El Palacio Buffet

7403 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809 · Permanent Food Service · License 5806980

F
Grade F
Safety score 10 of 100
Latest visit: Oct 14, 2026 (4 weeks ago)

What drove the grade

Raw sewage on ground of establishment.High priority · not yet fixed · 40 other violations

How the score was calculated

  • Starting score100
  • Violations at the Sep 29 complaint inspection
    10 high priority (1 fixed on the spot), 3 intermediate, 28 basic; basic violations cost 12 at most; all violations together cost 70 at most
    -70
  • Complaint after follow-up on Oct 1, now extension granted
    Counts in full until a follow-up finds the problems fixed
    -20
  • Safety score10

Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error

Inspection history

2 inspections · 4 visits

Latest inspection

Complaint check

No violations found
  1. First visitOct 14, 2026 No follow-up needed

    Met the state's inspection standards; the inspector didn't need to come back. Any violations cited still count toward the grade.

    No violations found.

    Official report, on the Florida DBPR website

Earlier inspections 1

F10Complaint inspection41 violations, 10 high priority · 2 follow-up visits
  1. 2nd follow-up visitOct 7, 2026

    Some problems still weren't fixed, but the owner was working on them, so the inspector allowed more time and will come back again.

    27 violations still not corrected:

    • 5 High priority
    • 2 Intermediate
    • 20 Basic
    What was still cited

    High priority5

    • Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells.

      More time given

    • Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.

      More time given

    • Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Nonfood-grade drill with mixing attachment used for prep by dry storage area

      More time given

    • Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb

      More time given

    • Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.

      More time given

    Intermediate2

    • Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.

      More time given

    • Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.

      More time given

    Basic20

    • Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.

      More time given

    • Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Stored food not covered.

      More time given

      Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation.

      More time given

    • Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.

      More time given

      Equipment in poor repair.

      More time given

      Ice buildup in reach-in freezer across from dish machine

      More time given

    • Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.

      30 day extension to comply

      More time given

    • Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.

      30 day extension to comply

      More time given

    • Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.

      More time given

    • Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Water leaking from faucet at the sprayer by dish machine

      More time given

    • Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom facility in disrepair.

      More time given

    • Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.

      More time given

    • Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.

      More time given

      Floor area(s) covered with standing water.

      30 day extension to comply

      More time given

      Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.

      30 day extension to comply

      More time given

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

      30 day extension to comply

      More time given

      Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.

      More time given

      Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.

      30 day extension to comply

      More time given

    • Code 40, Employee personal belongings: Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.

      More time given

    • Code 50, Current license displayed: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

      More time given

    Official report, on the Florida DBPR website
  2. 1st follow-up visitOct 1, 2026 Complaint after follow-up

    Problems from the first visit still weren't fixed, so the inspector recommended formal action by the state, which can include fines.

    27 violations still not corrected:

    • 5 High priority
    • 2 Intermediate
    • 20 Basic
    What was still cited

    High priority5

    • Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells.

      More time given

    • Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.

      43°F , fish 42 refried beans 41, ribs 43, Pork 56°F in walking cooler overnight, beef 59°F in main walk in cooler overnight per operator. Pork 56°F in walking cooler overnight, beef 59°F in main walk in cooler overnight per operator.

      Administrative complaint

    • Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Nonfood-grade drill with mixing attachment used for prep by dry storage area

      More time given

    • Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb

      More time given

    • Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.

      More time given

    Intermediate2

    • Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.

      More time given

    • Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.

      More time given

    Basic20

    • Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.

      More time given

    • Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Stored food not covered.

      More time given

      Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation.

      More time given

    • Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.

      More time given

      Equipment in poor repair.

      More time given

      Ice buildup in reach-in freezer across from dish machine

      More time given

    • Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.

      More time given

    • Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.

      More time given

    • Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.

      More time given

    • Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Water leaking from faucet at the sprayer by dish machine

      More time given

    • Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom facility in disrepair.

      More time given

    • Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.

      More time given

    • Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.

      More time given

      Floor area(s) covered with standing water.

      More time given

      Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.

      More time given

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

      More time given

      Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.

      More time given

      Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.

      More time given

    • Code 40, Employee personal belongings: Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.

      More time given

    • Code 50, Current license displayed: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

      More time given

    Official report, on the Florida DBPR website
  3. First visitSep 29, 2026

    Problems were found that had to be fixed. The inspector will come back to check.

    41 violations found:

    • 10 High priority
    • 3 Intermediate
    • 28 Basic
    What the inspector cited

    High priority10

    • Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells.

