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PALENQUE RESTAURANT #4, LLC

8698 SW 40 ST, Miami FL 33155

Last inspected May 4, 2026 · 8 visits since September 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceNOS2337012
Grade history
OCT 23
JUL 24
FEB 25
NOV 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
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.
Intermediate/11-27-4/Warning
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

1 case · $320

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
1--2022030446Apr 25, 2022Feb 3, 2023$320

Inspection history

8 visits, newest first

May 4, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic pan inside hand wash sink next to prep table. Operator removed.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Corrected On-Site
Nov 4, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Intermediate/22-02-4
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed boxes on top of the hand washing sink located in the trailer, observed plastic containers on top of the hand sink located next to the three compartment sink.
Intermediate/31A-09-4
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed sugar container no chlorine test kit onsite.
Intermediate/16-37-1
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellphone on top of the prep table.
Basic/40-06-5
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of spaghetti sauce, containers of spaghetti stored on the walk in cooler floor.
Basic/08B-38-4
Feb 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed a dented can of Spaghetti sauce.
High priority/01B-01-4
Equipment in poor repair. Observed dough cooler gasket in disrepair
Basic/14-11-5
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of tomato sauce stored on the floor in the trailer floor
Basic/08B-38-4
Sep 13, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority5 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Observed Vacuum breaker missing on splitter added to hose bib at mop sink.
High priority/29-34-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed Vacuum breaker missing on splitter added to hose bib at mop sink. Time Extended
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (78F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at cook line. As per employee, for approximately 1 hour. Discussed maximum cold holding temperature with employee and advised employee to place product inside reach in cooler or submerge container in ice.
High priority/03A-02-5/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed cheese (77F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at cook line. As per employee, for less than 1 hour. Admin Complaint
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with old food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed can opener blade soiled with old food debris. Time Extended
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container stored over hand sink at kitchen. Observed container of dish soap stored inside hand sink at remote storage trailer.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed plastic bottle of dish soap stored inside hand sink at remote walk in cooler. Time Extended
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Time Extended
No plan review submitted and approved for establishment previously licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service or the Department of Health. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed establishment added food storage and preparation trailer behind building containing 2 preparation tables, 2 reach in coolers and walk in cooler.
Intermediate/51-12-5/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed establishment added food storage and preparation trailer behind building containing 2 preparation tables, 2 reach in coolers and walk in cooler. Admin Complaint
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink at kitchen.
Intermediate/31B-03-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed no soap at hand sink at kitchen. Time Extended
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand sink at remote preparation trailer.
Basic/31B-04-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed no hand washing sign at hand sink at remote preparation trailer. Time Extended
Observed air conditioning vent soiled at remote storage/preparation room.
Basic/36-34-5/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed air conditioning vent soiled at remote storage/preparation room. Time Extended
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed self closing mechanism detached at back exit door. Observed door opened during inspection at remote food storage and preparation trailer.
Basic/35B-03-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed back door opened at time of call back inspection. Time Extended
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed marinara sauce, olives, pineapple and peppers stored inside aluminum single service containers inside preparation cooler.
Basic/25-32-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 13, 2024 · Observed marinara sauce, olives, pineapple and peppers stored inside aluminum single service containers inside preparation cooler. Time Extended
Jul 8, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 4 high priority.

4 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed noodles (73F - Cooling) at remote walk in cooler. As per employee, product was prepared more than 2 hours prior. Discussed cooling procedures with employee.
High priority/03D-01-5/Warning
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands.
High priority/12A-16-4/Warning
Observed Vacuum breaker missing on splitter added to hose bib at mop sink.
High priority/29-34-4/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (78F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at cook line. As per employee, for approximately 1 hour. Discussed maximum cold holding temperature with employee and advised employee to place product inside reach in cooler or submerge container in ice.
High priority/03A-02-5/Warning
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed noodles (73F - Cooling) inside closed container at remote storage trailer. Employee removed lid.
Intermediate/03D-15-4/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with old food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Warning
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container stored over hand sink at kitchen. Observed container of dish soap stored inside hand sink at remote storage trailer.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Warning
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Warning
No plan review submitted and approved for establishment previously licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service or the Department of Health. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed establishment added food storage and preparation trailer behind building containing 2 preparation tables, 2 reach in coolers and walk in cooler.
Intermediate/51-12-5/Warning
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink at kitchen.
Intermediate/31B-03-4/Warning
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand sink at remote preparation trailer.
Basic/31B-04-4/Warning
Observed Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at front counter.
Basic/14-69-4/Warning
Observed air conditioning vent soiled at remote storage/preparation room.
Basic/36-34-5/Warning
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed self closing mechanism detached at back exit door. Observed door opened during inspection at remote food storage and preparation trailer.
Basic/35B-03-4/Warning
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed marinara sauce, olives, pineapple and peppers stored inside aluminum single service containers inside preparation cooler.
Basic/25-32-4/Warning
Oct 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection

Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed degreaser bottle on top of shelves near salt container located at back kitchen. Employee removed it.
High priority/41-10-4/Corrected On-Site
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towel located at back kitchen. Employee placed a new paper towel roll.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site
No soap provided at handwash sink. Located at back kitchen. Employee placed bottle soap.
Intermediate/31B-03-4/Corrected On-Site
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees beverages cup stored at preparation area. Employee removed them and placed them at employee area.
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation without hair restraint.
Basic/13-03-4
Food stored on floor. Observed mozzarella boxes stored on the floor at walk in cooler located behind beverages area.
Basic/08B-38-4
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled hood system.
Basic/23-03-4
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed towels on top of preparation table near cooking line. Employee placed them inside sanitizer bucket.
Basic/21-12-4/Corrected On-Site
Sep 15, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (76F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at preparation area. Observed cheese (67F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at cook line. As per employee, for approximately 1 hour. Employees took product to walk in cooler. Observed cheese pizza (68F - Cold Holding) at standing reach in cooler. As per employee, for approximately 1 hour.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed cheese at 72F, cheese pizza at 68F all cold holding at standing reach in cooler. As per employee, for 10 minutes. Employees took cheese to walk in cooler and cheese pizzas to reach in cooler. Admin Complaint Corrective Action Taken
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed splitter connecting to mop sink.
High priority/29-34-4/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed splitter connecting to mop sink. Time Extended
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.
Intermediate/11-27-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · 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. Time Extended
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with old food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed can opener blade soiled with old food debris. Time Extended
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. Yulier and Yurisai
Intermediate/53B-01-5/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed employees Yulier and Yurisai employed more than 60 days, no proof of employee training. Time Extended
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature at 58F at standing reach in cooler at kitchen.
Basic/14-74-7/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed ambient temperature at 50F. Time Extended
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Basic/50-09-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Time Extended
Food stored on floor. Observed boxes of cheese stored on floor at walk in cooler.
Basic/08B-38-4/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed boxes of cheese stored on floor at walk in cooler. Time Extended
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoopers stored inside water at 80F at front counter.
Basic/10-07-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Observed ice cream scoopers stored inside water at 80F at front counter. Time Extended
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed above preparation table at kitchen.
Basic/35B-02-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 15, 2023 · Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed above preparation table at kitchen. Time Extended
Sep 13, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (76F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at preparation area. Observed cheese (67F - Cold Holding) at room temperature at cook line. As per employee, for approximately 1 hour. Employees took product to walk in cooler. Observed cheese pizza (68F - Cold Holding) at standing reach in cooler. As per employee, for approximately 1 hour.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed splitter connecting to mop sink.
High priority/29-34-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Observed cook unaware of how to calibrate probe thermometer. Coached cook on thermometer calibration.
Intermediate/53B-15-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
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.
Intermediate/11-27-4/Warning
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with old food debris.
Intermediate/22-02-4/Warning
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sanitizer bucket and brush stored inside hand sink at kitchen.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
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. Yulier and Yurisai
Intermediate/53B-01-5/Warning
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature at 58F at standing reach in cooler at kitchen.
Basic/14-74-7/Warning
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Basic/50-09-4/Warning
Food stored on floor. Observed boxes of cheese stored on floor at walk in cooler.
Basic/08B-38-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoopers stored inside water at 80F at front counter.
Basic/10-07-4/Warning
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed above preparation table at kitchen.
Basic/35B-02-4/Warning

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.