ALVAREZ AUTHENTIC LATIN FOOD 2
12227 N FLORIDA AVE, Tampa FL 33612
Last inspected Aug 21, 2025 · 12 visits since December 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
FEB 24
APR 24
NOV 24
MAY 25
AUG 25
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 33 points better than where it started.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on cooks line 2 live roaches on wall next to 3 compartment sink 2 live roaches underneath grill 4 live roaches on cove molding underneath grill 2 live roaches overtop small black refrigerator 1 live roach underneath ice machine 2 live roaches underneath food preparation table in back kitchen area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,000
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024014136 | Feb 26, 2024 | Jul 8, 2024 | $800 |
| 3--2021047677 | Aug 23, 2021 | Nov 19, 2021 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Aug 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored overtop salad dressing instead double door refrigerator on cooks line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees shredded cheddar cheese (46F) cold holding. Cheese placed in refrigerator for rapid chill. Re-temperature cheddar cheese (40F) cold holding.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Deli ham, Raw Beef, Raw Chicken, cooked chicken, has no date markings inside double door refrigerator on cooks line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap in bottom corner of back door.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoop handle laying inside ice. Chef removed ice scoop.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Soiled dry cloths sitting on reach in cooler. Chef removed and placed cloth in dirty cloth bin.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sauces removed from original container and placed in clear bottles has no labeling of ingredients inside double door refrigerator on cooks line.
May 9, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk opened and held longer then 24 hours has no date markings. Chef added dates to milk.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No cooked food inside refrigerator has dates.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl without a handle inside rice bin. Chef removed bowl and placed at dishwasher.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Small gaps in corners of back door.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on oven door handle. Chef removed and placed tongs in dishwasher.
Stored food not covered. Pork stored uncovered inside refrigerator.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Clear bottles of sauces used for cooking have no labeling of ingredients.
Feb 10, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Shredded Lettuce (55F - Cold Holding) Shredded Cheese (55F - Cold Holding) Placed in cooler at 9:30 first temperature at 9:45 second temperature at; 10:22 50F
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Establishment renting unit next to original restaurant, utilizing for storage, single service and chest freezers. Establishment has hood system and sink not plumbed at time of inspection in new rented side kitchen. Establishment tore down blocked door diving two restaurants creating walkway.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling throughout kitchen not smooth or easily cleanable, acoustic ceiling tile.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Red cutting board front kitchen line. Green cutting board in back kitchen area near dishwashing station.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall exposing concrete in front employee/storage area behind register.
Nov 12, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Shredded Lettuce (55F - Cold Holding) Shredded Cheese (55F - Cold Holding) Placed in cooler at 9:30 first temperature at 9:45 second temperature at; 10:22 50F
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Establishment renting unit next to original restaurant, utilizing for storage, single service and chest freezers. Establishment has hood system and sink not plumbed at time of inspection in new rented side kitchen. Establishment tore down blocked door diving two restaurants creating walkway.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle on top of 3 compartment sink unlabeled, operator labeled at time of inspection.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling throughout kitchen not smooth or easily cleanable, acoustic ceiling tile.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Red cutting board front kitchen line. Green cutting board in back kitchen area near dishwashing station.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks on dishwashing area. Discussed with operator. Operator moved to approved location at time of inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee personal belongings above food equipment in kitchen. Operator removed at time of location and moved to approved location.
Food stored on floor. Food stored on floor, raw beef in box Water bottles. Discussed with operator. Operator moved to approved location at time of inspection.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall exposing concrete in front employee/storage area behind register.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in reach in freezer, on cooks line. Discussed with operator.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Spoon handle touching commercial mayonnaise. Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scoop handle touching ice Discussed with operator on maintaining handle upright. Operator washed and sanitized at time of inspection.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service cups stored on floor in side storage area. Discussed with operator. Operator placed in approved location at time of inspection.
Apr 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee wash hands approximately 5 seconds, discussed with operator proper hand washing procedure.
