Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo

1155 S Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Across the available record, Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo has six inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 7, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around three violations to closer to zero violations per visit.

Compared to the broader Mesa restaurant scene, where the average is 95, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 7, 2026

Routine

No violations found.

100

Nov 14, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jul 25, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Buckets of salt, spices, etc, were in storage and did not have lids. The manager then had lids put on the items that were stored but not being used. Cover or close open food items while not in use

3-305.11

Apr 24, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The restroom and one of the kitchen handwashing sinks had no handsoap. The manager then provided handsoap. Always provide handsoap at the handwashing sinks

6-301.11

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: A bag of raw meat was thawing in cold water in the food prep sink without running water. Always thaw under cold runnng water. The manager then removed the meat to begin using it

3-501.13

Dec 11, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed cooked beans at 120F, and cooked carne asada at 85F on the side of flattop. Talked to manager, reheated both products up to 165F quickly. Ensure that hot TCS foods are kept at 135F at all times

3-501.16(A)(1)

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

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at front hand sink. Manager refilled the paper towels. Ensure there is paper towels at each hand sink at all times. 6-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. 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: Observed no soap at front hand sink. Manager refilled the empty container. Ensure there is soap at each hand sink at all times

6-301.12

Working containers of toxic materials not identified (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed chemical spray bottle with yellow contents. Manager said it was degreaser, labeled container today. Ensure that all spray bottles are labeled to reduce their misuse

7-102.11

Jul 2, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple TCS food items such as carne asada, pico, and shrimp being cooled in containers with the lids on. Some containers were over 4 inches. Discussed only using containers 4 inches or less, and leaving the lids uncovered when cooling. ***REPEAT VIOLATION

3-501.15(A)

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed a soiled wiping cloth stored on a cutting board. No sanitizer buckets were made at the time of inspection. Inspector demonstrated how to fill and store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between use

3-304.14

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: PIC stated that he will have his certificate this month. Please ensure there is a CFPM present during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Handwashing sign not posted

Inspector notes: Observed no hand wash signage in the bathroom

6-301.14

Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered

Inspector notes: Observed no lid on trash can in bathroom. Please provide

5-501.17

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

How does Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

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

Has Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Tacos Y Huaraches El Gordo 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 Y Huaraches El Gordo inspected?

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

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

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