Tacos Chava

3328 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026
82
Score
Low Risk

Tacos Chava has been inspected eight times since 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 24, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “walls and ceilings, studs, joists, and rafters”, which has been cited two times.

Tacos Chava's latest score of 82 falls below the Phoenix average of 97. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed four bags of cooked tripas meat stored in walk-in refrigeration unit with date marked 2/11/26. Per operator, items were confirmed to be made on 2/11/26. Discussed all Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items shall stored for maximum of 7days. Instructed operator four bags of tripas meat are no longer safe for human consumption. Operator proceeded to remove tripas meat at time of inspection
3-501.18
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed guacamole salsa made from earlier today with surface temperature of 54*F stored with lid in tall 3-door refrigeration unit. Discussed with operator to remove lid so that food items cool to 41*F or below within 4hour of preparation. Operator proceeded to remove lid at time of inspection
3-501.15(B)
82
Nov 4, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 21, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw juice from meat dripping onto container of grease use for cooking foods. Keep raw animal foods separated from each other while stored in walk-in refrigeration unit to protected and prevent cross contamination. Operator proceeded to discard grease at time of inspection
3-302.11(A1-2)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed green and red salsa stored in walk-in refrigeration and three door refrigeration unit with no date marking or documentation of date marking system. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items used longer than 24hours shall be date mark and used within 7-days. Per operator, salsa was made on 10/19/25. Discussed marking date product was made as this counts as day 1. Operator proceeded to add dates to TCS salsa at time of inspection
3-501.17
Capacity-Quantity and Availability
Inspector notes: Internal temperature for hot water at three compartment sink 100*F. Hot water minimum 110*F shall be available at three compartment sink for adequate manual warewashing. Ensure to make necessary repairs to provide hot water 110*F by time of re-inspection. A re-inspection will be conducted on 11/4/25
5-103.11
70
Jul 14, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls and Ceilings, Studs, Joists, and Rafters
Inspector notes: Observed missing panels in ceiling at time of inspection. Per operator, this is in the process of replacement. Ensure to seal all floors, walls and ceilings
6-201.18
95
Jul 11, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: Ambient temperature of walk-in refrigeration unit verified at 45*F at time of inspection. Ensure refrigeration used to store TCS food items is cold held at 41*F or below. Make necessary repairs to walk in refrigeration unit and salsa bar 2-door prep refrigeration unit
4-301.11
Walls and Ceilings, Studs, Joists, and Rafters
Inspector notes: Observed missing panels in ceiling at time of inspection. Per operator, this is in the process of replacement. Ensure to seal all floors, walls and ceilings
6-201.18
86
Apr 1, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Internal temperature of 45*F to 146*F for thick piece of precooked beef head stored in steam table. Discussed with PIC that (TCS) Temperature/ time for safety control food items need to reheat above 165F and maintained at hot holding at 135F. Operator reheated piece of beef to 165*F. Operator agreed to speak to employee and management team to discuss adequate procedures to avoid thick piece of beef and reheat into smaller portions
3-403.11
86
Dec 3, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cook reheating cooked beef head and put into steam table, reading 112F. Discussed with PIC that needs to reheat above 165F and maintained at hot holding at 135F
3-403.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the following foods being stored on floor of walk-in cooler; 2 bags of 50 lbs onion, 6 cases of stacked limes and 2 boxes of cabbage
3-305.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no employee at time of inspection with CFPM. Discussed with PIC that one employee with CFPM must be present at all hours of operation and at times of inspection
2-102.12(A)
78
Sep 25, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Observed staff move hot items such as lengua, beef, and boiled carrots form stove top and place them directly beneath condenser and fans in walk in cooler. Temperature in walk in cooler increased to 50*F. Items were removed to cool to 135*F. before returning to cooler. Discussed proper cooling practices with staff. Provided cooling documents to establishment to assist
3-501.15(B)
95

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tacos Chava last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tacos Chava on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tacos Chava?

Across the inspection record, “walls and ceilings, studs, joists, and rafters” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Tacos Chava.

How does Tacos Chava compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Tacos Chava most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Tacos Chava's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

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