Gainesville, Alachua County

ESPERANZA

2441 NW 43 ST STE 13, Gainesville, FL 32606

FoodSeating
Latest violations
8
3 High Priority
Nov 24, 2025
City
Gainesville
County
Alachua
Status
Closed
Inspections
8

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Nov 24, 2025

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 3Basic: 5Total: 8

08A-05-6

Detail 24210245

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Frozen muzzles in zip log bag stored over frozen bread in reach in freezer Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-10-4

Detail 24210242

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of stain remover hanging on shelf facing stirrers and straws. Chef removed spray bottle. Corrected On-Site

29-34-4

Detail 24210244

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose Bibb by handwash sink at bar missing vacuum breaker

36-22-4

Detail 24210239

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water in front of reach in cooler at bar.

10-20-4

Detail 24210241

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Two tongs stored on oven handle in kitchen

23-03-4

Detail 24210243

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filter soiled with grease in kitchen. Gaskets on reach in freezer soiled with food particles, microwave handle on cookline soiled with grease Repeat Violation

24-18-4

Detail 24210246

Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Clean silverware with food contact surface upright at server area

33-31-5

Detail 24210240

Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Walk-in-cooler in disrepair and not operating or holding any food.

Aug 14, 2025

Routine - Food

Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Total: 1

03A-02-5

Detail 23957815

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ambient Temperature 48.9 at flip-top make table cooler on cook line under pass thru window COLD HOLDING creamy cilantro 54F; Tomato cucumber soup 49F; Pico de gallo 50F; Cut Tomato 54F; fish 53F; salmon 55F; malanga 45F; COLD HOLDING in walk-in-cooler Ham 50F, beef 48F. Ambient Temperature 51.9F ; salsa 48F Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-13: flip-top make table cooler on cook line under pass thru window COLD HOLDING Pico de gallo 48F; Cut Tomato 46F; Ham 51; COLD HOLDING in walk-in-cooler beef 46F.Fish 48F; Red beans 51F; Mahi Cevichi 51F; Salsa Criolla 51F Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-14: Flip-top make table cooler in front of grill Shrimp 47F Admin Complaint

Aug 13, 2025

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Time Extension

High Priority: 3Total: 3

01D-01-5

Detail 23952337

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment serves raw mahi in their ceviche. No parasite destruction available Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-13: No proof of parasite destruction Admin Complaint

01B-02-5

Detail 23952338

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Two containers of red beans prepared the day before and in walk-in-cooler overnight at 48F Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-13: Two containers of red beans prepared two days ago and in walk-in-cooler overnight at 51F Admin Complaint

03A-02-5

Detail 23952339

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ambient Temperature 48.9 at flip-top make table cooler on cook line under pass thru window COLD HOLDING creamy cilantro 54F; Tomato cucumber soup 49F; Pico de gallo 50F; Cut Tomato 54F; fish 53F; salmon 55F; malanga 45F; COLD HOLDING in walk-in-cooler Ham 50F, beef 48F. Ambient Temperature 51.9F ; salsa 48F Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-13: flip-top make table cooler on cook line under pass thru window COLD HOLDING Pico de gallo 48F; Cut Tomato 46F; Ham 51; COLD HOLDING in walk-in-cooler beef 46F.Fish 48F; Red beans 51F; Mahi Cevichi 51F; Salsa Criolla 51F Admin Complaint

Aug 12, 2025

Routine - Food

Emergency order recommended

High Priority: 12Intermediate: 7Basic: 19Total: 38

03D-02-5

Detail 23950694

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Two containers of red beans prepared the day before and in walk-in-cooler overnight at 48F Warning

12A-28-4

Detail 23950672

High Priority - 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. Employee not wearing gloves handled cell phone and put in back pocket then handled utensils on cook line Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

14-86-1

Detail 23950699

High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Mixed washed cut leafy greens wrapped in handwash sink paper towels.

01D-01-5

Detail 23950687

High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment serves raw mahi in their ceviche. No parasite destruction available Warning

50-17-3

Detail 23950680

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license dated 6/1/2025 Admin Complaint

08A-05-6

Detail 23950698

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Cheesecake batter prepared with raw egg stored over Ready-To-Eat dulce de Leche in reach in cooler. Manager removed batter. Raw Mahi stored over Garlic and Cut Tomato's. Manager removed mahi Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

35A-05-4

Detail 23950669

High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach on cookline Warning

35A-04-4

Detail 23950679

High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Three rodent droppings by dishmachine and two droppings under three-compartment sink at bar Warning

01B-02-5

Detail 23950671

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Two containers of red beans prepared the day before and in walk-in-cooler overnight at 48F Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 23950692

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ambient Temperature 48.9 at flip-top make table cooler on cook line under pass thru window COLD HOLDING creamy cilantro 54F; Tomato cucumber soup 49F; Pico de gallo 50F; Cut Tomato 54F; fish 53F; salmon 55F; malanga 45F; COLD HOLDING in walk-in-cooler Ham 50F, beef 48F. Ambient Temperature 51.9F ; salsa 48F Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-10-4

Detail 23950673

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. hand sanitizer stored with food in dry goods storage area, Manager removed sanitizer Corrected On-Site

29-34-4

Detail 23950683

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose Bibb behind building with attached hose.

