Tequila Cocina and Cantina

4818 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Nov 17, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Tequila Cocina and Cantina has been inspected five times since 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 17, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

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

The most common issue across all inspections has been “hand drying provision”, showing up two times.

Tequila Cocina and Cantina's latest score of 90 falls below the Phoenix average of 97. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 17, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: Observed no hand drying provisions at hand wash sink in kitchen. Had person in charge put hand drying provisions at hand wash sink

6-301.12

Jul 10, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Time used as public health control not properly documented (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Sushi rice is maintained using time as a control but did not have any time documented. Rice had been prepared about 2 hours prior and was labeled at time. Please ensure all food items maintained using time as a control are labeled with make time to ensure it is discarded after 4 hours

3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple vacuum packages of fish thawed in prep cooler, packages were removed at time. Please ensure vacuum packaged fish is removed from packaging prior to thawing

3-501.13

Mar 17, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 5 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Mechanical warewashing machine behind bar measured 0 ppm available chlorine while in use during inspection. It was determined that the chemical bottle was completely empty and was replaced at time, lines were primed. Additionally, warewashing machine in back also needed to be primed because the sanitizer line was completely dry, but this machine was not in use at time. Please ensure chlorine sanitizers are maintained between 50-100 ppm for effective sanitizing of wares

4-501.114(A-E)

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

Inspector notes: No hand towels available at handsink in back area during inspection, sink was re-stocked at time. Please ensure all handsinks are stocked with hand drying provisions at all times

6-301.12

Prohibited toxic material present in facility (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed can of flying insect pesticide being stored on shelf in break room during inspection, can was discarded at time. Please ensure pesticides are only applied by certified applicators, and hazardous pest control chemicals are not stored on the premise

7-202.11

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed large containers of beef broth being stored on counter by back door which measured 95 degrees F, birria meat from same batch measured 85 degrees F on prep table. Employee said that they had been sitting out for nearly 2 hours and moved them to coolers at time. Please ensure food items are actively cooled in cooling equipment after they reach 135 degrees F to ensure they meet cooling benchmarks on time

3-501.15(A)

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed employee eating on and over cutting board attached to prep table cooler during inspection. Additionally, beverage was in an open cup on shelf above prep top cooler. Please ensure employees eat in designated areas where they cannot contaminate other food or food contact surfaces, and beverages on the line are covered with lids and straws

2-401.11

Oct 30, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No food manager available at time of inspection. Please ensure a certified food protection manager is present during all operating hours

2-102.12(A)

Jul 17, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No food manager available during inspection. Please ensure a certified food protection manager is present during all operating hours

2-102.12(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tequila Cocina and Cantina last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tequila Cocina and Cantina on file is from Nov 17, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tequila Cocina and Cantina?

Across the inspection record, “hand drying provision” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Tequila Cocina and Cantina.

How does Tequila Cocina and Cantina compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Tequila Cocina and Cantina most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Tequila Cocina and Cantina's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Tequila Cocina and Cantina have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

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