I AM LATIN CAFE
2022 NW 21ST AVE, Miami FL 33142 · 305.324.8444
Last inspected Mar 24, 2026 · 12 visits since November 2023
MAR 25
MAY 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
MAR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 21 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed chicken over beef inside of walk in cooler. Operator placed them in proper order onsite.
★ 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--2022020237 | Feb 24, 2022 | Jun 10, 2022 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Mar 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
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 employee touch the lid of the trash can, then continued to work as normal no handwashing. Coached employee on proper handwashing. Employee washed hands onsite.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board on prep table.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed empty milk container inside handwashing sink. Employee removed milk container onsite.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator placed paper towels onsite.
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Operator placed hand soap on site.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing above walk in cooler at the back of house.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents and tiles soiled throughout kitchen area.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed both employees wearing rings and bracelets while working the coffee station, and working the sandwich station.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee working coffee station with no hair restraint. Operator put hair restraint onsite.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed door for reach in cooler with only beverages, in disrepair.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed tiles in disrepair throughout kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in coolers and reach in freezers.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves with rust at the entrance of kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet rags left on top of cutting boards on prep area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple plastic bottles with liquid/sauces and no labels.
Feb 2, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed chicken over beef inside of walk in cooler. Operator placed them in proper order onsite.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance inside interior of ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents and ceiling tiles throughout establishment.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards on prep table.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in coolers.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef being thawed in still water. Coached on proper thawing methods.
Sep 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee scratching his face then continuing working on cook line with no handwash. Coached employee on proper handwashing. Employee washed his hands onsite.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed Chicken being stored above pork inside walk in cooler. Operator placed them in proper locations as per food code.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator placed onsite.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance inside ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents soiled throughout establishment.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair throughout kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in coolers.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
May 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting boards at the prep table at entrance.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling tiles throughout kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed throughout the kitchen prep area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed multiple floor tiles in disrepair throughout the kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in reach in freezer by 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
Mar 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed shell eggs over broccoli in the upright cooler next to the hot box. The manager put the eggs on the bottom shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken (125F); yellow rice (128F) in the hot box. As per the manager the food was put in the box approximately 3 hours ago. The manager turned up the hot box temperature.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the cutting boards soiled at the kitchen entrance.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed ice in the hand washing sink at the front counter.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in a container of cooked pork. The manager removed it.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed a half empty bottle of Gatorade on the prep table across from the hot box. The manager discarded the bottle.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the front counter. The operator put up a sign.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the reach in cooler gasket soiled at the kitchen entrance.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed the wiping cloths in water. The manager added bleach and it is 100 ppms.
Jan 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in the ice chute of ice machine.
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 walk in cooler #1 with an ambient temperature of 47F. Observed raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork at a temperature of 48F inside walk in cooler #1. Manager moved all the products to walk in cooler #2 to ensure correct temperature, and called a technician fix walk in cooler #1.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Hood system with grease
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed excessive grease on kitchen equipment as well as excessive dirt/food debris on Reach in Coolers throughout the restaurant.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet cloth on top of the preparation table. Manager put it inside the sanitizer bucket.
Jan 7, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork at a temperature of 48°F inside walk in cooler #1 for less than 2/hrs. Manager moved all the products to walk in cooler #2 to ensure correct temperature.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken and beef held for more than 24/hrs inside walk in cooler with no date marked on containers.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in the ice chute of ice machine.
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 walk in cooler #1 with an ambient temperature of 47°F. Observed raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork at a temperature of 48°F inside walk in cooler #1. Manager moved all the products to walk in cooler #2 to ensure correct temperature, and called a technician fix walk in cooler #1.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Hood system with grease
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed excessive grease on kitchen equipment as well as excessive dirt/food debris on Reach in Coolers throughout the restaurant.
Wash/Rinse/Sanitizing solution not maintained clean. Observed dirty sanitizer water in 3 compartment sink.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored inside mop bucket.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet cloth on top of the preparation table. Manager put it inside the sanitizer bucket.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple plastic bottles in use with no label in kitchen area.
Jul 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over washed vegetables in reach in cooler in kitchen.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. At the time of the inspection observed cooked chicken in sauce. As per owner items were prepared more than twenty four hours ago.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soiled across from cook line. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Observed hood soiled / dripping grease.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef loin thawing at room temperature in kitchen. Educated operator on proper food thawing procedures.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Jul 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled by 3 compartment sink. Observed slicer at preparation table soiled at kitchen. Observed griller soiled at kitchen. Observed soiled utensils at preparation table next to cook line.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed Ceiling tile in disrepair by walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed Cutting boards with cut marks at preparation table.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filter soiled at kitchen. Observed dry storage shelves soiled at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in freezer by cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at kitchen.
Apr 3, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded.
0 High priority8 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled by 3 compartment sink. Observed slicer at preparation table soiled at kitchen. Observed griller soiled at kitchen. Observed soiled utensils at preparation table next to cook line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed spoon inside Handsink across from cook line.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed Raul Castillo expired on 1/11/2024.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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 Eddie Chavez worked for more than 60 days.
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 via email.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked black beans, cooked pork and cooked yellow rice not date marked at walk in cooler for more than 24 hours.
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. Obseved Mauricio Alvarado expired 9/17/2018.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle use to dispense rice at cook line.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed Ceiling tile in disrepair by walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed Cutting boards with cut marks at preparation table.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at door by walk in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed Floor soiled at kitchen area.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed swai at walk in cooler not stored at 6 inches off of the floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven soiled at cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filter soiled at kitchen. Observed dry storage shelves soiled at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in freezer by cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed Uncover beef and chicken at reach in cooler by the kitchen entrance. Employee covered them.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled behind preparation table next to cook line
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed throughout the kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed No label at rice container across from cook line.
Nov 9, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed beef over bread in the walk in cooler. The manager moved the beef to another cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the hand washing sink next to the cutting board. The manager brought towels.
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at the front counter.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at the sandwich station and kitchen.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on the cutting board at the sandwich station.
Nov 9, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
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.