El Norteno

1002 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

El Norteno appears in inspection records six times, starting in 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 20, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.

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

Among Phoenix restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 20, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Insect control devices improperly placed or designed

Inspector notes: Observed several flies in rear prep-area ensure to work with pest control to eliminate/ control flies. Remove any flies from facility

6-202.13

Oct 9, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jun 25, 2025

Reinspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Provide copy of Food Protection Manager Certification, one person in charge shall have a valid certificate

2-102.12(A)

Jun 4, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Time used as public health control not properly documented

Inspector notes: Observed Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items like enchiladas stored at room temperature at time of inspection. Observed lack of written procedures to be utilized for using Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC). This method requires written procedures on file. Instructed operator for food to be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point the TCS food was removed from temperature control. This shall be used when using TPHC for cold food at 41*F or below or hot foods 135*F or above

3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Provide copy of Food Protection Manager Certification, one person in charge shall have a valid certificate

2-102.12(A)

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed grease on filters under exhaust hood including on sides of equipment at cook line. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas maintain as needed. Observed hole in ceiling by three compartment sink ensure to repair any leaks and seal any holes

6-501.12

Mar 10, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: Unable to determine if vermin droppings found in shelving of front service area adjacent to ice machine. Ensure to eliminate any harborage areas, detail clean and sanitize regularly to inspect premise for evidence of pest. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas of front service area including, shelving, floors, walls ceilings and equipment

6-501.111(A-B,D)

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed old food debris in hard to reach areas of kitchen and throughout facility. Observed black floor drains with old food debris. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize floors, walls and ceilings including under equipment and sides of equipment. Eliminate grease and ensure to sanitize all areas regularly. Ensure to repair any damaged/ broken tiles in kitchen areas

6-501.12

Designation-Dressing Areas and Lockers (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed employee backpack and items including miscellaneous tools stored in different areas throughout kitchen. Ensure to provide a designated area for employee possessions. Operator proceeded to move items to a designated area at time of inspection

6-305.11

Oct 23, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed an in-use ice machine with black, slimy, organic-like material growing behind the deflector panel. Per PIC ice from the machine is used in customer drinks. Educated PIC that ice is considered a food item when used in customer drinks. Instructed PIC in clean-in-place procedure using a hot soapy rinse, hot water rinse, and hot water plus sanitizer rinse. Correct by next routine inspection

4-602.11(E)

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Norteno last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Norteno on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Norteno?

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

How does El Norteno compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

El Norteno most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Phoenix average of 97.

Has El Norteno's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

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