Ocotillo

3243 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85012
American
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Oct 15, 2025
86
Score
Low Risk

Ocotillo appears in inspection records six times, starting in 2024. The most recent visit was on Oct 15, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around zero violations lately and about three violations before that.

Looking across the full record, “outer openings, protected” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

The city-wide average sits at 97, which Ocotillo's 86 doesn't quite reach. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

6
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 15, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked duck, cooked squash flautas, and chicken stock in walk in cooler with preparation dates over 7 days prior. All RTE/TCS foods past 7 days of preparation were discarded by PIC at the time of inspection
3-501.18
86
Sep 4, 2025
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 20, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 19, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked chicken in the cooling process with an internal temperature of 81-90*F. Per PIC the chicken was cooked to temperature 4hrs prior to time of inspection. Per PIC the chicken was left on racks at room temperature for some time before being placed in walk-in unit. Walk-in unit ambient temperature registered 45*F with min/max thermometer. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. Second consecutive violation. Corrected at time of inspection
3-501.14
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed TCS food being held in walk-in unit with an internal temperature of 50-55*F. Internal temperature of TCS food items registered with an internal probe thermometer. Ambient temperature of unit registered 45*F with min/max thermometer. Per PIC all food has been in unit for at least 4hrs. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Correct prior to re-inspection on 8/20/25
4-301.11
78
Feb 11, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed dijonnaise in cold holding reach-in in back area at 48*F. Per PIC, dijonnaise made with egg yolk prepared at ambient room temperature was prepped at approximately 7:00 AM this morning. PIC discarded dijonnaise at time of inspection. Observed cooked chicken breasts and wings and cooked beef ribs cooling in bus tubs in the walk-in refrigerator with internal temperatures between 44-72*F. Per PIC, chicken breasts were prepped today at approximately 7:00 AM, while chicken wings and cooked beef ribs were prepped yesterday and over the weekend. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling
3-501.14
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed build up of grey organic matter inside large ice bin in back prep area. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch
4-602.11(E)
Outer openings not protected against pests (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed entrance door of prep kitchen where the walk-in is located; opened at time of inspection. Observed door to main kitchen area propped open with rock at time of inspection. Neither door had a functioning air curtain at time of inspection. Outer openings must remain closed to prevent potential pest contamination. PIC closed doors at time of inspection. 4TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION
6-202.15
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Observed ice cream scoop stored in room temperature water. Per PIC, scoop is utilized for ice cream and ice cream toppings. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food
3-304.12
Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered
Inspector notes: Observed no covered waste receptacle in employee restroom. Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide prior to next routine inspection
5-501.17
70
Oct 1, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
No designated area for employee eating or drinking
Inspector notes: Observed employee drink items and employee biker helmet stored on food prep table located in main kitchen. Observed employee e-cigarettes stored on shelfing directly above dishes in warewashing area. PIC removed items at time of inspection. Designate area for storage of employee food/drink items and personal items prior to next routine inspection
6-403.11
Outer openings not protected against pests (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed entrance door (leading to open area) of prep kitchen where the walk-in is located; opened at time of inspection. Outer openings must remain closed to prevent potential pest contamination. PIC closed door at time of inspection. 3RD CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION
6-202.15
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Ocotillo last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Ocotillo on file is from Oct 15, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Ocotillo?

Across the inspection record, “outer openings, protected” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Ocotillo.

How does Ocotillo compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Ocotillo most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Ocotillo's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Ocotillo have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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