Velvet Taco

4166 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 21, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Velvet Taco five times, with records going back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 21, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

Looking across the full record, “equipment food - contact surfaces and utensils-frequency” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

By comparison, the average Scottsdale facility scores 95, putting Velvet Taco on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 21, 2026

Routine

2 critical violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloth stored in Quaternary ammonium sanitizer bucket on the hot line. Sanitizer concentration measured at 500 PPM. According to the manufacturer sanitizer concentrations shall measure between 200-400 PPM

7-204.11

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

Inspector notes: In hot well observed cooked pork/101°F and cooked beef/132°F. In small pan near the grill observed cooked Birria consomé/123°F

3-501.16(A)(1)

Dec 3, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed hand wash sink upstairs in prep area with no paper towels. The person in charge refilled at time of inspection. Discussed with the person in charge that all hand wash sinks should have a hand drying provision available at all times

6-301.12

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed organic matter build up on the inner upper portion of the ice machine. Discussed with the person in charge that the cleaning frequency should be increased to preclude the accumulation of soil and mold

4-602.11(E)

Aug 14, 2025

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed excessive organic matter build up on the upper inner portion of the ice machine. Discussed with the person in charge that the cleaning frequency should be increased to preclude the accumulation of soil and mold

4-602.11(E)

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: Observed multiple small flies in the chemical room upstairs near the dustpan and brooms. Discussed with the person in charge that the establishment should be free of all pests

6-501.111(A-B,D)

Apr 28, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cooked steak stored in the cooler on the cook line. With inspector probe thermometer the product measured 77*F. The person in charge stated that the product was prepared 1 hour prior to inspection. The person in charge had staff remove product and continue the cooling process at time of inspection. Discussed with the person in charge that acceptable cooling methods include: Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions, Using rapid cooling equipment, Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath, Using containers that facilitate heat transfer, Adding ice as an ingredient

3-501.15(A)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw frozen portions of salmon thawing in the walk-in cooler still in their original packaging. The person in charge had staff remove at time of inspection. Discussed with the person in charge that all fish should be removed from its original packaging when thawing

3-501.13

Nov 4, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw portions of salmon and cod thawing in the walk in cooler still in their original packaging. The person in charge had staff member remove from packaging at time of inspection. Discussed with the person in charge that all fish should be removed from any ROP packaging when thawing

3-501.13

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Velvet Taco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Velvet Taco on file is from Apr 21, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Velvet Taco?

Across the inspection record, “equipment food - contact surfaces and utensils-frequency” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Velvet Taco.

How does Velvet Taco compare to other restaurants in Scottsdale?

Velvet Taco most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Scottsdale average of 95.

Has Velvet Taco's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Velvet Taco have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Velvet Taco 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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