LA ESQUINITA COLOMBIANA
4276 SW 152 AVE, Miami FL 33185 · 305.551.2151
Last inspected Aug 19, 2026 · 9 visits since August 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
AUG 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 since 10-01-23. Operator pay the license at the time of inspection. Confirmation number 237454350.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Aug 19, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed produce stored inside thank you bag.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal tray inside HWS at front counter.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken, chicken soup, white rice, and cooked beans inside RIC with no date marked. As per cook from previous day.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
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 bowl inside rice container.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment with 7 tables and 22 chairs.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of bottles of water stored on floor at hallway.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled inside RIC.
Apr 29, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed soiled ice machine in the front area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed in the secondary food storage area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in the secondary food storage area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken door gasket of the reach in cooler in the kitchen area, disrepair gasket inside the oven. Also observed ice scoop in disrepair with cracks.
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed no cove molding for 3 compartment sink and handwashing sink in the kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed through out kitchen, hallway secondary food storage area and front area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of corn and raw beef stored on the floor in the kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in the upright reach in freezer near exit door in the kitchen and white reach ins in secondary storage area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of oven.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled post of shelving unit where cooked food is stored above the steam table. Also observed in disrepair the exterior of white reach in freezer located at the entrance of kitchen.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed on plastic working food pans stored on shelf in kitchen area.
Feb 27, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 29 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate23 Basic
Show 29 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed 9 lbs of cooked rice (60F Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler in the kitchen. Per PIC, was cooked yesterday evening. A stop sale was issued. Chef discarded.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed frozen raw shrimp and fish out of their original pancaking stored in non food grade bags.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed 9 lbs of cooked rice (60F Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler in the kitchen. Per PIC, was cooked yesterday evening.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm). Employee corrected chlorine 100ppm.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed expired Dec. 30, 2025.
Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use. Observed not one was available.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed soiled ice machine in the front area.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl being used as a scoop for rice at the steam table.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled oven door handle.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed near cook line.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed in the secondary food storage area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in the secondary food storage area.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed two personal water bottle on prep table and shelves in the kitchen. Chef removed.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed male employee wearing a watch while preparing coffee.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken door gasket of the reach in cooler in the kitchen area, disrepair gasket inside the oven. Also observed ice scoop in disrepair with cracks.
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed no cove molding for 3 compartment sink and handwashing sink in the kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed through out kitchen, hallway secondary food storage area and front area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of corn and raw beef stored on the floor in the kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in the upright reach in freezer near exit door in the kitchen and white reach ins in secondary storage area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven handle.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed handle on top of cooked rice found in reach in cooler. PIC removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of oven.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided for the operator via email.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed in the reach in cooler across of stove. Employee was able to get provide.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled post of shelving unit where cooked food is stored above the steam table. Also observed in disrepair the exterior of white reach in freezer located at the entrance of kitchen.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed on plastic working food pans stored on shelf in kitchen area.
Open dumpster lid. Observed lid open for both dumpsters.
Stored food not covered. Observed cut tomatoes not covered in the reach in cooler located in the kitchen.
Utensils in poor condition. Observed ice scoop in disrepair with cracks.
Aug 1, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed Advil bottle stored on the preparation table at kitchen. Operator removed it.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink located at preparation area. Operator refilled paper towel on site.
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Observed guacamole mixed with tomatoes and inions and cilantro vaccum packaged, frozen for a week. Operator decide to discard food on site.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanged on oven door handle.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on preparation table by the hand wash sink, standing water at 75F.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters with grease buildup.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels in clean plastic container located on food storage shelves in the kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in cooler located at the kitchen entrance.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed underneath the preparation table at cook line.
Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers. Observed over the preparation table.
Jan 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Degreaser Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
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. Observed employee training for Adriana Keins, Vanessa Monterrey, Maria Zambrano, Alejandra Charria, expired on 08-2024.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket in disrepair, cooler located at cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven interior soiled.
Nonfood-contact hood system has grease buildup.
Aug 9, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile cracked in storage area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on top of plate ware at cook line. Also observed multiple handbags on top of chest freezer in storage area.
Aug 1, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food grade bags. Observed red peppers stored in thank you bags at kitchen reach in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. observed beef shredded (48F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (48F Cold holding); beef tripe (47F Cold holding); sancocho soup chicken (47F Cold holding); cooked frijoles (47F Cold holding); mushroom sauce (48F Cold holding); sausage raw (47F Cold holding); chocolate milk (47F Cold holding); Tilapia (49F Cold holding). Manager stated products have been in cooler since the night before.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler in kitchen area observed diced tomatoes 48F Cold holding, salsa at 48F Cold holding, as per employee, items were in and out of the cooler being prepped less than 4 hours out of temperature, Instructed employee to remove items and place in another working cooler to rapidly cool, also observed beef shredded (48F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (48F Cold holding); beef tripe (47F Cold holding); sancocho soup chicken (47F Cold holding); cooked frijoles (47F Cold holding); mushroom sauce (48F Cold holding); sausage raw (47F Cold holding); chocolate milk (47F Cold holding); Tilapia (49F Cold holding). Manager stated products have been in cooler since the night before.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container of frijoles not dated marked in reach in cooler in kitchen. As per employee, stored in unit for longer than 24 hours..
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot or cold water turned on at hand sink in kitchen. Manager turned on hot water with reading of 90F.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used to dispense cooked rice.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile cracked in storage area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed a coffee mug on prep table at cook line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on top of plate ware at cook line. Also observed multiple handbags on top of chest freezer in storage area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 3 employees preparing food in kitchen not wearing any hair restraints.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed container of cooked rice exposed to splash from hand wash sink in kitchen area. Coached employee on proper protection of food items by hand sink by installation of a splash guard.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in bathroom used by employees.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed old food debris on the bottom of reach in cooler at cook line.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from hand wash sink in kitchen.
Wiping cloths used for occasional spills on tableware (utensils, plates or bowls served to the consumer) not dry and used just for that purpose. Observed wiping cloth not stored sanitizer bucket in kitchen area.
Feb 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
10 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked beef (55F - Cooling); rice (77F - Cooling) at reach in cooler. As per the manager cooling over night. Operator discarded products.
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed food employee at cook line. Operator was informed that she needs to wash hands after cracking eggs. Operator washed hands.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked meat stored inside thank you bag at reach in freezer. Operator moved product to change bag.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license since 10-01-23. Operator pay the license at the time of inspection. Confirmation number 237454350.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw pork stored over cooked pork and arepas. Operator was informed the correct order to store products.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef stored over potatoes. Operator was informed the correct order to store products.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef stored over raw bacon. Operator relocated raw bacon.
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink at 3 compartment sink.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked beef (55F - Cooling); rice (77F - Cooling) at reach in cooler. As per the manager cooling over night. Operator discarded products.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle stored on top of preparation table at front counter.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed food employee washed hands at 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 to operator.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with water damage in storage area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed 20 seats and the license has approved 9 seats.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at cook line. Operator removed towel.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled located across hand washing sink.
Aug 18, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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. Employee touched drainage at kitchen and no hand wash...
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 manager.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Food for thawing inside hand wash sink.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
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.