Taqueria Tsunami

320 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Service

Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Taqueria Tsunami has been inspected five times since 2024. Taqueria Tsunami was last inspected on Mar 25, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly four violations earlier in the record.

When inspectors have written things up, “proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Athens restaurant scores 88. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 25, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed opened bag of baking soda on dry storage shelf. Corrective action (CA): Opened foods shall be stored in covered or sealable containers. Bag transferred to closed container.

511-6-1.04(4)(c)

Sep 22, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

6-1C - proper cooling time and temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Queso in walk in cooler (WIC) did not meet Stage 1 cooling parameters for time and temperature. Corrective action: Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods shall be cooled following 2 stage cooling parameters: 1. 135 °F to 70 °F within 2 hours, and 2. 70 °F to 41 °F within an additional 4 hours (6 hours total cooling). Queso discarded.

511-6-1.04(6)(d)

11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Queso in WIC observed cooling using improper methods (cooling in deep, covered stacked pans). Use a cooling method that meets 2-stage cooling parameters (ice bath, shallow pans, frequent stirring, etc.). Queso discarded.

511-6-1.04(6)(e)

14A - in-use utensils: properly stored (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed stirring spoons stored in a glass of water between uses at bar. Store in an approved manner. Spoons removed.

511-6-1.04(4)(k)

16B - plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: Kitchen handsink not draining.

511-6-1.06(2)(r)

Feb 26, 2025

Routine

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

View 3 violations

1-2A - pic present, demonstrates knowledge, performs duties

Inspector notes: Person in charge (PIC) not performing duties in ensuring proper temperature logs are received for after hour "key drop" deliveries. Corrective action (CA): PIC shall ensure that distributor records at least two food temperatures, and temperature logs shall be maintained & available for review.

511-6-1.03(1)(a)

8-2B - toxic substances properly identified, stored, used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Sanitizer spray bottle in bar observed without labeling to identify contents. CA: Working containers of chemicals and toxins shall be labeled with common name of contents. Bottle labeled.

511-6-1.07(6)(b)

13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Current inspection report posted behind front counter in a location that doesn't allow a one-foot approach. Report moved to lobby entrance.

511-6-1.02(1)(d)

Sep 10, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.

View 8 violations

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held above 41F in right make table. CA: All TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or below in cold holding. Items discarded; food replaced and iced.

511-6-1.04(6)(f)

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Inspector notes: Kitchen handwash sink not functional. CA: All handwash sinks are to be functional and accessible.

511-6-1.06(2)(g)

2-2B - proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed employee drink in a sports bottle stored on food shelf in kitchen. Corrective action (CA): Employee drinks in kitchen shall be in single-use cups with lids and straws, and stored in a location that doesn't pose contamination risk to food, equipment, etc. Drink removed.

511-6-1.03(5)(k)

2-2B - proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use (corrected on site)

511-6-1.03(5)(k)

12C - wiping cloths: properly used and stored (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Sanitizer in cloth buckets observed at too low of a concentration. Sanitizer remixed to proper concentration.

511-6-1.04(4)(m)

12C - wiping cloths: properly used and stored (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Sanitizer in cloth buckets observed at too low of a concentration. Sanitizer remixed to proper concentration.

511-6-1.04(4)(m)

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed mold growth on wall in warewashing room.

511-6-1.07(5)(a)

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Observed employee backpack stored on food shelf in kitchen.

511-6-1.07(5)(j)

Mar 13, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed mold growth on walls in warewashing area, especially by dish machine and 3-compartment sink.

511-6-1.07(5)(a)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria Tsunami last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Tsunami on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria Tsunami?

Across the inspection record, “proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Tsunami.

How does Taqueria Tsunami compare to other restaurants in Athens?

Taqueria Tsunami most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Athens average of 88.

Has Taqueria Tsunami's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria Tsunami have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Taqueria Tsunami 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 Tsunami inspected?

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

Nearby Restaurants

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The Rialto Room at the Hotel Indigo

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Up Dawg

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Score: 95 — Low Risk

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