Desert Cave Mexican Food

37611 N Cave Creek Rd Cave, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
90
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

The health department has logged five inspections at Desert Cave Mexican Food, the earliest from 2024. The most recent visit was on Apr 1, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around zero violations to closer to two violations.

The pattern that stands out is “certified food protection manager”, which has been cited two times.

The city-wide average sits at 95, which Desert Cave Mexican Food's 90 doesn't quite reach. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The person in charge onsite is not a certified food manager. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Single-service or single-use items not protected from contamination
Inspector notes: In customer self-service area, observed plastic utensils dispensed with handles and food/lip contact surfaces intermingling. Utensils shall be dispensed so that contamination of food-and lip-contact surfaces is prevented. PIC rearranged the utensils at time of inspection
4-904.11
90
Oct 8, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 7, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 21, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
No certified food protection manager (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: No CFPM onsite at time of inspection
2-102.12(A)
95
Nov 13, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Desert Cave Mexican Food last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Desert Cave Mexican Food on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Desert Cave Mexican Food?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Desert Cave Mexican Food.

How does Desert Cave Mexican Food compare to other restaurants in Cave Creek?

Desert Cave Mexican Food most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Cave Creek average of 95.

Has Desert Cave Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Desert Cave Mexican Food have averaged around two violations per visit, up from roughly zero earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Desert Cave Mexican Food means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.