DON CHEPE'S MEXICAN GRILL
8901 SW 157 AVE, Miami FL 33196 · 305 951 9667
Last inspected Mar 5, 2026 · 9 visits since January 2024
MAY 24
OCT 24
JAN 25
NOV 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 6 flying insects at bar, on top of counter top and rubber mat used for draining glasses and where bar garnishes are stored. Observed 1 live fly inside coconut for bar garnishes. Observed 3 live flies inside of floral arrangement located on bar countertop.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2017036840 | Jul 27, 2017 | Aug 29, 2017 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Mar 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 24 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate18 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 24 findingsThe state's own report →
Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments. Observed faucet at three compartment sink does not reach all three compartments.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed bucket of read beans at 57F Cooling. As per operator less than 3 hours. Final beans temperature 42F Cold Holding.Operator placed beans in smaller containers.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a spray bottle of degreaser next to clean plates under nacho chip station. Operator removed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dry food and dish racks soiled with food debris. Also soiled racks observed in the dishwasher machine.
Show the remaining 20 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust shelves on dry dish racks.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed different container with mole sauce, marinated meat, beans prepared on site not labeled inside walk in cooler. As per operator was prepared the day before. Coached operator labeling guidelines. Operator labeled all containers.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed accumulation of debris inside dishwasher machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior of dishwasher machine soiled.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing on top of dishwasher machine.
Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed duct tape used on top of ice machine located inside kitchen area.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor next to kitchen exit door.
Food stored on floor. Observed a box of plastic bottles of water stored on floor. Operator removed.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored in oven door.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wiping cloth under cutting board at prep table across cook line.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed no plug at dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed fans soiled with dust inside walk in cooler. Additionally, a grease-soiled hose was observed attached to the grease tank located on top of the walk-in cooler.
Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open at time of inspection.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed accumulation soiled shelves in walk in cooler.
Stored food not covered. Observed uncovered containers of beans and beef stew in the walk-in cooler. Operator covered.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed 6 frozen rop bags of salmon being thawed improperly inside Rop bag. Operator removed from package. Coached operator the correct method.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed food residue on shelves inside the walk-in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled with grease wall on the back of grill. Also observed soiled wall behind 3 compartment sink.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizer solution.
Nov 4, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dry food and dish racks soiled with food debris.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry dish racks.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior soiled at time of inspection.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed in kitchen.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ripped gasket in reach in across cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at screen door.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed near dish machine.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed 1 dumpster on grass outside of establishment.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior soiled next to steam table.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed no plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open at time of inspection.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in walk in cooler.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in bar.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Nov 3, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 26 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority4 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 26 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed adult vitamins stored on top of reach in cooler across cook line.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 6 flying insects at bar, on top of counter top and rubber mat used for draining glasses and where bar garnishes are stored. Observed 1 live fly inside coconut for bar garnishes. Observed 3 live flies inside of floral arrangement located on bar countertop.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs over salsa and onions in walk in cooler. Operator removed eggs and placed on another shelf for proper segregation.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 1 live fly inside of coconut used as bar garnishes. Operator discarded coconut.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed reach in across cook line with ambient temp if 60F. The following foods stored inside for less than 4 hours: pick de gallo (55F - Cold Holding); guacamole with diced tomato (56F - Cold Holding); cheese shredded (57F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (60F - Cold Holding). Operator began moving food to other cooler.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed mop sink with hose attachment, needing breaker.
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. Observed no form or kit; inspector provided via email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dry food and dish racks soiled with food debris.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink at cook line. Operator brought inspector paper towels.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry dish racks.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior soiled at time of inspection.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed in kitchen.
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 across cook line with ambient temp if 60F. The following foods stored inside for less than 4 hours: pick de gallo (55F - Cold Holding); guacamole with diced tomato (56F - Cold Holding); cheese shredded (57F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (60F - Cold Holding).
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ripped gasket in reach in across cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at screen door.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed near dish machine.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed 1 dumpster on grass outside of establishment.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior soiled next to steam table.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed no plug at dumpster.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no poster; inspector provided via email.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy printed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed under flat top heavily soiled. Observed hood system soiled.
Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open at time of inspection.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in walk in cooler.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in bar.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Jun 26, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (112 F - Hot Holding), stored by the flat grill, as per cook for less than 1 hour, employee reheating food.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, hand wash sink at front counter.
No soap provided at handwash sink, Hand wash sink at front counter.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Stored food not covered. Observed in the walk in cooler containers with cooked beans, cooked beef, beef soup not covered.
