Tacos El Paisa

1259 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 2, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Inspectors have visited Tacos El Paisa five times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Apr 2, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

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

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

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 2, 2026

Routine

No violations found.

100

Sep 5, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

May 20, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Pans of refried beans checked in the cookline steam table, temperature at 109-121 deg f . informed kitchen manager. all removed and reheated to 165 deg f. please monitor proper hot holding

3-501.16(A)(1)

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed pans of shredded beef, placed atop each other, all covered. checked temperatures. noted at 51 deg f . ( all dated 5-19) informed manager. Suggested to place cooling meats in ice bath, remove covers and place near the fan coolers in both walk-in coolers as needed to ensure rapid cooling established. MCESD cooling guidance document reviewed. also suggested to utilize the upper shelves currently used for bread/tortilla storage as an additional cooling shelves. manager removed tcs food

3-501.15(A)

Feb 3, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed some portioned bag of fajita cooked meat, chicken and beef at 44 deg f . also some shredded cheese pan in the cookline overfilled at 47-48 deg f . informed manager. excess food removed. please ensure tcs food is reached and kept at 41 deg f . 41 deg f established

3-501.15(B)

Aug 29, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

Inspector notes: Observed a plastic container with cooked beans, dated 8-28 at 89 deg f . also multiple pans of cooked shredded beef/steak at 47-49 deg f , all date labels indicating 8-28. reviewed facility cooling procedure. 2 tier food cooling reviewed. use of ice bath for hot food pans reviewed. also pans of refried beans at 98 deg f inside the walk-in cooler. suggested to place the cooling food/tcs in additional ice bath, and utilize the facility salsa walk-in cooler to ensure 41 deg f reached. Department cooling guidance document reviewed and emailed to pic

3-501.14

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Spoke to facility shift manager, GM, away at another restaurant. please ensure you have a certified food manager for this establishment. MCESD website esd.maricopa.gov resources reviewed

2-102.12(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tacos El Paisa last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tacos El Paisa on file is from Apr 2, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does Tacos El Paisa compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Tacos El Paisa most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Mesa average of 95.

Has Tacos El Paisa's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tacos El Paisa have averaged around zero violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Tacos El Paisa 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 El Paisa inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tacos El Paisa is inspected around three times per year on average.

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→ All locations in Mesa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Maricopa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Mesa