Talkin' Tacos

9520 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Oct 16, 2025
52
Score
High Risk

Across the available record, Talkin' Tacos has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from Oct 16, 2025. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around six violations each, up from closer to three violations before.

When inspectors have written things up, “employee personal items stored” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

By comparison, the average Tampa facility scores 79, putting Talkin' Tacos on the weaker side. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.

10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed both sanitizer spray bottles in dining area reading above 500 ppm . Discussed with manager the importance of proper sanitizer ppm.
41-27-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed a can of whole kernel corn dented on the edge. A stop sale was placed on the item, the Manager removed the item.
01B-01-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed non smooth ceiling above cooks line.
36-37-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phones on prep table area on the cooks line and another cell phone on prep table closest to the front counter. Manager had items moved . **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed clear containers in dishwashing area stacked on top of each other while wet. Manager separated the pans, Discussed the importance of wet nesting with the Manager. **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed the hood system not working correctly during the inspection.
14-11-5
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed 2 soiled towels On prep tables in kitchen.
21-10-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed a sanitizer bucket testing at 0ppm. Discussed proper ppm with manager.
21-08-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed portion cup being used in takis container on the reach in cooler closet to standing freezer. Manager removed and place a scoop with handle in the container. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
52
May 19, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 6, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. 2 wiping clothes stored in hand sink on cookline.
31A-09-4
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.
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle filled with pink sanitizer. Employee labeled **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor.4 bags of jasmine rice stored on floor on service line. Employee placed on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-47-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle for bulk rice stored in product. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar not labeled on storage shelf. Employee labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Cracked plastic container lid on bulk sugar.
14-38-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on prep table adjacent to hand sink on cookline. Employee removed **Corrected On-Site**
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 bag stored with linens and drinks on shelf under prep table adjacent to 3-compartment sink.
40-06-5
52
Dec 12, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 18, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
78
Oct 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Sanitizing bucket stored on food storage shelf over soda syrup boxes. Operator moved to proper area. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink at front service counter blocked by cleaning equipments. Operator removed items. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 2 spray bottles. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
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/ Daniel Bruno, expired on 02/22/2023, Prometric.
53A-03-7
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 1 employee. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
58
May 18, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
82
Apr 25, 2023
Complaint Full
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
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. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-25: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Manager unable to find the food handlers certificates. - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-25: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-25: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Ran hot water approximately 2 minutes in handwash sink next to ice machine, temped 79 F. - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-25: **Time Extended**
27-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan guards soiled with black mold like substance in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-25: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster overflowing garbage. Shared dumpsters. - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-25: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
61
Jan 5, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
47
Jul 5, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed ice cubes in handwash sink at kitchen. Discussed with operator about handwash sink for handwash only. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees backpacks, jackets and umbrellas stored on dry food storage shelves. Operator removed personal items at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-38-4
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Talkin' Tacos last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Talkin' Tacos on file is from Oct 16, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Talkin' Tacos?

Across the inspection record, “employee personal items stored” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Talkin' Tacos.

How does Talkin' Tacos compare to other restaurants in Tampa?

Talkin' Tacos most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.

Has Talkin' Tacos' inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Talkin' Tacos have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Talkin' Tacos 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 Talkin' Tacos inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Talkin' Tacos is inspected around three times per year on average.