MORRO CASTLE
1201 W 44 PL, Hialeah FL 33012 · (305)556-4252
Last inspected Jul 21, 2026 · 10 visits since September 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 21 points better than where it started.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2023 Owner renewed license during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 21, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed fries (67F - Cold Holding) on preparation table at kitchen area, as per operator less than 2. Hours. Operator moved fries to walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed white rice (127F - Hot Holding) on steam table, as per operator less than 1 hour. Operator proceeded to reheated.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area, operator provided during inspection.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not date marked on shelves at walk in cooler.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on standing freezer by back door.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed glasses stored on top of food container at cook line, operator removed during inspection.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed under equipment at cook line.
Food stored on floor. Observed sauce container stored on kitchen floor. Operator stored properly.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Employee removed during inspection.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Employee cleaned during inspection.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled walk in cooler shelves. Also observed soiled standing reach in cooler interior across flat grill.
Stored food not covered. Observed food containers not covered at walk in cooler.
Jan 15, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed black trash bags used to cover churros inside walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cut vegetables and cooked beef. Operator stored ready to eat food above raw beef.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed carton with eggs on top of prep table at kitchen, according to cook out for about 1 hour. Employee stored shell eggs inside walk in cooler buckets for rapid chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter blend on top of counter at sandwich station 47F Cold Holding. Placed out 30 minutes ago, employee put butter blend sticks inside reach in cooler buckets.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed WD40 stored next to bread crumbs at shelf. Operator stored WD40 away from food storage area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellphone stored on shelf next to flour. Operator removed cell phone.
Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler buckets with vegetable, mojo, black beans stored on the floor.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed knife, placed at 3 compartment for washing.
Aug 15, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 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 some expired 08/06/2025
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in reach in coolers at kitchen torn.
Aug 14, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw hamburger patties over cut vegetables inside reach in cooler. Operator moved raw hamburger patties patties to bottom shelf under ready to eat food.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed prove thermometer inside reach in cooler at kitchen across from flat grill cooked beef (46F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding); hamburger patties (45F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (46F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (46F - Cold Holding). According to operator refrigerator was opened for about 30 minutes, operator placed ice bags inside reach in cooler for rapid chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at preparation table, garlic, onions and oils mix (125F - Hot Holding), according to cook prepared 1 hour ago. Cook placed container on top of stove to reheat.
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 some expired 08/06/2025
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed at kitchen, operator removed cloth
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees preparing and serving food no hair restraints.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in reach in coolers at kitchen torn.
Jan 13, 2025Inspection 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 pooled eggs stored over cut ham inside reach in cooler at kitchen. Cook stored pooled eggs on bottom shelf under cut ham.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed blocked by trash can at kitchen hand sink. Employee moved trash can and made the hand sink accessible.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle containing alcohol, and bottle containing chlorine sanitizer at kitchen not labeled. Manager labeled spry bottles.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed towel covering sweet plantains inside walk in cooler.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in reach in cooler at kitchen torn.
Food stored on floor. Observed bucket with plantains and cooking oil containers stored on the kitchen floor.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee drink inside cooler. Employee discarded drink.
Aug 15, 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 ▾
Food stored on floor. Observed oils containers stored on floor at kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not properly stored to dry at mop sink area.
Aug 14, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over cooked pork at walk in cooler.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed an employee touching face, no washing hands or changing gloves. Manager coached employee how to proper wash hands and correct gloves use
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced tomatoes (60F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (68F - Cold Holding); croquettes (60F - Cold Holding). Place in unit 3 hours ago according to cook. Operator started relocating all products to walk in cooler for rapid cooling. Observed at sandwich area ham and cheese sandwich (62F - Cold Holding) as operator less than 2 hours. Operator relocated prepared sandwiches 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 at stove, beef soup (114F - Hot Holding); black bean (121F - Hot Holding). Operator turn burner on to started reheating the product.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed above three compartment sink.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a trash can blocking the hand wash sink at kitchen area. Manager moved trash can away from hand wash sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at front counter. Employee provided soap.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed flans at walk in cooler according to manager prepared the day before in the morning around 10 am.
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed a knife between wall and three compartment sink. Operator removed knife to be wash at three compartment sink.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee at sandwich area no hair restraint.
Food stored on floor. Observed oils containers stored on floor at kitchen area.
Walk in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observe shelves inside walk in cooler soiled with food residue.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not properly stored to dry at mop sink area.
Apr 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Air gap between water supply inlet and flood rim of equipment/sink is less than one inch. Observed hose used at 3 compartment.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed at kit two spray bottles containing sanitizer and degreaser no labeled.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee drinking from a bottle at kitchen while serving food.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in reach in coolers at kitchen torn.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at kitchen under prep table.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil container, and seasoning bucket stored on the kitchen floor, and sack with onions inside walk in cooler.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed inside rice handle of metal container touching the rice. Employee stored scoop with handle upwards.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed at kitchen under plastic container holding frozen Potatoes.
Mar 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Air gap between water supply inlet and flood rim of equipment/sink is less than one inch. Observed hose used at 3 compartment.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2023 Owner renewed license during inspection.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over sliced ham inside walk in cooler, Employee stored raw chicken on bottom shelve under slice ham.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on ice bath at kitchen pooled eggs (47F - Cold Holding), Employee added more ice and water to ice bath 10 minutes after, pooled eggs (41F - Cold Holding)
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 at kitchen Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) Employee diluted Sanitizer with more water, Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm)
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed hands at 3 compartment sink. Manager coached employee in proper hand washing.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Manager provided paper towels.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at hand wash sink at bar are.
Sep 25, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Air gap between water supply inlet and flood rim of equipment/sink is less than one inch. Observed hose in use at 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags in use to store chicken inside reach in freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at cook line pooled eggs (57F - Cold Holding) Out for about 40 minutes. Employee put pooled eggs container in an ice bath for rapid chill, 20 minutes later, pooled eggs (42F - Cold Holding)
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage can in front of hand wash sink at kitchen. Em moved garage can away from hand wash sink.
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Observed no measuring device available for dish machine.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed inside walk in cooler cooked beef, cooked pork, co chicken and flans according to cook prepared the day before no date labeled.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing sanitizer on cleaning cart, no labeled with name. Manager labeled spray bottle.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen area.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed at kitchen. Employee replaced soiled towels.
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.