Mr Tequila Cuisine
Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026
43
Score
Mr Tequila Cuisine has been inspected 11 times since 2022. The most recent report on file is from Jan 12, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 12 violations each, up from closer to eight violations before.
“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
By comparison, the average Estero facility scores 82, putting Mr Tequila Cuisine on the weaker side. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 12, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken and raw beef over ready to eat shrimp in reach-in cooler on cook line. The cook was told to moved the raw chicken and raw beef beside the raw salmon and raw talipa on bottom shelf on reach-in cooler on cook line. Printed out HR Form 5030-099 Proper Storage. Corrective Action Taken** **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef and raw chicken above raw salmon and raw talipa in walk-in cooler. The operator moved the raw chicken and raw beef to bottom shelf in walk-in cooler under the raw salmon and raw talipa. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
16-62-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink beside 3 compartment sink.
31B-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed coffee filter unprotected above coffee machine in preparation area.
25-06-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair above walk-in cooler.
36-32-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
10-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. The operator cleaner microwave during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
43
Oct 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef stored above cooked shrimp in the walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed cleaned chicken breast and steaks in ziplock bags in the walk in freezer not date marked.
02C-04-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed commercially packaged salmon not removed from package before thawing, the salmon is labeled to remove from package prior to thawing.
06-09-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed in lidded cup of water on the make table cutting board on the cookline. Operator discarded the cup. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust stains on the interior of the ice machine bin.
14-34-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gasket soiled with food debris, observed walk in cooler shelves soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed bacon wrapped peppers in the walk in freezer not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
58
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee handle raw product then handle clean serving utensils no handwashing.
12A-09-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed dish washer not wash hands in between changing from dirty to clean dishes.
12A-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken in the walk in cooler above cooked shrimp, both uncovered. **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on the cook line soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Onserved 7 employees present no person present with proof of CFM certificate.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels or dispenser not working at the handwashing sink next to the 3 compartment sink.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed soap dispenser not working at the handwashing sink next to the 3 compartment sink.
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed buildup of black like substance in the top interior of the ice machine in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverage on the cook line above the make table.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee handling food with no hair protection.
13-03-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice at the servers kitchen ice bin. **Repeat Violation**
10-08-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on the left side of the cook line with a build up of food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets with buildup of food debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed soiled dry wiping cloth on the cook line.
21-10-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed raw chicken and cooked shrimp in the walk in cooler not covered, observed bacon wrapped shrimp in the walk in freezer not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
26
Jan 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch towels on apron to wipe off his hands no handwashing or changing of gloves. Spoke with operator regarding proper handwashing.
12A-28-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw meat stored above cooked ready or eat shrimp in the walk in cooler. Operator moved shrimp. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black like substance on rear interior of ice machine bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed salmon not removed from commercial packaging before thawing.
06-09-1
Basic - Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Observed ice buckets stored on floor next to the ice machine.
10-14-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice at the bar ice bin.
10-08-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets with buildup of food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust.
