Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill
Last inspected: Apr 9, 2026
61
Score
Inspectors have visited Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill 13 times, with records going back to 2022. Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill was last inspected on Apr 9, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill's latest score of 61 falls below the Port Charlotte average of 82. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
13
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 9, 2026
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed vacuum breaker missing at hose Bibb at back exterior of establishment. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee rinsing a wiping cloth at ware washing area handwashing sink. Educated the employee that the hand wash sink is strictly for handwashing and for no other purpose.
31A-11-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed residue buildup in the interior of Walk in Cooler door handles. Operator cleaned the door handle. **Corrected On-Site**
23-24-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no beard guard at cookline. Employee placed beard guard over their beard. **Corrected On-Site**
13-04-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed multiple floor tiles in disrepair at Walk in Cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scraper in standing water 84F next to Flat Grill. Operator removed the water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen fish in standing water at 2 compartment sink. Operator placed cold running water over the frozen fish. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
61
Dec 16, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef at Walk in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
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. Observed open gallon of milk not date marked at Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle touching ice in ice bin at bar. Operator removed the handle touching the ice. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple wet containers stacked with no airflow at dish shelf. Operator placed the containers on the side to allow airflow. **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
64
Nov 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salsa 45F at ice bath. Added more ice to cool it 39F. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at prep table. Operator placed it in the sanitizer solution. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed multiple food item with no cover at Walk in Cooler. Operator covered the food items with lid. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed open dumpster lid. Operator closed the lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
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 touching the flour at flour container. Operator removed the handle from touching the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
70
Jul 24, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed chlorine sanitizer spray bottle over 200ppm on test strip. Corrected to 100ppm by adding more water. **Corrected On-Site**
41-15-5
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed Raid household pesticide at shelf above 2 compartment sink. Operator discarded the pesticide/insecticide. **Corrected On-Site**
41-05-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed sanitizer spray bottle not labeled. Operator labeled the spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed wet wiping cloth sanitizer bucket on the floor at wait station. Operator placed the sanitizer in a new wiping cloth bucket and placed on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
64
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork over sour cream at exterior Walk in Cooler. Operator switched the food items at Walk in Cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker next to 2 compartment sink. Operator placed vacuum during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
29-34-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at men's restroom handwash sink. Operator placed soap at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-14-5
61
Feb 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
61
Oct 2, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork over salsa at Walk in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed refried beans not date marked at Walk in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple wet containers stacked with no air flow to dry the containers in a timely manner. Operator removed the containers from being stacked to allow air flow. **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed residue buildup on the back exterior of walk in cooler handle. Operator cleaned the handle. **Corrected On-Site**
23-24-4
70
Apr 22, 2024
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Apr 18, 2024
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed tortillas in non food grade bags on cook line. Observed cook putting tortillas in plastic food grade bags **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 flying insects in kitchen area, landing on food prep table while employee is prepping fish. Observed 4 flying insects in bar when lifting up soda gun on left hand side of the bar facing hostess station. **Warning**
35A-02-6
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed dish washer in dish area with raw shrimp, prepping and no hair restraint. Observed operator giving hair net to dishwasher, and dishwasher putting on hair net. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed in dry storage seasonings in containers with out identifying labels on them. Observed employees working on labels **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
02D-01-5
67
Oct 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salsa 55F at ice bath next to ice machine. Operator added more ice and water to rapid chill to bring temperature down to 41F or below. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03A-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. Observed whip cream at wait station at reach in cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, residue buildup. Observed soiled cutting board at Make Table. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observed low pressure on hot side at wait station handwash sink. Educated and informed the operator.
27-19-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed equipment item at bar handwash sink. Operator removed the item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee food at wait station Reach in Cooler. Operator segregated and identified employees food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed various locations at establishment. Operator in the process of sealing the concrete floor.
36-02-5
52
Jul 25, 2023
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salsa 59F at prep table. Operator placed in Walk in Cooler to rapid chill to 41F and/or below. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed next to exterior mop sink and at the exterior side entry of the establishment. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
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 at cookline. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12A-28-4
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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed handle touching ice at interior of ice machine. Operator removed the handle from touching. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at various locations throughout the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee at cookline. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
43
Jan 10, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
50
Aug 6, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef at Walk in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-20-5
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 at cookline Area. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12A-28-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed exterior side of the building. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
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. Observed half and half creamers at bar Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
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/. Observed certified food safety manager arrived during inspection. Gisela Herschdorfer, 11/22/2021. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at kitchen. Operator placed wiping cloth in sanitizer solution **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of pork at exterior Walk in Cooler. Operator removed the food item off the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill on file is from Apr 9, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill?
Across the inspection record, “vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill.
How does Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill compare to other restaurants in Port Charlotte?
Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Port Charlotte average of 82.
Has Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill 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 Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill is inspected around four times per year on average.
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