Palenque Restaurant 5
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2026
26
Score
Public records show 10 inspections at Palenque Restaurant 5 stretching back to 2023. Palenque Restaurant 5 was last inspected on Apr 23, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around eight violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Compared to other Hialeah restaurants (averaging 76), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
10
Inspections
4
Critical latest
4
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over tuna cans inside walk in cooler. Operator placed chicken under. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee put on gloves without washing hands after drinking water. Discussed with employee proper hand washing procedures.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Black beans (90F - Hot Holding) on table across cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed on stove for reheating. **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on garlic in oil (73F - Cold Holding) prep table at across cook line. Operator prepared ice bath for rapid cooling. Observed at pizza station cheese (71F - Cold Holding) as per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed inside walk in cooler for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed by kitchen entrance.
27-16-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
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 6 food employees without CFM present.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed next to kitchen entrance.
31B-03-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed across cook line. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at women and men room.
31B-04-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from plumbing under hand sink at kitchen entrance.
29-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar inside plastic container without label on shelve next to kitchen back exit. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone next to clean plates on shelves across cook line. Operator removed.
40-06-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed on top of ice machine.
10-12-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 3 knives stored between ice bin and metal archive drawers at bar. Operator removed the knives. **Corrective Action Taken**
10-17-4
26
Dec 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed pain brush used for coffee. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-03: **Time Extended**
14-14-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, boxes with yuca, drinking ice , ice cream buckets on the floor. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-03: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
86
Aug 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on top of prep table red beans (90F - Hot Holding) according to to cook placed on table 2 hours ago. Cook placed beans container on top of stove to reheat. Second temperature red beans (193F Reheating) **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no certified manager on restaurant. **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed pain brush used for coffee. **Warning**
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. Printed consumer advisory, operator posted on wall at the time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-02-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container no labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at kitchen towels under cutting boards. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed stored on oven door at kitchen. Operator removed tongs and stored them properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, boxes with yuca, drinking ice , ice cream buckets on the floor. **Warning**
08B-38-4
52
Jan 27, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
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 belly held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at walk in cooler.
02C-02-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed several kitchen utensils in standing at 87 F, located at cooking line.
10-07-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses, located at cooking line
10-20-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
70
Oct 17, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 1, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-01: 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. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
90
Jul 30, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed kitchen utensils, and a plastic pitcher stored inside the hand sink.
31A-11-4
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.
53B-01-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, located at men's bathroom and women's bathroom.
31B-04-4
74
Apr 11, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 employees with no proof any food handling training. Yinet, Damary, Roxana, Edison, and Rosangel have been working for 3.5 months. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: Observed employees with no proof any food handling training. Yinet, Damary, Roxana, Edison, and Rosangel have been working for 3.5 months **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed handwash sink removed from original location. Establishment has portable hand sink with wheels, two water tanks, hot water heater underneath the hand washing sink, without hard plumbing by the cook line by the exit door to outside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: Observed handwash sink removed from original location. Establishment placed a portable hand sink with wheels, two water tanks, hot water heater underneath the hand washing sink, without hard plumbing by the entrance door to outside. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager on duty Edison without any food manager certification or training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: Observed manager on duty Edison without any food manager certification or training. **Time Extended**
53A-01-7
74
Apr 2, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 8 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed a raw chicken breast stored on top of mushrooms, operator relocated the products. Observed raw beef stored on top of apples. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed one employee put on gloves without washing hands and continued to stir food on stove with spoon. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottles of Tylenol and advil stored on top of shelf in pizza preparation area. Operator moved the bottles to the office. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-07-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp and raw beef stored on top of shredded cheese and raw chicken stored over raw beef inside walk in freezer. Observed raw shelled eggs stored on top of tortillas inside of walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Observed one employee put on gloves without washing hands and continued to stir food on stove with spoon. Inspector coached employee on when to wash hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53B-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Operator removed can opener to be cleaned. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed handwash sink removed from original location. Establishment has portable hand sink with wheels, two water tanks, hot water heater underneath the hand washing sink, without hard plumbing by the cook line by the exit door to outside. **Warning**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dirty dishes stored inside hand washing sink at bar area. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager on duty Edison without any food manager certification or training. **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in dish area. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in coffee area. Operator provided paper towels. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in bar area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
31B-02-4
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 employees with no proof any food handling training. Yinet, Damary, Roxana, Edison, and Rosangel have been working for 3.5 months. **Warning**
53B-01-5
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 belly stored inside the walk in cooler not date marked, as per operator was cooked two days ago. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two containers of white rice and risotto rice without a label not identified by common name. Operator labeled the products. Observed one container of sugar without a label not identified by common name. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle stored inside risotto rice being used to scoop rice. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed ice bucket being stored on the floor. **Warning**
24-07-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed one cup of water on top of preparation area by reach in cooler. **Warning**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed one employee wearing a watch while prepping food. **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed two employees prepping food without hair restraint. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 4 tongs stored on oven door handle. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel used under cutting board in kitchen area. **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed inside of microwave soiled, operator cleaned the inside of the microwave **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed one open can of spaghetti sauce not covered inside of reach in cooler in front of grill. **Warning**
08B-12-5
15
Oct 18, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed all Hand sink with no sign.
31B-04-4
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Palenque Restaurant 5 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Palenque Restaurant 5 on file is from Apr 23, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Palenque Restaurant 5?
Across the inspection record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Palenque Restaurant 5.
How does Palenque Restaurant 5 compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
Palenque Restaurant 5 most recently scored 26 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has Palenque Restaurant 5's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Palenque Restaurant 5 have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Palenque Restaurant 5 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 Palenque Restaurant 5 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Palenque Restaurant 5 is inspected around four times per year on average.
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