Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Apr 28, 2026
32
Score
Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant appears in inspection records 14 times, starting in 2023. On Apr 28, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around three violations compared to roughly seven violations earlier on.
The pattern that stands out is “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated”, which has been cited five times.
Compared to other Chiefland restaurants (averaging 72), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
14
Inspections
6
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 28, 2026
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside reach-in cooler in storage shed: cheese (44F - Cold Holding); cheese (44F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cheese (49F - Cold Holding). The person in charge stated the cheese was delivered the previous day and placed into the cooler by the delivery driver while the restaurant was closed and no temperatures were taken on delivery. The employee stated the cheese has not been removed from refrigeration today. Stop sales issued. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Three pans of refried beans covered with mold-like substance directly on food inside reach-in cooler near cookline. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-07-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Inside reach-in cooler in storage shed: cheese (44F - Cold Holding); cheese (44F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); cheese (49F - Cold Holding). The person in charge stated the cheese was delivered the previous day and placed into the cooler by the delivery driver while the restaurant was closed and no temperatures were taken on delivery. The employee stated the cheese has not been removed from refrigeration today. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (51F - Cooling overnight). Employee at cookline stated the beans were cooked the previous day and placed into the cooler to cool overnight. The beans are in a deep covered pan. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-36-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (51F - Cooling overnight). Employee at cookline stated the beans were cooked the previous day and placed into the cooler to cool overnight. The beans are in a deep covered pan. Stop sale issued.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Two cartons containing raw shell eggs stored on wire shelf directly above bottles containing margarine inside reach-in cooler at cookline. An employee moved the raw eggs to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
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. Two new employees handing food without proof of food handler training or proof they have been informed of their health reporting responsibilities. Inspector provided manager a new copy of the employee health reporting agreement during this inspection.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (51F - Cooling overnight). Employee at cookline stated the beans were cooked the previous day and placed into the cooler to cool overnight. The beans are in a deep covered pan. Stop sale issued.
03D-15-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee hat stored directly above stack of plates on shelf at front of kitchen.
40-06-5
32
Sep 16, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1. One dead roach on bottom-interior of beer cooler. Employee cleaned inside the cooler during this inspection. 2. One dead roach on floor inside dining area, near front door. 3. One dead roach on floor inside dining area dining area below table. An employee swept all during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: 1. One dead roach on floor below shelf in storage area near restroom. 2. Three dead roaches on floor in dining area, between two coolers at front counter. Inspector had an employee sweep all during this inspection. **Admin Complaint** **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
95
Sep 9, 2025
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jul 17, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1. One dead roach on bottom-interior of beer cooler. Employee cleaned inside the cooler during this inspection. 2. One dead roach on floor inside dining area, near front door. 3. One dead roach on floor inside dining area dining area below table. An employee swept all during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-03-4
95
Jul 7, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Three flies flying in ware wash area in back of kitchen.
35A-02-7
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Open pan containing raw beef stored on shelf directly above pan containing fully-cooked beans inside cooler near cookline. Employee moved the raw beef to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In pan on shelf inside reach-in cooler: ground beef (57F - Cold Holding). Employee at cookline stated she was not sure when it was cooked, but it was not prepared today and has not been removed from the cooler today.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In pan on shelf inside reach-in cooler: ground beef (57F - Cold Holding). Employee at cookline stated she was not sure when it was cooked, but it was not prepared today and has not been removed from the cooler today. Stop sale issued.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1. Interior and exterior of onion bin in prep area soiled and stained. 2. Exterior of ice machine above door soiled with mold-like substance. 3. Interior of door and deflector plate inside ice machine soiled with mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
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/ Inspector observed five employees working and handling food. No certified food manager present during this inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Battery dead on digital probe thermometer provided by employee at cookline, no other thermometer available during this inspection. **Warning**
05-08-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Large pan containing frozen shrimp thawing in standing water inside prep sink. Water is running on frozen chicken in pan beside pan of shrimp. Inspector had employee move the shrimp into a cooler to continue to thaw under refrigeration. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Standing water in mop sink behind building.
29-20-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Lid of dumpster behind building left open.
33-16-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Drain plug missing from dumpster behind building.