      See stop sale. 2 broken in single door reach in cooler across from fryer on cooks line

      Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation.

      See stop sale. Small walk in cooler closest to storage room Cooked tripe dated 9/22 Mondongo dated 9/22

    • Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.

      cooked pork (64 - Cold Holding) in sandwich top reach in cooler across from wok station in kitchen Less than 4 hours per manager Placed in reach in cooler for temperature recovery Walk in cooler cooked goat (51°F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (50°F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (50°F - Cold Holding); Less four hours per manager and someone is working on coolers during inspection

      Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135°F.

      Hot box soup (115°F - Hot Holding); seafood medley soup (120°F - Hot Holding); fish (119°F - Hot Holding); cooked yucca (109°F - Hot Holding); pumpkin (113°F - Hot Holding); yams (110°F - Hot Holding); beef (119°F - Cold Holding) Less than four hours Placed on stove to reheat

    • Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.

      -Raw shrimp over cooked pork in sandwich top reach in cooler across from wok station in kitchen - raw eggs overcooked pasta in single door reach in cooler across from fryer in kitchen

      Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged.

      Raw ground beef over ice cream in single door reach in freezer across from oven in kitchen

    • Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Nonfood-grade drill with mixing attachment used for prep by dry storage area

    • Code 28, Sewage and wastewater disposal: Raw sewage on ground of establishment.

      Under wok station Drain next to wok station.

    • Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb

      - by dry storage area - by hand sink by ice machines

    • Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.

      On Pepe table in kitchen across from fryers

      Fixed on the spot

    Intermediate3

    • Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.

      -Interior of fryer -Interior of under counter reach in cooler across from wok station in kitchen - slicer by prep sink - can opener in prep area - meat grinder in storage area - interior of ice machine

    • Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No soap provided at handwash sink.

      -At wok station - prep table with rice warmers

    • Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.

      Several bottles on chemical shelf by back door

    Basic28

    • Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.

      Ingredient bin with sugar

    • Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Stored food not covered.

      -Double door reach in cooler in prep area - walk in coolers

      Food stored on floor.

      Plantain bucket in kitchen

      Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation.

      Fresh herbs in prep kitchen

    • Code 10, In-use utensils properly stored: In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container.

      Rice ingredient bin

      In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135°F.

      In prep area 84°F

    • Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.

      Throughout the kitchen

    • Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.

      Sugar ingredient bin

      Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.

      Equipment in poor repair.

      Cracked lexons on clean item shelf

      Ice buildup in reach-in freezer across from dish machine

    • Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.

      -Sandwich top reach in cooler by three comp sink -meat slicer by prep sink

    • Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.

      -Hood in kitchen -Gaskets in under counter reach in cooler in kitchen across from wok station -Sandwich top reach in cooler by three comp sink - exterior of ingredient bins

    • Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.

      Under prep shelf next to oven

      Food-contact surface of bowls provided for customers at buffet not properly protected.

    • Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Water leaking from faucet at the sprayer by dish machine

    • Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom facility in disrepair.

      Faucet closet to door in men's restroom Middle stall out of order in woman's restroom

    • Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.

    • Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.

      Throughout kitchen

      Floor area(s) covered with standing water.

      Kitchen

      Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.

      Kitchen

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

      Front area

      Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.

      Kitchen

      Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.

      Kitchen

    • Code 40, Employee personal belongings: Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.

      Dry storage shelf

    • Code 42, Premises and cleaning equipment: Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.

      By bar

      Fixed on the spot

      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.

      Back storage area

    • Code 50, Current license displayed: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

    Official report, on the Florida DBPR website

Reading this report

Priority levels

  • High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
  • Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
  • Basic Best practices and general upkeep.

Terms in the inspectors’ reports

Time/temperature control for safety food
Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
Ready-to-eat food
Food eaten without further cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, deli meats and cooked dishes.
Food-contact surface
Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.
Nonfood-contact surface
Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
Stop sale
An order that the food can’t be sold or served.
Vacuum breaker, backflow
Plumbing parts that keep dirty water, such as from a mop sink hose, from flowing back into the clean water supply.
Wet nesting
Stacking dishes or containers before they have dried, which traps moisture where germs can grow.

Most cited

Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation18
Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained13
Food protection and cross-contamination9
Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized6
Plumbing and backflow prevention6
Chemicals and toxic substances6
Approved source; food safe and unadulterated4
Food out of temperature4