Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
86
Score
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 31, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to five violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food stored on floor” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
The city-wide average for Tampa sits at 79, putting Margaritas Mexican Restaurant on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle with blue liquid at host stand at time of inspection.
41-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled squeeze bottles in kitchen at time of inspection.
02D-01-5
86
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly in back kitchen not landing on food 7 live flies at bar next to beer taps. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: 2 live flies at bar. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: 2 live flies in bar after few minutes of looking was unable to see the flies again **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed 2025 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cooks line in front of flattop grill white board **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
74
Aug 15, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dented cans present. See stop sale. Pure tomato sauce 2 cans on can good shelf back storage **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: Stop sale for temperature abused time/temperature control for safety food. No dented cans. **Time Extended**
01B-01-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly in back kitchen not landing on food 7 live flies at bar next to beer taps. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: 2 live flies at bar. **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler front kitchen entrance cut tomatoes 45F Mozzarella cheese 44F mozzarella cheese 45F cook pepper 47F cook Tamales 46F ambient air temperature was 52F. Discussed with manager to place ice on all food items Walk in cooler Cold holding: bean dip 46F cut tomatoes 46F raw beef 45F cook corn 47F chicken 47F cook chicken 47F butter 44F employees began placing ice on all products. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: Reach-in cooler: shredded cheese 41 F, guacamole with diced tomato 40 F, pico 40 F, cooked corn 43 F. Walk-in cooler: cooked black bean 46 F, cooked pork 47 F, cooked corn 44 F, raw grounded beef 47 F, refried bean 44 F, shredded mozzarella 48 F, mozzarella log 44 F, flan 47 F, raw chicken 46 F, raw ribeye49 F, raw beef 47 F, raw chorizo 49 F, whole milk 47 F, raw shell egg 49 F ambient, chicken stock 48 F, sour cream 47 F. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed 2025 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cooks line in front of flattop grill white board **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At bar hand washing sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Vending machine exterior soiled. Exterior behind nozzle sprayers **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-15: **Time Extended**
23-01-4
50
Aug 13, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Dented cans present. See stop sale. Pure tomato sauce 2 cans on can good shelf back storage **Warning**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly in back kitchen not landing on food 7 live flies at bar next to beer taps. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over mozzarella cheese walk in cooler. Raw shelled eggs over milk and salsa walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety.Salsa el pastor dated 8-1-25 in walk in cooler manager discarded. **Warning**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Salsa el pastor dated 8-1-25 in walk in cooler manager discarded. **Warning**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler front kitchen entrance cut tomatoes 45F Mozzarella cheese 44F mozzarella cheese 45F cook pepper 47F cook Tamales 46F ambient air temperature was 52F. Discussed with manager to place ice on all food items Walk in cooler Cold holding: bean dip 46F cut tomatoes 46F raw beef 45F cook corn 47F chicken 47F cook chicken 47F butter 44F employees began placing ice on all products. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed 2025 **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cooks line in front of flattop grill white board **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee drink in reach in freezer employee food not segregated in walk in cooler **Warning**
08B-49-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Under dish machine in bar area not leak from dish machine. **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Oil case on cooks line. And boxes of food and rice bags in storage area. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area.close to soda dispenser **Warning**
35B-02-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At bar hand washing sink **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Chicken and beans in walk in cooler. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Vending machine exterior soiled. Exterior behind nozzle sprayers **Warning**
23-01-4
25
Feb 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
61
Sep 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Some employees missing food handlers certificates.
53B-10-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stuck on clean dishes on shelves overtop 3 compartment sink.
16-46-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Sanitizer solution stored on floor by walk in cooler. Employee removed bucket and properly stored.
21-38-4
82
Jun 11, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-11: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
95
Apr 10, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended**
50-17-3
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees. Cold holding- Raw beef 51F Raw chicken 48F Raw shrimp 49F. Items placed on ice and put inside freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: Raw beef 55F. Raw chicken 54F. Raw shrimp 60F Stop sale issued. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Pamela Betancor. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit at time of inspection. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
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. Emailed operator education packet. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water inside refrigerator by storage shelves. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-10: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
50
Apr 9, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees. Cold holding- Raw beef 51F Raw chicken 48F Raw shrimp 49F. Items placed on ice and put inside freezer. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Nonfood paper towels used to line plate of food.
14-86-1
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
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 operator education packet. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Pamela Betancor. **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit at time of inspection.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand washing sink by dishwasher. Manager added paper towels to hand washing sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water inside refrigerator by storage shelves.
29-49-6
39
Oct 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
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. Emailed operator employee reporting agreement. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tile overtop hand washing sink has water stains.
36-34-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Food stored on floor underneath storage shelves across from 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Walk in cooler has shelf covered with tin foil with have holes. **Repeat Violation**
14-20-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Meat thawing in standing water.
06-01-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed avocados cut before washing.
08B-17-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
67
Feb 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand washing sink by dishwasher. Manager placed paper towels at hand washing sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Grease stored on floor next to fryer's. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have buildup of grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Clean dishes overtop 3 compartment sink have old labels stuck on clean dishes. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Walk in cooler shelves have tin foil covering with holes in it.
14-20-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bottles of food used for cooking has no labeling of ingredients inside reach in cooler on cooks line. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
64
Aug 30, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher tested 0ppm of chlorine. Had a discussion with chef about using 3 compartment sink until dishwasher is working properly.
22-41-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-2
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips at time of inspection.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand washing sink next to dishwasher. Owner placed paper towels at hand washing sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand washing sink next to dishwasher. Owner placed soap at hand washing sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Buckets of sauce stored on floor inside walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stuck on clean dishes on shelves overtop of 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have rust.
14-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of food used for cooking has no labeling of ingredients inside reach in cooler on cooks line.
02D-01-5
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Margaritas Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant.
How does Margaritas Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Margaritas Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant 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 Margaritas Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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