Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72

14150 Sw 8Th Street, Miami, FL 33184

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 seven times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Jan 27, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.

When inspectors have written things up, “ice buildup in walk-in freezer” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.

Compared to other Miami restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 27, 2026

Routine - Food

3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed churrasco (112F - Hot Holding) inside stream table at prep area. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed churrasco on grill for reheating. Retest churrasco (165F - Hot Holding). **Corrected On-Site**

03B-01-6

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. Observed sweet plantains were not discarded after the 4 hr time mark next to fryers. Operator discarded the plantains.

01B-02-5

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. Observed sweet plantains were not discarded after the 4 hr time mark next to fryers. Operator discarded the plantains. **Corrected On-Site**

03F-04-5

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**

14-69-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.

23-03-4

Jan 6, 2025

Routine - Food

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**

14-69-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation**

23-03-4

Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0ppm) at kitchen area. Operator discarded solution and retest Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 200ppm) **Corrected On-Site**

21-08-4

Jul 30, 2024

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Employee Health Policies Present

FL-03

Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used

FL-24

Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place

FL-36

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

FL-23

Apr 19, 2024

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted storage racks next to triple sink.

22-31-4

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed on table across grill. **Repeat Violation**

14-09-4

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.

14-69-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filter soiled.

23-03-4

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels on plastic containers stored on shelves across triple sink.

16-46-4

Feb 1, 2024

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards grooved at front line serving area.

14-09-4

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by ware washing area and inside walk in cooler.

36-22-4

Mar 23, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Provided form during inspection.

03F-10-5

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

50-09-4

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed in plastic containers next to 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**

24-08-4

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed in plastic containers in shelves next to 3 compartment sink.

16-46-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container and oil bottle not labeled with common name. Manager labeled during inspection.

02D-01-5

Jul 7, 2022

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shrimp ceviche at 54°F in front counter. Manager discarded at the time of the inspection.

03A-02-5

Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed several employees.

13-07-4

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers and pans stored on top of 3 compartment sink.

24-08-4

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. As per operator is a pending work order **Repeat Violation**

14-69-4

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on equipment (grill).

10-20-4

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72?

Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in walk-in freezer” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72.

How does Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 compare to other restaurants in Miami?

Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.

Has Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Pollo Tropical Restaurant #72 is inspected around two times per year on average.

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