LA ESQUINITA HAVANERA
200 SW 107 AVE, Sweetwater FL 33174 · (305)559-6117
Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · 10 visits since November 2023
JAN 25
JUN 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 18 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed lentil soup (47F - Cold Holding) according to manager, Placed inside walk in cooler the night before
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2024041583 | Mar 19, 2024 | Feb 3, 2025 | $800 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed lentil soup (47F - Cold Holding) according to manager, Placed inside walk in cooler the night before
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed inside walk in cooler, according to manager from the night before. lentil soup (47F - Cold Holding)
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cups and utensils installed hand sink by sandwich prep area. Operator removed items from inside hand sink.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed at kitchen, cardboard on the floor.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed on top of flat grill at kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed manager cocking, no hair restraint used.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed on door to the outside storage area.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil containers stored on the. Floor, front of walk in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in the wall next to ice machine.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed prep area and kitchen.
Jan 16, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed black beans (48F - Cold Holding; Rice with beans (49F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. As per operator since the night before.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cooked beans inside walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed black beans (48F - Cold Holding; Rice with beans (49F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. As per operator since the night before.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef empanada (112F - Hot Holding); chicken croquettes (108F - Hot Holding) inside warmer at front counter. Operator turned up heat to reheat.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed small trays inside hand washing sink at sandwich station.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed inside walk in cooler.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without hair restraint.
Food stored on floor. Observed sugar cane stored on walk in cooler floor. Observed plastic water bottles stored on floor behind front counter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 3 pair of tongs hanging from oven door handle at cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled next to cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken (frozen) thawing at room temperature at prep area.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cream cheese (49F - Cold Holding); sour cream (45F - Cold Holding inside reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per operator for lo re than a day Operator discarded the products.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cream cheese (49F - Cold Holding); sour cream (45F - Cold Holding inside reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per operator for lo re than a day Operator discarded the products.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board soiled with food debris across cook line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Obviously tray inside hand sink at sandwich station.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed next to washing area. Operator provided.
Warewashing machine not automatically dispensing the detergent and/or the sanitizer. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator started to set up triple sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed sugar cane stored on walk in cooler floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 pair of tongs hanging from oven door handle at cook line.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop inside sugar container with handle in contact with product at kitchen entrance.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed on cutting board across cook line.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Jun 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over plantains inside walk in cooler. Operator properly rearranged products.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cream cheese inside walk in cooler. Operator properly rearranged items.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed small tray inside hand sink next to dish machine. Operator removed the tray.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed arroz con leche inside reach in cooler at front counter without date mark. As per operator for approximately 2 days. Operator started to date mark.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed inside flour container at prep area. Operator removed the bowl.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind prep table soiled at prep area.
Jan 16, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) employee replaced sanitizer container, retest Dishwasher (Chlorine 200ppm).
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mojo (garlic) (66F - Cold Holding) on prep table across cook line. Employee placed in ice bath for rapid cooling.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at washing area.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with degreaser not properly labeled under triple sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen area.
Jul 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef heart over cut fruits inside white chest freezer. Employee removed the beef heart.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sausage croquettes (116F - Hot Holding); chicken empanada (123F - Cold Holding); inside hot box as per employee was placed 20 minutes ago. Employee employee placed products on hottest side of hot box for reheat.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled with food debris on prep table across cook line.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next juice station.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed boiled veggies inside walk in cooler without date mark. As per employee for more than 24 hrs.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl inside wheat container at sandwich station.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen area and preparation area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverage cup on cutting board across cook line. Employee removed the cup.
Food stored on floor. Observed sweet plantains stored on floor next to walk in cooler.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 pair of tongs hanging from oven door handle.
Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at storage area.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed on cutting board across cook line. Employee removed the towel.
Walk-in cooler with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Mar 19, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cut lettuce (71F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (70F - Cold Holding) on preparation table at kitchen. As per employee for about an hour. Also observed Cooked black beans (52F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. Employee stated that the product was cooked the night before and then placed inside walk in cooler and that it has not been out or used since the night before. Observed butter (76F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per employee for 2 hrs. Employee placed product inside reach in cooler for rapid cooling.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese tequenos (118F - Hot Holding); ham croquettes (120F - Hot Holding); chicken empanada (120F - Hot Holding) inside hot box at front counter. As per employee for approximately 2 hours. Employee turned up the temperature for reheat.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at mop sink at the outside back area.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board soiled with yellow food debris next to ware washing area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile and vent dusty at kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed two microwave interior soiled with food debris at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed white chest freezer door gaskets soiled.
Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in freezer bottom soiled with food debris at storage area.
Screen in door torn at the back exit door.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Mar 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 27 recorded, 8 high priority.
8 High priority5 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee crack raw shell eggs and then handle clean equipment with washing hands. Coached employee on proper hand washing procedures.
Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed 3 smoked pork inside walk in cooler, also observed 3 at front counter. Invoice was not provided.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw quail eggs stored with produce inside walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed 3 smoked pork inside walk in cooler, also observed 3 at front counter. Invoice was not provided.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Cooked black beans (52F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. Employee stated that the product was cooked the night before and then placed inside walk in cooler and that it has not been out or used since the night before.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Cut lettuce (71F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (70F - Cold Holding) on preparation table at kitchen. As per employee for about an hour. Also observed Cooked black beans (52F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler. Employee stated that the product was cooked the night before and then placed inside walk in cooler and that it has not been out or used since the night before. Observed butter (76F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at sandwich station. As per employee for 2 hrs. Employee placed product inside reach in cooler for rapid cooling.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese tequenos (118F - Hot Holding); ham croquettes (120F - Hot Holding); chicken empanada (120F - Hot Holding) inside hot box at front counter. As per employee for approximately 2 hours. Employee turned up the temperature for reheat.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at mop sink at the outside back area.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board soiled with yellow food debris next to ware washing area.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink used to store plastic small trays at juice station.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to ware washing area. Employee provided the paper towels.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink at juice station.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed flan, rice pudding prepared for more than 24 hrs inside reach in cooler at front counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl without handle inside salt plastic containers. Employee removed the bowl.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile and vent dusty at kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed in unisex restroom.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee without hair restraint while preparing food at kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed plantains stored on floor at back storage area.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at ice machine.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed two microwave interior soiled with food debris at kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed white chest freezer door gaskets soiled.
Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in freezer bottom soiled with food debris at storage area.
Screen in door torn at the back exit door.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on juice station.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt inside plastic container without label on shelve under preparation table at kitchen. Also observed flour inside plastic container without label on preparation table.
Jan 30, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed sweet plantains and raw chicken stored in Nonfood-grade bags inside white chest freezer next to walk in cooler door.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed prep table with food contact equipment soiled with food debris. Employee cleaned up the table.
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 employee with no food safety training for Yamila and Cristobal
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl without handle inside salt container under prep table at kitchen area. Also observed bowl inside cereal container at sandwich station. Employee removed during inspection.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard on flat grill and on pans storage shelves over stove. Employee removed during inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled with water damage throughout the kitchen area. Also ceiling vents dusty throughout kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at preparation area. Also at kitchen prep table and sandwich station.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of old food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at restrooms.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan cover dusty.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Nov 20, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Employee fixed the chemical connection and last reading Dishwasher (Chlorine 50ppm)
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed sweet plantains and raw chicken stored in Nonfood-grade bags inside white chest freezer next to walk in cooler door.
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 chicken over sweet plantains at white chest freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (111F - Hot Holding ) as per employee less than one hour. Employee placed the rice inside over for reheating and last reading white rice (167F - Reheating)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed prep table with food contact equipment soiled with food debris. Employee cleaned up the table.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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 employee with no food safety training for Yamila and Cristobal
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee area at front counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl without handle inside salt container under prep table at kitchen area. Also observed bowl inside cereal container at sandwich station. Employee removed during inspection.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard on flat grill and on pans storage shelves over stove. Employee removed during inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled with water damage throughout the kitchen area. Also ceiling vents dusty throughout kitchen area.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at preparation area. Also at kitchen prep table and sandwich station.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone stored on steam table at kitchen area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Food stored on floor. Observed coffee creamers stored on floor at front counter. Employee rearranged properly during inspection.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle in contact with sugar inside plastic bucket in kitchen area. Employee stored properly during inspection.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of old food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at restrooms.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan cover dusty.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed employee washing two empty milk gallons for reuse. Instructed employee about not reusing single service articles.
Stored food not covered. Observed ham mix stored uncovered inside walk in cooler. Employee covered food during inspection.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and sugar without label at kitchen prep area.
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.