WHITELAW HOTEL & LOUNGE (THE)
808 COLLINS AVE, Miami Beach FL 33139 · 3987000
Last inspected Aug 3, 2026 · 9 visits since December 2023
MAR 24
NOV 24
APR 25
SEP 25
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found Observed 5 live flying insects flying in air at bar area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 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 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed at storage area near kitchen entrance and near AC unit. Also observed ply wood covering wall near 3 compartment sink.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed holes in wall near microwave at cook line.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the bar and bathroom.
Jun 4, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed bartender enter bar area and began preparing drinks, no hand wash.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed Manager certificate for Luis Bedia expired on 3-24-26.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed 4 alcohol bottles in the hand wash sink at the bar. The bartender removed them.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee training for Fermin expired on 2-18-25.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed at storage area near kitchen entrance and near AC unit. Also observed ply wood covering wall near 3 compartment sink.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed holes in wall near microwave at cook line.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed on the ice machine. The bartender put it a clean bowl.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the bar and bathroom.
Jun 3, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 24 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority6 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed bartender enter bar area and began preparing drinks, no hand wash.
Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed sugar cane stored inside ice utilized for customer drinks at bar area.
Live, small flying insects found Observed 5 live flying insects flying in air at bar area.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed sugar cane stored inside ice utilized for customer drinks at bar area.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chorizo (49F - Cold Holding) at preparation cooler at cook line. As per cook, product placed inside unit 30 minutes prior.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed black beans (80F - Hot Holding) at room temperature at cook line. As per cook, product placed at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cook began reheating product to 165F.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed Manager certificate for Luis Bedia expired on 3-24-26.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dry bean and rice scoops heavily soiled. Employee took scoops to dish area.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed 4 alcohol bottles in the hand wash sink at the bar. The bartender removed them.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee training for Fermin expired on 2-18-25.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. The bartender cleaned it.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed at storage area near kitchen entrance and near AC unit. Also observed ply wood covering wall near 3 compartment sink.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor at cook line.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed holes in wall near microwave at cook line.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed on the ice machine. The bartender put it a clean bowl.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching rice inside container. Cook removed scoop.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Cook removed cloth.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the bar and bathroom.
Objectionable odors at cook line.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at bar area. Bartender removed straws from customer area.
Nov 18, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Food stored on floor. Observed several cases on floor at kitchen entrance.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Sep 15, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed black beans (110F - Hot Holding); mashed potatoes (98F - Hot Holding) inside steam table, as per chef for approximately 1 hour prior.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal container inside HWS at kitchen.
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Food stored on floor. Observed several cases on floor at kitchen entrance.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Apr 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Employee unable to answer the cold or hot holding minimum temperature.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen meat inside three compartments sink throwing at room temperature. Operator open the cold water.
Nov 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bottle of aspirin on top of the preparation table. The manager removed it.
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed the containers with rice and beans solid.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw fish and shell eggs over vegetables in the reach in cooler at the kitchen entrance. The chef moved the items to the bottom shelf.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in a container of noddles. The chef removed it.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed the upright freezer gaskets torn.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed on the side of the kitchen entrance.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the upright freezers gaskets soiled. Observed the metal around splash guard around the cook top solid.
Stored food not covered. Observed fish in the upright cooler. Observed beef and fish at the cook line. The chef wrapped the items.
Mar 20, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Observed employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food at cookline.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bottles of liquor inside hand washing sink at bar area.
Observed no soap provided at handwash sink at bar area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance at cook line.
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed knives stored between wall and three compartment sink. Chef removed knives from washing and sanitizing.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing bracelet while cooking at cook line.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler gaskets in disrepair at cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gasket of reach-freezer and reach-in cooler at preparation area soiled.
Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at bar area.
Stored food not covered. Observed cut peppers not covered while stored at reach-in cooler at preparation area.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete floor in food preparation area.
Dec 21, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touched dirty apron and not washed hands and change gloves before continuing handling food at cook line.
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 manager with cleanup procedures via email.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed garbage bin obstructing hand washing sink.
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 manager with employees reporting agreement, staff started signing form during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance at cook line.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee handling food with no hair restraint next to dishmachine.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler gaskets in disrepair at cook line.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed standing water at a temperature of 115F.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided manager with choking poster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach-in cooler at cook line with soiled gaskets.
Observed equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting near three compartment sink area.
Observed unsealed concrete floor in food preparation area.
Stored food not covered. Observed container of cooked pork not covered at reach-in cooler at preparation area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall behind here compartment sink soiled.
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.