EL TAMALAZO SPORT BAR
17579 S DIXIE HWY, Palmetto Bay FL 33157
Last inspected Jun 15, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023
JAN 24
MAY 24
JAN 25
SEP 25
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2017009547 | Feb 6, 2017 | Mar 22, 2017 | $160 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jun 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork (78 F - Cold Holding)at the kitchen area. As per operator food was left outside around 1:30 pm. Operator placed food inside reach in cooler.
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 at the hand wash sink in the kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed at the kitchen area.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment has a license for 34 sears but they have 50 seats.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed the dumpster missing its lid.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 5 tongs stored on the oven door handle.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets torn in the kitchen area.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed at the kitchen area.
Stored food not covered. Observed food inside the reach in freezer not covered.
Nov 19, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
2 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw frozen chicken in a supermarket bag located inside the reach in freezer.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed rice puddings and flan located in the reach in cooler not date marked.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand wash sink was removed in the kitchen area per plan review.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no quaternary test strips available.
No handwash sink for employees. Observed no hand wash sink for employees located in the front bar area where they serve coffee and drinks.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels available at hand wash sink located in kitchen area.
Ceiling tile missing.Observed a ceiling tile missing located in the kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed a two ceiling tiles in disrepair located in the kitchen area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed door gaskets in disrepair for the reach in coolers located under prep table.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment has a license for 34 sears but they have 50 seats.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed the dumpster missing its lid.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at hand wash sinks located in kitchen area and in both bathrooms.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gaskets of the reach in cooler located under prep table.
Sep 16, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority9 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee washed dishes in the hand sink without sanitizing dishes. Employee was coached how to sanitize dishes properly.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw frozen chicken in a supermarket bag located inside the reach in freezer.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed rice puddings and flan located in the reach in cooler not date marked.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Employee was nowas not sanitizing the dishes after she rinsed them. Employee was coached how to do sanitize properly.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand wash sink was removed in the kitchen area per plan review.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a female employee washing dishes in the hand wash sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager has no training certificate.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no quaternary test strips available.
No handwash sink for employees. Observed no hand wash sink for employees located in the front bar area where they serve coffee and drinks.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels available at hand wash sink located in kitchen area.
No plan review submitted and approved for establishment previously licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service or the Department of Health. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed operator removed walk in freezer, installed 3 compartment sink and removed hand wash sinks at the bar area. Also, the 3 compartment sink was moved, the hand wash sink was moved and the mop sink was moved in the kitchen area without providing plans to plan review.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employees have not received training. Observed Melissa ( over 2 months).
Ceiling tile missing.Observed a ceiling tile missing located in the kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed a two ceiling tiles in disrepair located in the kitchen area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed door gaskets in disrepair for the reach in coolers located under prep table.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment has a license for 34 sears but they have 50 seats.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed the dumpster missing its lid.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at hand wash sinks located in kitchen area and in both bathrooms.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gaskets of the reach in cooler located under prep table.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken and beef being thawed in standing water, inside the three compartment sink, located in the kitchen area.
Jan 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bag used to store tamales in reach in cooler at preparation area. Employee removed tamales and stored in food grade container.
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed one raw shell eggs cracked at walk in cooler. Employee discarded product during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed six flans in reach in cooler at front counter without production date. Employee properly labeled during inspection.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at front counter grooved and unable to be cleaned properly.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle touching ice. Employee removed scoop from ice machine and placed in three compartment sink to wash.
Improper storage of maintenance equipment that interferes with cleaning. Observed brooms and mops in mop sink. Employee removed items from mop sink.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Operator found last inspection report during inspection.
Open dumpster lid.
Jul 23, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided via email operator with bodily fluids handouts.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed there was a change of ownership with remodeling, the oven was removed and rotisserie grill was added. Also fryers were removed and 2 oven added.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 48 seats in the dining area, and the license has approved 34.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels at cutting board in preparation table.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed 2 plastic containers with sugar and coffee at coffee station. Employee identified product properly. Also 2 plastic bins containers with beans and rice not labeled with common name across from stove, employee labeled product..
