Tacos & Dogos Don Nico

1140 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Feb 11, 2026
100
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

Inspectors have visited Tacos & Dogos Don Nico seven times, with records going back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 11, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

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

“Certified food protection manager” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

The city-wide average for Mesa sits at 95, putting Tacos & Dogos Don Nico on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 11, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 22, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The certified food-service manager was not present during the inspection. Provide a certified food-service manager during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: No detectable chlorine sanitizer residual in one of the wiping-cloth buckets. The employee then remade and rechecked the concentration: okay at 100 ppm Cl2
3-304.14
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hot water faucet of the mopsink was leaking and had been shut off at the valve below- corrected by owner
5-205.15(B)
86
Jun 16, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: No paper towels at the front handwashing sink, nor in the restroom. Always provide paper towels at the handwashing sinks
6-301.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A trashcan was being used as a table for a container of sliced onions. Do not use the trashcan as a table for preparing foods
3-305.11
86
Feb 6, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: No CFPM onsite at the time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooling tomatoes measuring 55*F, internally and cooling carne asada measuring 50-56*F when measured with a probe thermometer. Observed both foods in covered metal pans with 2-3 inches of food inside. PIC stated they cut the tomatoes less than 30 minutes prior and the asada began cooling approximately 2 hours prior. All TCS foods cooling were uncovered to allow for rapid cooling. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means
3-501.15(B)
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed 2 plastic cutting boards behind the food prep sink faucet with heavy staining and a rough texture. All food-contact surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. Advised PIC to resurface or replace cutting boards to restore a smooth and easily cleanable surface
4-501.12
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area
Inspector notes: Observed employee water bottles stored on prep surfaces and shelving above food contact surfaces. To ensure food safety, prevent physical contamination and the transmission of disease; employee eating, drinking, beverage storage, and using tobacco must be done in an approved area. PIC moved employee consumables to the designated area and will retrain on proper eating, drinking, and tobacco use. Advised PIC to utilize disposable cups with lids and straws to prevent contamination of hands
2-401.11
82
Nov 25, 2024
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 18, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked peppers, onions, hot dogs and cheese sauce with internal temperatures ranging from 99-112*F when measured with a probe thermometer. Per PIC, all foods were reheated or cooked less than 2 hours prior. PIC stated the foods were not on time as a control. Observed steam table water measuring 132*F. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. All TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection. Advised PIC to utilize their time as a control policy for TCS foods that are difficult to keep in temperature
3-501.16(A)(1)
Fingernails not trimmed or maintained (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the server delivering customer order to table with artificial nails without an effective barrier such as gloves to help prevent against contamination. Employee donned gloves at the time of inspection
2-302.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: No CFPM onsite at the time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
74
Jul 9, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tacos & Dogos Don Nico last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tacos & Dogos Don Nico on file is from Feb 11, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tacos & Dogos Don Nico?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Tacos & Dogos Don Nico.

How does Tacos & Dogos Don Nico compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Tacos & Dogos Don Nico most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Mesa average of 95.

Has Tacos & Dogos Don Nico's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tacos & Dogos Don Nico have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Tacos & Dogos Don Nico 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 Tacos & Dogos Don Nico inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tacos & Dogos Don Nico is inspected around four times per year on average.