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PALO QUEMAO DOWNTOWN

20 W FLAGLER ST, Miami FL 33130 · 305 728 9701

Last inspected Aug 3, 2026 · 7 visits since July 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats136
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA2333200
Grade history
DEC 24
APR 25
SEP 25
APR 26
▲ GETTING WORSE

4 inspections trending down, 19 points off where it started.

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
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Inspection history

7 visits, newest first

Aug 3, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gasket torn in the kitchen area.
Basic/14-11-5/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Aug 3, 2026 · Observed reach in cooler door gasket torn in the kitchen area. Time Extended
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filters.
Basic/23-03-4/Warning/Return visit Aug 3, 2026 · Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filters. Time Extended
Apr 28, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 1 high priority.

1 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
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.
High priority/08A-05-6/Repeat Violation/Warning
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a scrubber stored inside the hand wash sink next to the to go area.
Intermediate/31A-11-4/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. 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).
Intermediate/53B-01-5/Warning
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the hand wash sink next to the to go area.
Intermediate/31B-03-4/Warning
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed an opened employee beverage above preparation area. Employee removed it.
Basic/12B-02-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
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.
Basic/13-07-4/Warning
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gasket torn in the kitchen area.
Basic/14-11-5/Repeat Violation/Warning
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic oil container stored on the floor of the kitchen. Employee removed it.
Basic/08B-38-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at the front counter.
Basic/10-08-5/Repeat Violation/Warning
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop on top of the ice machine.
Basic/10-12-5/Warning
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filters.
Basic/23-03-4/Warning
Walk in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Basic/22-16-4/Warning
very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Next to steam table in the kitchen.
Basic/29-20-5/Warning
Nov 4, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at 3CS area ceiling tiles.
Basic/36-34-5/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · Observed at 3CS area ceiling tiles. Time Extended
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cutting board at steam table.
Basic/14-09-4/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · Observed at cutting board at steam table. Time Extended
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed at plastic containers at 3CS Area.
Basic/24-08-4/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · Observed at plastic containers at 3CS Area.Time Extended Time Extended
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in freezer gaskets in disrepair and at reach-in freezer across cook line.
Basic/14-11-5/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · Observed walk-in freezer gaskets in disrepair and at reach-in freezer across cook line. Time Extended
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at walk-in freezer door.
Basic/14-69-4/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · Observed ice buildup at walk-in freezer door. Time Extended
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Basic/51-13-4/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Time Extended
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed interior of 3CS hose gun soiled.
Basic/23-03-4/Warning/Return visit Nov 4, 2025 · Observed interior of 3CS hose gun soiled. Time Extended
Sep 4, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed container of pills stored on shelf over preparation table at 3CS area. Bottle was moved.
High priority/41-07-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
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.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site/Warning
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.
Intermediate/16-37-1/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. Observed no training provided. Observed Esteban, Maria, Rene, Catalina, Milagros working for than 60 days.
Intermediate/53B-01-5/Warning
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.
Intermediate/53A-15-4/Warning
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at 3CS area ceiling tiles.
Basic/36-34-5/Warning
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Basic/50-09-4/Warning
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cutting board at steam table.
Basic/14-09-4/Warning
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed at plastic containers at 3CS Area.
Basic/24-08-4/Warning
Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in freezer gaskets in disrepair and at reach-in freezer across cook line.
Basic/14-11-5/Warning
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.
Basic/08B-38-4/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at walk-in freezer door.
Basic/14-69-4/Warning
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at kitchen and bar ice machines. Scoops were correctly placed.
Basic/10-08-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Basic/51-13-4/Warning
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed interior of 3CS hose gun soiled.
Basic/23-03-4/Warning
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons and forks stored upright at entrance to kitchen. Utensils were stored correctly.
Basic/24-18-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Stored food not covered. Observed pork belly not covered at Walk-in cooler. Coached manager on correct procedure.
Basic/08B-12-5/Warning
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall next to 3CS soiled.
Basic/36-27-5/Warning
Apr 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority5 Intermediate4 Basic
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.
Intermediate/11-27-4
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.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Intermediate/05-08-4
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.
Intermediate/11-26-1
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Basic/24-05-4
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
Basic/21-10-4
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Basic/42-01-4
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Basic/21-12-4
Dec 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection

Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority4 Intermediate0 Basic
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.
Intermediate/11-27-4
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Intermediate/05-08-4
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.
Intermediate/11-26-1
Jul 20, 2023□ 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 ▾
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed under hand sink near fryers.
Basic/36-03-4/Return visit Apr 11, 2023 · Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed under hand sink near fryers. Time Extended/Return visit Jul 20, 2023 · - From initial inspection : Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed under hand sink near fryers./Return visit Apr 11, 2023 · Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed under hand sink near fryers. Time Extended
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Basic/16-46-4/Return visit Apr 11, 2023 · Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Time Extended/Return visit Jul 20, 2023 · - From initial inspection : Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning./Return visit Apr 11, 2023 · Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. * Time Extended

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.