Taqueria El Viejon Cantina

3384 Shallowford Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Service

Last inspected: Apr 27, 2026

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged three inspections at Taqueria El Viejon Cantina, the earliest from 2024. The most recent report on file is from Apr 27, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “proper cold holding temperatures”, showing up two times.

Compared to the broader Chamblee restaurant scene, this is about average. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 27, 2026

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed inside roof of ice bin lined with black and brown organic matter. Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces,& Utensils (Pf) (7) Cleaning of Equipment and Utensils. (a) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf. Discussed with PIC discontinuing use of the ice machine and to burn discard/burn all existing ice, and thoroughly clean and sanitize the machine before it is used again. Food service employee began to burn ice during inspection.

511-6-1.05(7)(a)

11C - approved thawing methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cooked but frozen bag of beef tongue thawing at room temperature in a metal container across from the 4-compartment sink. Also observed frozen bag of chicken thawing in the meat sink in a bag inside of the meat sink at room temperature. Thawing (C) (c) Thawing. Except as specified in paragraph 4 of this subsection, time/temperature control for safety food shall be thawed: 1. Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; PF or 2. Completely submerged under running water: (i) At a water temperature of 70°F (21°C) or below, PF (ii) With sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow PF, and (iii) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of ready-to-eat food to rise above 41°F (5°C), or (iv) For a p...

511-6-1.04(6)(c)

Oct 1, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

1-2B - certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no certified food safety manager at facility upon inspection. Certification Requirements/Exemptions (Pf) At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food safety manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program that conforms to the national standards for organizations that certify individuals. Certified Food Safety Managers must be designated to one food service establishment only and maintain and renew certification in accordance with the requirements of the examination taken. Discussed with PIC, that CFSM shall be obtained and posted within 30 days.

511-6-1.03(3)(b)

18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed 2-3 gnats in bar area of the front food service and 1 fly in the main kitchen. Controlling Pests (Pf, C) (k) Controlling Pests. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies; 2. Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests; 3. Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified under subsections (6)(e), (6)(m), and (6)(n) of this Rule; Pf and 4. Eliminating harborage conditions. Discussed with PIC to eliminate sources of harborage for fruit flies and to keep doors closed to prevent the entry of pests.

511-6-1.07(5)(k)

15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean

Inspector notes: Observed grates of the reach in freezer of the main kitchen rusted. Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) (d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Discussed PIC to clean/replace grates in the reach in freezer as to prevent food contamination.

511-6-1.05(7)(d)

Oct 16, 2024

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation.

View 3 violations

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector notes: TCS food items not holding at 41 f and below inside of walk in cooler.

511-6-1.04(6)(f)

6-1B - proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector notes: Cooked beef not holding at 135 F and above at steam well.

511-6-1.04(6)(f)

6-2 - proper date marking and disposition

Inspector notes: Ceviche, menudo and soups holding inside of cooler are not date marked.

511-6-1.04(6)(g)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria El Viejon Cantina last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Viejon Cantina on file is from Apr 27, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Viejon Cantina?

Across the inspection record, “proper cold holding temperatures” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Viejon Cantina.

How does Taqueria El Viejon Cantina compare to other restaurants in Chamblee?

Taqueria El Viejon Cantina most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Chamblee average of 84.

Has Taqueria El Viejon Cantina's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Taqueria El Viejon 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 Taqueria El Viejon Cantina inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Viejon Cantina is inspected around two times per year on average.

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