PALO QUEMAO DOWNTOWN
20 W FLAGLER ST, Miami FL 33130 · 305 728 9701
Last inspected Aug 3, 2026 · 7 visits since July 2023
4 inspections trending down, 19 points off where it started.
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.
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gasket torn in the kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filters.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above cooked yuca inside the walk in cooler Food. Operator removed the eggs.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a scrubber stored inside the hand wash sink next to the to go 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 food handler trainings were not provided for Valeria L ( 6 months), Aracely F ( 1 year), Jorjelis V ( 11 months), Mayorie S ( 5 months), Rodrigo M ( 2 months), Yimalaya P( 1 year), Karim R, ( 1 Year), Gemma blanc( 3 months) Marie Gima( 5 years) Eugenia I( 2 months).
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the hand wash sink next to the to go area.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed an opened employee beverage above preparation area. Employee removed it.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed 3 employees wearing watches and bracelet during food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gasket torn in the kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic oil container stored on the floor of the kitchen. Employee removed it.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at the front counter.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop on top of the ice machine.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filters.
Walk in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Next to steam table in the kitchen.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 7 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at 3CS area ceiling tiles.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cutting board at steam table.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed at plastic containers at 3CS Area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in freezer gaskets in disrepair and at reach-in freezer across cook line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at walk-in freezer door.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed interior of 3CS hose gun soiled.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 18 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed container of pills stored on shelf over preparation table at 3CS area. Bottle was moved.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cooked yuca at 2nd walk-in cooler. Eggs were moved accordingly.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.
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 no training provided. Observed Esteban, Maria, Rene, Catalina, Milagros working for than 60 days.
Person in charge unable to answer basic questions about allergens. Observed operator not knowing how to calibrate a thermometer using the cold method. Coached operator on correct procedure.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at 3CS area ceiling tiles.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cutting board at steam table.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed at plastic containers at 3CS Area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in freezer gaskets in disrepair and at reach-in freezer across cook line.
Food stored on floor. Observed raw cut potatoes and limes on floor at 2nd walk-in cooler observed and plastic water bottles on floor at entrance to kitchen. Water bottles were correctly stored.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at walk-in freezer door.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at kitchen and bar ice machines. Scoops were correctly placed.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed interior of 3CS hose gun soiled.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons and forks stored upright at entrance to kitchen. Utensils were stored correctly.
Stored food not covered. Observed pork belly not covered at Walk-in cooler. Coached manager on correct procedure.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall next to 3CS soiled.
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 9 findings ▾
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.
No 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.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 4 findings ▾
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.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 2 findings ▾
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed under hand sink near fryers.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
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.