22-02-4

Detail 23950690

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mold like substance on the inside food contact surface of the nozzles on the soda gun dispensing machine at bar. Food-contact surface of commercial can opener soiled with food debris, mold-like substance.

31A-09-4

Detail 23950677

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Utensils store in handwash sink in kitchen. Manager removed items Corrected On-Site

02B-01-5

Detail 23950681

Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche de Pescado is cooked in lime juice per. Not marked on menu as raw ingredient Manager Warning

31B-02-4

Detail 23950691

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwash sink in kitchen. Manager restocked Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

02C-02-5

Detail 23950662

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. cheesecake mix prepared two days earlier not date marked Repeat Violation

41-17-4

Detail 23950676

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle not properly labeled with identifying contents ( disinfectant ). Manager discarded spray bottle Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

27-16-4

Detail 23950670

Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Handwash sink water at 82F Warning

14-01-5

Detail 23950675

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl with no handle used to dispense food (flour). Repeat Violation

24-05-4

Detail 23950684

Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Stored Pitchers not inverted. Manager inverted Corrected On-Site

14-74-7

Detail 23950678

Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Flip-top make table cooler and walk-in-cooler at 52F.

06-09-1

Detail 23950668

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish ( salmon ) labeled indicating product to remain frozen until time of use not open or removed from package.

14-71-4

Detail 23950697

Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Duct tape used on handle and door of reach in cooler on cookline

12B-02-4

Detail 23950661

Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee drinking on cookline from a closed container. Drink stored on prep table

40-06-5

Detail 23950695

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. employee hat stored over single service forks and bottles of Tabasco

24-08-4

Detail 23950693

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked Equipment (cups at server station )not properly air-dried, and stored wet on clean ware rack resulting in wet nesting.

08B-38-4

Detail 23950664

Basic - Food stored on floor. Box of cooking oil stored on floor in kitchen. Two boxes of soft drink syrup in hallway Repeat Violation

36-24-5

Detail 23950696

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in the wall behind chemical rack. Hole in wall under dishmachine ( missing outlet cover)

14-69-4

Detail 23950666

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in reach in freezer in kitchen Repeat Violation

51-18-6

Detail 23950665

Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Last inspection not available at time of inspection.

23-03-4

Detail 23950686

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in cooler soiled

16-46-4

Detail 23950663

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels not removed from food containers before cleaning, stored on the clean ware rack.

35B-04-4

Detail 23950685

Basic - Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Door frame to Back door near walk-in-cooler is in disrepair and has a large gap along the bottom of the door frame

29-20-5

Detail 23950674

Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Handwash sink drains slow at server area

42-03-5

Detail 23950682

Basic - Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Tools stored in dry goods storage area over food items. Manager moved all tools Corrected On-Site

14-17-4

Detail 23950689

Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk-in-cooler pitted with rust

02D-01-5

Detail 23950688

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of food removed (corn meal, flour ) from original container not labeled with name of contents. Repeat Violation

46-01-4

Detail 23950667

Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked. For reporting purposes only. Exit door blocked with cart. Manager removed cart. Corrected On-Site

May 19, 2025

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Apr 9, 2025

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Time Extension

Intermediate: 2Total: 2

53A-07-6

Detail 23695452

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - 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/. No proof of manager certification. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-09: No change. Time Extended

53B-01-5

Detail 23695453

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. No proof of employee training. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-09: No change. Time Extended

Feb 5, 2025

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 10Basic: 15Total: 29

12A-16-4

Detail 23531310

High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen and began handling pans of food on cook line without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands to continue working. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

08A-05-6

Detail 23531313

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs stored over juice in dry storage reach-in cooler.

