EL TROPICO REST

High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed chiles halapenos and sliced mushrooms dented cans inside dry storage.

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef by pastas inside Walk in cooler. Also, observed raw beef over beer inside Walk in cooler.

High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed more than a dozen eggs stored outside in kitchen. Operator put eggs inside reach in cooler. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pastas not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Operator pastas were cooked last Sunday February 15th, 2026.

Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed inside kitchen. Operator turned on hot water. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom in kitchen.

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed milk plastic containers stored on Walk in cooler floor.

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by ice machine. Repeat Violation

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on gas pipe in kitchen. Operator removed tong from pipe. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by employee restroom entrance.

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzle inside Bar. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water shut off at hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator turned on hot water. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer by ice machine. Repeat Violation

Basic - Light not functioning. Observed inside dry storage.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside room to serve outside. Repeat Violation

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled Walk in cooler fan covers. Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed flans container uncovered inside Walk in cooler. Repeat Violation

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand wash sink in kitchen.

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container unlabeled in kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At time of callback inspection observed Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At time of callback inspection observed white cutting board on prep table in kitchen. Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At time of callback inspection observed reach in cooler by ware washing area. Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-17: At ti e of callback inspection Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. Time Extended

High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracking eggs and touching clean containers without changing gloves and washing hands.

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over beer bottles inside Walk in cooler.

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzles in Bar.

Intermediate - 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/

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer unlabeled inside Bar. Repeat Violation

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed employee restroom inside kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling tile in front of Walk in cooler.

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaged with food preparation without hair restraint in kitchen and front counter.

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease under cook line.

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed missing grout throughout kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled oven interior by stove inside kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sinks in front of beverage cooler at front counter, and inside front window room. Repeat Violation

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in front of cook line.

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by slicer in kitchen.

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed ground beef and black beans containers uncovered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered containers. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed on Bar counter.

Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.

Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed by griddle. Operator discarded towel. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed oil bottle unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled bottle. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink by cook line. Operator provided soap. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with Windex not labeled at front counter. Operator labeled spry bottle. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed missing grout in front of cook line.

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cheese boxes stored on Walk in freezer floor.

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board on prep table inside kitchen. Operator removed towel. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled microwave interior on shelf inside kitchen.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sink at front counter. Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork not covered inside reach in cooler in front of griddle in kitchen. Also, observed tostones not covered inside Walk in cooler. Operator covered containers. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking under hand sink by Walk in cooler.

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed towels throughout kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and mashed potato powder containers on prep table inside kitchen. Operator labeled containers. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed more than a dozen raw eggs stored on reach in cooler in kitchen. As per Operator eggs have been outside for 30 minutes. Operator stored them inside reach in cooler. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hand at three compartment sink.

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board on prep table in front of Walk in cooler.

Intermediate - 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/. Food Manager Certified arrived at time of Routine Inspection. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked ground beef not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Operator ground beef was cooked last Monday October 23rd, 2023. Operator date marked container. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed VO2 tanks not secured inside Bar.

Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dishes not inverted inside kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged with food preparation without hair restraint inside kitchen. Operator put a hair restraint. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles under cook line inside kitchen.

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed Ice buildup in Walk-in.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by beverage reach in cooler at front counter, and inside room outside.

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed Walk in cooler shelves with accumulation of soil residues.

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler by ware washing area. Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork inside reach in cooler in front of cook line. Operator covered plate. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed soiled towels inside kitchen. Operator discarded towels. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Observed extinguisher in recharge zone located by Kitchen main entrance.

High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Observed by dish washing machine.

Intermediate - 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/. CFM arrived at time of Routine Inspection. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom inside kitchen.

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceilings over hallway between kitchen and front counter. Repeat Violation

Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean dishes not inverted inside kitchen.

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Operator provided Current Hotel and Restaurant license. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at 90°F on reach in cooler inside shakes prep area.

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on shelf inside kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets inside shakes prep area. Repeat Violation

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler by ware washing area inside kitchen.

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork container not covered inside Walk in cooler. Repeat Violation

Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed inside sandwich prep area.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container on prep table by walk in cooler. Operator labeled it. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed three dented Guava Shells Cans inside dry storage. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Also, observed soiled cutting board on reach in cooler in front of griddle. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with windex not labeled at front counter.

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed inside Bar. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling by sandwich prep area.

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife used to cut plantains stored between wall and three compartment sink. Employee removed knife. Corrected On-Site

Basic - 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 sugar inside dry storage. Employee stored scoop correctly. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled microwave interior on shelf by cook line. Also, observed soiled cutting board on reach in cooler in front of griddle.

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled shelf in front of cook line. Also, observed soiled Walk-in cooler gaskets. Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork not covered inside reach in cooler in front of griddle.

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand sink by Walk in cooler entrance. Repeat Violation

Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on reach in cooler inside kitchen.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container inside dry storage.

High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed dented JALAPEÑOS can inside dry storage.

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked pork(CHICHARRONES) stored directly inside thank you bags inside reach in cooler by slicer inside kitchen.

High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Observed by dish washing machine. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled slicer blade and blade guard. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink by walk in cooler.

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork chops and cooked beef not date marked inside Walk in cooler. As per Chef both meats were cooked last Saturday January 22nd, 2022. Chef date marked them. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not secured inside Bar area. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed by sandwich prep area. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer used for Ice creams and fruits pulp.

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in Iced Water by Ice machine. Employee discarded water. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board on reach in cooler inside kitchen. Employee removed towel. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled shelf ware plates are inside kitchen.

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand wash sink by walk in cooler. Repeat Violation

High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Observed at sink by dish washing machine. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands at a prep sink.

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled slicer blade located on prep table by water heater inside kitchen.

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed flans inside reach in cooler not date marked. As per Operator flans were cooked last Monday July 2nd, 2021. Employee date marked flans. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed aluminum cup stored inside wheat container on prep table by ice machine. Employee removed cup. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks inside Bar.

Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing over hall between front counter and kitchen.

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling over prep table by walk in cooler inside kitchen.

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table by ice machine.

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged with food preparation inside sandwich prep area. Employee put a cap. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed soiled floor inside sandwich prep area. Employee cleaned floor. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed scoop handle touching onions inside reach in cooler in front of cook line. Employee removed scoop. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board on prep table inside kitchen.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand wash sink inside Bar. Operator provided sign. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking under hand wash sink inside kitchen by walk in cooler.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container under prep table inside kitchen and inside dry storage. Repeat Violation