Jan 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over steak in reach in cooler. Also observed raw chicken and raw steak stored over fish in reach in cooler at stove. Employee corrected food storage.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled at cook line,
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
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 2 salmon bags in reach in cooler under stove. Operator was advised that they need to cut bags once they put bags to thaw.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at reach in cooler across from stove.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn under stove.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor throughout kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed pot of Beef soup stored on floor of walk in cooler. Also observed, bag of onions stored on floor near three compartment sink. Operator placed on shelf.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at cook line.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of soiled ice machine.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water on stove reacing 70F.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled near ice machine.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in cooler near ice machine.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind hand wash sink near stove soiled,
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed throughout kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled container of sugar at bar area. Also observed unlabeled bottle of oil on stove.
Oct 11, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled with old food debris and grease. Also observed cutting board soiled with old food debris.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Observed sugar removed from manufacturers container without label in bar area.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed 3 ceiling tiles missing in kitchen near entrance door.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling in kitchen area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed glass plates not inverted on shelf in kitchen
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn in front of stove.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed Knife stored between wall and three compartment sink.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed cloth stored under cutting board in kitchen
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer at reach in cooler across from stove.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelves next to three compartment sink soiled with grease. Also observed shelf next to fryer soiled.
Water draining onto floor surface. Observed water draining on floor in walk in cooler.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop inside bucket in kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths on bar and cutting board in kitchen area near stove.
Oct 8, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 32 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority5 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 32 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 was 0ppm.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed chlorine sanitizer was 0ppm.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee handle dirty plate and went to dining area without washing hands.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Cooked Chicken (118F - Hot Holding), as per employee, chicken has been out since 10:30 this morning. Also observed Cold Holding: Shredded Cheese (60F); Cheese (60F); Pico De Gallo (62F); Avocado (62F - Cold Holding); Cut Tomatoes (60F - Cold Holding). As per employee, items had been prepared at 11:00am. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cold Holding: Shredded Cheese (60F); Cheese (60F); Pico De Gallo (62F); Avocado (62F - Cold Holding); Cut Tomatoes (60F - Cold Holding). As per employee, items had been prepared at 11:00am. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cooked Chicken (118F - Hot Holding) at steam table in kitchen, as per employee, chicken has been out since 10:30 this morning.Stop sale issued
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical substance stored with sauce containers in kitchen.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled with old food debris and grease. Also observed cutting board soiled with old food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pots stored inside handwashing sink in back of kitchen.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink at bar area. Employee replenished.
Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Observed sugar removed from manufacturers container without label in bar area.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed 3 ceiling tiles missing in kitchen near entrance door.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling in kitchen area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed glass plates not inverted on shelf in kitchen
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 all food stored inside reach in cooler out of temperature. Employee was advised not to use it.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 10 dead roaches under reach in cooler at kitchen.
Employee drinking in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed an opened water bottler store on preparation table in the kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers wet nesting on shelf above three compartment sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn in front of stove.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water all over the kitchen area.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease behind the stove in kitchen area.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed Knife stored between wall and three compartment sink.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed multiple tongs stored on oven handle.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed cloth stored under cutting board in kitchen
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer at reach in cooler across from stove.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelves next to three compartment sink soiled with grease. Also observed shelf next to fryer soiled.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls in kitchen soiled with grease and mold like substance at mop sink.
Water draining onto floor surface. Observed water draining on floor in walk in cooler.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop inside bucket in kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths on bar and cutting board in kitchen area near stove.
May 2, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/.
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. Bowl stored in dry rice.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling has a hole/tear above walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open employee drink stored on cutting board at make bar.
Exterior screen door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in front of upright glass cooler to right of ware washing area.
Food stored on floor. Salsa and beans stored on floor in walk in cooler.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Multiple tongs stored on oven handle.
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 stored in cinnamon/sugar mix.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.
Open dumpster lid.
Soiled dry wiping cloths in use and stored on food contact surfaces.
Stored food not covered. Beef, salsa and beans stored in walk in cooler uncovered.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall soiled in ware washing area around 3 compartment sink.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop stored in soiled water in mop bucket.
Jan 25, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (112 F - Hot Holding), stored by the flat grill, as per cook for less than 1 hour, employee reheating food.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, hand wash sink at front counter.
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 to manager.
No soap provided at handwash sink, Hand wash sink at front counter.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Stored food not covered. Observed in the walk in cooler containers with cooked beans, cooked beef, beef soup not covered.
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.