Salsitas Mexican Food

36 W Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85041

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 22, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Public records show six inspections at Salsitas Mexican Food stretching back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 22, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.

When inspectors have written things up, “repairing -premises, structures, attachments, and fixtures-methods” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.

Compared to other Phoenix restaurants (averaging 97), there's room to close the gap. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 22, 2026

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed torn plastic curtains in walk-in cooler and hole in bottom of door frame of employee restroom. Discussed with PIC that physical facility requires to be maintained in good repair, smooth and cleanable at all times

6-501.11

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

Inspector notes: Observed dim and flickering light in unisex restroom. Discussed with PIC that adequate light is required for all walk-in refrigeration

6-303.11

Oct 20, 2025

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed large pan of pinto beans in walk-in cooler reading temp 57F and put in last night after cooking. Discussed with PIC that once cooked beans should be placed in smaller pans and let to cooled from 135F to 70F within the first 2 hours and to 41F in next two hours total

3-501.14

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly

Inspector notes: Observed several wet wiping cloths stored on top of cutting boards at prep-table and steam table. Discussed with PIC that once use the wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer bucket. 2nd consecutive occurrence

3-304.14

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed missing tiles above handwash sink behind grill and peeling paint and buildup dirt debris on entrance doors and restroom doors. Discussed with PIC that required to maintain physical facility in good repair, smooth and cleanable

6-501.11

Aug 20, 2025

Routine

5 minor violations.

View 5 violations

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no employee with CFPM on premises at the time of inspection. Discussed with PIC that one employee with CFPM must be present on premises at all hours of operations and time of inspection

2-102.12(A)

Exterior Walls and Roofs, Protective Barrier

Inspector notes: Observed drive-thru window with holes in bars of windows exposed to outside, the door is not self-closing and no air curtain. Discussed with PIC that required to prevent pests from coming inside

6-202.16

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly

Inspector notes: Observed several wet wiping cloths being stored on prep-table and by table with aguas. Discussed with PIC that wet wiping cloths required to be stored in a bucket with sanitizer

3-304.14

Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered

Inspector notes: Observed no covered waste receptacle in unisex employee restroom. Discussed with PIC that covered waste receptacle is required in unisex/female restrooms

5-501.17

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed dirt buildup and peeling paint on storeroom door frame, storeroom wall and the door to entrance of kitchen on outside and inside. Also tile missing and holes present above hand sink next to ice machine. Discussed with PIC that physical facility required to be in good repair, smooth and cleanable

6-501.11

Apr 24, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed top of chest freezer torn out corner, doors to kitchen and storeroom with peeling paint and dirt debris. Discussed with PIC that all equipment and fixtures need to be in good repair, smooth and cleanable

6-501.11

Oct 15, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: *Second Consecutive* Observed hand sink near food prep sink without paper towels or hand drying provision readily available. PIC had employee re-stock paper towels at time of inspection. Hand-washing sinks must be maintained and stocked with to promote proper handwashing

6-301.12

Jul 2, 2024

Routine

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

View 3 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed hand sinks near food prep sink and desserts/fruit display case without paper towels or hand drying provision readily available. PIC had employee re-stock paper towels at time of inspection. Hand-washing sinks must be maintained and stocked with to promote proper handwashing

6-301.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed walk-in door not properly closing; seal on walk-in in disrepair, top latch is missing, and door handle latch is loose. All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection

4-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed pink slime-like substance on the front side of panel in ice machine, Per PIC ice machine is cleaned once a month. Discussed with PIC to clean ice machines at a frequency to maintain free of organic growth

6-501.12

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Salsitas Mexican Food last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Salsitas Mexican Food on file is from Apr 22, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Salsitas Mexican Food?

Across the inspection record, “repairing -premises, structures, attachments, and fixtures-methods” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Salsitas Mexican Food.

How does Salsitas Mexican Food compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Salsitas Mexican Food most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Salsitas Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Salsitas Mexican Food have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Salsitas Mexican Food 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 Salsitas Mexican Food inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Salsitas Mexican Food is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Southern Belle Louisiana Cajun Spices and Foods

1717 W Southern Ave

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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