Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce
Last inspected: Nov 14, 2025
29
Score
The health department has logged seven inspections at Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 14, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around six violations to closer to 15 violations.
Looking across the full record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Compared to other Coral Gables restaurants (averaging 68), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
7
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 14, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed in walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling). As per operator, made prior night.
01B-36-5
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 walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling). As per operator, made prior night.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed cleaner on dish rack with clean plates and above utensils.
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink in men's restroom.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed under prep tables where cutting board and bowls are stored.
22-31-4
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed perfume on countertop next to hand sink. Operator removed during inspection.
41-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in walk in cooler.
22-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed water bottle on shelf above prep table outside of walk in cooler. Observed water bottle on prep table above reach in across fryer.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed glasses on top of shelf above prep table outside of walk in cooler.
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in walk in cooler under shelving. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at front counter.
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of onions on floor on walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand sink at front entrance.
31B-04-4
29
Jul 21, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 25 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee exit kitchen and come back without handwashing. Inspector went over handwashing with employees.
12A-16-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter; no breaker.
29-42-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in walk in cooler raw beef and chicken over produce. Employees changed order during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed on floor at from counter.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on knife magnet.
22-31-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled shelves where dry food is kept. Observed soiled spoon in kitchen in use where salt is.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chlorine and quat sanitizer; no test kit available.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at both hand sinks in kitchen and prep area.
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. Observed no form or training provided. The following employee on site: Heigel; 1 month of work.**Warning** Inspector printed and manager and employee signed copy. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink in kitchen.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of any training. The following employee on site: Heigel, 1 month of work.**Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris inside walk in cooler.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed tahini cases on floor next to triple sink. Observed oil on floor outside of walk in freezer. Employees moved all items to proper shelf storage. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in reach in and walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed under board in prep area.
21-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at microwave.
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no poster; inspector provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. Observed soiled gaskets in multiple reach in coolers.
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in freezer with food debris.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at front counter.
14-33-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar with no label at front counter.
02D-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no cover in women's restroom for garbage can.
32-12-6
14
Aug 20, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed at front counter hand wash sink. Hot water valve turned off. Operator turned on hot water at sink during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed faucet handle at front counter hand wash broken.
29-08-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed at mop sink.
42-01-4
78
Mar 4, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license dated October 1, 2023. Operator paid license renewal during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic gallon of cooking oil stored on floor. Employee placed onto shelf during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed ziplock bags of sugar not labeled. Employee labeled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed at three compartment sink on floor. Employee placed onto lower shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
74
Aug 28, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
78
Mar 29, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 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 shell eggs stored above canned beers,located in the walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with accumulation encrusted grease and food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed by the 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
31B-02-4
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 for Nick M, as per operator working at the establishment for more than two months. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed for the empanadas located in the standing 2 door unit. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Single-service articles stored in toilet room/locker room/garbage room/mechanical room. Observed in the employees bathroom, as per operator no longer operating as a functioning bathroom. Advised operator to remove items and restore functionality of bathroom. **Warning**
25-18-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed for the 2 door standing unit. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer gaskets soiled, standing unit. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by the 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in the standing 2 door reach in freezer, walk-in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
47
Jul 18, 2022
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a stainless steel food tray on top of the kitchen hand wash sink. The operator removed the tray. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Whole fruit displayed for self-service not wrapped and no utensils provided. Observed green apples self service not wrapped.
08B-15-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce on file is from Nov 14, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce?
Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce.
How does Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce compare to other restaurants in Coral Gables?
Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce most recently scored 29 out of 100, which is lower than the Coral Gables average of 68.
Has Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce have averaged around 15 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce 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 Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Smile Empanadas & Santo Dulce is inspected around two times per year on average.
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