LA PALAPA RESTAURANT SEAFOOD & GRILL
3820 NW 36 ST · MIAMI · Dade County · FL 33142
Inspection Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
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All DBPR Inspector Observations
25 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 8
22-49-4High Priority – Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. The cook has the triple sink set up for sanitizing. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-07-5High Priority – Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
14-31-5High Priority – Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork in a shopping bag in a plastic container on the walk-in freezer floor.
14-15-4High Priority – Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage – direct contact with food. Observed plantains and limes in water a plastic container that has a label Pro Form joint compound.
50-17-3High Priority – Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation**
08A-11-5High Priority – Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed a pan with whole snapper on top cases of beer in the walk-in cooler. The cook moved the pan to the appropriate shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5High Priority – Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw shell eggs in the upright cooler across from the oven.
12A-09-4High Priority – Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed the cook crack raw shell eggs and continue cooking other items.
Intermediate 7
11-27-4Intermediate – 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. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4Intermediate – Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
31A-09-4Intermediate – Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a shopping bag in the sink. Observed a stainless pan with silver ware in the hand wash sink at the kitchen entrance.
53A-05-6Intermediate – 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/
11-26-1Intermediate – 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. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-03-4Intermediate – No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
53B-05-5Intermediate – 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 Xiomara, Pamela, Cinthina, Juana, La palapa all expired 10-22-23.
Basic 10
14-01-5Basic – Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed at the preparation reach in cooler at the kitchen entrance in a pan of Parmesan cheese and sauce.
51-11-4Basic – Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
35B-01-4Basic – Exterior door has a gap on the that opens to the outside.
08B-38-4Basic – Food stored on floor. Observed pork in a shopping back in a plastic bucket on the walk-in freezer floor. The cook moved the bucket to a shelf. **Corrective Action Taken**
36-24-5Basic – Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed holes in the wall at the bar by the juice dispenser.
10-08-5Basic – Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed in a cooler at the bar. The waitress removed the scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5Basic – In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed plastic squeeze bottles with oil not labeled.
06-01-5Basic – Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork in a plastic container with water. The cook turned on the cold water and left if on. **Corrected On-Site**
21-09-4Basic – Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean.
02D-01-5Basic – Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a plastic squeeze bottle containing oil not labeled at the cook line. **Repeat Violation**
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on October 17, 2026 11:17 AM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
3 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
3 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.