EL ENCUENTRO RESTAURANT
3511 NW 17 AVE, Miami FL 33142
Last inspected Apr 21, 2026 · 11 visits since November 2023
JUN 24
OCT 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Employee washed hands with cold water. Observed no hot water at establishment due to plumbing in disrepair.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2019047362 | Jul 26, 2019 | Nov 4, 2019 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Apr 21, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 10 findingsThe state's own report →
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at men's and women's bathroom.
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 no cooling properly at kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on top of preparation table at kitchen area.
Show the remaining 6 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in disrepair at kitchen area. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn at kitchen area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer in front of men's bathroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at kitchen area.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed clean utensils stored upright inside container next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at kitchen area.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining at hand wash sink at kitchen area.
Apr 20, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 28 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority5 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 28 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medicine stored on top of cold holding unit next to steam table at kitchen area.
Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed 1 employee engaged in food preparation with dry hands with apron after washing them. Coached employee in proper procedures. Employee washed hands during inspection.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over ready to eat salami and shredded cheese at reach in cooler 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 on top of raw beef and raw pork at reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Rice and beans (57F - Cold Holding); Red beans soup (57F - Cold Holding); Cod fish (57F - Cold Holding); Salami (57F - Cold Holding); Smoked Pork Chop (56F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (59F - Cold Holding); Raw beef (58F - Cold Holding); Chicken stew (58F - Cold Holding); Pork stew (58F - Cold Holding); Beef Stew (58F - Cold Holding); Split peas soup (59F - Cold Holding); Cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Shredded Cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Minced garlic (61F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at kitchen area. Employee discarded them all during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Rice and beans (57F - Cold Holding); Red beans soup (57F - Cold Holding); Cod fish (57F - Cold Holding); Salami (57F - Cold Holding); Smoked Pork Chop (56F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (59F - Cold Holding); Raw beef (58F - Cold Holding); Chicken stew (58F - Cold Holding); Pork stew (58F - Cold Holding); Beef Stew (58F - Cold Holding); Split peas soup (59F - Cold Holding); Cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Shredded Cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Minced garlic (61F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at kitchen area. Employee discarded them all during inspection.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed 1 employee engaged in food preparation washing hands in three compartment sink at kitchen area. Coached employee during inspection.
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 and printed to operator during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container and plastic cup inside hand wash sink at kitchen area. Employee removed during inspection.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at men's and women's bathroom.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed ice scoop with no handle inside container with ice at reach in cooler at front counter. Employee removed and discarded ice scoop during inspection.
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 no cooling properly at kitchen area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on top of preparation table at kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting inside clean utensils under cold holding unit next to steam table at kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed employee only washing and rinsing and not sanitizing. Employee set up sanitizer during inspection and place clean utensils and pots to sanitize during inspection.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in disrepair at kitchen area. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn at kitchen area.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall at men's bathroom.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer in front of men's bathroom.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled at kitchen area. Employee cleaned during inspection.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided and printed to operator during inspection.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at kitchen area.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed clean utensils stored upright inside container next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at kitchen area.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining at hand wash sink at kitchen area.
Mar 11, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic containers and beer bottles inside handwashing sink in kitchen area. Employee removed items from handwashing sink onsite.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing sink by kitchen entrance. Operator placed paper towels onsite.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed on both men and women's restroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled inside kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards with excessive cut marks on prep table in kitchen area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave. Operator cleaned it onsite.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in coolers.
Jul 14, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded.
0 High priority4 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic containers and beer bottles inside handwashing sink in kitchen area. Employee removed items from handwashing sink onsite.
Lack of toilet tissue at each toilet. Observed in men's restroom. Operator placed onsite.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing sink by kitchen entrance. Operator placed paper towels onsite.
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 Luisa with a Food handler certificate from National Registry of Food Safety Professionals that expired on 5-18-2025.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed on both men and women's restroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled inside kitchen area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards with excessive cut marks on prep table in kitchen area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gasket on reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in front of reach in cooler by cook line. Operator cleaned up water onsite.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of water stored on the floor at the back of house. Operator moved it to a proper location onsite.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in the wall inside men's restroom.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by restrooms.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave. Operator cleaned it onsite.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system soiled. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in coolers.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed plastic containers with utensils stored upright in kitchen area.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of insulated cups on the floor next to restrooms.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls throughout dinning area.
