Taquitos El Gordo

3979 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33815

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Feb 23, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

The health department has logged eight inspections at Taquitos El Gordo, the earliest from 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 23, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around two violations to closer to four violations per visit.

“Food stored on floor” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Compared to other Lakeland restaurants (averaging 86), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 23, 2026

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 6 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. No manager in building. **Warning**

53A-01-7

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. **Warning**

53B-01-5

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**

50-09-4

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open coffee cup on prep table. **Warning**

12B-07-4

Basic - Food stored on floor. Open bags on pinto beans stored on floor behind bar area. **Warning**

08B-38-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. To go items sitting on floor behind bar area **Warning**

25-05-4

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen fish sitting in sink no running water. **Warning**

06-01-5

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.sitting on prep table. **Warning**

21-12-4

Nov 25, 2025

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bowl in sink employee removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-11-4

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed on interior side wall.

22-20-5

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed in unisex bathroom.

32-04-4

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor in dry storage area.

08B-38-4

Jul 10, 2025

Routine - Food

No violations found.

100

Apr 18, 2025

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Chicken in stored in Togo bags in reachin freezer. **Warning**

14-31-5

Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ David Amoro **Warning**

53A-03-7

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator moved tongs **Warning**

10-20-4

Nov 15, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Feb 26, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Enlarged kitcken and added dining space from building next door. **Warning**

51-16-7

Jun 5, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used

FL-24

Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored

FL-41

Dec 16, 2022

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 2 major violations.

View 3 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw eggs stored above unwashed avocados in reachin cooler. Employee moved eggs to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-04-5

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Two pots in hand washing sink.

31A-11-4

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. In bathroom

31B-02-4

Show all 8 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taquitos El Gordo last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taquitos El Gordo on file is from Feb 23, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taquitos El Gordo?

Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taquitos El Gordo.

How does Taquitos El Gordo compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?

Taquitos El Gordo most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Lakeland average of 86.

Has Taquitos El Gordo's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Taquitos El Gordo have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Taquitos El Gordo 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 Taquitos El Gordo inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taquitos El Gordo is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Best Western Plus Lakeland

4225 New Tampa Hwy

Score: 90 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Lakeland → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Florida → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Lakeland