May 10, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 27 recorded, 8 high priority.
8 High priority7 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracking eggs with gloves and then touching the bread without changing gloves and washing hands. The employee was informed to change gloves, wash hand. Employee washed hands before putting on gloves.
Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed 620 units tamales on the reach in freezer. As per the manager the product was made in a place without a license from either DBPR or Agriculture, unapproved source. Manager was informed that the tamales are under Stop Sale. Manager provided invoice for 200 tamales made by Sabrozo Gourmet. But the license of the place was not provided. Invoice # 8027 Dated 5-9-2024.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed corn inside thank you bags at reach in freezer. And bread inside of black garbage bags at preparation area. Operator was informed thank you and garbage bags cannot be used for storage.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored on top unwashed vegetables inside walk in cooler. Manager was informed that the eggs can not be stored over unwashed vegetables.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other during preparation based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken cooking over raw pork at the rotisserie. The operator was informed that the raw chicken cannot be cooked over raw pork. And the pork needs to be cooking over 165F. Operator moved the chicken at different parts of the equipment.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw pork. Operator was coached the right way to store raw products. Provided via email handout to operator.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed 620 units tamales on the reach in freezer. As per the manager the product was made in a place without a license from either DBPR or Agriculture, unapproved source. Manager was informed that the tamales are under Stop Sale. Manager provided invoice for 200 tamales made by Sabrozo Gourmet. But the license of the place was not provided. Invoice# 8027 Dated 5-9-2024.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mozzarella (49F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (48F - Cold Holding); ham (51F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler in preparation area. As per manager less than 2 hours. Operator moved the product to the walk in cooler, for rapid cooling.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed the employees unable to answer the questions how to use the 3 compartment sink. Employee was coached how to use the 3 compartment 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. Provided via email operator with bodily fluids handouts.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed an empty can and towel inside the handwashing sink in kitchen area next to preparation table. Employee removed during inspection.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine/Quad test strips at time of inspection.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed there was a change of ownership with remodeling, the oven was removed and rotisserie grill was added. Also fryers were removed and 2 oven added.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed paper towels dispenser not working properly on front counter next to reach in cooler. Employee provided paper towels.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plastic containers not inverted at shelf over preparation table. Operator inverted.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee handling food without a hair restraint.
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 the employees using soap in the middle sink of the 3 compartment sink. Operator was coached of the proper way of using 3 compartment sink.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 48 seats in the dining area, and the license has approved 34.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed 3 boxes of vegetable and 1 bag onions stored on the floor of the walk in cooler. Operator was informed that the product cannot be stored on the floor.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed employee cutting pork next to handwashing sink exposed to the splash.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bucket containing Cooking grease stored on the floor in kitchen area next to preparation table. Employee removed. Also 3 boxes of vegetable and 1 bag onions stored on the floor of the walk in cooler. Operator was informed that the product cannot be stored on the floor.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed plastic bags, paper around the dumpster.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in the Men bathrooms. Provided operator via email handwashing sign.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels at cutting board in preparation table.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed 2 plastic containers with sugar and coffee at coffee station. Employee identified product properly. Also 2 plastic bins containers with beans and rice not labeled with common name across from stove, employee labeled product..
Jan 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at front counter. Manager provided the soap.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sink across stove.
Oct 9, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed cook cracked raw shell egg and continued prepping food without washing hands.
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook washed soiled wiping cloth in the three compartment sink and continued preparing food before washing hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. In the walk in cooler observed raw steak over unwashed produce.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler Raw chicken stored over cooked yuca.
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.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink located in the cook line blocked by a garbage can.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towel in the hand wash sink located in the cook line.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Lourdes Leon, Doblis working for over 60 days not certified.
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler door handle, reach in cooler door handle soiled.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cooked engaged in food preparation with no hair restraint.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Stored on the preparation table in the cook line observed in use utensils in standing water at 80F.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven interior soiled, microwave interior soiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in freezer in the storage area interior solid.
Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers. Observed in use Whipping cloths stored over the preparation table in the kitchen.
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.