CUBAVANA CAFE
20445-47 OLD CUTLER RD, Cutler Bay FL 33189 · 305.235.3005
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
NOV 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed BEEF PICADILLO (46F - Cooling) as per manager more than six hours.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate13 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork stored inside supermarket bag in the reach in freezer.
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 David Gil and Marcos Lopez. More than 2 months.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles soiled above with water damage.
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled above front line. Also observed ac vent cover soiled inside the walk in cooler.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers not properly air-dried - wet nesting above the 3 compartment sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler and reach in freezer door gaskets torn.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by the 3 compartment sink.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic bucket with food stored on the floor of the walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of counter.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Jan 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef (50 F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (50 F - Cold Holding)at reach in cooler underneath the grill. As per employee less than 2 hours. Employee moved all the food to the reach in cooler at the sandwich station.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed empanadas (115 F - Hot Holding)inside the hot box at the front counter. As per employee less than 2 hours.
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 beef, cooked chicken held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at walk in cooler.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic container with potatoes stored on the floor of the walk in cooler.
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 handle inside the sugar at the front counter.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed a cup in standing water at 120 F at the front line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door.
Stored food not covered. Observed beef inside the reach in freezer not covered, employee covered it.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop inside the bucket.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed multiple wiping clothes stored on preparation table at the kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar at the front counter not labeled.
Sep 5, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a small cup used as scoop inside the salt container in the kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents with accumulation of grease.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored above preparation table in the kitchen. Employee removed it.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by the 3 compartment sink.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen area.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed standing reach in freezer shelves and bottom soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at reach in cooler by the back door.
Walk-in coolershelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Sep 2, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 30 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority2 Intermediate21 Basic
Show 30 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine sanitizer at the dishwasher was 0 ppm. It was fixed chlorine sanitizer reached 100 ppm.
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracked eggs and then handled clean equipment without washing hands.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed chlorine sanitizer at the dishwasher was 0 ppm. It was fixed chlorine sanitizer reached 100 ppm.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed French fries stored inside supermarket bag in the reach in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above sweet plantains inside the reach in cooler by the service window
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
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sweet plantains (111 F - Hot Holding) as per employee less than 1 hours.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed they do not have chlorine test strips for The dishwasher.
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a small cup used as scoop inside the salt container in the kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents with accumulation of grease.
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 4 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. Stop sale was issued.
Employee drinking in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee removed it.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored above preparation table in the kitchen. Employee removed it.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by the 3 compartment sink.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen area.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tiles missing grout throughout the kitchen area.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed at the salt container in the kitchen area.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop on top of the ice machine.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 125°F in preparation table. Employee changed the water to 137°F.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled. Also Observed hood filters soiled.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an opened employee water bottle stored inside the reach in cooler by the service window. Employee removed it.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed standing reach in freezer shelves and bottom soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the back door.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at reach in cooler by the back door.
Walk-in coolershelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at preparation table in the kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt not labeled in the kitchen area.
Mar 6, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves at dry storage at kitchen area rusted and pitted.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line grooved. Observed cutting board grooved at work station next to service window at kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers at ware washing area wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in reach in cooler located at kitchen area next to service window torn and in poor repair.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler at cook line under flattop griddle.
Feb 25, 2025Warning 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 ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed BEEF PICADILLO (46F - Cooling) as per manager more than six hours.
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher at 10ppm at ware washing area. Not dispensing sanitizer.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed eggs stored over ready to eat product at walk in cooler. Manager removed ready to eat products away from eggs.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed BEEF PICADILLO (46F - Cooling) as per manager more than six hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food removed from cold holding for necessary preparation rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the preparation process and was not cooled back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Observed RAW LIVER (44F - Cooling) as per manager more than 4 hours.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Observed incorrect test strips. Operator bought correct strips during inspection.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves at dry storage at kitchen area rusted and pitted.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing tile at front counter over orange juice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line grooved. Observed cutting board grooved at work station next to service window at kitchen area.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed servers wearing a watch and bracelet while serving food.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers at ware washing area wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in reach in cooler located at kitchen area next to service window torn and in poor repair.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign at handwashing sink at kitchen area next to service window. Manager placed sign at handwashing sink.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves in reach in freezer at preparation area soiled with food debris. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with mold like substance. Observed shelves at reach in cooler next to mop sink soiled with food debris.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler at cook line under flattop griddle.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall under and behind three compartment sink and drying shelves soiled with mold like substance.
Nov 20, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw whole turkey over sweet plantain stored inside the walk in cooler. Employee removed items and placed correctly.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. During the inspection operator provided paper towel.
No soap provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooked ground beef held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at 2 doors reach in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 2 days before the inspection.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing tile above the orange juice machine, located at front counter.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout the kitchen areas.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable, located at preparation area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed 3 doors reach in cooler gaskets torn, located at cooking line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed walk in cooler floor soiled.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers with cooked chicken wrap in plastic bags stored on the floor inside the walk in cooler. Employee removed item and placed correctly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Observed walk -in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed standing reach in freezer bottom soiled.
Standing water in bottom of the 3 doors standing reach-in-cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust, throughout the kitchen areas.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses, throughout the kitchen areas.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed several plastic bottles with different sauces with no labels, throughout the kitchen areas.
Mar 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee picked a sanitizer paper wrap from the floor continued to engage in food preparation and failed to wash hands prior, coached employee and manager on proper hand washing techniques. Employee proceeded to wash hands independently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In the reach in cooler located across from the mop sink observed raw hamburger stored over raw steak.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled, located at cook line.
Oct 17, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored in a plastic container observed Chicken Noodle Soup (129 F - Hot Holding), as per manager for less than 1 hour. Manager reheating soup to store it in a hot holding unit by the oven. Stored on the stove observed cooked vegetables (109F - Hot Holding), as per cook for less than 30 minutes, employee reheating food.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. RIC located in front of the prep sink in the kitchen.
Jul 24, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler observed raw ground beef stored over boiled potatoes, manager placed raw beef on the bottom.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw shrimp, vegetables. Manager reorganized RIF.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored in a plastic container observed Chicken Noodle Soup (129 F - Hot Holding), as per manager for less than 1 hour. Manager reheating soup to store it in a hot holding unit by the oven. Stored on the stove observed cooked vegetables (109F - Hot Holding), as per cook for less than 30 minutes, employee reheating food.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Edgari Garrido, Yosany Santoya, Claudia Morales, Mercedes Cue, Carlos Munoz.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. RIF located in the storage area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. RIF located in the storage interior have accumulation of soil residues
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. RIC located in front of the prep sink in the kitchen.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.
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.