Gorditas Don Huicho

2071 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
55
Score
Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Gorditas Don Huicho 10 times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 1, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around 10 violations each.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior”, showing up two times.

Compared to other Clearwater restaurants (averaging 79), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Certified food manager certificate expired on 2/19/26 for Susana Pena National Registry of Food Safety Professionals - Juan has current food manager certification
53A-03-7
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of cold food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Expired training in 2025
53B-05-5
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine . Manager cleaned the interior of the ice machine **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Food ( glass bottle of beverages ) not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor in bar area .
08B-47-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues in food prep area near ice machine
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food ( bags of beans and flour) not covered in dry storage room Manager closed bags **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Triple glass door reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface in kitchen
14-33-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Manager changed solution . Recheck 100 ppm chlorine **Corrected On-Site**
21-03-4
55
Nov 17, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed a dessert portion of rice pudding in dessert cooler on the front counter at 44f , was stored over night and no temperature taken on this day , stop sale manager discarded the rice pudding . **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Observed a dessert portion of rice pudding in dessert cooler on the front counter at 44f , was stroked over night and no temperature taken on this day , stop sale manager discarded the rice pudding . **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottles of Windex hanging on rack next to vinegar.manager removed the item. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medicine on prep table stored on shelf next to microwave , manager removed the item. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce.observed raw fish over unwashed produce , manager moved the raw fish to the appropriate location in the cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. Reviewed with Manager regular monitoring of food temperatures.
05-10-4
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed 2 small cans of WD40 lubricant stored on prep table next to Microwave , manager removed the items . **Corrected On-Site**
41-04-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door leading to mop sink has a noticeable gap under the door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored in undrained ice. Observed cooked shrimp stored in small bucket with undrained ice, cooked removed ice from container. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
08B-31-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bottled drinks stored on floor in the bar area , spoke with manager and he said he will get a rack to place them on .
08B-38-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed can of soda for employee in reach in tall reach in cooler closest to the stove , manager moved the soda to appropriate location **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Observed chipped wooden spoon in dishwashing area , discussed with manager the importance of using undamaged equipment, manager discarded the item. **Corrected On-Site**
14-12-4
30
Apr 14, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Beans at 52-56 F at 11:00 am stacked and separated by cardboard in double door cooler cooked previous day at 6:00 pm . Person in charge moved bean to dishwashing area to discard .
03D-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Beans at 52-56 F at 11:00 am stacked and separated by cardboard in double door cooler cooked previous day at 6:00 pm . Person in charge over beans to dishwashing area to discard .
01B-36-5
High Priority - Raw animal food ( raw fish) stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food ( cooked noodles ) in triple door cooler . Person in charge rearranged food **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Basic - Dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface in the grass
33-23-4
Basic - -Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves in dishwashing area **Repeat Violation**
14-45-4
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Reviewed with person in charge . Employee cleaned interior of ice machine **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves inside reach in cooler . Reviewed with person in charge
14-05-4
Basic - Food ( shrimp ) stored in undrained ice inside triple door cooler . Person in charge removed ice **Corrected On-Site**
08B-31-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage ( open bottle of water ) container in a cold holding unit ( glass door cooler ) with food to be served to customers. Reviewed with person in charge . Person in charge relocated drink to a separate container **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
47
Dec 5, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
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
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
41
Apr 10, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
90
Apr 8, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 23 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dented 8 ounce can of pineapple slices. **Warning**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over ready-to-eat peppers in double door reach in freezer near ice machine. Inspector discussed proper food storage. **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1 rodent dropping on floor of bar area not currently in use. Manager removed and sanitized the area. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 1 ice cube in ice machine had red pepper flakes. Manager discarded. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Glass cleaner stored over cantaloupes in kitchen. Manager removed glass cleaner. **Warning**
41-10-4
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. Inspector emailed written procedures for Vomit and Diarrheal Cleanup. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board and reach in cooler has built up food debris. Molcajete has built up food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Potato peeler and straw in hand wash sink next to ice machine. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
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. Inspector emailed operator Employee Health Reporting Responsibilities in Spanish. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink next to ice machine. Manager replaced soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Ladies restroom is not self closing or tight fitting. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic cup used to dispense lemonade in kitchen. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Green cutting board in clean ware washing area has grooved cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches on floor of bar area not currently in use. Manager removed and sanitized the area. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on prep tables with microwaves. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee keys on prep table next to microwaves. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in cooler across from cooktop are torn. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Molcajetes underneath prep table with microwaves are not smooth and easily cleanable. **Warning**
14-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in either restroom. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in cooler across from cooktop have built up food debris. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Clean silverware on prep table in kitchen stored with food contact surfaces upright. **Warning**
24-18-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Seasonings on prep table by ice machine are stored not covered. Manager covered. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
15
Aug 25, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Temperatures taken at 11:15 am Cooked cactus 78 F , cooked rice 59F ,cooked pork 46 F , cooked rice 49 F in glass double door cooler cooled previous night at 10:00 am - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: Cooked rice 107 F on counter cooling at 5:20 pm placed on counter at 12:00 pm -reviewed proper cooling with manager - cooked rice discarded **Admin Complaint**
03D-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Temperatures taken at 11:15 am Cooked cactus 78 F , cooked rice 59F ,cooked pork 46 F , cooked rice 49 F in glass double door cooler cooled previous night at 10:00 am - no temperatures taken this day - reviewed with manager temperature monitoring practices, proper cooling procedures and food storage to allow adequate air flow - manager discarded food individual containers of salsa at front counter at 55-60F in bowl at front counter -no temperatures taken this day - manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: Cooked rice 107 F on counter cooling at 5:20 pm placed on counter at 12:00 pm -reviewed proper cooling with manager - cooked rice discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Manager Juan unable to locate food manager certificate .Susana Peña has current food manager training - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: Manager Juan does not have food manager certification . Susana Peña 2/19/21 National Registry of Food Safety **Time Extended**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Missing certificates for 2 employees - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
61
Aug 24, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
30
Mar 29, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. cooked eggplant date marked 3/20 over 7 days in triple door reach in cooler - manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. - cooked eggplant date marked 3/20 over 7 days in triple door reach in cooler - manager discarded **Corrective Action Taken**
02C-01-5
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 - No chemical test kit for chlorine provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
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.
11-26-1
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
50
Oct 21, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
45

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Gorditas Don Huicho last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Gorditas Don Huicho on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Gorditas Don Huicho?

Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Gorditas Don Huicho.

How does Gorditas Don Huicho compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?

Gorditas Don Huicho most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Clearwater average of 79.

Has Gorditas Don Huicho's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Gorditas Don Huicho have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Gorditas Don Huicho 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 Gorditas Don Huicho inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Gorditas Don Huicho is inspected around three times per year on average.