El Meson

3233 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Dec 9, 2025

Score

Medium Risk Grade: B

Inspectors have visited El Meson four times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent report on file is from Dec 9, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around four violations each, up from closer to two violations before.

Across the inspection history, “ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

By comparison, the average Phoenix facility scores 97, putting El Meson on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 9, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed containers of cooked birria in the cooler with a date that was from the previous month. Person in charge (PIC) stated it was just made within the week and the date was incorrect. PIC put the correct date on the birria at time of inspection. 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). All RTE/TCS foods were properly date marked at the time of inspection

3-501.17

Working containers of toxic materials not identified (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed two spray bottles with cleaner in them near the hand sink behind the front counter. The spray bottles did not have a label. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) that all cleaners and chemicals need a label to reduce risk of contamination. PIC used a marker to write the name on each spray bottle at time of inspection

7-102.11

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

Inspector notes: Observed that the hand wash sink in the employee bathroom did not have an approved hand drying provision. Person in charge (PIC) re-stocked the paper towels at time of inspection. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC provided hand drying provision for handwash sink at time of inspection

6-301.12

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed that the hand sink near the three-compartment sink could not dispense cold water. The knob seems to be stuck and will need to be fixed so that employees can change the temperature of the water to meet their needs. With only the hot water being dispensed the water temperature was at 145*F using inspectors probe thermometer. Please repair or replace the knob. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection

5-205.15(B)

Aug 25, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Throughout several coolers, observed cooked meats, various salsas, cut lettuce, and other ready to eat, TCS foods without datemarks

3-501.17

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: 2nd Repeat Violation. At time of inspection, no certified food protection manager was present on the premises. A CFPM is required to be on site at all times of operation. Please have a CFPM present for the next inspection

2-102.12(A)

Apr 11, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: At time of inspection no certified food protection manager (CFPM) was present on the premises. A CFPM is required to be on the premises at all times of operation. Please have a CFPM present for the next inspection

2-102.12(A)

Sep 11, 2024

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: Observed back door doesn't self close. Ensure that all outer doors are self closing after use

6-202.15

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed leak onto the floor coming from the bottom of the ice machine. Ensure that leaks are corrected to control where water goes in the facility

5-205.15(B)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Meson last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Meson on file is from Dec 9, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Meson?

Across the inspection record, “ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Meson.

How does El Meson compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

El Meson most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has El Meson's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at El Meson have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Meson means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Circle K

4001 E Chandler Blvd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Sushi Nakano

4025 E Chandler Blvd

Score: 55 — Medium Risk

Desert Vista High School

16440 S 32nd St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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