Jalapenos Cantina

458 Second St, Macon, GA 31201
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Service
Last inspected: Mar 30, 2026
86
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Jalapenos Cantina five times, with records going back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 30, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.

“Food-contact surfaces” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

Restaurants in Macon average 91, so Jalapenos Cantina trails the local norm. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 30, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
4-1A - food separated and protected (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: EHS observed rack closest to door in walk-in cooler stacked as follows: raw chicken drums > raw beef > RTE soup. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented. PIC to utilize correct stacking for raw meats in WIC; PIC rearranged meat appropriately.
86
Sep 22, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EHS observed significant odor throughout facility emanating from downstairs access to sump pump room. If necessary to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, obnoxious odors, smoke, and fumes, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided. PIC to adjust HVAC, install ventilation, or sufficiently seal off doors. PIC is currently using baking soda, moisture wicking devices. EHS advises PIC to have sump pump room serviced more often or with sufficient rigor to prevent further odors.
511-6-1.07(3)(g)
18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present
Inspector notes: EHS observed rear door leading to patio area with gap between doorframes sufficient to allow pests access. PIC to repair door to remove gap. EHS advised PIC to install weather stripping to close entirely.
511-6-1.07(2)(m)
90
Mar 24, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
4-1A - food separated and protected
Inspector notes: EHS observed bucket of raw pork stored above queso in WIC. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented. PIC to utilize correct stacking for raw meats in WIC; PIC removed meat to correct location.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: EHS observed bulk ice machine's interior baffle in dry storage cubby with significant buildup of possible biofilm. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf. PIC to clean interior baffle of bulk ice machine.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
78
Sep 18, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: EHS observed bulk ice machine's interior baffle in dry storage cubby with significant buildup of apparent biofilm Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf. PIC to clean interior baffle of bulk ice machine.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
Inspector notes: EHS observed lack of handwashing signage on HW stations at Bar, Kitchen. (d) Handwashing Signage. A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees. EHS advised PIC to print and post handwash signage for named stations.
511-6-1.07(3)(d)
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: EHS observed bottles of margarita mix stored on the bare floor without carton protection in front bar corner. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location; (ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. PIC to move bottles to protected location.
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
82
May 15, 2024
Initial
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
Inspector notes: EHS observed lack of handwashing signage on HW stations at: Front Bar, Lower Bar, Kitchen. (d) Handwashing Signage. A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees. EHS advised PIC to print and post handwash signage for named stations.
511-6-1.07(3)(d)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: EHS observed damaged fridge seals around bottom of RIF. 2. Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. EHS advised PIC to replace or repair RIF seal.
511-6-1.05(6)(a)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EHS observed: - Debris in corner of Front Bar, insect detritus. - Cobwebs in Back Storage, adjacent to ceiling. - Debris, stains in/around unsealed concrete of Lower Bar serving are. - Residue, buildup in/around Main Kitchen flooring, esp. in junction of wall/floor. - buildup of ice to sufficient degree that icicles form in RIF. 3. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. EHS advised PIC to ensure that RIF surfaces are kept free of ice, to clean affected areas otherwise.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: EHS observed: - Rear of Front Drink Station bar counter with unsealed, bare wood 2x4 running length of possible splash zone. - Top drying rack in Main Kitchen has bare wood enjoinment to wall in possible spray area. - Unsealed cubby-to-floor space in drink rack alcove in possible drink mixing area. (a) Indoor Materials. Materials for indoor floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces under conditions of normal use shall be: 1. Smooth, durable, and easily cleanable for areas where food service establishment operations are conducted; 3. Nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet rooms, mobile food service unit servicing areas, and areas subject to flushing or spray cleaning methods. EHS advised PIC to seal bare wood in...
511-6-1.07(1)(a)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: EHS observed unused equipment from previous tenants in kitchen/bar area. (n) Maintaining Premises. The premises shall be free of items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as litter or equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used and litter. EHS advised PIC to remove or replace unneeded equipment.
511-6-1.07(5)(n)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: EHS observed main kitchen flooring degrading to the point where cracks and other indentations provide places for buildup to accrue. (a) Floors, Walls, and Ceilings, Cleanability. Except as specified under subsection (2)(d) of this Rule and except for antislip floor coverings or applications that may be used for safety reasons, floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. EHS advised PIC to replace flooring. PIC stated that flooring would be replaced during opening operations.
511-6-1.07(2)(a)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: EHS observed cobwebs in Back Storage room, around joining of wall and ceiling. (a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. EHS advised PIC to come around and clean affected areas.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Jalapenos Cantina last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Jalapenos Cantina on file is from Mar 30, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Jalapenos Cantina?

Across the inspection record, “food-contact surfaces” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Jalapenos Cantina.

How does Jalapenos Cantina compare to other restaurants in Macon?

Jalapenos Cantina most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Macon average of 91.

Has Jalapenos Cantina's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Jalapenos Cantina have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Jalapenos Cantina 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 Jalapenos Cantina inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Jalapenos Cantina is inspected around three times per year on average.