14-17-4
55
Jul 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
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
61
Feb 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed dry sugar and salt bulk use bins stored in containers soiled with food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed food containers containing salt and sugar in bulk in use bins soiled with food debris. **Time Extended**
08B-27-4
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. Observed not all employees have food handler training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Observed no measuring device for measuring temperature of high temp dishwasher. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed no measuring device for high temperature dish machine showed operator 2 different styles they could use. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
16-62-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed build up of black mold like substance on interior back surface of ice machine in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed black mold like substance in top rear interior of ice machine. **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed buildup,of food debris on reach in cooler door handles. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed food debris on reach in cooler door handles. **Time Extended**
23-24-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with soiled clothing. Observed employee working with soiled apron. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed employee with soiled wiping cloths hanging from their apron. **Time Extended**
13-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on reach in refrigerators torn and in need of replacement. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed gaskets in poor repair. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on cart handle on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed tongs stored on handle of cart next to fryer on cook line. **Time Extended**
10-20-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed dry chicken stock container on shelf next to cook line with no lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed dry cooking chicken stock container un lidded on dry storage shelf. **Time Extended**
08B-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth on counter, not being stored in sanitizing solution. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Observed wiping cloth on cookline not stored in sanitizing solution. **Time Extended**
21-12-4
50
Feb 8, 2024
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 5 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 29 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed dented can of tomato paste in walk in cooler opened. Informed operator can needs to be discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed dishwasher go from handling dirty dishes to removing clean dish and putting them away after removing them from the dishwashing machine. **Warning**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch dirty apron and towels without washing hands and putting on clean gloves before handling food, spoke with operator about proper hand washing. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-28-4
High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed dry sugar and salt bulk use bins stored in containers soiled with food debris. **Warning**
08B-27-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw non commercially packaged pork above ready to eat cake. **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef stored above raw salmon in walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw pork not commercially packaged above raw shrimp in walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee change task from using wiping cloth to clean surfaces to handling clean utensils and plates without washing hands and changing gloves. Spoke with operator regarding proper hand washing and glove usage. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed squeeze bottle of sanitizer on top of warmer box where they keep the tortillas warm. **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed build up of food debris on can opener blade. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test kits for chlorine or quaternary sanitizer available. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Observed no measuring device for measuring temperature of high temp dishwasher. **Warning**
16-62-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink on back prep line. **Warning**
31B-03-4
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. Observed not all employees have food handler training. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee eating food on pick up line in kitchen where the food is trayed up. **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed build up of black mold like substance on interior back surface of ice machine in kitchen. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed buildup,of food debris on reach in cooler door handles. **Warning**
23-24-4
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. Observed un lidded container on cookline above prep area. **Warning**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed sweatshirts and purses on dry storage rack next to cook line. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with soiled clothing. Observed employee working with soiled apron. **Warning**
13-01-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on reach in refrigerators torn and in need of replacement. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed chicken and beef in plastic tub stored on the floor in the walk in freezer. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on cart handle on cook line. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop in contact with sugar in bulk bin. **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed build up of food debris on interior of reach in cooler shelves. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Server scooping/portioning food (other than ice and beverages) has no hair restraint. Observed employee working with food with no hair restraint. **Warning**
13-09-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed dry chicken stock container on shelf next to cook line with no lid. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed build up of food debris on kitchen walls. Observed floor soiled in walk in cooler, in dishwashing area and along the walls in the kitchen. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth on counter, not being stored in sanitizing solution. **Warning**
21-12-4
7
Sep 15, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on cook line at waist level hanging on plastic cart next to fryers. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-15: Observed tongs on handle on cart next to no fryer station on the cook line. **Time Extended**
10-20-4
95
Sep 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
58
Mar 14, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water temperature in customer mens room at 80F after running for 3 minutes.
27-16-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed large mixing spoon at hand wash sink in bar area. Operator moved spoon. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed buildup of food debris on reach in cooler used to hold drink bottles by dishwasher.
23-24-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed current license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed coffee cup with no lid on it on top of reach in freezer next to dish washing machine in kitchen.
12B-07-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair. Observed reach in refrigerator across from cook-line has been repaired with gaskets in disrepair.
14-36-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed side of glass washing machine in bar area heavily soiled.
23-03-4
64
Dec 22, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 3 cans of tomato sauce dented on the seams. Operator removed for credit. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed build up of food debris on can opener blade. operator moved can opener to dish station. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed buildup of most like substance in ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of chicken on floor in walk in freezer. Operator moved to shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup on bottom of reach in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice at the bar area.
10-08-5
Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Observed scoops for sugar and salt sitting next to the bins on a dirty shelf. Operator removed to clean in dish washing machine. **Corrected On-Site**
10-02-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster visible. Emailed operator choking poster. **Corrective Action Taken**
51-13-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open.
33-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed rib-eye thawing at room temperature in the original box. Operator removed food from box and began to thaw under running water. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-01-5
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mr Tequila Cuisine last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mr Tequila Cuisine on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mr Tequila Cuisine?
Across the inspection record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mr Tequila Cuisine.
How does Mr Tequila Cuisine compare to other restaurants in Estero?
Mr Tequila Cuisine most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Estero average of 82.
Has Mr Tequila Cuisine's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mr Tequila Cuisine have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Mr Tequila Cuisine 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 Mr Tequila Cuisine inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mr Tequila Cuisine is inspected around four times per year on average.
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