33-11-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in kitchen at entrance. Employee swept the area during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
35A-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Ceiling and wall at cookline soiled with dust. 2. Floor throughout kitchen soiled with food debris. 3. Floor in seating area soiled with dirt. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-50-4
30
Mar 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Carton of raw shell eggs stored on shelf directly above bottles containing margarine inside reach-in cooler near cookline. 2. Pan containing raw chicken thawing on shelf directly above box containing heads of lettuce inside reach-in cooler in exterior storage area. Employee moved all raw items to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1. Can opener blade on prep table in kitchen soiled with accumulation of black substance. 2. Bottom edge of deflector plate and area around door opening of ice machine soiled with mold-like substance.
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/ Four employees working in kitchen and/or serving food. Inspector observed all four employees handling food. No certified food manager at location during this inspection.
53A-05-6
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in exterior food storage shed. Employee swept area during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of frying oil stored directly on floor in kitchen.
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood above grill dripping with grease. 2. Gaskets on reach-in freezer doors near cookline soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Wall and ceiling near cookline soiled with dust. **Repeat Violation**
36-50-4
58
Nov 4, 2024
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One fly flying in kitchen at cookline.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside pan on shelf at cookline: beef (86F - Hot Holding). Employee stated the beef has been held at the cookline for approximately 45 minutes. Employee voluntarily discarded the beef. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside reach-in cooler near cookline: raw steak (58F - Cold Holding). Employee at cookline stated she had the steak out approximately 30 minutes prior. Inspector had employee place the steak into a freezer to rapidly cool to 41F. Inside reach-in freezer inside storage shed: chicken (60F - Cold Holding). Employee at cookline stated she was working with the chicken at approximately 10am, then placed it back into the freezer and the door did not close properly. Inspector had employee place the chicken on a tray and move it to another freezer to rapidly cool to 41F. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
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. Inside reach-in freezer at cookline: Open pan of raw chicken wings stored on wire shelf directly above raw fish and raw pork. Manager moved the raw chicken wings to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Inside reach-in freezer at cookline: Open bag of raw chicken stored on wire shelf directly above box containing frozen churros. Manager moved the bag of raw chicken to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior and exterior of large onion storage bin at cookline stained and soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Damage to drywall above seasoning storage shelf at cookline.
36-24-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee canned drink stored directly on top of wrapped steak inside reach-in freezer at cookline. Manager removed drink from freezer during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Several dusty ceiling tiles in kitchen near cookline.
36-50-4
37
Oct 14, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Food-contact surface of commercial can opener soiled with food debris, mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Several floor tiles cracked **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
86
Mar 4, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Two packages of raw shell eggs stored on shelf above bottles containing butter inside reach-in cooler near cookline. Inspector moved eggs to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled with black substance at prep table in center of kitchen.
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/ Four employees working with food without a certified food manager present. Two employees are working with food in kitchen and two employees are serving food to customers. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Floor in external storage shed behind building soiled with food debris. Ceiling in kitchen above reach-in freezer soiled with dust.
36-50-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. One container of cooking oil stored directly on floor inside exterior storage shed behind building. Employee removed oil from floor during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Several cracked floor tiles in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee box of donuts stored on top of tortilla chip bin in kitchen near entrance. Employee removed box of donuts from top of chip bin during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
58
Jan 22, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 28, 2023
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Nov 14, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan of raw beef on shelf above pan of cooked chicken inside reach-in cooler in kitchen near kitchen entrance. Manager moved raw beef to the bottom shelf during this inspection. Raw shell eggs on shelf above bottles of butter inside lower portion of make-table near cookline. Manager moved raw shell eggs to the bottom shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing glass cleaner stored on shelf above coffee and coffee machine in kitchen near handwash sink. Manager removed glass cleaner from shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - ready-to-eat food intended to be heated as a sole ingredient not immediately heated to 145 degrees F after bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Server filled a basket to be served to customers with tortilla chips with bare hands. Inspector had employee put on gloves and educated employee on barehand contact.
09-20-5
Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager's certificate expired 08/02/2023. No other certified managers for establishment. Manager stated he has already scheduled an appointment to be re-certified. **Warning**
53A-07-6
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored on top of bin of dried beans near kitchen entrance. Employee placed wet wiping cloth back into the sanitizer solution during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid behind building left open. Manager closed lid during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Jug of frying oil stored on floor inside exterior storage shed. Frying oil is being used to help hold the freezer door shut.
08B-38-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Several floor tiles cracked in kitchen.
36-17-5
47
Jun 2, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
May 30, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant on file is from Apr 28, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant.
How does Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Chiefland?
Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the Chiefland average of 72.
Has Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant 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 Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Viejo Amigo Mexican Restaurant is inspected around five times per year on average.
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