PALENQUE RESTAURANT 5
2200 PALM AVE, Hialeah FL 33010 · 786-803-5856
Last inspected Apr 23, 2026 · 11 visits since October 2023
APR 24
JUL 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Black beans (90F - Hot Holding) on table across cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed on stove for reheating.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2015041603 | Sep 8, 2015 | Nov 6, 2015 | $160 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Apr 23, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee put on gloves without washing hands after drinking water. Discussed with employee proper hand washing procedures.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over tuna cans inside walk in cooler. Operator placed chicken under.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on garlic in oil (73F - Cold Holding) prep table at across cook line. Operator prepared ice bath for rapid cooling. Observed at pizza station cheese (71F - Cold Holding) as per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed inside walk 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 Black beans (90F - Hot Holding) on table across cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed on stove for reheating.
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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 6 food employees without CFM present.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed next to kitchen entrance.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed by kitchen entrance.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone next to clean plates on shelves across cook line. Operator removed.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed on top of ice machine.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 3 knives stored between ice bin and metal archive drawers at bar. Operator removed the knives.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed across cook line. Operator removed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at women and men room.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from plumbing under hand sink at kitchen entrance.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar inside plastic container without label on shelve next to kitchen back exit.
Dec 3, 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 ▾
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed pain brush used for coffee.
Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, boxes with yuca, drinking ice, ice cream buckets on the floor.
Aug 28, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on top of prep table red beans (90F - Hot Holding) according to to cook placed on table 2 hours ago. Cook placed beans container on top of stove to reheat. Second temperature red beans (193F Reheating)
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed no certified manager on restaurant.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed pain brush used for coffee.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Printed consumer advisory, operator posted on wall at the time of inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, boxes with yuca, drinking ice, ice cream buckets on the floor.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed stored on oven door at kitchen. Operator removed tongs and stored them properly.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at kitchen towels under cutting boards.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container no labeled.
Jan 27, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooked pork belly held for more than 24 hours with no date marked at walk in cooler.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses, located at cooking line
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed several kitchen utensils in standing at 87 F, located at cooking line.
Jan 27, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 1, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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.
Jul 30, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed kitchen utensils, and a plastic pitcher stored inside the hand sink.
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.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, located at men's bathroom and women's bathroom.
Apr 11, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed handwash sink removed from original location. Establishment has portable hand sink with wheels, two water tanks, hot water heater underneath the hand washing sink, without hard plumbing by the cook line by the exit door to outside.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager on duty Edison without any food manager certification or training.
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 employees with no proof any food handling training. Yinet, Damary, Roxana, Edison, and Rosangel have been working for 3.5 months.
Apr 2, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 22 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority8 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 22 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottles of Tylenol and advil stored on top of shelf in pizza preparation area. Operator moved the bottles to the office.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed one employee put on gloves without washing hands and continued to stir food on stove with spoon.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed a raw chicken breast stored on top of mushrooms, operator relocated the products. Observed raw beef stored on top of apples.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp and raw beef stored on top of shredded cheese and raw chicken stored over raw beef inside walk in freezer. Observed raw shelled eggs stored on top of tortillas inside of walk in cooler.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Observed one employee put on gloves without washing hands and continued to stir food on stove with spoon. Inspector coached employee on when to wash hands.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Operator removed can opener to be cleaned.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed handwash sink removed from original location. Establishment has portable hand sink with wheels, two water tanks, hot water heater underneath the hand washing sink, without hard plumbing by the cook line by the exit door to outside.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dirty dishes stored inside hand washing sink at bar area.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager on duty Edison without any food manager certification or training.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in dish area. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in coffee area. Operator provided paper towels. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in bar area.
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 employees with no proof any food handling training. Yinet, Damary, Roxana, Edison, and Rosangel have been working for 3.5 months.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork belly stored inside the walk in cooler not date marked, as per operator was cooked two days ago.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle stored inside risotto rice being used to scoop rice.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed ice bucket being stored on the floor.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed one cup of water on top of preparation area by reach in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed one employee wearing a watch while prepping food.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed two employees prepping food without hair restraint.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 4 tongs stored on oven door handle.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel used under cutting board in kitchen area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed inside of microwave soiled, operator cleaned the inside of the microwave
Stored food not covered. Observed one open can of spaghetti sauce not covered inside of reach in cooler in front of grill.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two containers of white rice and risotto rice without a label not identified by common name. Operator labeled the products. Observed one container of sugar without a label not identified by common name.
Oct 18, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed all Hand sink with no sign.
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.