El Pilon Criollo

1507 S 22Nd St, Tampa, FL 33605

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Aug 20, 2025

Score

Low Risk

El Pilon Criollo has been inspected six times since 2022. The most recent report on file is from Aug 20, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.

“Establishment has no written procedures for employees” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Tampa restaurant scores 79. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 20, 2025

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed to operator.

11-27-4

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.

14-09-4

Jun 23, 2025

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers.

12B-13-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of sugar not labeled.

02D-01-5

Dec 10, 2024

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

11-27-4

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Tongs stored on cut lettuce.

10-01-5

Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed to operator

51-13-4

Aug 31, 2023

Routine - Food

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures

FL-21

Mar 22, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rices, meats, vegetables

02C-02-5

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination.

25-06-4

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Shrimp at room temperature Explained proper thawing

06-01-5

Jul 27, 2022

Routine - Food

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.

10-20-4

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Pilon Criollo last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Pilon Criollo on file is from Aug 20, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Pilon Criollo?

Across the inspection record, “establishment has no written procedures for employees” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Pilon Criollo.

How does El Pilon Criollo compare to other restaurants in Tampa?

El Pilon Criollo most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Tampa average of 79.

Has El Pilon Criollo's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Pilon Criollo have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Pilon Criollo 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 El Pilon Criollo inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Pilon Criollo is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Southern Belle

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

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Bernini

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Score: 45 — High Risk

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