood average of 75.

Has Merengue's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Merengue have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Merengue 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 Merengue inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Merengue is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Musette

1318 North Ocean Drive

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Snax Munchie Mart

3505 S Ocean Dr

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Gg's Waterfront Bar & Grill

606 N Ocean Dr

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

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→ All locations in Hollywood → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Florida → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Hollywood