The Taco Spot
Last inspected: Feb 11, 2026
82
Score
Across the available record, The Taco Spot has four inspections on file, the first dated 2025. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 11, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “certified food protection manager” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
The city-wide average sits at 95, which The Taco Spot's 82 doesn't quite reach. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
4
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 11, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Cross connection present or not corrected
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed at mop sink by back door a not-in-use chemical dispenser that is directly connected with a hose and a Y-valve to a faucet with an AVB. Please utilize the separate waterline upstream from the AVB for the chemical dispenser in order to allow the AVB to operate without being under constant pressure. Also the chemical dispensers at the mop sink shall be 6 inches above the water connection point. The faucet with the AVB should be able to be used independently of the chemical dispenser. This will prevent chemicals from being syphoned into the clean water supply. PIC disconnected at the time of inspection. Also discussed with PIC the installation/use of a Y-valve on a faucet with or without an AVB is prohibited, because the system is not designed, constructed and installed according to law. PIC disconnected at the time of inspection. PIC will communicate to the chemical installation company for a permanent fix and continue to disconnect the chemicals when not in use
5-205.12(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager on the premises at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Repeat violation: 4th consecutive
2-102.12(A)
82
Aug 19, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at the handwashing sink in the back of house at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) provided hand drying provision for handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing
6-301.12
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple chemical spray bottles without any labels on them in the chemical storage area at time of inspection. Per person in charge (PIC), spray bottles contained degreaser and oven cleaner at time of inspection. PIC labeled chemical spray bottles with common name at time of inspection. Reviewed requirements for all chemical bottles to be labeled with common name at time of inspection
7-102.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager on the premises at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Repeat violation: 3rd consecutive
2-102.12(A)
78
May 6, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed deep container of consome in the walk-in cooler with temperatures between 108 to 109*F at time of inspection. Per person in charge (PIC), consome was cooked 4 hours prior to inspection. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling
3-501.14
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed dirty dishes stored in the handwashing sink in the front of house at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing
5-205.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager on the premises at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Repeat violation: 2nd Consecutive
2-102.12(A)
74
Jan 6, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager on the premises at 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)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed hot and cold water swapped on the front handwashing sink at time of inspection. Hot water must be on the left. Observed shortened drainpipe on the handwashing sink in the front room at time of inspection. Extend the sink drain to prevent splashing on the ground when draining. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repeat violation: 2nd consecutive
5-205.15(B)
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Taco Spot last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Taco Spot on file is from Feb 11, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Taco Spot?
Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at The Taco Spot.
How does The Taco Spot compare to other restaurants in Tempe?
The Taco Spot most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.
Has The Taco Spot's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Taco Spot have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Taco Spot 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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