EL TROPICO REST
7902 NW 36 ST, Miami FL 33166 · (305)477-0055
Last inspected Feb 17, 2026 · 7 visits since October 2023
MAR 24
SEP 24
JAN 25
OCT 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2015009595 | Mar 2, 2015 | Apr 13, 2015 | $800 |
| 1--2015007043 | Feb 12, 2015 | Mar 19, 2015 | $800 |
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Feb 17, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed chiles halapenos and sliced mushrooms dented cans inside dry storage.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef by pastas inside Walk in cooler. Also, observed raw beef over beer inside Walk in cooler.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed more than a dozen eggs stored outside in kitchen. Operator put eggs inside reach in cooler.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pastas not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Operator pastas were cooked last Sunday February 15th, 2026.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed inside kitchen. Operator turned on hot water.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed milk plastic containers stored on Walk in cooler floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by ice machine.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on gas pipe in kitchen. Operator removed tong from pipe.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by employee restroom entrance.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container.
Oct 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzle inside Bar.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water shut off at hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator turned on hot water.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by ice machine.
Light not functioning. Observed inside dry storage.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside room to serve outside.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled Walk in cooler fan covers.
Stored food not covered. Observed flans container uncovered inside Walk in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand wash sink in kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container unlabeled in kitchen.
Mar 17, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
Jan 15, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority6 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw fish inside Walk in cooler. Operator stored food properly.
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 soiled bread toasters at front counter. Also, observed Soda nozzle in Bar.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork not date marked inside reach in cooler in front of griddle in kitchen. As per Operator food was cooked last Monday January 13th, 2025. Operator date marked food.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer unlabeled in Bar. Operator labeled bottle.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease accumulated under cook line. Also, observed soiled floor inside coffee machine area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken tiles inside kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside Walk in freezer. Also, observed inside ice creams reach in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at front counter. Operator stored scoop correctly.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside women's restroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in shake prep area.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed chicken container uncovered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered container.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed oil bottle and salt container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled bottle and container.
Sep 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 21 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 21 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 and touching clean containers without changing gloves and washing hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over beer bottles inside Walk in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzles in Bar.
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/
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer unlabeled inside Bar.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed employee restroom inside kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling tile in front of Walk in cooler.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaged with food preparation without hair restraint in kitchen and front counter.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease under cook line.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed missing grout throughout kitchen.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled oven interior by stove inside kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sinks in front of beverage cooler at front counter, and inside front window room.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in front of cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by slicer in kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed ground beef and black beans containers uncovered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered containers.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed on Bar counter.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed by griddle. Operator discarded towel.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed oil bottle unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled bottle.
Mar 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink by cook line. Operator provided soap.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with Windex not labeled at front counter. Operator labeled spry bottle.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed missing grout in front of cook line.
Food stored on floor. Observed cheese boxes stored on Walk in freezer floor.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board on prep table inside kitchen. Operator removed towel.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled microwave interior on shelf inside kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sink at front counter.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork not covered inside reach in cooler in front of griddle in kitchen. Also, observed tostones not covered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered containers.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking under hand sink by Walk in cooler.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed towels throughout kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and mashed potato powder containers on prep table inside kitchen. Operator labeled containers.
Oct 26, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed more than a dozen raw eggs stored on reach in cooler in kitchen. As per Operator eggs have been outside for 30 minutes. Operator stored them inside reach in cooler.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hand at three compartment sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board on prep table in front of Walk in cooler.
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/. Food Manager Certified arrived at time of Routine Inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked ground beef not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Operator ground beef was cooked last Monday October 23rd, 2023. Operator date marked container.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed VO2 tanks not secured inside Bar.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dishes not inverted inside kitchen.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged with food preparation without hair restraint inside kitchen. Operator put a hair restraint.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles under cook line inside kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed Ice buildup in Walk-in.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by beverage reach in cooler at front counter, and inside room outside.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed Walk in cooler shelves with accumulation of soil residues.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler by ware washing area.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork inside reach in cooler in front of cook line. Operator covered plate.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed soiled towels inside kitchen. Operator discarded towels.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Observed extinguisher in recharge zone located by Kitchen main entrance.
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.