NOVEL CAFE SOCIAL
2323 N MIAMI AVE, Miami FL 33137 · 917-774-1654
Last inspected Jun 1, 2026 · 8 visits since February 2024
JUN 24
OCT 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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jun 1, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter; no breaker.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled knife magnets. Observed soiled knives on magnets.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven doors. Operator removed tongs.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed in kitchen under board. Operator removed cloth.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed where dish machine and triple sink are in kitchen.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on oven door handles. Operator removed cloth.
- From initial inspection : Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Observed induction burner on prep table next to walk in. Observed sandwich press on table across hand sink.
Mar 30, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed burn cream on same rack above prep table with canola oil. Observed pain relief pills above prep table. Operator removed items during inspection.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed chef wipe hands on apron and continue working with same gloved hands. Inspector spoke to chef about changing gloves and washing hands. Chef washed hands in approved hand sink.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray on rack above glasses at front counter. Observed spray on same counter with clean glasses at front counter. Operator removed items.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter; no breaker.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed chef rinse hands at prep sink next to dish machine. Inspector spoke to chef and chef washed hands properly at hand sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled knife magnets. Observed soiled knives on magnets.
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 all certificates expired for all associates, 03-20-26.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed sanitizer at front counter; no label.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed next to coffee bar.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed old license posted.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed phone on prep table next to walk in.
Food stored on floor. Observed oil on floor in front of triple sink. Operator removed from floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven doors. Operator removed tongs.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed in kitchen under board. Operator removed cloth.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand sink outside of walk in.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed where dish machine and triple sink are in kitchen.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on oven door handles. Operator removed cloth.
Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Observed induction burner on prep table next to walk in. Observed sandwich press on table across hand sink.
Oct 23, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter no vacuum breaker at mop sink.
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink by walk in cooler entrance. Employee provided.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. By front counter.
Food stored on floor. Observed a container with vegetables and 2 cases of plastic bottles of water stored on floor at walk in cooler.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Observed mop sink blocked not accessible.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in coolers gaskets soiled across cook line.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed side door and front door open during inspection.
Oct 22, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority7 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching hair and face and proceeded to put new gloves on without wash hands. Coached employee to wash hands properly.
Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed Employee wash hands with no soap at kitchen. Coached employee to wash hands properly.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs container stored over cooked sweet plantains container at reach in cooler near cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed boiled eggs (55F - Cold Holding); tuna salad (49F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (46F - Cold Holding)as per chef prepared this morning less than 4 hours. As per chef open lids open always. Employee put ice on container for rapid chill.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter no vacuum breaker at mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting boards at prep area soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a cup and sponge stored inside hand sink by front counter.
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink by walk in cooler entrance. Employee provided.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink by kitchen. Employee provided.
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Observed soap dispenser unable to dispense soap at hand sink front counter.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer not labeled at front counter.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. By front counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl with no handle stored inside flour container by walk in cooler. Employee removed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cutting board at prep area no longer cleanable.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee food bowl stored above shelves at dry condiments storage. Employee removed.
Food stored on floor. Observed a container with vegetables and 2 cases of plastic bottles of water stored on floor at walk in cooler.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Observed mop sink blocked not accessible.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in coolers gaskets soiled across cook line.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed side door and front door open during inspection.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed two wet cloth stored on prep table near small oven by front counter.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed one wet cloth soiled by coffee machine.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 0ppm) at front counter, employee prepared new solution, Recheck; Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 50ppm).
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottle with cooking oil not labeled at cook line.
Feb 26, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 21 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority6 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a box of raw ground pork stored above sliced cheese bag at walk in cooler.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed a splitter connected at mop sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink at front counter.
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 inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towel at hand sink at front counter. Observed no paper towel at hand sink near prep area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink near walk in cooler. Observed no soap at hand sink near preparation area. Employee provided.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed Cook unable to answer minimum required temperature to cook chicken. Coached cook.
Wild bird present inside establishment. Observed door open and wild bird flying inside and outside dining area. Advised person in charge to closed door.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed above preparation area near three compartment sink.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean containers not inverted at ware washing machine area. Employee started inverting.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed a preparation area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed a open water bottle stored at front counter near coffee station. Manager discarded.
Food stored on floor. Observed bag of onions and boxes of vegetables stored on floor at walk in cooler.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed one tong stored on door handle oven.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at hand sink near walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets at preparation area and across cook line soiled.
Outer openings not protected during operation. Observed side door and front door open during inspection.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service bowls and lids not inverted at cook line. Employee inverted.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloth stored at kitchen, prep area and front counter.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flor container not labeled at walk in cooler. Observed squeeze bottles of oil not labeled at cook line.
Oct 23, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee cracked eggs with gloves on and continued with food preparation without changing gloves. Coached employee on proper procedures. Employee washed hands.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone on prep table next to prep sink.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven door handle at kitchen.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water 83F next to the grill. Employee discarded water and washed utensils.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee water inside reach in cooler.
Jun 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cheese inside walk in cooler. Employee removed the raw beef.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 10 tuna packages still in ROP package for more than 24 hrs in reach in cooler next to cook line. Employee discarded the products
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed knife inside kitchen hand sink. Employee removed the knife.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink. Employee provided the soap.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl inside sugar plastic containers.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed 10 tuna packages still in ROP package for more than 24 hrs in reach in cooler next to cook line. Employee discarded the products.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed pair of tongs hanging from over door handle at kitchen.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water 89F at cook line.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels on plastic containers next to ware washing area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed next to service window.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar inside plastic container without label at kitchen. Employee properly labeled.
Feb 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
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 and or reviewed the 2017 food code changes, Big 6 Foodborne Illnesses, up for vomit and diarreal events
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Utensils in hand sink on cook line. Employee removed utensils.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand sink on cook line. Operator replaced paper towels.
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. Provided and or reviewed the 2017 food code changes, Big 6 Foodborne Illnesses, up for vomit and diarreal events
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in bulk containers of flour and rice in prep area. Operator removed bowls.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Drink on prep table. Employee removed drink.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Phone on prep table. Employee removed phone.
Hotel and Restaurant license decal not displayed on vending machine.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives between reach in cooler on cook line. Employee removed knives washed and sanitized them.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven door. Operator removed tongs.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Avocados in reach in cooler with stickers on them. Operator removed avocados and washed them.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. All bulk containers of rice and flour. Operator made labels.
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.