03A-02-5

Detail 23531332

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in reach-in cooler across from cook line grill: butter (51F,50F - Cold Holding). Manager stated pans of butter were placed in cooler one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved butter to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-10-4

Detail 23531316

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of bleach stored in kitchen prep sink next to thawing fish. Manager removed bottle of bleach during inspection. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

11-27-4

Detail 23531323

Intermediate - 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. No written procedure available. Inspector provided operator with written procedure. Corrective Action Taken

22-02-4

Detail 23531327

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on cook line reach-in coolers. Repeat Violation

31A-11-4

Detail 23531315

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Spoon stored in hand washing sink next to kitchen prep sink. Employee removed spoon during inspection. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

53A-07-6

Detail 23531324

Intermediate - 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/. No proof of manager certification. Warning

16-37-1

Detail 23531305

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine or quaternary test kits available.

31B-02-4

Detail 23531331

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at hand washing sink across from cook line.

53B-01-5

Detail 23531312

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. No proof of employee training. Warning

11-26-1

Detail 23531317

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. No proof of employee being informed of their reporting responsibilities.

02C-02-5

Detail 23531306

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Lemon cream cheese stored in dry storage reach-in cooler. Manager stated cream cheese was prepared two days earlier. Repeat Violation

41-17-4

Detail 23531330

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottles throughout the kitchen. Repeat Violation

16-03-4

Detail 23531322

Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Dish machine across from three compartment sink.

14-01-5

Detail 23531318

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Soufflé cup used to scoop Caesar dressing on cook line. Manager removed scoop from dressing. Corrected On-Site

36-34-5

Detail 23531309

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and vents throughout the kitchen.

29-18-4

Detail 23531329

Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Floor drain in dish area.

12B-07-4

Detail 23531307

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on reach-in cooler across from cook line. Manager removed drink during inspection. Corrected On-Site

08B-38-4

Detail 23531320

Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of pork stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Case of soda on floor in wait station. Repeat Violation

14-69-4

Detail 23531321

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer in wine storage area.

10-20-4

Detail 23531326

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on cook line oven.

38-07-4

Detail 23531319

Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light fixture on cook line.

51-13-4

Detail 23531311

Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. No choking poster available.

23-03-4

Detail 23531308

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket for reach-in cooler across from back door. Door for cook line reach-in freezer. Repeat Violation

08B-39-4

Detail 23531328

Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Label attached to cut avocado in cook line reach-in cooler. Repeat Violation

25-05-4

Detail 23531314

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Coffee filters in wait station not covered.

06-01-5

Detail 23531333

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Fish thawing at room temperature in prep sink next to kitchen hand washing sink. Repeat Violation

02D-01-5

Detail 23531325

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers stored on shelf above reach-in cooler across from back door.

Jul 8, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 4Basic: 13Total: 21

12A-13-4

Detail 22961767

High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled clean dishes then proceeded to handle clean dishes in dish area.

22-43-4

Detail 22961755

High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Three components sink, 50 ppm.

03A-02-5

Detail 22961762

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in reach-in cooler across from cook line grill: cheese (45F,44F - Cold Holding). Employee stated cheese placed in cooler 2 hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved cheese to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Corrective Action Taken

41-10-4

Detail 22961763

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Sanitizer stored over prep sink next to kitchen hand washing sink. Manager removed sanitizer. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 22961752

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on kitchen prep table. Blade of can opener on prep table in dish area. Soda gun in bar area.

31A-11-4

Detail 22961766

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Bag of shrimp stored in kitchen hand washing sink. Employee removed shrimp from hand washing sink. Employee dumped ice in wait station hand washing sink.

02C-02-5

Detail 22961760

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Créme brulee stored in cook line reach-in cooler. Employee stated item was prepared on 7/6.

41-17-4

Detail 22961754

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in dish area.

36-34-5

Detail 22961769

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling vent in kitchen.

35B-01-4

Detail 22961772

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door next to the office.

36-17-5

Detail 22961761

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Kitchen floor in front of back door.

08B-38-4

Detail 22961756

Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of margarine and cooking oil stored on kitchen floor. Soda boxes stored on floor in hallway next to wait station.

36-24-5

Detail 22961757

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Corner of wall between hallway and wait station.

14-69-4

Detail 22961768

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer in dry storage area.

10-07-4

Detail 22961765

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Spoons on cook line stored in standing water, 89F.

23-03-4

Detail 22961770

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Area around soda nozzles of wait station soda machine. Back of wait station tea machine.

16-46-4

Detail 22961758

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Containers stored on shelf above three compartment sink.

08B-39-4

Detail 22961764

Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Cut avocado in kitchen reach-in cooler in front of pass through window.

25-06-4

Detail 22961753

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers stored on shelf in wait station.

08B-12-5

Detail 22961759

Basic - Stored food not covered. Cakes stored in wait station freezer.

06-01-5

Detail 22961771

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Shrimp thawing at room temperature in kitchen hand washing sink. Employee placed shrimp in walk-in cooler to continue thawing. Corrected On-Site