El Tacolgando

7001 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Nov 3, 2025
70
Score
Medium Risk

Across the available record, El Tacolgando has 13 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 3, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.

Looking across the full record, “establishment has no written procedures for employees” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.

By comparison, the average Tampa facility scores 79, putting El Tacolgando on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 3, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 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/. 2 Reach in freezers added, Employee handwash sink relocated to right side of three compartment sink. No plans submitted to plan review. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-03: No plans submitted to plan review. **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle stored beneath cash register. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-03: Stored beneath cash register. **Time Extended**
41-17-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards soiled inside MFDV. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-03: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards in MFDV. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-03: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
70
Oct 21, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Raw beef 47F in Reach in cooler from 9/2/25, hot dog 51F in Reach in cooler from 8/31/25. **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Ambient air thermometer in holding unit not accurate within plus or minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Broken ambient thermometer in frosted glass Reach in cooler. **Warning**
05-05-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards soiled inside MFDV. **Warning**
22-02-4
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/. 2 Reach in freezers added, Employee handwash sink relocated to right side of three compartment sink. No plans submitted to plan review. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle stored beneath cash register. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle in prep table adjacent to fryers. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-42-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Located in flip top Reach in cooler. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards in MFDV. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
47
May 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Raw breaded steak stored over canned sodas in Reach in cooler. Raw frozen steak stored over frozen bread in Reach in freezer. Raw beef patties stored over tortillas in Reach in cooler. Operator relocated all items during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-11-5
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked beef tongues and intestines in Reach in cooler not date marked. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. **Repeat Violation**
14-42-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryer and flattop griddle are soiled with debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
58
Mar 25, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Raw breaded beef stored in shopping bags. Operator removed beef and wrapped in aluminum foil during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: Cuban bread stored in three shopping bags. **Time Extended**
14-31-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
14-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryer and flattop griddle are soiled with debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall surrounding fryers, flattop grill, three compartment sink are soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
70
Feb 24, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 13, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 2 packages of raw bacon stored over bottles of water and soda in Reach in cooler. Operator relocated bacon during time of inspection. Discussed with operator not to store raw foods over Ready to eat foods. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Raw breaded beef stored in shopping bags. Operator removed beef and wrapped in aluminum foil during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-31-5
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 - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Shredded lettuce in Reach in cooler. Cooked shredded pork, cooked ground beef, refried beans, and multiple items in Reach in cooler not date marked. Operator added date mark during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
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. Bag of shredded mozzarella in Reach in cooler not date marked. Operator added date mark during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sheet pan placed over Employee handwash sink. Operator removed sheet pan during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple cutting boards has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-42-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryer and flattop griddle are soiled with debris. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Pineapple in rice not covered. Operator covered pineapples during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed mushrooms stored over Ready to eat hotdogs in Reach in cooler. Operator relocated mushrooms to an approved location during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall surrounding fryers, flattop grill, three compartment sink are soiled. **Warning**
36-27-5
37
Mar 21, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
86
Sep 14, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-14: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-14: **Time Extended**
14-42-4
86
Sep 12, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating with no potable running water. No fresh water tank on food truck. The truck has a plumbing line that goes underground from the truck's location to the back of the commissary water system. - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-12: Operator has water tank but is not set up. Manger stated guy is coming today to install **Admin Complaint**
27-12-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-12: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-12: **Time Extended**
14-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle connected to utilities on more than a temporary basis. No fresh water tank on truck operator using a pvc white pipe system that travels from the food truck to the commissary water plumbing system in back of car wash. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-12: Operator has water tank but is not set up. Manger stated guy is coming today to install **Admin Complaint**
51-06-4
70
Sep 6, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
37
Apr 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Observed Quaternary ammonia instead of chlorine **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: **Time Extended**
16-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filters missing. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: **Time Extended**
14-42-4
82
Sep 20, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Single-Use/Single-Service Articles Properly Stored and Used
FL-45
55

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Tacolgando last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Tacolgando on file is from Nov 3, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Tacolgando?

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

How does El Tacolgando compare to other restaurants in Tampa?

El Tacolgando most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.

Has El Tacolgando's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Tacolgando 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 Tacolgando inspected?

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