El Sabor De Mexico
Last inspected: Nov 5, 2025
64
Score
Across the available record, El Sabor De Mexico has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from Nov 5, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near seven violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses”, showing up three times.
Restaurants in Tampa average 79, so El Sabor De Mexico trails the local norm. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 5, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef and bacon in reach in cooler in room by back door at time of inspection.
08A-20-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed prepared vegetables stored in Togo style handled bags in reach in coolers at time of inspection
14-31-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on cooks line are stained at time of inspection.
22-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small black cowl in bulk rice in dry storage at time of inspection.
14-01-5
64
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
26
Oct 30, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room where there is no accessibility to a hand sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-30: **Admin Complaint**
31A-07-4
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/. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room added, dry storage and reach-in-freezer areas were added and not included in last plan review revision. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-30: **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-30: **Time Extended**
21-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-30: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-30: **Time Extended**
21-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Dry storage area **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-30: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
67
Aug 15, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room where there is no accessibility to a hand sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended**
31A-07-4
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/. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room added, dry storage and reach-in-freezer areas were added and not included in last plan review revision. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended**
21-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Dry storage area **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-15: **Time Extended**
21-12-4
67
Aug 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 6 small flies in dishwasher area. **Warning**
35A-02-6
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/. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room added, dry storage and reach-in-freezer areas were added and not included in last plan review revision. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room where there is no accessibility to a hand sink. **Warning**
31A-07-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Dry storage area **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employees eating in service area. **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed large bag of onions on floor near 3 compartment sink **Warning**
08B-38-4
52
Mar 12, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 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/. Added bar, prep area and moved equipment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: Inspector confirmed with Plan Review no remodel plans have been submitted for inspection warning. **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
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 2024-03-12: National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe books but no certificates completed **Admin Complaint**
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 2024-03-12: **Admin Complaint**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: **Admin Complaint**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-12: **Admin Complaint**
14-09-4
64
Jan 11, 2024
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 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. **Warning**
11-27-4
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/. Added bar, prep area and moved equipment. **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
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout kitchen area **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Warning**
21-12-4
45
Jul 20, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand sink in front kitchen area used ad a dump sink for drink ice. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Large container on floor in kitchen on cooksline not labeled and scoop inside without a handle. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. On prep table cooksline
12B-12-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
36-73-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single serving items stored on floor in dry storage area
25-05-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen lamb thawing at room temperature on in standing water. Operator placing in reach-in-cooler
06-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large container on floor in kitchen on cooksline not labeled. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
50
Nov 9, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Operator using cooked rice stored in non food grade shopping bag on steam table
14-31-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Pulled pork 125 F. Operator reheating on stove. Reheat temperature 175 F. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket stored inside hand sink in front kitchen area **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Floor tiles cracked inside front kitchen area
36-17-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Near 3 compartment sink **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of salt underneath prep table not labeled **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
23-03-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - Food prep on prepping table next to hand sink is in a location that is exposed to splash when washing hands. Near 3 compartment sink
08B-36-4
43
Aug 31, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Bathrooms located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In restrooms.
31B-04-4
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Sabor De Mexico last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Sabor De Mexico on file is from Nov 5, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Sabor De Mexico?
Across the inspection record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Sabor De Mexico.
How does El Sabor De Mexico compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
El Sabor De Mexico most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has El Sabor De Mexico's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Sabor De Mexico have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Sabor De Mexico 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 Sabor De Mexico inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Sabor De Mexico is inspected around three times per year on average.
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