CUBA LIVES RESTAURANT
4590 W 12 AVE, Hialeah FL 33012 · 786..210.4507
Last inspected Jul 15, 2026 · 10 visits since November 2023
NOV 24
APR 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 15, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted bottom part of desserts reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork,cooked beans,cooked pasta,cooked corn prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not date marked on shelves at walk in cooler. Observed cooked chicken (118F - Hot Holding); pasta (126F - Hot Holding); breaded fish (126F - Hot Holding); cooked eggs (131F - Hot Holding) at buffet line, as per operator less than 1 hour.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed several food stored on cracked and broken containers/lids throughout kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at kitchen areal
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units throughout kitchen. Observed dust and grease accumulated on fans at kitchen area. Also observed grease accumulated on hot holding unit at kitchen area.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed at dry storage area and ice machines area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior and shelves in all units throughout kitchen.
Jul 14, 2026Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 36 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority4 Intermediate25 Basic
Show 36 findings ▾
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Observed ice not protected at bar area, missing lid.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 5 flies landing on utensils and preparation table at kitchen area.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above raw pork on shelves at walk in cooler.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked beans (47F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (45F - Cold Holding); shredded beef (45F - Cold Holding); cooked yuca (45F - Cold Holding); fried rice (46F - Cold Holding); cooked corn (46F - Cold Holding); cooked steak (46F - Cold Holding) on shelves at walk in cooler, as per operator food was stored the 2 day ago. Operator segregated food to be discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at buffet line tuna salad (47F - Cold Holding); shrimp salad (47F - Cold Holding); cut melon (48F - Cold Holding); tuna paste (46F - Cold Holding) as per operator less than 1 hour. Observed shredded mozzarella (48F - Cold Holding); sliced ham (48F - Cold Holding); cooked ribs (41F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (41F - Cold Holding); raw pork (68F - Cold Holding) raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); raw steak (47F - Cold Holding); marinated beef (46F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at cook line, as per operator less than 2 hours. Observed cooked beans (47F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (45F - Cold Holding); shredded beef (45F - Cold Holding); cooked yuca (45F - Cold Holding); fried rice (46F - Cold Holding); cooked corn (46F - Cold Holding); cooked steak (46F - Cold Holding) on shelves at walk in cooler, as per operator food was stored the 2 day ago. Operator segregated food to be discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed plantains (126F - Hot Holding) cooked chicken (118F - Hot Holding); pasta (126F - Hot Holding); breaded fish (126F - Hot Holding); cooked eggs (131F - Hot Holding) at buffet line, as per operator less than 1.5 hours. Operator proceeded to reheated.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food stored on soiled containers on reach in cooler throughout kitchen,
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed by 3 compartment sink. Operator provided paper towels during inspection.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted bottom part of desserts reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork,cooked beans,cooked pasta,cooked corn prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not date marked on shelves at walk in cooler. Observed cooked chicken (118F - Hot Holding); pasta (126F - Hot Holding); breaded fish (126F - Hot Holding); cooked eggs (131F - Hot Holding) at buffet line, as per operator less than 1 hour.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed on rice container by dry storage. Operator removed during inspection.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled handles in all units at kitchen area.
Clean linens stored on floor. Observed at dry storage area, employee stored properly.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach inside hand wash sink next to hot holdings units by buffet area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drink above of preparation table at kitchen area. Employee removed.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed no lid on ice machine at bar area.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed several food stored on cracked and broken containers/lids throughout kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed food containers on walk in cooler floor.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Observed ice buckets stored on floor at bar area.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored between ice machines at the back area. Operator removed to dishwashing area.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed by 3 compartment sink, operator removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle, employee removed.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed on white bin sugar container, operator removed during inspection.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at kitchen areal
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer on reach in coolers throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units throughout kitchen. Observed dust and grease accumulated on fans at kitchen area. Also observed grease accumulated on hot holding unit at kitchen area.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed at dry storage area and ice machines area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior and shelves in all units throughout kitchen.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed ice buckets not inverted at bar area.
Stored food not covered. Observed several food contained not covered at walk in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed at dishwashing area.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine +100ppm) at bar area. Employee discarded solution.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and bread crumbs container not identified with common name at cook line. Employee labeled during inspection.
May 8, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Sanitizer not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Observed operator spraying Chlorine sanitizer on wall sanitizer 200+ on spraying bottle. Operator coached employee, employee stopped spraying and diluted chlorine with water, spray bottle (Chlorine 100ppm)
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed inside warmer unit cooked black beans (122F - Hot Holding); yellow rice (126F - Hot Holding);, according to manager placed 45 minutes prior, employee placed food items inside oven to reheat, second temperature 25 minutes after. yellow rice (167F - Reheating); cooked black beans (169F - Reheating)
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed under hard sink at ware washing area, hose connected no vacuum breaker breaker.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed at ware washing area hand sink used, used as a dump sink, food residue inside inside hand sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed trough out kitchen.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed raw beef trough out the kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed raw beef stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. Operator stored food six inches above the floor.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed stored on a soiled surface, operator replaced with clean scoop and stored inside ice machine with handle upwards
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 buried inside sugar container, operator stored sugar container with scoop handle upwards.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled
Open dumpster lid. Operator closed dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed yuca and spaghetti containers no covered inside walk in cooler. Operator covered food items with lids.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at bar area straws no individually wrapped.
