El Taquito Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
25
Score
Inspectors have visited El Taquito Mexican Restaurant 10 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 31, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 12 violations per visit versus roughly seven violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
That's lower than the typical Miami restaurant, which scores around 74. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
5
Major latest
15
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shelled eggs over ready to eat sauces inside walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Per operator, waitress will ask consumer how they like their steak to be cooked and offered at any temperature. No consumer advisory found in establishment. Provided to operator and operator posted. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-02-5
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. Emailed to operator **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed missing chlorine test kit available. **Warning**
16-37-1
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. Observed for L. Bilar, Aramis Gonzalez who are working in the kitchen. Per operator they have been working for the establishment for 2 months. Cl Maya has been working for 6 months. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed accumulation of rust on shelves housing pots, pans and plates across from 3CS. **Warning**
22-31-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at 89°F. Operator changed water and utensils. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed to operator. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. **Warning**
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gasket of walk in cooler. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed for clean metal food pans stored above 3CS. **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed for screen exit door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-60-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed accumulation of black slime substance on catchall inside ice machine in the back area. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for both female and male bathrooms. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed several in the dry storage area. **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed air vents soiled with dark substance at kitchen and warewash area **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); 2nd test Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). **Warning**
16-55-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed for clean metal food pans stored above 3CS. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case aluminum cans of sprite stored on the floor in dry storage area. **Warning**
08B-38-4
25
Jul 21, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink next to oven. Manager provided during inspection . **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed metal shelves rusted across from oven. Manager covered with aluminum foil during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-31-4
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed paper towels dispenser not working. Inside men bathroom.
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with windex not labeled behind front counter. Manager labeled properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed screen door torn at kitchen back door.
36-60-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed air vents soiled with dark substance at kitchen area.
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle inside ice maker. Employee removed, washed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
55
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
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
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
70
Nov 19, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
39
Jun 18, 2024
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout kitchen areas. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-27: Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout kitchen areas. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-18: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door in disrepair, located at cooking line. Observed standing reach in cooler gasket torn, located near the coffee machine. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-27: During the callback inspection observed standing reach in cooler gaskets torn. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-18: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Observed Standing water in bottom, and inside the glass door of reach-in-cooler, located near the juice dispenser. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-27: During the callback inspection observed Standing water in bottom, and inside the glass door of reach-in-cooler, located near the juice dispenser. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-18: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-27: During the callback inspection observed walk in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-18: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
82
Mar 27, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
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
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
45
Mar 26, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 18 minor violations.
View 27 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee touching dirty kitchen equipment and then touched banana chips without changing gloves. Discussed and coached employee in proper methods. Employee washed hands. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 4 lives flies flying in the dry storage, located near the walk in cooler, observed approximately 5 live flies flying and landing in clean kitchens pots stored above three compartment sink shelves.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed raw beef over bottles of home made sauces. Employee removed items, and placed them correctly. **Corrective Action Taken**
08A-11-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled, located at cooking line. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed steamer stored on the floor in front of the hand sink. Employee removed item **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
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. Observed Jeyling Albenda, Luis Alvarez, Cristian Anqueira, Darian Salvador. **Repeat Violation**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink, located at front counter.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken (42F - Cold Holding); beef flaunts (41F - Cold Holding); raw beef (43F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (42F - Cold Holding)stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 24 hours before the inspection. Employee date marked items with the correct date. **Corrective Action Taken**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout kitchen areas.
36-34-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed Drawer reach in cooler, located underneath the flat grill running at 57 during the routine inspection. Discussed and advised employee to remove items, and placed them inside reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
14-74-7
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Discussed with employees the importance of proper sanitation steps. Employee set up Triple Sink (Chlorine 100ppm). **Corrective Action Taken**
16-55-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation without hair restraint. Employee put on a hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door in disrepair, located at cooking line. Observed standing reach in cooler gasket torn, located near the coffee machine.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed walk in cooler, and freezer floor soiled.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastics containers, bag of black beans stored on the floor underneath of the oven on the kitchen area.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board, located at cooking line. Employee removed towel. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. Observed reach in cooler and walk in cooler gaskets soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Observed Ice buildup in ice cream chest freezer, located near walk in cooler.
14-69-4
Basic - Observed Standing water in bottom, and inside the glass door of reach-in-cooler, located near the juice dispenser.
29-49-6
Basic - Observed kitchen areas and storage area not maintained clean and organized.
33-34-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues, located at cooking line.
22-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Observed Interior of microwave has accumulation of grease/food debris, located near the coffee machine.
22-08-4
14
Nov 1, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Under hand sink.
29-34-4
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.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board groves and soiled, at bar.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
58
Mar 3, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cuttings boards soiled back at prep table. Also next to grill area prep table.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Bottom of prep table in front of walk in coo
22-31-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pots ready to be used not inverted in dish washing area.
24-05-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. At prep tables. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed an air gap at back exit door next to hand washing sinks
35B-01-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Light shield missing at lamp under storage room.
38-01-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in reach in coolers **Repeat Violation**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gasket of walk in cooler torn and soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed corn not covered at bottom of reach in cooler Employee covered it. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Below three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottles with sauces in use not labeled at reach in cooler in front of grill station. Also prepped and portioned bags in walk in freezer not labeled
02D-01-5
50
Oct 4, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
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
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Taquito Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Taquito Mexican Restaurant on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Taquito Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Taquito Mexican Restaurant.
How does El Taquito Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Taquito Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 25 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Taquito Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Taquito Mexican Restaurant have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Taquito Mexican Restaurant means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is El Taquito Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Taquito Mexican Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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