CAPTAIN FISH & CHICKEN
19747 NW 37 AVE, Miami Gardens FL 33056 · 954.684.1349
Last inspected Aug 10, 2026 · 8 visits since February 2024
OCT 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license on 10/01/23
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 10, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority6 Intermediate11 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 18 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken tender over unwashed vegetables in the walk in cooler.
Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed manager in charge unaware how to calibrate thermometer or remember the minimum cooking temperature of a chicken.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed scoops stored inside seasoned salt container soiled with old food debris. Manager removed and took item to dish area.
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing. Observed no chemical sanitizer available. Employee purchased during inspection.
Show the remaining 14 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed containers of coleslaw and conch salad at display cooler at front counter. As per manager, products preparing on previous days.
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 Qassem with an expired certificate.
Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed plastic spray bottle cleaner not labeled.
Cardboard used to line food-contact box for fried chicken manager removed item.
Ceiling and ceiling vents soiled with accumulated dust at cook line and storage area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed standing reach in freezer gasket in disrepair at cook line.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed heavily soiled with old food debris underneath fryers and reach in cooler at cook line.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of raw chicken quarters and cheesecake stored on floor at walk in freezer.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed clean knives and spatulas stored between wall and 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed storage shelves near drive through heavily soiled with dust.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed light inside walk in cooler not functioning.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hoods soiled with accumulated grease and dust.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipes leaking on the floor of the front counter handwashing sink.
Mar 19, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of ibuprofen stored on top of paper towel dispenser at hand sink.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw snapper completely thawed inside reduced oxygen packaging inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced cheese (50F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (51F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler next to cook line. As per operator products were taken from walk in cooler and placed inside reach in cooler one hour prior to inspection. Operator took products to walk in cooler for rapid cooling.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed can of WD40 stored on shelf above prep table in kitchen area.
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing. Observed establishment utilizing bleach for sanitizer. As per operator they ran out of bleach. Operator purchased bleach during inspection.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler handle soiled next to cook line.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with water damage near back door.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled in kitchen area.
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 reach in cooler next to cook line with ambient temperature 50F.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw snapper completely thawed inside reduced oxygen packaging inside walk in cooler.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. At bottom of back door.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with old food debris and grease buildup underneath cook line.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop stored inside container of seasoning with handle in contact with product.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled in kitchen area.
Aug 22, 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 conch salad stored in the walk in cooler since 3 days ago, as per operator with no date label.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents with dust in the back storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets in fliptop reach in cooler soiled.
Feb 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken gizzards over raw Shrimp in the reach in cooler, operator stored properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings (54F - Cold Holding) stored on top of the prep table for less than 1 hour, as per operator. Operator placed items in the walk in cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. By the front t counter. Operator placed new roll.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed conch salad and Cole slaw prepared 3 days ago with no date label.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed front counter handwashing sink with no hot water. Hot water valve is turned off.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Operator placed filter back.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Oct 1, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw shrimp in the reach in cooler. Operator stored properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed fried chicken (56F - Cold Holding) placed in the kitchen less than 1 hour ago, as per operator. Item was placed inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings (89F - Hot Holding) less than 1 hour ago, as per operator. Operator reheated chicken wings (173F - Reheating).
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed conch salad prepared 6 days ago with no date label in the walk in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Observed fries stored on the floor of the kitchen. Observed chicken wings stored in the walk in freezer floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Apr 26, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed chicken wings (50F - Cold Holding); shrimp (51F - Cold Holding); conch (50F - Cold Holding); tilapia (50F - Cold Holding) stored inside the walk in cooler since last night, as per operator.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings (50F - Cold Holding); shrimp (51F - Cold Holding); conch (50F - Cold Holding); tilapia (50F - Cold Holding) stored inside the walk in cooler since last night, as per operator.
Apr 25, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed marinated chicken over marinated raw shrimp stored inside the reach in cooler in front of the fryers. Operator stored properly during the inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed chicken wings (50F - Cold Holding); shrimp (51F - Cold Holding); conch (50F - Cold Holding); tilapia (50F - Cold Holding) stored inside the walk in cooler since last night, as per operator.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings (50F - Cold Holding); shrimp (51F - Cold Holding); conch (50F - Cold Holding); tilapia (50F - Cold Holding) stored inside the walk in cooler since last night, as per operator.
Food manager certification expired. 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 Nezam Saleh expired certificate on 4/24/24.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the women's bathroom hand drying device not working properly. Operator placed paper towels.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap in the women's bathroom, operator placed new bottle.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed raw conch salad at the front counter with no consumer advisory. Provided form to operator.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed a hole on the ceiling tile by the mop sink.
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 with ambient temperature of 53F, advised operator to open walk in freezer door to let the cold air inside until unit is fixed.
Feb 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license on 10/01/23
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Walk in cooler: conch salad and Cole slaw not date marked. As per operator, prepared two days again. Operator place the labels on the containers.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Reach in cooler in front of of the cook line.
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.