Dec 10, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed hand sink white cutting boards grooved at kitchen.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed cooked beans in drying board clean containers with old labels stuck.
Dec 9, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed four dented cans at dry storage area.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee put gloves to handle food, no hand washing prior observed. Manager coached employee on proper glove use and hand washing. Employee removed gloves, washed hands d hands and then put gloves on.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed noodles salad stored under raw pork. Operator stored noodles salad in a different shelf with ready to eat foods only.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed inside warmer pork Milanese (117F - Hot Holding) according to cook placed 90 minutes ago. Operator reheated product at oven 20 minutes later pork Milanese (167F - Hot Holding)
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed under hard sink at ware washing area, hose connected no vacuum breaker breaker.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands at 3 compartment sink.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.observed lids inside hand wash sink sink next to 3 compartment sink, hand sink no accessible for hand washing. Operator removed lids from inside hand sink.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed hand sink white cutting boards grooved at kitchen.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled, gaskets on reach in coolers spoiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed cooked beans in drying board clean containers with old labels stuck.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked beans, soups and meats inside walk in cooler no covered. Operator covered all food containers.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at bar area. Operator placed non wrapped straws behind counter, away from customer reach.
Apr 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed calamari stored on thank you bags, inside vertical freezer. Manager stored calamari in food grade bags.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed under hand wash sink at ware washing area. Hose no vacuum breaker.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand sink by food warmers used as a dump sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen dusty vents.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed car keys and headphones on shelves above prep area at kitchen.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed broken plastic containers in use.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed at kitchen over prep table. Manager removed bug zapper.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked spaghetti, cooked macaroni, cooked shredded chicken, and smoked pork loin inside walking cooler. Operator covered food containers.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at bar area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed dusty walls at kitchen on wall behind desserts cooler. And reach in cooler connecting with whit buffet salad area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container no labeled at storage area. Manager labeled sugar container.
Nov 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 2 dented cans containing condensed milk and one dented containing ketchup.
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Observed gummies, marshmallows, and cookies used for ice cream bowls not covered or protected at bar area. Employee stored food items inside plastic containers with leads.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee cleaned gloves with paper towels, was told to wash his hands and changed gloves, employee changed gloves without washing his hands first. Manager coached employee on proper gloves use and hand washing.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed fried fish ( as per manager less than 2 hours) (109F) and cooked ground beef (118F - Hot Holding). Operator took to stove to be reheated. Recheck fried fish (190F - Reheating); ground beef (166F - Reheating).
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb at outside building near mop sink. Observed hose bibb at mop sink and ware washing area at dish machine.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled at kitchen area.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing windex not labeled. Operator labeled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine by mop sink.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle inside container with sugar. Operator removed it.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal phone at kitchen area. Operator removed it.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed two employees wearing rings and jewelry on their hands while serving food.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed an employee while serving food.
Food storage container broken. Observed food containers broken at kitchen area. Operator discarded.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knives stored between equipment and wall at ware-washing area. Operator removed knifes.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler at kitchen area soiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed clean containers with old labels, At three compartments sink.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed straws at bar area. Operator removed it from bar area, not on customer reach.
May 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched face, put gloves on and engaged in food preparation whit out washing hands first. Manager coached employee in proper hand washing and glove use.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed next to mop sink hose connected no vac breaker.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic jar inside hand wash sink at prep area. Manager removed jar from inside hand was sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed two cell phones inside rack with clean equipment. Manager removed cellphones.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employees wearing wrist watches, gold wrist chains while preparing food.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed inside walk in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic container with flour stored on the floor under shelf. Manager stored flour container on shelf six inch above the floor.
Salad bar/buffet plates/bowls not properly protected or inverted to prevent contamination. Observed at buffet plates not inverted. Manager inverted plates.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork leg, cooked beef, cooked yuca inside walk in cooler, no covered.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed tick straws no individually wrapped at bar. Manager removed straws from bar area.
Nov 15, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed inside food warmer white rice (120F - Hot Holding); fried rice (121F - Hot Holding); according to manager prepared 90 minutes ago. Cook put rice containers inside oven to reheat. 25 minutes later white rice (170F - Hot Holding); fried rice (168F - Hot Holding);
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed next to mop sit hose connected no vacuum breakers.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink used as a dump sin, observed ice inside hand sink at bar.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed window cleaner on spray bottle. Manager labeled spray bottle.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed two ice machines by mop sink soiled.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on oven door handles at kitchen
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed shoes stored on drying rack at were washing area. Employee removed shoes from drying rack.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees preparing food no hair restraints. Employees put hair nets on.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed food debris on the floor under shelving inside walk in cooler.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven door at kitchen. Employee removed tongs from oven door.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at kitchen towels under cutting boards.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled, reach in coolers and freezers gaskets soiled.
Salad bar/buffet plates/bowls not properly protected or inverted to prevent contamination. Observed plates on buffet line not inverted. Employee inverted plates during inspection.
Stored food not covered. Observed containers with cooked black beans, chicken noodles soup, pork legs and cooked fish, inside walk in cooler no covered..
Nov 2, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Recorded at 860 NE 79 ST STE B, Miami — this licence has since moved.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 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. Provided form during inspection.
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. Provided form during inspection.
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.