LA PALAPA RESTAURANT SEAFOOD & GRILL
3820 NW 36 ST, Miami FL 33142
Last inspected Mar 4, 2026 · 9 visits since December 2023
JUN 24
NOV 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 2 live roaches inside oven on cook line.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2024063583 | Nov 6, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Mar 4, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired since October 1, 2025.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled wall in kitchen area behind cook line.
Jul 25, 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 ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair above electrical panel to the right of cook line.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards by prep table.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair on walk in cooler door.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe in disrepair at handwashing sink by entrance of kitchen.
Jul 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 2 live roaches inside oven on cook line.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink by entrance of kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair above electrical panel to the right of cook line.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed excessive cut marks on cutting boards by prep table.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed one large dead roach by electrical panel, 3 small dead roaches under stairway that leads to upstairs dry storage, 1 small dead roach inside oven on cook line. Operator had employee clean up dead roaches onsite.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket in disrepair on walk in cooler door.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave in front of cook line.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe in disrepair at handwashing sink by entrance of kitchen.
Jan 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
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/ Manager arrived during the inspection.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed white storage containers with crack lids.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood with accumulated grease.
Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels stuck on containers of yuca, ground beef, ribs.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Nov 5, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn in both reach in coolers in the kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In the walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed flour containers with cracked lids.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood with accumulation of grease.
Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Nov 4, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 29 violations recorded, 8 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
8 High priority4 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 29 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher's (Chlorine 0ppm).
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 7 flies in the kitchen by the prep area. Observed 1 live fly landing on the dough in the prep area.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 15+ centipedes dead throughout the storage area on the 2nd floor. Observed rodent
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20+ rodent droppings on the 2 floor storage room behind the single service items, 15+ rodent droppings behind the AC unit on the 2nd floor.
Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. Observed rodent rub marks on the floor under the single service items on the 2nd floor.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee moving the trash can to another location in the kitchen and about to start food preparation, educated employee how and when to wash their hands properly.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 1 live fly landing on the dough in the prep area.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) stored in the kitchen. Operator discarded solution.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris inside the hand washing sink in the kitchen.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed Caesar Lopez with no manager certificate.
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/ At the time of the inspection observed 4 employees with no manager on duty.
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 employees with no employee training named Litica Mena and Juana Mena hired 18 years ago.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed 2 door reach in cooler door handle with food debris.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 6 dead roaches on the 2nd floor storage room. Observed 2 dead roaches in the kitchen behind the stairwell where containers of salt, rice and beans are stored.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn in both reach in coolers in the kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In the walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed flour containers with cracked lids.
Food stored on floor. Observed cut plantains stored on the floor in the kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed multiple holes in the wall at the 2nd floor storage room.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 4 knifes between wall and 3 compartment sink.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood with accumulation of grease.
Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. Observed no screen at the bar gates by the door on the outside exterior patio.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed hand washing sink in the kitchen with slow drainage.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed 2nd floor walls soiled.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed 2nd floor storage room heavily soiled.
Jun 26, 2024Inspection 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 began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed a cook come from the outside and stirred beef cooking at the back cook top.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed beef in a shopping bag in the walk-in cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed next to the kitchen entrance. The manager put towels.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed the preparation reach in cooler gaskets torn.
Food stored on floor. Observed bags of ice on the walk-in freezer floor.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. The cook removed the towels.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed both hood systems and hood filters soiled.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Feb 14, 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 ▾
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed plastic squeeze bottles with oil not labeled.
Dec 8, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 8 high priority.
8 High priority7 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. The cook has the triple sink set up for sanitizing.
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 pork in a shopping bag in a plastic container on the walk-in freezer floor.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed plantains and limes in water a plastic container that has a label Pro Form joint compound.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed a pan with whole snapper on top cases of beer in the walk-in cooler. The cook moved the pan to the appropriate shelf.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw shell eggs in the upright cooler across from the oven.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed the cook crack raw shell eggs and continue cooking other items.
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. Form provided via email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a shopping bag in the sink. Observed a stainless pan with silver ware in the hand wash sink at the kitchen entrance.
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 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 via email.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Xiomara, Pamela, Cinthina, Juana, La palapa all expired 10-22-23.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed at the preparation reach in cooler at the kitchen entrance in a pan of Parmesan cheese and sauce.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
Exterior door has a gap on the that opens to the outside.
Food stored on floor. Observed pork in a shopping back in a plastic bucket on the walk-in freezer floor. The cook moved the bucket to a shelf.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed holes in the wall at the bar by the juice dispenser.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed in a cooler at the bar. The waitress removed the scoop.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed plastic squeeze bottles with oil not labeled.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork in a plastic container with water. The cook turned on the cold water and left if on.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a plastic squeeze bottle containing oil not labeled at the cook line.
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.