El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar
Last inspected: Mar 11, 2026
74
Score
Across the available record, El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 11, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around eight violations to closer to five violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
By comparison, the average Cocoa facility scores 82, putting El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 11, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand wash sink next to mop sink is not fully operating. Establishments does have an out of order sign on hand wash sink and has a work order. Establishments does have 4 more working operating hand wash sink **Corrective Action Taken**
27-16-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In seasoning containers **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling tiles in kitchen and wall are little dusty **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal water bottle stored on cutting board in kitchen at sauté and fry station. Operator discarded bottle **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Seafood 2 door reach in cooler shelving are soiled
22-16-4
74
Oct 23, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In seasoning and flower containers. Owner discarded the cups **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling vents/ tile has accumulated dust
36-34-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor food store in walk in freezer not 6inches off the floor
08B-47-4
82
Apr 2, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink in prep area had a bucket of water stored in the sink. Operator remove bucket from sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Styrofoam cup stored in container of dry rice use as a scoop. Operator remove styrofoam cup. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on directly on the floor. Operator remove cooking oil off the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Light not functioning. One light burn out by plate racks.
36-62-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Operator properly store wet mop **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
74
Dec 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Observed hand wash sink at bar area by main stage side had items in the sink. Operator removed items from sink **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Observed walk in cooler door gaskets are soiled with black like substance
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in floor at dish washer area by 3 compartment sink. Operator has started to mop up the standing water **Corrective Action Taken**
29-19-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in kitchen food grade container containing flour had a bowl with no handle use as a scoop. Operator removed bowl and discard it from the flower **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License is current and active. Establishment still has the old license display 4/1/2024 ownership is still u dear same ownership.
50-09-4
Basic - Observed ice machine at bar interior is soiled with black like substance
22-20-5
70
Jul 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
90
Jun 5, 2024
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
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/. Prepped on site, opened and unopened Food stored in a prohibited area. Currently operator using garage area for food stored and serving, hot holding steam table in use, double stack oven in use, hot holding cabinet and 5 reach in cooler and reach in freezer units in place at said storage area, operator in beginning stage of building walls, ceiling and sealing floors to turn area into food prep and storage area, but no plans have yet to be submitted or approved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Quart half and half opened 3-31-24 not date marked, corrected on 4/3/24 **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.west inside bar, tray blocking hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed on arrival, roll up garage door opened in same area were food preparation was taking place. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: No change **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Multiple areas thru kitchen, bars and prep areas where sealer missing from flooring, exposed cement. Floors not sealed under 3 compartment sink . **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: No change **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food being prepared in unapproved open garage . On arrival observed food items being prepped in a garage environment, all items were in raw state and easily moved to licensed kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: No change **Time Extended**
08B-32-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored in a prohibited area. Currently operator using garage area for food stored and serving, hot holding steam table in use, double stack oven in use, hot holding cabinet and 5 reach in cooler and reach in freezer units in place at said storage area, operator in beginning stage of building walls, ceiling and sealing floors to turn area into food prep and storage area, but no plans have yet to be submitted or approved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: No change **Time Extended**
08B-37-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. 5 gallon fryer oil containers stored directly on floor of kitchen **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Door jam to entrance to garage storage room in need of repair to close walls. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: No change **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One hood filter missing over the gas stove **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: No change **Time Extended**
14-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop and 1 ice bucket that is inverted stored on unsanitized surface of top of ice machine, 2 other ice buckets not stored inverted under open ceiling tiles on top of ice machine **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
10-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Silverware/utensils, food storage containers dried on a towels/ wiping cloths **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: **Time Extended**
24-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Enter door of reach in cooler in storage room, case of unwashed peppers stored over ready to eat shredded cheese **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-05: Unwashed lettuce over cooked foods in walk in cooler **Time Extended**
08B-17-4
37
Apr 3, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of glass cleaner stored with to go items at back bar area. **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Quart half and half opened 3-31-24 not date marked, corrected on 4/3/24 **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.west inside bar, tray blocking hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
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/. Prepped on site, opened and unopened Food stored in a prohibited area. Currently operator using garage area for food stored and serving, hot holding steam table in use, double stack oven in use, hot holding cabinet and 5 reach in cooler and reach in freezer units in place at said storage area, operator in beginning stage of building walls, ceiling and sealing floors to turn area into food prep and storage area, but no plans have yet to be submitted or approved. **Warning**
51-16-7
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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Multiple areas thru kitchen, bars and prep areas where sealer missing from flooring, exposed cement. Floors not sealed under 3 compartment sink . **Warning**
36-11-4
Basic - Food being prepared in unapproved open garage . On arrival observed food items being prepped in a garage environment, all items were in raw state and easily moved to licensed kitchen area. **Warning**
08B-32-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Door jam to entrance to garage storage room in need of repair to close walls. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop and 1 ice bucket that is inverted stored on unsanitized surface of top of ice machine, 2 other ice buckets not stored inverted under open ceiling tiles on top of ice machine **Warning**
10-12-5
Basic - Silverware/utensils, food storage containers dried on a towels/ wiping cloths **Warning**
24-17-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Enter door of reach in cooler in storage room, case of unwashed peppers stored over ready to eat shredded cheese **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One hood filter missing over the gas stove **Warning**
14-42-4
Basic - Food stored in a prohibited area. Currently operator using garage area for food stored and serving, hot holding steam table in use, double stack oven in use, hot holding cabinet and 5 reach in cooler and reach in freezer units in place at said storage area, operator in beginning stage of building walls, ceiling and sealing floors to turn area into food prep and storage area, but no plans have yet to be submitted or approved. **Warning**
08B-37-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 5 gallon fryer oil containers stored directly on floor of kitchen **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed on arrival, roll up garage door opened in same area were food preparation was taking place. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35B-01-4
32
Dec 13, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 15, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
30
Dec 15, 2022
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Gallon bleach stored on clean dish table, corrected **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Dishmachine quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish Washing Machine chlorine at O ppm , primed retested 100ppm **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-47-4
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/ **Warning**
53A-07-6
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. Operator can not find hourly food safety records **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled, liquid scented air freshenercorrected **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Deflector in the ice bin of the ice machine soiled with black mold like substance. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Large cooking pot stored on floor in dry dish area. **Warning**
24-07-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Main bar no sigh at the hand wash sink **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 5 gallon fryer oil stored on floor of dry stock room. **Warning**
08B-38-4
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar on file is from Mar 11, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar?
Across the inspection record, “bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar.
How does El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar compare to other restaurants in Cocoa?
El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Cocoa average of 82.
Has El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar is inspected around three times per year on average.
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