Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2026
45
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 23, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 12 violations to closer to nine violations per visit.
“Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Hialeah facility scores 76, putting Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill on the weaker side. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed container with raw beef stored above box with unwashed vegetables. Operator stored raw beef under unwashed vegetables. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed about 7 small flying insects , at kitchen, by ware washing area. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee washed hands, less than 10 seconds. **Warning**
12A-17-4
Intermediate - Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Observed cheeses portioned,for resale, containers with fruit with syrup, from deli case, no date labeled, no labels of any kind. **Warning**
02D-02-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee drinking at food preparation are. **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee hair restraint inadequate, front hair not covered. **Warning**
13-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, box with zucchini stored on the floor. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed next to flat grill.p hand wash sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed. Observed at kitchen,ware washing and bathrooms ceiling tiles missing exposing pipes and wires. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-04-5
45
Dec 3, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed under prep table at kitchen pork tamales (129F - Hot Holding), according to cook Placed out 90 minutes ago, cook placed tamales container on top of stove to reheat. 20 minutes ago later pork tamales (169F - Hot Holding) **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed unpasteurized raw cream labeled no for human consumption stored over juices containers inside reach in cooler. Operator stored on a separate container under ready to eat foods. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2925. Operator renewed license at the time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed portioned cheese, cream, no date labeled , portioned two days ago.
02C-03-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-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 assorted juices prepared two days ago, no date labeled. Operator labeled juice containers. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-6
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed kitchen and bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee eating on preparation area.
12B-02-4
Basic - Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed. Observed at main kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-04-5
39
Feb 27, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
43
Oct 15, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cheese stored inside thank you bags at reach in cooler. Observed raw beef inside thank you bags inside walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-15: Observed raw beef inside thank you bags inside walk in freezer. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed at walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-15: Observed at walk in freezer. **Time Extended**
14-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed at kitchen,ware washing and bathrooms. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-15: Observed at kitchen,ware washing and bathrooms. **Time Extended**
36-36-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed cloth covering tortillas inside an ice cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-15: Observed cloth covering tortillas inside an ice cooler. **Time Extended**
21-05-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed. Observed ceiling at preparation and ware washing areas exposed **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-15: Observed ceiling at preparation and ware washing areas exposed. **Time Extended**
36-04-5
70
Oct 14, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at steam table sweet plantains (113F - Hot Holding); fried cheese (104F - Hot Holding); enchiladas (104F - Hot Holding) according to operator prepared 90 minutes ago. Operator took food items to kitchen to reheat. Observed vegetable soup (113F - Hot Holding) at kitchen area. Operator started reheating the soup. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed coleslaw (80F - Cold Holding) at preparation area. According to manager less than 2 hours. Operator stored at walk in cooler for rapid chill. Observed white rice (48F - Cold Holding) as per operator stored inside walk in cooler yesterday around 8 Pm. Operator discarded rice. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cheese stored inside thank you bags at reach in cooler. Observed raw beef inside thank you bags inside walk in freezer. **Warning**
14-31-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink with foam cup inside.. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sinks areas at kitchen. Operator provided paper. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed at walk in freezer. **Warning**
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed at kitchen,ware washing and bathrooms. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed cloth covering tortillas inside an ice cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
21-05-5
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 an employee washing cutting board on middle sink skipped sanitizing step. Inspector coach how to use properly 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
16-13-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil containers and a container of potatoes stored on floor at kitchen. Observed bottles of soda stored on floor at preparation area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
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 touching rice inside rice bucket. Manager stored scoop with handle upward. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed. Observed ceiling at preparation and ware washing areas exposed **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-04-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not stored to allow to dry. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
32
May 7, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at steam table, blood sausage (117F - Hot Holding); fried chicken (115F - Hot Holding) according to cook food items prepared 2 1/2 hours ago. Employee took fried chicken and blood sausage to the kitchen to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef container stored over box of unwashed produce inside walk in cooler.
08A-04-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cut vegetables stored in thank you bags at kitchen.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed cheeses portioned to resale to customers, cut two days ago no date labeled.
02C-03-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed next to prep area hand wash sink no paper towels available. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed next to prep area hand wash sink no soap available. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. Bathroom trash can overflow, soiled.
32-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed foam cup used to dispense pickled vegetables at front counter.
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed handles on walk in cooler and freezer soiled
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing at both bathrooms.
36-36-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets torn in walk in freezer.
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed boxes with unwashed produce stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. **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 scoop handle touching rice inside rice bucket. **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler and walk ion cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen raw pork thawing at room temperature at prep are. Employee put pork back inside walk in cooler for proper thawing. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed. Observed ceiling at preparation and ware washing areas exposed.
36-04-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside walk in cooler, rusted shelves.
14-17-4
25
Nov 20, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed gallo pinto (90F - Hot Holding) stored in a pot in the kitchen, operator turned on stoved to reheated to 2nd temperature 170F. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cut green pepper and cut onions and banana leaves in direct contact with thank you bags in the walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2023
50-17-3
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed coleslaw (70F - Cold Holding) at the front counter reach in cooler, placed at 7AM, operator placed in walk-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
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. Handed form to operator. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in the hand washing sink by 3 compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
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. Handed form to operator and employee signed during the inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed foam cup used as a scoop with no handle in the salsa container.
14-01-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues where juices are stored.
22-16-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In employee bathroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed zucchini stored on the floor in the walk in cooler. Observed oil container stored on the floor by employee bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
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 employee cleaning cutting board in the middle compartment with soap and water, then used chlorine and rinse, no following the correct way of wash rinse and sanitize.
16-13-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed a used cloth to store tortillas.
21-05-5
Basic - Utility lines are unnecessarily exposed. Observed at preparation area in the back kitchen with exposed lines.
36-04-5
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow drainage at 3 compartment sink and back kitchen hand washing sink.
29-20-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing throughout the back kitchen, and bathroom.
36-36-4
20
Apr 5, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags used to store pork inside walk in freezer.
14-31-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pico de gallo on top of preparation table. Pico de gallo 70F Cold Holding. According to manager out for about 90 minutes. Manager stored pico de gallo inside walk in co for rapid chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Repeat Violation**
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed at hand wash sink on kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken, cooked tongue, shredded chicken, according to co prepared the day before no date labeled. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed at kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed sack with garlic an box wit vegetables stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. Manager stored food items six inches above the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
37
Jul 13, 2022
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the restrooms. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: At the time of the callback inspection observed no,paper towel in the hand washing sink in the kitchen area. **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine test kit. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: **Time Extended**
05-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl inside cooked soup. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: At the time of the callback inspection observed bowl stored inside cooked rice and beans. **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile with watermark in the prep area. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: At the time of the callback inspection observed ceiling tile with watermark by the prep area. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: **Time Extended**
32-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
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 employee cellphone stored on top of front counter. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: At the time of the callback inspection observed employee cellphone stored on top of prep table next to coffee machine. **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Located in the restroom. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed all cooler gasket soiled. Observed table fan with dust. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-13: At the time of the callback inspection observed walk in cooler shelve rusted. **Time Extended**
14-17-4
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill on file is from Apr 23, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill?
Across the inspection record, “utility lines are unnecessarily exposed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill.
How does Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill have averaged around nine violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill 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 Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Nicoya Nicaraguan Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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