El Gaucho Inca Bistro

22909 Lyden Drive, Estero, FL 33928

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Mar 18, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Across the available record, El Gaucho Inca Bistro has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2023. The most recent visit was on Mar 18, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around five violations each, up from closer to three violations before.

The pattern that stands out is “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease”, which has been cited two times.

Restaurants in Estero average 82, so El Gaucho Inca Bistro trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 18, 2026

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Not all food in the freezer in ziploc bags has date and description of the food on the bags, in the stand up freezer to the right of the kitchen entrance door.

02C-04-5

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. 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 certified food manager currently available at Time of inspection 10 employees working. Current cfm presents certificate expired.

53A-05-6

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 78F.

10-07-4

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

23-03-4

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish thawing in standing water in 3 comp sink.

06-01-5

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squirt bottles of oils and sauces on the sauté cook line not labeled.

02D-01-5

Oct 1, 2025

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwashing sink on the back cook line blocked by garbage can and pans.

31A-09-4

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair protection preparing food.

13-03-4

Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust. **Repeat Violation**

14-17-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed liquid squeeze bottles on the cook line not labeled.

02D-01-5

Basic - Employee eating while preparing food. Observed employee eating food on the cook line.

12B-01-4

Sep 12, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed some employee food handler trading was expired.

53B-13-5

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance on interior of ice machine bin.

22-20-5

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Handwashing sign missing at dink not pasta station.

31B-04-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed some food debris on the reach in cooler drawers and gaskets.

23-03-4

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

14-17-4

Mar 14, 2024

Routine - Food

2 critical violations.

View 2 violations

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Sep 21, 2023

Routine - Food

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use

FL-06

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized

FL-22

May 25, 2023

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 1 major violation.

View 3 violations

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Feb 1, 2023

Routine - Food

3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.

View 11 violations

Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use

FL-06

Supervisor/Person in Charge Present

FL-01

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible

FL-10

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature

FL-16

Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized

FL-22

Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure

FL-25

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Gaucho Inca Bistro last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Gaucho Inca Bistro on file is from Mar 18, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Gaucho Inca Bistro?

Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Gaucho Inca Bistro.

How does El Gaucho Inca Bistro compare to other restaurants in Estero?

El Gaucho Inca Bistro most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Estero average of 82.

Has El Gaucho Inca Bistro's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at El Gaucho Inca Bistro have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Gaucho Inca Bistro 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 Gaucho Inca Bistro inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Gaucho Inca Bistro is inspected around two times per year on average.

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