South Florida Restaurants Temporarily Closed for Health Violations

Inspections find pest infestations, improper food storage, and other issues at eateries across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Multiple restaurants in South Florida were temporarily closed by health inspectors due to a range of food safety violations, including active pest infestations, improper food handling and storage, and other hygiene issues. The affected establishments spanned Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Why it matters

Restaurant health and safety is a major concern for local communities, as foodborne illnesses can pose serious public health risks. These temporary closures highlight the importance of regular inspections and enforcement to ensure restaurants are meeting food safety standards.

The details

Inspectors found a range of violations, such as live roaches on prep surfaces at Mr. Mack Island Grill in Palm Beach County, dozens of dead insects at Uncle Joe's Chinese Restaurant, and flies around beer taps and wine bottles at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Broward County. Other issues included improper food storage, with raw beef stored above juice containers.

  • On February 1, 2026, Mr. Mack Island Grill in Palm Beach County was temporarily closed due to an active roach infestation.
  • On February 3, 2026, Uncle Joe's Chinese Restaurant in Palm Beach County was shut down after inspectors found 26 dead insects on a prep table.
  • On February 5, 2026, Bamboo Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, was cited for live insects in cooler gaskets and roaches in a soap dispenser.

The players

Mr. Mack Island Grill

A restaurant in Palm Beach County that was temporarily closed due to an active roach infestation.

Uncle Joe's Chinese Restaurant

A restaurant in Palm Beach County that was shut down after inspectors found 26 dead insects on a prep table.

Bamboo Kitchen

A restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, that was cited for live insects in cooler gaskets and roaches in a soap dispenser.

Mr. Gyros Greek & Mediterranean

A restaurant cited for storing raw beef above containers of juice and keeping a milk-based rice drink at unsafe temperatures.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

A restaurant cited for using non-food-grade paper towels with strawberries and for flies present around beer taps and wine bottles.

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The takeaway

These temporary restaurant closures due to health violations underscore the importance of regular inspections and enforcement to ensure food safety standards are met, protecting public health in local communities.