Mariscos "El Viejon"

835 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Nov 10, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Mariscos "El Viejon" four times, with records going back to 2024. On Nov 10, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.

When inspectors have written things up, “wiping cloths, use limitation” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

By comparison, the average Mesa facility scores 95, putting Mariscos "El Viejon" on the weaker side. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 10, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.

View 6 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed pan of steam rice in the food prep. area. temperature indicating 79-81 deg f . informed staff in the cookline. food was discarded by manager. please ensure rte tcs food is kept at 135 deg f or higher. manager prepared fresh steam rice

3-501.16(A)(1)

Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed pans of cooked rice and refried beans at 109-116 deg f . inquired about the food preparation. per staff food is placed from the walk-in cooler. also, the steam table water temp at 126 deg f. manager removed all food pans, reheated all to 165 deg f . also reheated the water for the steam tabled

3-403.11

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

Inspector notes: Multiple chemicals filled spray bottles placed on the food prep. area. bottles had no identification. manager labeled chemicals and relocated chemicals to under the three-compartment basin

7-102.11

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed the towel bucket sanitizer ay 0 ppm. informed bar /facility staff. sanitizer adjusted. chlorine at 50 ppm established. corrected

3-304.14

Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed in the cookline grill area, food prep, area, the light shield missing. showed manager. please re-install missing light shield

6-202.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Please obtain one certified food manager for the establishment. resources on esd.maricopa.gov reviewed

2-102.12(A)

Jul 28, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Food contacted unclean equipment or utensils (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed in the food prep. basin, staff had a filled basin with cooked peeled shrimp. on the basin attached, noted soiled towels, already used knives with debris as well as plastic food tubs. discussed with manager on strategies to minimize cross contamination to cooling food. manager removed all soiled towels and knives and food tubs, also wiped the basin with clean towels

3-304.11

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: In the back food cooler, noted an upright cooler in use for storing tcs food such as cooked beef and oysters, unit thermometer reading 60 deg f . also checked with inspector thermometer, registering 54-57 deg f . reviewed proper food cooler temperature requirements. manager removed all tcs food. closed unit lids. unit temperature was reduced to 45 deg f during the inspection. manager will use this cooler for just bottled juices and bread and non-tcs food

4-301.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Asked facility person in charge regarding a certified food manager on duty. unable to locate. available resources on esd.maricopa.gov reviewed

2-102.12(A)

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Some of the wet wiping cloths were placed on the food prep. cutting boards. reviewed with facility manager. all wet towels were removed. facility has designated chlorine sanitizer buckets. sanitizer, chlorine at 50 ppm established

3-304.14

Mar 7, 2025

Routine

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

View 3 violations

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

Inspector notes: In the upright cooler, noted raw eggs placed atop bread. informed facility manager. eggs were relocated to a lower shelf. corrected

3-302.11(A1-2)

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

Inspector notes: In the walk-in cooler , noted bags of cooked meat and cooked shrimp. 10 bags. inquired about the prep. date. per manager prepared for 3-4 days. manager affixed a use by date for all rte/tcs food pans and bags. corrected

3-501.17

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Please obtain one certified food manager. available resources on esd.maricopa.gov reviewed

2-102.12(A)

Sep 24, 2024

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly

Inspector notes: Observed at the bar sanitizer bucket, noted at 0ppm. informed pic and bar staff. manager drained sanitizer and refilled. chlorine at 50 ppm established. corrected

3-304.14

Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed

Inspector notes: Observed some ceiling panels in the kitchen, in disrepair, falling. please reinstall/replace panels and fill the penetration

6-201.13

Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected

6-202.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Mariscos "El Viejon" last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Mariscos "El Viejon" on file is from Nov 10, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Mariscos "El Viejon"?

Across the inspection record, “wiping cloths, use limitation” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Mariscos "El Viejon".

How does Mariscos "El Viejon" compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Mariscos "El Viejon" most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.

Has Mariscos "El Viejon"'s inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Mariscos "El Viejon" have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

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

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