Packaged Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw Chicken and Raw Beef stored in same container in reach in cooler, discussed with operator. Operator moved to separate containers at time of inspection.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Operator placed more ice in container at time of inspection. Raw Shell Eggs (50F - Cold Holding) FIRST TEMP 10:33 SECOND TEMP 11:10 35F Provided operator with Time As A Public Health Control Form
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee wash hands in three compartment sink, discussed with operator of utilization of hand wash sink.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling tiles in kitchen not smooth and easily cleanable, discussed with operator. Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling tiles in external storage room missing, discussed with operator.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach in external storage room next door. Operator cleaned and sanitized at time of inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting above 3 compartment sink in dish washing area. Discussed with operator.
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets throughout kitchen in disrepair.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment in kitchen soiled.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on oven handle in kitchen. Operator moved at time of inspection.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service cups and to go containers stored on floor in next door storage room. Operator picked up and moved to approved location at time of inspection.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 0ppm) CORRECTED TO; Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 50ppm)
Apr 30, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in cooler next to grill in disrepair. Gaskets on Summit brand reach in cooler on prep line in disrepair.
Feb 27, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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. Discussed with operator on how to obtain food handlers certifications.
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in cooler next to grill in disrepair. Gaskets on Summit brand reach in cooler on prep line in disrepair.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink removed for plumbing repairs, operator will replace after repairs have been made.
Feb 27, 2024■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 3 live roaches under prep table in dishwashing area 1 live on side of reach in freezer in dishwashing area. 1 live roach under stove in kitchen 1 live on reach in freezer on cook line. 13 live in men's restroom under hand wash sink cabinet
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. Discussed with operator on how to obtain food handlers certifications.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead under reach in freezer in dishwashing area. 1 dead in storage closet next to kitchen 1 dead under prep table in dishwashing area. 1 dead roach in ice machine
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in cooler next to grill in disrepair. Gaskets on Summit brand reach in cooler on prep line in disrepair.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment soiled.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink removed for plumbing repairs, operator will replace after repairs have been made.
Feb 26, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 11 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 3 live roaches under prep table in dishwashing area 1 live on side of reach in freezer in dishwashing area. 1 live roach under stove in kitchen 1 live on reach in freezer on cook line. 13 live in men's restroom under hand wash sink cabinet
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1 rodent dropping in front food storage closet
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. Discussed with operator on how to obtain food handlers certifications.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at front hand wash sink.
Water with a temperature of at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off in entire establishment. Operator called plumber at time of inspection to fix hot water.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead under reach in freezer in dishwashing area. 1 dead in storage closet next to kitchen 1 dead under prep table in dishwashing area. 1 dead roach in ice machine
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nesting on rack above three compartment sink discussed with operator proper air drying procedure.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Discussed with operator proper dishwashing order at time of inspection.
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in cooler next to grill in disrepair. Gaskets on Summit brand reach in cooler on prep line in disrepair.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under equipment soiled.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink removed for plumbing repairs, operator will replace after repairs have been made.
Dec 15, 2023□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets inside refrigerator next to flattop grill are torn.
Dec 14, 2023■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on cooks line 2 live roaches on wall next to 3 compartment sink 2 live roaches underneath grill 4 live roaches on cove molding underneath grill 2 live roaches overtop small black refrigerator 1 live roach underneath ice machine 2 live roaches underneath food preparation table in back kitchen area.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. No commercially processed foods in kitchen area has date markings.
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. Emailed operator body fluid clean up sign.
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roach on cooks line 1 dead roach inside sanitizer bucket
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets inside refrigerator next to flattop grill are torn.
Dec 13, 2023■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 12 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. Cooked ham stored inside same bin as opened raw ground beef inside refrigerator next to flattop grill. Owner removed and properly stored cooked ham.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw sausage stored in same pan as ready to eat ham inside reach in cooler in kitchen area. Owner removed raw sausage and properly stored it.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored inside same pan as raw beef inside refrigerator next to flattop grill in kitchen area. Owner removed and properly stored chicken.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on cooks line 2 live roaches on wall next to 3 compartment sink 2 live roaches underneath grill 4 live roaches on cove molding underneath grill 2 live roaches overtop small black refrigerator 1 live roach underneath ice machine 2 live roaches underneath food preparation table in back kitchen area.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. No commercially processed foods in kitchen area has date markings.
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. Emailed operator body fluid clean up sign.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No food prepared onsite has date markings.
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roach on cooks line 1 dead roach inside sanitizer bucket
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets inside refrigerator next to flattop grill are torn.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Avocados not washed before preparation.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.