Vaquero's Carne Asada
Last inspected: Sep 23, 2025
70
Score
Public records show six inspections at Vaquero's Carne Asada stretching back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Sep 23, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “packaged and unpackaged food-separation, packaging, and segregation”, showing up two times.
The city-wide average sits at 95, which Vaquero's Carne Asada's 70 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
6
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 23, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a large plastic tub of raw beef stored directly atop diced deli ham in the walk-in cooler. Discussed proper food storage with PIC. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code
3-302.11(A1-2)
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a sanitizer bucket beneath the register, with a concentration of over 200PPM chlorine at time of inspection. Discussed approved use of sanitizers with the person-in-charge (PIC). Sanitizer must be used at concentrations and in an approved manner per manufacturer instructions, 40 CFR 180.940, and 40 CFR 180.2020. Sanitizer was diluted by PIC to approved levels at time of inspection
7-204.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed several knives stored inside and between swinging door of the main prep table adjacent to the cooking line. Discussed proper storage of in-use utensils with PIC. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection
3-304.12
70
Jun 24, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed several dead flies (10+) throughout establishment, most notably in the dining area and near the hand sink adjacent to the service window. Discussed active pest control procedures with PIC. PIC stated that pest control comes monthly, and was recently on-site to service the area, which contributed to the increase in carcasses throughout the area. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by next routine inspection
6-501.111(A-B,D)
95
Mar 21, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked shredded beef(machaca) stored within the main walk-in cooler in a deep plastic tub measuring 48'-50'F via probe thermometer. PIC stated that the beef was placed in the walk-in during the PM shift of 3/20/2025, more than 6 hours prior to 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. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Discussed proper cooling requirements with PIC
3-501.14
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed build up of organic matter on soda nozzles next to the drive-thru window. PIC cleaned nozzles at the time of inspection. Soda nozzles must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent the accumulation of organic matter. Discussed cleaning frequency with the PIC
4-602.11(E)
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed several boxes of beef tripe being stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. PIC relocated tripe to a proper storage location at time of inspection. Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground at all times to prevent contamination from the premises. Discussed proper food storage with PIC
3-305.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed food debris, grease deposits, and general grime on walls, floors, shelving, and cooler doors throughout the establishment. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Discussed cleaning frequency with PIC. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
74
Oct 30, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a metal pan of raw marinated beef stored directly over cooked shrimp, precooked chicken nuggets, and Jamaica agua fresco. Also observed a plastic tub of raw pork being stored directly on top of raw beef. Discussed proper food storage with PIC. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code
3-302.11(A1-2)
86
Jul 23, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed soiled cardboard being used as a platform underneath the food prep area. Discussed using rubber mats or alternative floor coverings that are both smooth and easily cleanable with PIC
6-101.11
95
Jul 12, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Hands not washed when required
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cook handling raw steak, proceed to wipe hands on apron and then handle toasted bread without washing hands. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks
2-301.14
Ice Used as Exterior Coolant, Prohibited as Ingredient
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a bottle of Pedialyte being stored within the ice machine. Per PIC, the ice is used for beverages as well as cooling food items
3-303.11
Time used as public health control not properly documented
Inspector notes: Observed portioned salsas by the take-out window with no discard time sticker. Also observed salsa bar in the dining area with no discard time stickers. Per PIC, the salsa bar and portioned salsas are being held under Time-As-Control and were placed outside temperature control about 3 hours prior to inspection. All TCS foods being held under time as a control were properly time stamped at time of inspection. Time as a Public Health Control requires written procedures detailing process for Time as a Public Health Control and time-stamping for items actively held under Time as a Public Health Control
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed a bin of raw onions stored in a large bucket in the dry storage area to be full of flies when removing the top. Observed 20+ flies collecting in the dry storage area. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection
6-501.111(C)
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Observed soiled cardboard being used as a platform underneath the food prep area. Discussed using rubber mats or alternative floor coverings that are both smooth and easily cleanable with PIC
6-101.11
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed 0PPM chlorine within wiping cloth bucket at time of inspection. All wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations. Wiping cloths were placed in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations at time of inspection
3-304.14
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vaquero's Carne Asada last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Vaquero's Carne Asada on file is from Sep 23, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Vaquero's Carne Asada?
Across the inspection record, “packaged and unpackaged food-separation, packaging, and segregation” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Vaquero's Carne Asada.
How does Vaquero's Carne Asada compare to other restaurants in Tempe?
Vaquero's Carne Asada most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.
Has Vaquero's Carne Asada's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Vaquero's Carne Asada have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Vaquero's Carne Asada means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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