Cactus Tavern

2017 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022

Bar / Pub

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Mar 23, 2026

Score

Medium Risk Grade: B

Public records show six inspections at Cactus Tavern stretching back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Mar 23, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around one violation each.

Across the inspection history, “manual and mechanical warewashing equipment” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

Restaurants in Phoenix average 97, so Cactus Tavern trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 23, 2026

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Meatloaf in steam table measured 85-120 degrees F at time of inspection. Employee said that it had been restocked less than an hour prior and just reheats in the steam table. Instructed employee to reheat food items with oven, stove, or microwave to 165 degrees F within 2 hours prior to holding in steam table. Please ensure food items are actively reheated to 165 degrees F prior to hot holding

3-403.11

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: No hand towels at handsink in kitchen at time of inspection, sink was restocked at time. Please ensure all handsinks are stocked with hand drying provisions at all times

6-301.12

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No food manager available at time of inspection, please ensure a certified food protection manager is present during all operating hours

2-102.12(A)

Dec 4, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jun 24, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Apr 10, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Oct 24, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed 0 ppm chlorine sanitizer in the bar dish machine. Chlorine sanitizer should be between 50-100 ppm to ensure the dishes are properly sanitized. The machine was primed then tested correctly. Discussed the importance of proper sanitizer levels and proper monitoring of sanitizer levels. This is a second consecutive repeat violation

4-501.114(A-E)

Aug 2, 2024

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed 0 ppm chlorine sanitizer in the dish machine in the bar area. Chlorine sanitizer should be between 50-100 ppm to prevent the growth of pathogens. Discussed the importance of proper sanitizer levels and proper monitoring of sanitizer levels. The sanitizer bottle was replaced, the machine primed, and the sanitizer tested correctly

4-501.114(A-E)

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed the cold holding unit on the cook line is not maintaining temperature and the chef is using ice baths with a minimal amount of food in the meantime. All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair all equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Please ensure the unit is repaired so the temperature is below 40*F

4-501.11

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cactus Tavern last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cactus Tavern on file is from Mar 23, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cactus Tavern?

Across the inspection record, “manual and mechanical warewashing equipment” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cactus Tavern.

How does Cactus Tavern compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Cactus Tavern most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Cactus Tavern's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cactus Tavern have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Cactus Tavern 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 Cactus Tavern inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cactus Tavern is inspected around four times per year on average.

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