Picante Grill

1127 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Feb 13, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Picante Grill seven times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Feb 13, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “hand drying provision” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Restaurants in Mesa average 95, so Picante Grill is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 13, 2026

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Feb 3, 2026

Routine

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

View 4 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed on site grilled beef placed in 2 pans atop each other in the steam table area. temperature taken, indicating 115-125 deg f . discussed the proepr hot holding for tcs food. recommended to place tcs food directly inside the steam table to ensure all food is maintained at 135 deg f or higher. manager removed and reheated beef to 165 degf

3-501.16(A)(1)

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

Inspector notes: Please provide paper towel for the employee restroom, hand washing basin. discussed with manager. current papaer 5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: for the outdoor grilling area, fenced area, facility had been approved with a hand-washing station. at the time of facility routine inspection, observed the hand-washing station removed. please ensure all approved with Maricopa County permitting office is intact. handwashing sink shall be supplied with warm and cold mixing faucet, additionally soap and paper towel, and a trash can must be all onsite in the approval format as identified during the permitting process. re-inspection scheduled, please visit esd.maricopa.gov for further available resources regarding outdoor grilling guidelines

6-301.12

Food-contact surface not smooth, sealed, or easily cleanable

Inspector notes: Observed the facility ice machine front panel removed. also the ice machine lid missing, noted a cardboard partially duct taped to the front using screws and tape. discussed with manager. please obtain and repair the ice machine front panel, lids . manager stated they still have the broken lid. please repair or replace. re-inspection scheduled

4-202.11

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: At the kitchen hand washing basin, cold water knob removed. please re-install the hand-washing sink knob

5-205.15(B)

Oct 15, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site

2-102.12(A)

Sep 2, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed at the mob sink, a hose connected directly to the waterline and stored below the sink's flood rim. PIC stored hose, properly above the flood rim at time of inspection

5-202.13

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site

2-102.12(A)

Mar 19, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: Observed at time of inspection handwashing station without any available paper towels

6-301.12

Nov 25, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: Observed inside the walk-in a metal container with raw marinated chicken being stored directly above RTE food such as cheese and tomatillos. Per PIC, the raw chicken was put there by mistake. PIC moved raw chicken to the lowest shelf away from any possible cross-contamination at time of inspection

3-302.11(A1-2)

Sep 24, 2024

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed at the main cooking area a sanitizer bucket with a concentration of Chlorine above 200 ppm. Sanitizer chlorine levels should be kept in the 50ppm. PIC diluted Chlorine concentration at time of inspection to 50 ppm

7-204.11

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

Inspector notes: Observed inside the walk-in TCS food such as cooked macaroni without a date marking. Per PIC, the macaroni was cooked on Sunday and someone just forgot to put a date on it

3-501.17

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Picante Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Picante Grill on file is from Feb 13, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Picante Grill?

Across the inspection record, “hand drying provision” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Picante Grill.

How does Picante Grill compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Picante Grill most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Mesa average of 95.

Has Picante Grill's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Picante Grill 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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