Valerie’S Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
26
Score
Valerie's Cafe, located at 2148 NW 17 Ave #2 in Miami, FL, underwent a high-risk inspection on April 17, 2026. This inspection identified 4 critical, 2 major, and 11 minor violations, including issues with food preparation originating from a private home and improper storage of raw animal products. While the cafe has historically received mostly medium-risk ratings across ten inspections, the most recent visit noted an operating license that had expired prior to renewal during the inspection.
10
Inspections
4
Critical latest
2
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Food prepared in a private home. See stop sale. Observed 66 units of corn tamales on top of stove as per operator she prepared them at home. Stop sale issued.
01A-03-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired October 1st, 2025. Operator renewed license during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef and raw pork inside chest freezer at kitchen area.
08A-20-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed 66 units of corn tamales on top of stove as per operator she prepared them at home. Stop sale issued.
01B-04-5
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified food manager unable to answered the right concentration of chlorine sanitizer and how to calibrate thermometer.
53A-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towel on handwashing sink at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed all around kitchen area at front counter.
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with water damage all around preparation and dining area at front counter. Also observed several holes on the ceiling at front counter.
36-32-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket torn at beer reach in cooler.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with trash debris and grease accumulation all around kitchen area and under fryer and stove at front counter.
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside chest freezer at kitchen area at front counter.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled at front counter. Operator cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Choking poster provided to operator during inspection. Operator printed and posted during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign at women's bathroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler at front counter.
14-33-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled at reach in cooler at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler door handle soiled at front counter.
23-24-4
26
Aug 29, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle with glass cleaner inside on top of prep table.
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink. Operator placed onsite. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cut lettuce not covered inside of reach in cooler.
08B-12-5
67
Mar 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink located at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-6
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled. Observed interior of oven at cook line with old heavy grease buildup.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed exterior of microwave soiled. Observed chest freezer gasket soiled.
23-03-4
74
Oct 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash station at the front counter.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash station at the front counter.
31B-03-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign in female and male bathroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at the cook line soiled.
23-03-4
74
Jun 19, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed an employee wash his hands in the triple sink.
12A-03-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in both restrooms.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Form provided via email.
02B-02-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both restrooms. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed in both restrooms.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
52
Jan 11, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed soup (110F - Hot Holding), as per the cook it was cooked approximately an hour ago. The cook turn on the stove to reheat it. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - 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. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both restrooms.
32-04-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hood filters soiled.
23-03-4
61
Oct 19, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Observed no proof of food handler training for Maria who has been employed for approximately 1 year - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-19: 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. Observed no proof of food handler training for Maria Altagracia who has been employed for approximately 1 year **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-19: No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-19: Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Time Extended**
32-12-5
78
Mar 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shell eggs stored above cooked soup. Operator moved to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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. Observed no proof of food handler training for Maria who has been employed for approximately 1 year
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed beans cooked a day prior with no date mark
02C-02-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone and watch on counter top next to coffee and coffee maker. Operator removed phone from area. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
58
Aug 6, 2022
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-06: No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. **Time Extended**
14-73-4
95
Aug 5, 2022
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed a broken floor tile at the dining area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-13: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-05: Observed a broken floor tile at the dining area. **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. Observed at the front area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-13: No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. Observed at the front area. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-05: No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray **Time Extended**
14-73-4
90
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