ELLE CARIBBEAN GRILL
220 N CONGRESS AVE, Boynton Beach FL 33426 · 5615030661
Last inspected Jul 15, 2026 · 14 visits since September 2023
DEC 24
JUN 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly landing on triple sink. 1 live fly landing on inspectors shoulder. 1 live fly landing on soiled apron across slicer. 2 live flies on slicer. 2 live flies on lid of the chest freezer across cook line. 2 live flies on pastry prep table, while prepping is in progress. Unable to sanitize surface, no sanitizer available.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,360
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2025064255 | Aug 4, 2025 | Mar 6, 2026 | $560 |
| 2--2025043476 | Jun 2, 2025 | Oct 20, 2025 | $400 |
| 2--2024062674 | Oct 22, 2024 | Dec 2, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Jul 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer box: meat patties (130-134F - Hot Holding) Per operator, out of temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Advised operator to use time control. Advised operator to time stamp product for remaining 3.5 hours. Time control procedure emailed to operator.
No color/concentration comparison chart available for chemical test kit used to check sanitizer. For chlorine sanitizer.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Clean pots stored on rack that has an accumulation of black mold like substance.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in chest freezer.
Mar 24, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Jan 23, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 12/1/25
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Not functioning at time of inspection.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. On lower left hand side and top of rear entrance to kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Accumulation of mold like substance and food debris on cooler storage racks and dish drying rack by triple sink.
Jan 22, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: black rice (47F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21;; white rice (48F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21; rice and peas (47F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21; cooked beef with legumes (50F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21; cooked beef with lalo (50F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21 At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. See stop sale.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: black rice (47F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21;; white rice (48F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21; rice and peas (47F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21; cooked beef with legumes (50F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21; cooked beef with lalo (50F - Cooling) at 9:20; cooling since 8pm on 1/21 At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. See stop sale.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 12/1/25
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sanitizer bucket in hand wash sink by triple sink.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Not functioning at time of inspection.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Establishment offers egg dishes not fully cooked, no consumer advisory at time of inspection. Operator printed and posted consumer advisory.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Large Floor mixer bowl not inverted. Pots and pans at dish rack.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. On lower left hand side and top of rear entrance to kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Raw meats in mixing bowls stored on floor at walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Accumulation of mold like substance and food debris on cooler storage racks and dish drying rack by triple sink.
Stored food not covered. Open bag of Dried beans in dry storage.
Aug 4, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Rice 47F-49F in walk in cooler, cooling over night in a deep closed container. Not prepped today.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Rice 47F-49F in walk in cooler, cooling over night in a deep closed container. Not prepped today.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish patties 82F In warmer at front counter over night. Warmer not on.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish patties 82F, In warmer at front counter over night. Warmer not on. Not prepped or cooked today. See stop sale
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed 209+ inside hand sink at entrance to kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times sanitizer bucket stored in sink at entrance to kitchen. Operator removed.
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/. Bar added walls removed in dining area.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 2 kitchen employees.
Chicken stored on floor in walk in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at bar.
Aug 4, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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/. Bar being added in dining room. Wall added in dining room. Hand sink and ice machine removed, ice machine in an unprotected construction area.
Jun 3, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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/. Bar being added in dining room. Wall added in dining room. Hand sink and ice machine removed, ice machine in an unprotected construction area.
Jun 2, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 25 violations recorded, 7 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
7 High priority12 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee walked into kitchen from the back door opened chest freezer to place food inside and put gloves on without washing her hands first. Employee went to wash hands.
Employee washed hands with no soap after picking up food debris on the floor employee washed her hands in triple sink without soap. No soap available.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Unable to sanitize prep table where flies landed on. Due to no sanitizer available.
Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly landing on triple sink. 1 live fly landing on inspectors shoulder. 1 live fly landing on soiled apron across slicer. 2 live flies on slicer. 2 live flies on lid of the chest freezer across cook line. 2 live flies on pastry prep table, while prepping is in progress. Unable to sanitize surface, no sanitizer available.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Cook picked up food debris of the floor and kept on preparing food at cook line without changing gloves and washing hands.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef empanadas 71F-77F, in a display hot holding unit at front counter,since yesterday. Unit is off.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef empanadas 71F-77F, in a display hot holding unit since yesterday. Unit is off. See stop sale
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink after picking up food debris of the floor, employee went to wash hands in triple sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Prep table unable to sanitize after flies landed on table. No sanitizer available.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed at bar.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at entrance to kitchen. Operator provided paper towels.
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/. Bar being added in dining room. Wall added in dining room. Hand sink and ice machine removed, ice machine in an unprotected construction area.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing in triple sink. Establishment has no dish machine. No means of properly sanitizing cooking utensils, pots and pans.
No soap provided at handwash sink next to walk in cooler and at entrance to kitchen. Operator supplied soap.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Serving undercooked eggs and burgers. Printed consumer advisory and Manager displayed on wall at front counter.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. All cooked food prepared yesterday in walk in cooler has no date mark.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink next to walk in cooler. Operator turned hot water on.
Employee personal charger, keys, cell phone and glasses stored in or above a food preparation area, next to slicer.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of grease and food debris. Bottom inside of reach in freezer at cookline soiled with food debris. Flour container soiled with food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in both restrooms.
Unpackaged beef empanadas in an unprotected hot holding unit in a construction area. Remodeling in progress.
Unpackaged food not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation. Ice machine used for drink ice unprotected from contamination. Dry wall work conducted around ice machine. Ice machine removed from its original location behind bar.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean on cookline.
Dec 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels next to walk in cooler. Operator provided paper towels.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in walk in freezer.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers in front of walk in cooler.
Oct 23, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 22, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 5 violations recorded, 1 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains under triple sink in kitchen next to cook line. Sewage backing up through floor drain under triple sink, when hand sink is in use. Employees are walking through the waste water. The area can not be isolated.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable, at steam table.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at bar.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength 0ppm across triple sink. Operator set up fresh solution at 75ppm.
Feb 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. raw shell eggs (60F - Cold Holding) on prep table. out less than four hours. Placed in cooler.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Soda water and juice bottles in ice used for consumption Removed
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. sliced tomatoes (70F - Cooling) cut lettuce (70F cooling ) at 1:07 pm to 70F at 1:26 pm since 11 am. Operator Placed food on ice.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Paint primer stored with clean glass plates in kitchen Removed
Outer openings not protected during operation Back door propped open.
Stored food not covered. Oxtail and beef In freezer chest
Sep 19, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 18, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 3 compartment sink with no sanitizing solution - operator set up properly.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Operator utilizing white trash bags as plastic container liner for cooked chicken and cooked rice - operator removed during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler all temperature controlled foods not portioned or prepared today and held overnight and more than 4 hours - cooked okra (62F - Cold Holding); cooked ground beef (62F - Cold Holding); cooked turkey (56F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (59F - Cold Holding); cooked liver (60F); cooked black beans (64F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (64F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler all temperature controlled foods not portioned or prepared today and held overnight and more than 4 hours - cooked okra (62F - Cold Holding); cooked ground beef (62F - Cold Holding); cooked turkey (56F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (59F - Cold Holding); cooked liver (60F); cooked black beans (64F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (64F - Cold Holding)
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At dish area hand sink - operator provided.
Time/temperature control for safety food not maintained frozen solid in a freezer. All foods tested at 39F.
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.