DON CHEPES MEXICAN GRILL
9457 SW 56 ST, Miami FL 33165
Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
SEP 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 19 points off where it started.
Live, small flying insects found Observed three flying insects at bar area during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 16, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw shrimp (48F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler located across the cook line. As per operator, product has been there for about two hours. Operator placed inside walk in cooler for rapid cooling.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bucket inside hand wash sink located next to prep table. Operator removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the hand wash sink located next to prep in prep room.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed clear spray bottle of degreaser located at the three compartment sink with no label.
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior of dish machine soiled.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed black microwave near cook line with door handle covered in food debris.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles in kitchen area soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed two white cutting boards located across the cook line with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer near prep table with torn gaskets.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed black microwave located next to cook line with soiled interior.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan covers soiled. Observed reach in cooler drawers at the cook line soiled.
Reach-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in freezer located near prep station with rusted shelves.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed tin foil used as a shelf cover near cook line soiled and torn.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall located behind black microwave heavily soiled.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed two wet wiping cloths on top of white cutting boards located located across the cook line.
Feb 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed container of burn medicine stored above tortillas at the cook line. Operator removed.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef stored with unwashed onions and potatoes inside walk in cooler. Operator removed.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of toilet bowel cleaner stored next to clean dishes at the dry rack station in back storage area. Operator removed.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed two glass cups inside hand wash sink at the bar area. Operator removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to prep table.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed plastic bin of raw chicken inside all in cooler cracked.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Observed ice bucket on floor at the bar area. Operator removed.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on soiled surface. Operator removed.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wiping cloth under yellow cutting board at the prep table. Operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris inside kitchen prep area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at the cook line soiled. Observed reach in cooler gaskets located across the cook line soiled.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen tilapia being thawed at room temperature. Operator placed products in walk in cooler for proper thawing.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working squeeze bottles of oils and sauces at the cook line with no label.
Sep 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw steak stored above ready to eat pico de gallo inside reach in cooler in prep area. Operator removed raw steak.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of degreaser stored on shelf next to tortillas near cook line. Operator removed.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed kitchen spoon inside hand wash sink near cook line. Operator removed.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chlorine test kit expired 06/24.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in employee unisex restroom. Operator restocked.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed clear spray bottle containing bleach with no label stored near ware wash area. Operator labeled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board located at the bar area with cut marks and no longer cleanable.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed one set of tongs stored on hood suppression system at the cook line. Operator removed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at hand wash sink in the bar area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer located across cook line with soiled gaskets. Observed hood filters at the cook line soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler with rusted shelves near prep area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed clear squeeze bottle containing oil at the cook line with no label. Operator labeled.
Feb 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found Observed three flying insects at bar area during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed RAW BEEF (50F - Cooling) at reach in cooler across from grill at cook line. As per chef 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 BEEF (50F - Cooling) at reach in cooler across from grill at cook line. As per chef more than six hours.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitizer bucket solution at 200plus ppm. Chef diluted solution with a final reading of 50ppm.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink with utensils in it located at bar area. Employee removed items.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed handwashing sink next to three compartment sink missing paper towels. Chef refilled towels during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine with rust in the interior.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile next to employee restroom missing.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket at reach in cooler at preparation area in poor repair.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at both rear exits.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at low boy reach in cooler at preparation area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled located at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed interior of reach in cooler across from grill at kitchen area soiled with food debris.
Sep 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at all hand sinks inside establishment.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed top of dish machine soiled.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing at ware washing area and in dining room.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap under exterior back door next to dish machine.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall behind storage rack at cook line.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete floor at ware washing area.
Aug 27, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed quaternary sanitizer bucket at 500ppm, staff was coached in the correct method of sanitation. Staff provided a new mixed sanitizer bucket at 200ppm.
No certified food manager for establishment. 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 employees present have current food handling certification.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the three handwashing sinks in the kitchen area, staff provided a roll for one of the handwashing sinks.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pot of cooked red beans,as per cook prepared Sunday stored at reach in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled/rusted AC vents all throughout kitchen area.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dishwashing machine sanitizing then rinsing.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees wallet and car keys stored next to clean dish ware at kitchen rack, staff removed the items.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed accumulation of grease on the hood walls and ceiling.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed at chest freezer at the dry storage area on the back.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers at dry storage area over cooling equipment and food containers.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets, handles and exterior soiled at kitchen line/preparation area.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed aluminum trays stored not inverted at kitchen rack, staff inverted the trays.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed all throughout kitchen working area.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw beef and raw chicken thawing at room temperature at kitchen,product still solid frozen and operator placed it into a cooler to thawed properly.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls behind cooking line equipments.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed several towels all throughout the kitchen not stored in sanitizer bucket, staff placed towels inside sanitizer bucket.
Mar 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed beef soup (52F - Cooling); rice with beans (47F - Cooling) at reach in cooler at storage area. As per manager, since the previous night. Discussed cooling process with manage and provided cooling handout.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef wrapped in food grade plastic stored over tostones at reach in freezer at storage area. Manager rearranged products.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed soup (52F - Cooling); rice with beans (47F - Cooling) at reach in cooler at storage area. As per manager, since the previous night.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sanitizer bucket stored inside hand sink at front counter. Manager removed bucket.
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/
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. Observed food employee Jimmy hired less than 60 days, no proof of employee training. Printed and provided employee health reporting agreement and employee reviewed and signed.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container of corn and beans at reach in cooler across from cook line not date marked. As per manager, products prepared on previous days.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwave handle soiled with old food debris at cook line.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed underneath steam table at cook line.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed at warewashing area.
Observed tongs stored touching garbage can and soiled wall at cook line. Manager removed tongs.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed at front counter.
Wiping cloths laundered onsite not dried in a mechanical clothes dryer, air-dried or placed in sanitizing solution after laundering. Observed several wiping cloths hung to dry at ware washing area.
Nov 30, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef. Employee rearranged products.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed milk (61F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at front counter. As per employee, for less than 30 minutes. Employee placed product inside reach in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed tongs stored at cook line soiled with old food debris.
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. Printed and provided employee health reporting agreements and some employees reviewed and signed.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed containers of cooked corn and mushroom cream sauce not date marked. As per employee, products prepared on previous days.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl stored inside rice at cook line and dry storage area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee donned hat.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at bottom of exit door at ware washing area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed at back storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelf underneath grill soiled with old food debris.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed inside reach in cooler across from cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw pork belly thawing at room temperature at preparation area. Discussed proper thawing procedures with manager.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with old food debris and black substance near rice cooker at cook line.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at cook line. Employee removed cloths.
Jul 12, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
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.