Mar 6, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed unwashed vegetables in non food grade bag
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottles of vinegar, oil, and cooking wine with no label
Mar 4, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
3 High priority1 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork being stored in thank you bags inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over unwashed produce inside reach in cooler in kitchen area.
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 frozen chicken over raw frozen pork not commercially packaged inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms.
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/ Observed 4 employees engaged in food handling with no CFM in establishment.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both bathrooms used by employees.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle inside container of sugar and salt at kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair in mens restroom, also in gaming area in front of restrooms.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no cover in women's restroom.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets broken in reach in cooler in the back of house.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back exit door.
Food stored on floor. Observed water bottles stored on floor at entrance of kitchen as well as back of house. Observed oil stored on the floor of kitchen.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed closet door and excessive trash debris around dumpster pad.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed microwave soiled interior and exterior. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler in kitchen area. Observed exterior of reach in fridge soiled in kitchen area.
Open dumpster lid.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed utensils stored in container with food contact surface facing upwards at kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored standing up, not drying, next to reach in cooler inside kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers with salt and sugar with no labels inside kitchen area.
Mar 3, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 26 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate19 Basic
Show 26 findings ▾
Employee washed hands with cold water. Observed no hot water at establishment due to plumbing in disrepair.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork being stored in thank you bags inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over unwashed produce inside reach in cooler in kitchen area.
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 frozen chicken over raw frozen pork not commercially packaged inside reach in freezer in front of restrooms.
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/ Observed 4 employees engaged in food handling with no CFM in establishment.
No hot running water at three-compartment sink. Observed no hot water throughout the establishment. As per person in charge, there is a leak when hot water is left on so it's kept closed due to leakage.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water throughout the establishment. As per person in charge, there is a leak when hot water is left on so it's kept closed due to leakage.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both bathrooms used by employees.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle inside container of sugar and salt at kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair in mens restroom, also in gaming area in front of restrooms.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no cover in women's restroom.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets broken in reach in cooler in the back of house.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back exit door.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in kitchen area underneath reach in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Observed water bottles stored on floor at entrance of kitchen as well as back of house. Observed oil stored on the floor of kitchen.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed closet door and excessive trash debris around dumpster pad.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
No hot running water at mop sink. Observed no hot water throughout the establishment. As per person in charge, there is a leak when hot water is left on so it's kept closed due to leakage.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed microwave soiled interior and exterior. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler in kitchen area. Observed exterior of reach in fridge soiled in kitchen area.
Open dumpster lid.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed leak coming from plumbing behind the reach in cooler in the kitchen. As per person in charge, there is a leak when hot water is left on so it's kept closed due to leakage.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed utensils stored in container with food contact surface facing upwards at kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored standing up, not drying, next to reach in cooler inside kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers with salt and sugar with no labels inside kitchen area.
Oct 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw meat stored in thank you bags in the 2 door reach in cooler in the kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mangu (48F - Cold Holding) stored in the microwave for less than 1 hour as per operator. Operator placed item back into the reach in cooler.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed kitchen handwashing sink blocked by plates. Operator removed.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed dryer dispenser unable to turn on.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn in the 2 door reach in cooler.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed cracked container where whole vegetables are being stored in.
Food stored on floor. Observed peppers and cooking oil stored on the floor.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. 2 door reach in cooler in the kitchen.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Jun 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed the cashier handled money then filled an order without washing her hands.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed several different products in shopping bags in the upright freezers.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed the cashier wash her hands in the triple sink.
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. Form provided via email.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed dishes and a towel in the sink. The manager removed it.
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 in the men's restroom.
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. Form provided via email.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of water bottles on the floor at the front counter.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up.
Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Observed three freezers in the back of the establishment with customer access not looked.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Feb 21, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed the women's restroom door drags on the floor when trying to open it.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.
Nov 1, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority7 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed beef in shopping bags in the freezer.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
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. Form provided via email.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed several pans stacked up in the kitchen hand washing sink.
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 in the men's restroom.
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. Form provided.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed in the men's restroom.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed the women's restroom door drags on the floor when trying to open it.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filters soiled.
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.