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El Metate

6140 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Apr 2, 2026
82
Score
Low Risk

Public records show eight inspections at El Metate stretching back to 2024. El Metate was last inspected on Apr 2, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

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

Looking across the full record, “certified food protection manager” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.

Restaurants in Mesa average 95, so El Metate trails the local norm. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 2, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Observed deep pot of chicken and beef cooling at room temperature with an internal temperature of 95*F. According to PIC, they stated food had been cooling for 1 hour prior to inspection and was moved to shallow pan in an ice bath in walk-in cooler to allow rapid cooling. Discussed approved cooling methods with PIC and provided guidance document
3-501.15(A)
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
Inspector notes: 0 ppm of chlorine sanitizer in sanitizer bucket at time of inspection. PIC drained and refilled at time. Please test regularly to ensure proper levels are maintained at all times
3-304.14
No designated area for employee eating or drinking
Inspector notes: Observed several personal items throughout kitchen. Please keep all personal items labeled and in designated area to prevent contamination
6-403.11
82
Oct 22, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 29, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: No CFPM. PIC took the exam again on 9/2 but did not pass. PIC will email inspector the results. ***7th repeat violation
2-102.12(A)
95
Aug 27, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed the main prep cooler on the assembly line holding 50F
4-301.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: No CFPM. PIC did not pass the exam the first time and is re-taking the exam tomorrow and will email inspector the results. ***7th repeat violation
2-102.12(A)
86
Apr 22, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed large containers of red and green salsa made in the morning, per PIC, and cooling with the lids on. PIC removed the lids. Discussed using ice wands to maximize cooling. Also observed sauce bottles filled with the same salsa from the morning. PIC filled a container with ice and placed the bottles inside to allow for rapid cooling. TCS food must be cooled to 41F within 6 hours
3-501.15(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no CFPM on site. A Certified Food Protection Manager must be present during all hours of operation. Please sign up for the CFPM exam prior to re-inspection date. ***6th REPEAT VIOLATION
2-102.12(A)
86
Nov 25, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee putting cooked tomato base sauce in 4 gallon bucket, then about to put in the walkin to cool there. Talked to staff about cooling techniques. Sauce still at 140F and recently removed from the heat. Placed in shallow open containers on ice with utensils to stir the product. Ensure that cooled foods can cool to below 70F within 2 hours, and below 41F after 6 hours total
3-501.15(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed nobody present today that had a food manager license. Ensure there is someone present for each shift of food prep, that has a food manager license
2-102.12(A)
86
Aug 26, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 23, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed beef rolled tacos with a discard date of 8/22 kept in the walk-in refrigerator. The tacos were discarded. TCS food items must not be stored longer than 7 days
3-501.18
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the prep cooler on the assembly line to be holding 48F, captured using inspector's min/max thermometer and after observing the internal thermometer placed in the unit. Inspector lowered the temperature of the unit using the dial. Please ensure refrigeration temperatures remain at 41F or below by the re-inspection date
4-301.11
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed a leak at the bottom of the 3-compartment sink faucet when the hot water is turned on. Please correct
5-205.15(B)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: No CFPM present. Please have at least one CFPM present during all hours of operation. ***4th REPEAT VIOLATION
2-102.12(A)
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a wiping cloth bucket with
3-304.14
67

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Metate last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Metate on file is from Apr 2, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Metate?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Metate.

How does El Metate compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

El Metate most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.

Has El Metate's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Metate have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Metate 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 El Metate inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Metate is inspected around five times per year on average.

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→ All locations in Mesa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Maricopa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Mesa
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