El Rapido

28189 Alatadena Dr, Punta Gorda, FL 33955

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Aug 25, 2025

Score

Low Risk

El Rapido appears in inspection records 10 times, starting in 2022. El Rapido was last inspected on Aug 25, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.

The pattern that stands out is “working containers of food removed”, which has been cited two times.

Restaurants in Punta Gorda average 82, so El Rapido is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 25, 2025

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at make table. Operator placed the wet wiping cloth inside the sanitizer solution. **Corrected On-Site**

21-12-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container not labeled at counter. Operator labeled the food item. **Corrected On-Site**

02D-01-5

Apr 18, 2025

Routine - Food

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

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 handle touching the salt in container at shelf. Operator removed the handle from touching the food item. **Corrected On-Site**

10-01-5

Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed residue buildup on the cold holding unit handle. Operator cleaned the handle during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**

23-24-4

Basic - Clean utensils not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed multiple large utensils not inverted at shelf next to 3 compartment sink. Operator inverted the utensils. **Corrected On-Site**

24-05-4

Aug 26, 2024

Routine - Food

2 major violations.

View 2 violations

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed container blocking the handwash sink. Operator removed the container from blocking the handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-09-4

Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Operator able to find by the end of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**

16-37-1

Dec 22, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Nov 9, 2023

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container not labeled. Operator labeled the food item. **Corrected On-Site**

02D-01-5

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife between make table and prep table. Operator removed the knife between equipment. **Corrected On-Site**

10-17-4

Aug 3, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Jul 25, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork over sauce at Reach in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-05-6

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

51-13-4

Jan 18, 2023

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Dec 19, 2022

Routine - Food

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.

50-17-2

Jul 20, 2022

Routine - Food

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

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. Observed milk at Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

02C-03-5

Show all 10 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Rapido last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Rapido on file is from Aug 25, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Rapido?

Across the inspection record, “working containers of food removed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Rapido.

How does El Rapido compare to other restaurants in Punta Gorda?

El Rapido most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Punta Gorda average of 82.

Has El Rapido's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Rapido 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 Rapido inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Rapido is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Subway 48611

16500 Burnt Store Rd Unit 105

Score: 90 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Punta Gorda → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Florida → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Punta Gorda