El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Apr 15, 2026
41
Score
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant appears in inspection records five times, starting in 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 15, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Things have moved in the wrong direction: violation counts went from three to nine.
Proper date marking and disposition comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average North Kingstown facility scores 88, putting El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant on the weaker side. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
5
Inspections
4
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 15, 2026
Routine
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chicken tenders and taquitos were observed held at 46-47 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. See disposal.
3-501.16(A)
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
Inspector notes: Chicken wings and rice, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. See disposal.
3-501.14
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (fish) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (sauce) in the prep unit. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chlorine sanitizer solution was observed in excess of 200 parts per million (ppm). A chlorine sanitizer solution applied to food contact surfaces must be between 50-100 ppm. Establishment to sanitize in 3 bay sink until serviced and dispensing proper concentration.
7-204.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Rice and chicken wings were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floor in the fryer area is in poor repair, inspector observed missing tiles with exposed concrete. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Lowboy #1 was not in good repair, ambient observed at 47F. PIC took unit out of service at time of inspection. TCS foods not to be stored in unit until serviced and has a temperature of 41F or below.
4-501.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served. FMC expired on 01/12/2025.
2-102.12(A)
41
Feb 12, 2025
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 29, 2025
Routine
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as fish) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food during storage.
3-302.11
Sewage backflow not prevented
Inspector notes: The prep sink and bar ice well are lacking an air gap. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed.
5-402.11
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chimichangas, which were prepared in advance, were not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Chimichangas were voluntarily disposed of (see attached disposal form). Proper cooling methods were reviewed with the person in charge.
3-501.14
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chlorine sanitizer solution was observed in excess of 200 parts per million (ppm). A chlorine sanitizer solution applied to food contact surfaces must be between 50-100 ppm.
7-204.11
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea. Written procedures were given to the person in charge at time of inspection.
2-501.11
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Chimichangas were placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep. Proper cooling techniques were reviewed with the person in charge at time of inspection.
3-501.15
45
Sep 25, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Rice and tamales were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Dead or trapped pests not removed promptly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A glue trap with insects were observed in the basement. Dead rodents, birds, and insects must be removed promptly from the facilities to ensure clean and sanitary facilities and to preclude exacerbating the situation by allowing carcasses to attract other pests.
6-501.112
86
Sep 11, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Restricted-use pesticide applied improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Cans of restricted aerosolized insecticides were observed within the establishment. Restricted aerosolized insecticides shall not be used within the establishment by staff.
7-206.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Salsa, cheese, eggs and other items were observed held at 49-53 degrees Fahrenheit in the walk-in cooler. The walk-in cooler was observed maintaining an ambient temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. All TCS foods held in the unit overnight was voluntarily disposed of by PIC. Unit to not be used until it can be serviced/replaced/repaired.
3-501.16(A)
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (knives) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Items moved to warewashing area to be washed/rinsed/sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Rice, beans and other items observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The following non-food contact surfaces were observed with: 1) The inside of the prep units along the cookline and in the prep area observed with water pooling at the bottom shelf of the unit 2) The fan near the prep sink observed with an accumulation of dust. 3) The ice machine observed with biofilm.
4-602.13
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The walk-in cooler observed in poor repair (maintaining ambient temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit). Unit is to not be used until it is repaired/replaced/serviced.
4-501.11
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant on file is from Apr 15, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, proper date marking and disposition has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant.
How does El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in North Kingstown?
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the North Kingstown average of 88.
Has El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about three per visit to around nine more recently.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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