Besito Mexican
Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026
86
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at Besito Mexican stretching back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 26, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
Restaurants in Tampa average 79, so Besito Mexican is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 26, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-26: Some employees trained at time of callback **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed interior of ice machine has rust around top of bin at time of inspection. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-26: Ice machine interior rusty at time of inspection. **Time Extended**
14-34-4
86
Mar 18, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Machine testing at 0ppm. Operator placed call to ECOLAB. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed ground beef stored over fish in walk in cooler at time of inspection. **Warning**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards on cooks line at time of inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink next to dish machine blocked by large pans containing utensils and ramekins at time of inspection. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-14-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on stacked metal food containers stored on shelves in dish room. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed interior of ice machine has rust around top of bin at time of inspection. **Warning**
14-34-4
50
Sep 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over vegetable skewers in walk in cooler at time of inspection. Operator moved skewers to upper shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards are stained at time of inspection **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored in mop sink not set to dry at time of inspection. Operator moved mop to dry during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed black handled knife stored between equipment on cooks line at time of inspection. Operator had employee remove knife during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on stacked metal food containers stored on shelves in kitchen at time of inspection.
24-08-4
67
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
74
Aug 22, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards on cooks line at time of inspection
22-02-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled behind ovens in prep room at time of inspection
36-73-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle in maseca during inspection. Operator removed scoop **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old "use first" labels on food containers stored on shelf. Operator moved pans to dish room to be cleaned during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-46-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed food debris in between back and seat cushions on booths inspected in dining room area.
36-50-4
74
May 7, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. 500+ppm quaternary ammonia **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: **Time Extended**
41-27-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. 500+ppm quaternary ammonia began adding water to sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: Operator diluted at time of callback. Hector called ECOLAB to come out to service unit at time of callback **Time Extended**
41-18-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Frank **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: Hector has Frank and two other employees scheduled for certified food manager training**Time Extended** **Time Extended**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Extended bar. Removed three compartment sink and added a dish machine in bar. Moved handwash sink in server area approximately 5 feet. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Employee restroom **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets by ice machine **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: **Time Extended**
24-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler on cook line iced over and not maintaining time temperature control for safety food in temperature, reach in cooler shelving paint chipping, sliding door on ice machine cracked, metal strainer bowl for tortilla chips broken **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: Refrigeration company scheduled for maintenance later in the day (5/7/2024). Operator using ice and low stocking levels to keep product cold at time of inspection **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Handle at three compartment sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-07: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
50
May 6, 2024
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 5 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 29 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. cut tomatoes 44F (cooling 10am temped at 1:54pm retemped 3:05pm 46F) tres leche 48F (cooling 10am temped at 1:55pm retemped 3:05 46F) **Warning**
03D-06-5
High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. 500+ppm quaternary ammonia began adding water to sink **Warning**
41-18-4
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. 500+ppm quaternary ammonia **Warning**
41-27-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning**
29-42-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from ambient temperature to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within four hours. See stop sale. cut tomatoes 44F (cooling 10am temped at 1:54pm retemped 3:05pm 46F) tres leche 48F (cooling 10am temped at 1:55pm retemped 3:05 46F) **Warning**
01B-38-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook line- cream mushroom sauce 60F, raw fish 50F, Pico 54F, Pico 49F cooked mushrooms 51F, raw beef 51F Reach in cooler- quinoa 44F Walk in cooler- chorizo 46F, raw pork 47F, raw beef 46F, raw chicken 48F Server station- milk 53F **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Raw salmon thawed in packaging without opening package. Package states it must be removed from packaging prior to thawing **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw fish over shredded cheese in walk in cooler **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 fly on cook line, 1 by ice machine, and 4 in bar **Warning**
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Placed into reach in cooler that is unable to maintain time temperature control for safety food. Unable to properly cool. Cut tomatoes and tres leche **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Server station, dish area, and prep line **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Frank **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Extended bar. Removed three compartment sink and added a dish machine in bar. Moved handwash sink in server area approximately 5 feet. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Bar **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Employee restroom **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets by ice machine **Warning**
24-05-4
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. Raw salmon **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler on cook line iced over and not maintaining time temperature control for safety food in temperature, reach in cooler shelving paint chipping, sliding door on ice machine cracked, metal strainer bowl for tortilla chips broken **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Lava rock bowls used for table side guacamole, wicker baskets for chips **Warning**
14-13-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around compactor. **Warning**
33-19-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Table fan **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. Wicker baskets for chips **Warning**
16-48-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. In prep room **Warning**
12B-13-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Apple with sticker still attached, cutting peppers without first washing. Manager had employee wash remaining peppers **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
08B-39-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters on server area **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. By ice machine, not creating sanitary nuisance at time of inspection **Warning**
29-19-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Handle at three compartment sink **Warning**
29-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles **Warning**
02D-01-5
7
Mar 22, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
55
Dec 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Properly Stored/Protected
FL-48
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
64
Jan 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
90
Jul 27, 2022
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle on prep table **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Pork 77/188 chicken 78/172 beef 89/189 **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Shrimp 46/43 beef 47/43. Moved to freezer for quick cool **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored above raw beef **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards , mixer head
22-02-4
Intermediate - Mircowave liner interior peeling
14-04-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.
31B-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in flour and cinnamon sugar **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
30
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Besito Mexican last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Besito Mexican on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Besito Mexican?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Besito Mexican.
How does Besito Mexican compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Besito Mexican most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Besito Mexican's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Besito Mexican have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Besito Mexican means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Besito Mexican inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Besito Mexican is inspected around three times per year on average.
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