Carniceria La Tapatia

517 W Western Ave, Avondale, AZ 85323

Grocery / Market

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 16, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Across the available record, Carniceria La Tapatia has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2024. Carniceria La Tapatia was last inspected on Apr 16, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “cleaning, frequency and restrictions” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Avondale restaurants. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 16, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Establishment did not have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present during inspection. A CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Provided handout with changes to Food Code

2-102.12(A)

Jan 8, 2026

Routine

2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 3 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed hotel pan containing cooked ribs in walk-in cooler with date mark of 12/29. Per staff, items were cooked on Tuesday and they forgot to place a new label on container. Staff placed correct date mark at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring all old labels are completely removed from containers to avoid confusion. RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1)

3-501.17

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

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at handwashing in baking area. Staff provided paper towels at time of inspection. Discussed ensuring all handwash sinks are stocked with soap and paper towels at all times

6-301.12

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed bagged raw fat, shelled raw eggs, and packaged raw bacon stored next to bagged cooked rice and above beverages on walk-in cooler display shelves. Discussed proper storage for raw and ready to eat products. Manager moved items at time of inspection

3-302.11(A3-8)

Sep 16, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater

Inspector notes: Observed puddles of liquid waste from outdoor smoker collecting in parking lot. Discussed with person in charge need to upkeep parking lot from this waste to avoid potential pests

5-403.12

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures

Inspector notes: Observed dried and chipped black matter behind blue dumpster bin behind establishment. Discussed with person in charge the need to clean and clear area of compiling black matter to avoid potential food source for pests

5-501.115

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed black particles on fan guard and ceiling in middle area of walk-in cooler. Observed uncovered foods positioned below particles. Person in charge relocated all uncovered foods until they can clean the facility. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection

6-501.12

Jul 16, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed heavy ice buildup on top rack under the walk-in freezer unit. Discussed with person in charge the ice needs to be cleared out. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, ice, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection

6-501.12

Apr 14, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Nov 14, 2024

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple TCS items (such as cooked chicken and cooked carne) with internal temperatures between 100-125°F at the time of inspection in the hot holding display case and the hot holding unit by the cook line at the time of inspection. The Person in Charge (PIC) stated these items had been in these units for less than 2 hours, so all TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection. Discussed temperature monitoring procedures and practices with PIC. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above

3-501.16(A)(1)

No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: This is the SECOND consecutive violation. Observed no handwashing cleanser available at the handwashing station at the outside grill. PIC provided soap for handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwashing soap shall be provided at all handwash sinks at all times

6-301.11

Aug 27, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed handwashing sink without soap at time of inspection. PIC provided soap for handwash sink at time of inspection

6-301.11

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carniceria La Tapatia last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Carniceria La Tapatia on file is from Apr 16, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Carniceria La Tapatia?

Across the inspection record, “cleaning, frequency and restrictions” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Carniceria La Tapatia.

How does Carniceria La Tapatia compare to other restaurants in Avondale?

Carniceria La Tapatia most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Avondale average of 98.

Has Carniceria La Tapatia's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Carniceria La Tapatia have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Carniceria La Tapatia 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 Carniceria La Tapatia inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Carniceria La Tapatia is inspected around four times per year on average.

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