CAFE ESPANA
498 W 28TH ST, Hialeah FL 33010 · 305.885.0999
Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · 9 visits since November 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 47 points off where it started.
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee touched a cooked chicken and placed on customer plate with not gloves on his hands.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 16, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed gat preparation table located next to walk in freezer.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in freezer shelves with rust accumulation at kitchen area.
Jul 15, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed bread pudding with mold like growth inside reach in cooler in front of walk in freezer at kitchen area. Operator discarded it during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed bread pudding dated 06/29 inside reach in cooler in front of walk in freezer. Operator discarded it during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Raw beef steak (49F - Cold Holding); Cooked chicken (51F); Raw beef chunks (51F - Cold Holding); Cooked pork legs (47F - Cold Holding); Raw Ribs (49F - Cold Holding); Lentils (49F - Cold Holding); Beef Empanadas (51F - Cold Holding); Cooked pork (53F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler at kitchen area. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Operator discarded during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Raw beef steak (49F - Cold Holding); Cooked chicken (51F); Raw beef chunks (51F - Cold Holding); Cooked pork legs (47F - Cold Holding); Raw Ribs (49F - Cold Holding); Lentils (49F - Cold Holding); Beef Empanadas (51F - Cold Holding); Cooked pork (53F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler at kitchen area. As per operator from the day before. Operator discarded during inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker at hose bibb located next to hand wash sink at kitchen area.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled at preparation table next to walk in freezer. Operator removed during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a metal spoon and a plastic bucket stored inside hand wash sink next to walk in cooler at kitchen area. Operator removed during inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle inside rice container at storage area. Operator removed during inspection.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk in cooler in disrepair at 51 degrees Fahrenheit at kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed gat preparation table located next to walk in freezer.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back kitchen area.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall behind shelf at storage room. Operator covered hole during inspection.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at preparation table next to walk in freezer at back kitchen area. Operator removed wet wiping cloth under cutting board at the time of inspection.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient inside walk in cooler.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in freezer shelves with rust accumulation at kitchen area.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking pipe at hand wash sink located next to walk in cooler at kitchen area.
Feb 11, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 27 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority4 Intermediate18 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed washed oranges stored inside dirty cardboard at front counter. Operator washed oranges and stored in clean container during inspection.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken and raw beef stored in same container inside reach in freezer at kitchen area. Operator stored properly during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed tomato sauce container dated 01/19 inside reach in cooler in front of walk in freezer. Operator discarded during inspection.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed tomato sauce container dated 01/19 inside reach in cooler in front of walk in freezer. Operator discarded during inspection.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) under steam table at cook line at kitchen area. Operator discarded and replaced sanitizer solution Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 50ppm) under steam table at cook line at kitchen area.
Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified food manager unable to answer the big 6. Coached employee during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed 1 dirty utensil stored inside hand wash sink at kitchen area. Employee removed and stored properly during inspection.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusty shelf at dry storage area at kitchen area.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee machine area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed pink mold like substance inside ice machine at front counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle inside black pepper container on top of reach in cooler at cook line area. Employee removed during inspection.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler handle soiled with food debris at cook line area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee purse stored on top of beans container at dry storage area. Operator stored properly during inspection.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed 3 employees engaged in food preparation wearing jewelry and a watch at front counter.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 3 employees engaged in good preparation with no hair restraint at front counter.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting inside metal container on shelf above 3 compartment sink at cook line area.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back door.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the floor next to reach in freezers at kitchen entrance.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of plastic water bottles stored on the floor outside of men bathroom. Operator stored properly during inspection.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall behind beans container at dry storage area.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer inside reach in cooler at kitchen area. Operator provided ambient thermometer during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed sodas reach in cooler gaskets soiled at front counter. Also observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at cook line area.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed bottle of waters stored inside reach in cooler on top of establishment food. Operator segregated and stored properly during inspection.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler in front of cook line at kitchen entrance.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken stew and pork leg thawing at room temperature on top of preparation table at front counter. Employee stored inside walk in cooler for proper thawing.
Sep 22, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 19, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 3 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter (46F - Cold Holding); raw pork (47F - Cold Holding); chickpeas (48F - Cold Holding); bacon (46F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator stated that door often open during rush time. bacon (53F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); sliced ham (50F - Cold Holding); sausage (52F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler next to cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator stated that door was left open during rush time.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cod stew (120F - Hot Holding); roasted chicken (129F - Hot Holding) on steam table at kitchen. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed products on stove for reheat.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee bag stored on top of container of beans at dry storage. Observed employee phone stored next to canned good at dry storage. Operator removed all items.
Jan 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooked pork held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at walk in cooler.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface, located at cooking line.
Jul 15, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. By the hand sink near the cooking line.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface, located at cooking area.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust, throughout the kitchen areas.
Mar 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
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.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed most employees working with food wearing jewelry.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed food debris behind kitchen fryers and stove top.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Most kitchen coolers throughout.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen chicken, thawed in room temperature.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls throughout kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Nov 28, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee touched a cooked chicken and placed on customer plate with not gloves on his hands.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked ground beef with date marked 10/10, also observed flan with date marked 11/13.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee touched raw chicken and placed on the grilled than touched raw fish without changed gloves. Instructed operator regarding change gloves procedure. Operator changed gloves.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed cooked ground beef with date marked 10/10. Observed employee touched a cooked chicken and placed on customer plate with not gloves on his hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beef (113°F - Hot Holding); cooked calabaza (99°F - Hot Holding); for less than 4 hours as per operator, operator reheated at 165°F
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. Employees name Solange, Maria,Yakeline.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
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 washing dishes with not rinse step. Instructed operator regarding wash dishes step.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In front three compartment sink.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed multiple wet wiping towels on preparation table, operator placed inside chlorine sanitation bucket at 100 ppm.
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.