RESTAURANT EL TROVADOR
1528 -1530 NE 8 ST, Homestead FL 33033
Last inspected Aug 11, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A 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 →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2021045206 | Sep 29, 2021 | Nov 19, 2021 | $400 |
| 1--2019002022 | Jan 9, 2019 | May 14, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 11, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork and cheese mix (66F - Cold Holding); refried beans and cheese pupusa mix (55F - Cold Holding), as per employee prepared less than 1 hour at prep table. Observed raw chicken (62F - Cold Holding); raw steak (55F - Cold Holding); queso fresco (58F - Cold Holding); cooked yuca (68F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler by prep area near three compartment sink kitchen. As per employee prepared today less than 4 hours. Employee stated cooler open too often for preparation. Employee put ice and removed product to other cooler front counter for rapid cooling.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents soiled and dusty throughout all kitchen and prep area.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at both exits back doors by dry storage near bathroom and kitchen exit door.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed a box of SS cups stored at bathroom floor.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Single-service articles stored in toilet room/locker room/garbage room/mechanical room. Observed a box of SS cups stored at bathroom. Bathroom in disrepair. Bathroom closed for public used as a storage.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed faucet at three compartment front counter sink in disrepair.
Aug 10, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork and cheese mix (66F - Cold Holding); refried beans and cheese pupusa mix (55F - Cold Holding), as per employee prepared less than 1 hour at prep table. Observed raw chicken (62F - Cold Holding); raw steak (55F - Cold Holding); queso fresco (58F - Cold Holding); cooked yuca (68F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler by prep area near three compartment sink kitchen. As per employee prepared today less than 4 hours. Employee stated cooler open too often for preparation. Employee put ice and removed product to other cooler front counter for rapid cooling.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked yuca (98F - Hot Holding); menudo (85F - Hot Holding) at cook line, as per employee prepared less than 2 hours. Employee started stove to reheat.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed spray (Chlorine 300ppm); at front counter, Employee diluted with water. Recheck; spray (Chlorine 100ppm).
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray plaster bottle with bleach not labeled at front counter. Employee labeled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. By three compartment sink front counter.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles and vents soiled and dusty throughout all kitchen and prep area.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee eating at front counter near cakes.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in freezer gaskets torn.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at both exits back doors by dry storage near bathroom and kitchen exit door.
Food stored on floor. Observed several bags of cabbage stored on floor by bar. Observed cooking oil stored on floor by dry storage by bathrooms. As per owner received merchandise today.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at front counter by three compartment sink.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed a box of SS cups stored at bathroom floor.
Single-service articles stored in toilet room/locker room/garbage room/mechanical room. Observed a box of SS cups stored at bathroom. Bathroom in disrepair. Bathroom closed for public used as a storage.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed faucet at three compartment front counter sink in disrepair.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored on mop bucket at dry storage room by bathroom.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 0ppm); at front counter three compartment sink, employee prepared new solution, RECHECK; Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 50ppm).
Jan 14, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority0 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment observed preparing, serving, or selling food to customers with an expired license."
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shrimp stored above unwashed vegetables in standing unit at kitchen area.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tortilla mix with cheese (48F - Cold Holding); tortilla mix with pork (49F - Cold Holding) on preparation table at kitchen area, as per operator less than 2 hours. Operator moved mixes to reach in cooler.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine +100ppm); operator discarded and replaced with a new solution.Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm)
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed cheese container stored on floor by cook line, operator stored properly during inspection.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed hood filters with grease accumulated.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Operator stored properly during inspection.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on standing unit at kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed grease accumulated on wall next tocook line.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking faucet on 3 compartment sink at front counter.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Operator stored properly during inspection.
Aug 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
6 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Coached employee on proper procedures.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above raw pork on reach in cooler.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked beans dated on 07/02 on reach in cooler, employee discarded during inspection.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed at cook line across stove, as per employee less than 1 hour. Employee moved raw shell eggs to reach in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked beans dated on 07/02 on reach in cooler, employee discarded during inspection. Also observed cooked rice (46F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler, as per employee over 24 hours, employee discarded during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked rice (46F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler, as per employee over 24 hours, employee discarded during inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board at kitchen area. Also observed soiled can opener blade.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed degreaser spray bottle not identified with common name at front counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup on sauce container at kitchen area. Employee removed during inspection.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drink on preparation table at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed at kitchen area.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed across stove, employee removed during inspection.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Stored food not covered. Observed flour container not covered by back door, employee covered during inspection.
Jan 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above raw steak on reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed at kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at cook line.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observe on reach in cooler at kitchen area, also observe on reach in freezer.
Jul 12, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed food stored on no food grade bags inside reach in freezer.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked pork dated on 07/02 and cooked beans dated on 07/01 inside reach in cooler next to preparation area. Employee discarded.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked pork dated on 07/02 and cooked beans dated on 07/01 inside reach in cooler next to preparation area. Employee discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (54F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler at kitchen area.Employee discarded.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed in kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen area.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed at kitchen area.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed personal drinks inside reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on reach in freezer.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall by HWS in kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed next to stove.
Jan 4, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
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 pork stored above cooked beans in 3 door unit at kitchen area.
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 form during inspection.
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/
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 form during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at the front counter.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling vents at kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed only soap set up at 3 compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic cheese container stored on floor at kitchen area. Employee rearranged properly. Also a cases of raw tomatoes stored on floor at the front counter, as per owner since yesterday
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at 3 door reach in cooler.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on preparation table at kitchen area.
Jul 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked rice stored on nonfood grade bags inside reach in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw pork (54F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (51F - Cold Holding) as per employee less than 2 hours, employee moved to freezer at the time of the inspection.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands in 3 compartment sink.
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 form during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food residue in hand wash sink in kitchen area.
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. Provided form during inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed in kitchen area.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee using bracelets in preparation area.
Food stored on floor. Observed pan with raw steak stored on floor in kitchen area. Employee rearranged properly during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled wall behind cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in 3 doors cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw steak (54F - Cold Holding) in preparation table.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed in preparation table.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed cooked pork container not date marked in 3 doors reach in cooler, as per employee over 24 hours, employee dated during inspection.
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.