Taqueria Esperanza Tampa

12401 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at Taqueria Esperanza Tampa, the earliest from 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 26, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around four violations to closer to two violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “ready-to-eat”, which has been cited two times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Tampa restaurant scores 79. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 26, 2026

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of reach in cooler.

29-49-6

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Plastic bottles of sauces used for cooking has no labeling of ingredients inside reach in cooler.

02D-01-5

Aug 12, 2025

Routine - Food

4 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 7 violations

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rice held longer then 24 hours has no date markings inside refrigerator across from reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation**

02C-02-5

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink has a reach in cooler stored inside it front of it.

31A-09-4

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler has stains and is no longer cleanable.

22-02-4

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**

16-37-1

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag of onions stored on floor. **Repeat Violation**

08B-38-4

Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee bottle of water stored inside freezer overtop refrigerator.

12B-13-4

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on reach in cooler has deep groves. **Repeat Violation**

14-09-4

Feb 14, 2025

Routine - Food

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Dec 9, 2024

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 13 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over cooked beef, operator moved to approved location at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

08A-05-6

High Priority - Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Discussed with operator on obtaining food grade hose. **Warning**

29-04-4

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. Provided operator with education packet containing clean-up procedure. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

11-27-4

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at back hand washing station at time of inspection. Operator stocked at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

31B-02-4

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. No training provided upon request. Discussed training requirements with operator. **Warning**

53B-01-5

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. Provided operator with education packet containing reporting agreement. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

11-26-1

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Rice, cooked beef, cooked chicken made day prior not date marked. Discussed date requirements with operator. **Warning**

02C-02-5

Intermediate - Unnecessary persons in the food preparation, food storage, or warewashing area. Child in kitchen area. **Warning**

43-08-4

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine test strips. **Warning**

16-37-1

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards throughout kitchen. **Warning**

14-09-4

Basic - Food stored on floor. Avocados stored on floor, operator moved to approved location at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

08B-38-4

Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. Discussed with operator. **Warning**

50-04-4

Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided operator with education packet containing choking poster. **Warning**

51-13-4

Apr 22, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria Esperanza Tampa last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Esperanza Tampa on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria Esperanza Tampa?

Across the inspection record, “ready-to-eat” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Esperanza Tampa.

How does Taqueria Esperanza Tampa compare to other restaurants in Tampa?

Taqueria Esperanza Tampa most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Tampa average of 79.

Has Taqueria Esperanza Tampa's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria Esperanza Tampa have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Taqueria Esperanza Tampa 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 Taqueria Esperanza Tampa inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria Esperanza Tampa is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

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Score: 43 — High Risk

El Rey De Oros

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Score: 74 — Medium Risk

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