The Empanadas

1139 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Mar 11, 2026
78
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited The Empanadas five times, with records going back to 2025. The most recent visit was on Mar 11, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.

Looking across the full record, “bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

Compared to the broader Fort Lauderdale restaurant scene, this is about average. The record reflects steady performance over time.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 11, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
78
Aug 14, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Front counter glass unit - ham and cheese empanadas (124F - Hot Holding); blue cheese empanadas (130F - Hot Holding). Per operator holding less than an hour. Operator placed on Time as a Public Health Control. Provided form to operator and reviewed. **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
32-04-4
67
Feb 28, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 26, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Employee restroom, customer restroom and prep area hand sink - water 78F. **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with self-closing door. Employee restroom opening directly to kitchen. **Warning**
32-04-4
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Empanadas last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Empanadas on file is from Mar 11, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Empanadas?

Across the inspection record, “bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Empanadas.

How does The Empanadas compare to other restaurants in Fort Lauderdale?

The Empanadas most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Fort Lauderdale average of 80.

Has The Empanadas' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Empanadas have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Empanadas means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.