ESQUINA CUBANA
710 WASHINGTON AVE #1, Miami Beach FL 33139 · 786-222-7769
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 13 visits since December 2023
AUG 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and C. 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 · $600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2017038362 | Jul 11, 2017 | Sep 28, 2017 | $200 |
| 1--2017028384 | Jun 12, 2017 | Aug 11, 2017 | $400 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. Observed lime scale buildup in dishwasher at warewashing area.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at kitchen area ceiling tiles missing next to kitchen exit.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap under kitchen exit door
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed in storage area behind cook line, a knife stored behind a conduit over reaching chest freezer.
Jul 29, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
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 four employees with no food manager present.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. Observed lime scale buildup in dishwasher at warewashing area.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at kitchen area ceiling tiles missing next to kitchen exit.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed five dead roaches on the floor at dry storage area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee beverage at cook line work station where food is prepared.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap under kitchen exit door
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of fry oil stored on the floor at kitchen area.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed in storage area behind cook line, a knife stored behind a conduit over reaching chest freezer.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line three tongs hung on oven handle.
Jan 23, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Observed butter (62F - Cold Holding) by bread toaster, as per chef for 30 minutes prior.
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/
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Sep 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed diced cherry tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding) double pan at reach in cooler. Observed butter (62F - Cold Holding) by bread toaster, as per chef for 30 minutes prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (98F - Hot Holding); beef (104F - Hot Holding) in steam table, as per chef for approximately 1 hour prior.
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 to operator via email.
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 soap provided at handwash sink. Chef replaced.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Feb 28, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can stored in front of handsink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted stored above reach in cooler by kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled located at reach in cooler at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled located at the storage area by the back of the restaurant.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at kitchen.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at front counter by bar area.
Feb 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can stored in front on hand sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted stored above reach in cooler by kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at preparation table at kitchen.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed bucket of oil not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor by reach in freezer.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled throughout kitchen reach in coolers.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled located at the storage area by the back of the restaurant.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at preparation table at kitchen.
Jan 28, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 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.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can stored in front of handsink.
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. Observed Andres Rodriguez, Pricilla Molina, Oscar Longo, ams Angel Martinez.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted stored above reach in cooler by kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled located at reach in cooler at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled located at the storage area by the back of the restaurant.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken inside sink with no running water at kitchen.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at kitchen.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at front counter by bar area.
Nov 4, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 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.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can stored in front of handsink.
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. Observed Andres Rodriguez, Pricilla Molina, Oscar Longo, ams Angel Martinez.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted stored above reach in cooler by kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled located at reach in cooler at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled located at the storage area by the back of the restaurant.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken inside sink with no running water at kitchen.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at kitchen.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at front counter by bar area.
Aug 26, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded.
0 High priority6 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 20 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.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can stored in front of handsink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bag with Maduros stored in handsink.
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. Observed Andres Rodriguez, Pricilla Molina, Oscar Longo, ams Angel Martinez.
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 beef, and pork held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted stored above reach in cooler by kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled throughout the kitchen.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign provided at handsink located at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled located at reach in cooler at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled located at the storage area by the back of the restaurant.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken inside sink with no running water at kitchen.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at kitchen.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at front counter by bar area.
Apr 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded.
0 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed metal container inside hand washing sink at kitchen area. Container was 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/. Observed mop sink being added to area near bathrooms used by staff.
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. Observed Javier, Angel, and Carlos hired for more than 60 days with no food handlers training.
Observed no soap provided at handwash sink at bar area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets in disrepair at cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided person in charge with choking poster via email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in kitchen, bar area, and bathrooms.
Observed Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust in kitchen area.
Observed ceiling soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen area.
Observed no mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment.
Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at kitchen area.
Stored food not covered. Observed vaca frita not covered at reach-in cooler at cookline.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Feb 15, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded.
0 High priority0 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured at bar area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates and other containers not inverted or protected at kitchen area. Coached chef on correct procedure.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor made of unsealed cement at 3 compartment area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided manager with choking poster via email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in kitchen and bar area. Provided person in charge with signage.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment.
Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust in kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottle of cilantro sauce with no label.
Dec 13, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 24 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed Mash potatoes (53F - Cold Holding); Cooked potatoes (48F - Cold Holding) cooked last night.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over fish at cooling drawers at cook line. Coached chef on correct procedure.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed Mash potatoes (53F - Cold Holding); Cooked potatoes (48F - Cold Holding) cooked last night not reaching 41F in a total of 6 hours.
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 manager with cleanup procedures via email. Provided manager with employee reporting responsibilities agreement and it was signed during inspections.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times by garbage bin at kitchen area. Chef removed bin.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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. Provided manager with employee reporting responsibilities form via email.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed chef not knowing how to calibrate thermometer using the cold method. Coached chef in correct procedure.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed beans cooked the day before with no date marking at cook line.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured at bar area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates and other containers not inverted or protected at kitchen area. Coached chef on correct procedure.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets in disrepair at cook line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor made of unsealed cement at 3 compartment area.
Food stored on floor. Observed container of salt and oil stored on floor at kitchen area near white reach in freezer.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed in-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Chef removed cloth.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided manager with choking poster via email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in kitchen and bar area. Provided person in charge with signage.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment.
Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust in kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottle of cilantro sauce with no label.
Dec 13, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Ceiling soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen area
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates and other containers not inverted or protected
Food stored on floor. Observed bags of sugar, oil and beverages stored on floor
Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in kitchen area
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust in kitchen area
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of oil, flour and rice with no label.
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.