LA TINAJITA CAFE
13690 SW 142 AVE, Miami FL 33186 · 3053825023
Last inspected Mar 5, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
APR 24
SEP 24
FEB 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/1/2025. Operator paid during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container in hand wash sink to the right of white chest freezer across from cook line. Operator removed container.
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 establishment with 4 employees engaging in food preparation without CFM present. CFM arrived during time of inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink in front counter. Employee provided soap.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed non food grade basting brush used at coffee maker in front counter to the right of hand wash sink.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
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 Gladys engaging in food preparation with employee training provided by, Florida Restaurant and Lodging association, that expired on 9/20/23.
Food stored on floor. Observed bag of sugar on floor at front counter to the left of three compartment sink.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop stored in sugar at front counter to the left of coffee machine. Employee Removed scoop from container.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee personal soda can and drink container store in reach in cooler across from cook line to the right of three compartment sink. Employee removed drinks from reach in cooler.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood filter vents soiled with grease accumulation above cook line at kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar without label of common name to the left of coffee maker.
Oct 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority6 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed at white standing freezer in covered/ wrapped chorizos stored directly on freezer shelf. Employee removed and began to wrap.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/1/2025. Operator paid during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at cook line fryer, fries (53F - Cold Holding). As per cook less than 1 hour, cooked placed into freezer to cool.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed front counter hand sink used to stored milk gallon. Operator removed.
Interference/obstruction with the inspector's right of entry and access at any reasonable time. Was not allowed entry for 20 minutes. As per employee I needed to wait for manager to arrive. Advised employee that manager was not needed in order for inspection to be conducted. Employee called owner who granted access.
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 5 employees engaging in food and drink preparation with no certified manager present. Manager arrived during inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter.
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 trading expired for Jose C. and Gladys M.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in container of sugar at dry storage shelf in kitchen.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed at front counter ice machine exterior cover missing,
Food stored on floor. Observed at front counter, bag of sugar stored on floor. Employee removed.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed at front counter in a container if sugar,
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Observed for containers of rice pudding at lobby beverage cooler.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter hand sink.
Stored food not covered. Observed at front counter a container of sugar stored uncovered when not in use. Operator covered.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Feb 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
6 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non-food grade paper towel used as a liner for sliced ham in top reach in cooler prep table across from cook line.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over french fries in white standing reach in freezer across from dry storage in kitchen area. Operator stored properly during inspection. Also observed raw beef stored over cooked pork in standing reach in cooler across from dry storage area. Operator properly stored during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed ham and cheese sandwich (50F - Cooling); Cuban sandwich (50F - Cooling ) at reach in cooler across from cook line. As per operator sandwiches were made more than four hours ago. Advised operator to discard the sandwiches.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed egg whites (68F - Cold Holding) on prep table across from cook line. As per operator for less than 30 minutes. Operator moved egg whites to reach in cooler for rapid cooling.
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Observed ham and cheese sandwich (50F - Cooling); Cuban sandwich (50F - Cooling ) at reach in cooler across from cook line. As per operator sandwiches were made more than four hours ago. Advised operator to discard the sandwiches.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked onions (92F - Hot Holding) at prep table across from cook line in kitchen area. Operator began reheating during inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed scoop inside container of sugar soiled at dry storage area. Operator moved scoop to dishwashing area to be cleaned and sanitized.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing sink in kitchen area. Operator provided paper towels.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter ice machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in container of sugar at front counter.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at wooden cutting board at front counter.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal cup and phone on top of container of sugar at front counter next to coffee station. Operator removed items and stored properly during inspection.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven door handle in kitchen area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed utensil handle in container of dry beans in dry storage area. Operator removed utensil.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed under cutting board at prep table across from cook line at kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at handwashing sink at front counter front counter.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw beef (frozen) and raw pork (frozen ) thawing at room temperature. Operator began running under cold water.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed at front entrance to kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of flour not labeled in dry storage area.
Sep 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in reach in cooler, cooked pork (50F - Cold Holding); as per operator since last night. Operator removed to discard.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed in reach in cooler of kitchen cleaned and cut onions stored in to go bag. Observed at front counter beverage cooler, cut pieces of bread stored in to go bag.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter, milk (51F - Cold Holding); as per operator for 1 hour. Operator placed onto ice bath to cool.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink at entrance of kitchen. Operator provided paper towels.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter a paint brush used.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed for egg and steak platter orders. Provided operator with correctly worded poster, operator printed and posted sign.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter ice machine.
Food stored on floor. Observed at entrance of kitchen plastic bottles of water and juice stored on floor. Operator removed and stored on shelves.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at cook line soiled with grease build up.
Stored food not covered. Observed at storage shelf a container of lentils. Observed at front counter a container of sugar.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed at front counter a container of sugar.
Apr 15, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed marinated chicken stored above pastry located in the 3 door reach in cooler.
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 stored above raw beef located in the standing reach in freezer,by the 3 door reach in cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the kitchen.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed no sanitizing sinks set up during wash,rinse sanitizing procedures, for both 3 compartment sinks.
Oct 26, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed marinated chicken stored above cooked pork located in the 3 door standing reach in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw breaded chicken,beef stored above tostones,yuca located in the standing reach in freezer by the back wall.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the unisex bathroom.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed for for vents above front counter.
In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of both ovens soiled with accumulation of food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer gaskets soiled with mold like substance,chest unit.
Sep 20, 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 ▾
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled.
Jul 18, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw pork stored with fruits purée located in the chest freezer. Corrected on site. Observed raw shell eggs stored above breads located in the 3 door reach in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray cans of paint stored above flour bin,by storage shelf.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available at the time of the inspection.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for Nivia G, Gladys M, Alejandro C, Evelyn C as per operator all working at the establishment for more than two months
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water temperature at approximately 84F after running more than 5 minutes throughout establishment.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of plastic drinking bottled water stored on the floor of kitchen passageway.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for the chest unit,back wall.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at the prep counter.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled.
Single-service articles stored on a soiled surface. Observed box containing togo food containers stored on the floor,frontline.
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.