EL MEZCALITO MEXICAN GRILL LLC
4651 NE BABCOCK ST 1
Overall Food Safety Rating
★★☆☆☆ (2.1/5)
Based on 9 health inspection reports
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All Inspection Reports
Inspection on 2/19/2025
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
6
Total
6
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 51-11-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in bar area - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-19: **Time Extended**
- 14-09-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cookline make table - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-19: **Time Extended**
- 24-08-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Blue plastic cups above drink station in kitchen Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-19: **Time Extended**
- 14-11-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket in make table reach in cooler on cook line Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-19: **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters heavily soiled with grease and debris Soiled gaskets in reach in coolers Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-19: **Time Extended**
- 36-27-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls soiled in kitchen - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-19: **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 2/19/2025 revealed 6 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 6 basic).
Inspection on 2/18/2025
High Priority
2
Intermediate
2
Basic
13
Total
17
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 51-11-4:Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in bar area
- 14-09-4:Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cookline make table
- 24-08-4:Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Blue plastic cups above drink station in kitchen Repeat Violation
- 14-11-5:Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket in make table reach in cooler on cook line Repeat Violation
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in walk in freezer Repeat Violation
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle - removed by chef Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation
- 22-08-4:Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cook line above make table soiled
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters heavily soiled with grease and debris Soiled gaskets in reach in coolers Repeat Violation
- 35B-05-4:Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back door kept open by hose running out the door
- 25-06-4:Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Plastic lids in storage room not inverted - chef inverted items Corrected On-Site
- 29-49-6:Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make table on cook line across from warmer Repeat Violation
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered. Ice cream in reach in chest freezer Chicken base - covered by chef Salt in prep area - covered by chef Repeat Violation
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls soiled in kitchen
- 35A-02-7:High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 2-3 small live flying insects seen in bar area 1-2 seen in kitchen and prep area 3-4 seen in dry storage area 5-6 seen in near dish pit and additional storage area next to dish pit Repeat Violation Warning
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over ceviche - moved to properly storage order by chef Corrected On-Site
- 02C-03-5:Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk in glass cooler in kitchen not date marked
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels t hand sinks next to plastic tortilla chip bins, back prep table or across from dishwashing area - paper towels placed in dispensers Corrected On-Site
Food safety inspection conducted on 2/18/2025 revealed 17 total violations (2 high priority, 2 intermediate, 13 basic).
Inspection on 10/7/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
1
Basic
1
Total
2
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-07: **Time Extended**
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time extended until 6 oct 2024 **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-07: Food manager card holder is off today recommend additional personnel trained as food managersAdmin Complaint **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 10/7/2024 revealed 2 total violations (0 high priority, 1 intermediate, 1 basic).
Inspection on 8/13/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
4
Basic
2
Total
6
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: **Time Extended**
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: **Time Extended**
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time extended until 6 oct 2024 **Time Extended**
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 new employee under 60 days no employee health reporting agreement - copy sent to operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Extend until 6 October 2024 **Time Extended**
- 53B-14-5:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Several employees had expired food handlers cards Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time extended until 6 oct 2024 **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/13/2024 revealed 6 total violations (0 high priority, 4 intermediate, 2 basic).
Inspection on 8/7/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
6
Basic
3
Total
9
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 24-05-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plastic containers on storage rack not inverted - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended**
- 31A-07-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink in between food prep tables unable to turn on hot water. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 6 days **Time Extended**
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended**
- 16-37-1:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit for dishwasher or sanitizer buckets Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: **Time Extended**
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended**
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 new employee under 60 days no employee health reporting agreement - copy sent to operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended**
- 53B-14-5:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Several employees had expired food handlers cards Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/7/2024 revealed 9 total violations (0 high priority, 6 intermediate, 3 basic).
Inspection on 8/6/2024
High Priority
4
Intermediate
7
Basic
8
Total
19
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used to scoop ground beef in steam table Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation
- 24-05-4:Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plastic containers on storage rack not inverted
- 06-09-1:Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. 1 mahi fillets and 4 salmon fillets Warning
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle on cook line Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled
- 29-49-6:Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make table on end of cook line across from dishwasher Repeat Violation
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered. Prep area- chicken base, salt, flour Dry storage- beans Walk in cooler- carnitas, cut peppers, cut onions, mole, chicken stock, shredded beef Repeat Violation
- 35A-02-6:High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2-3 small live flying insects over hand washing sink 2-3 small live flying insects in bar area 3-4 small ants in can opener holder Warning
- 01B-13-4:High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. No hole or cut in 1 thawed mahi pouch and 4 thawed salmon pouches with packaging requires a opening before thawing
- 01B-02-5:High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Carnitas 45 F - cold holding; prepped on 5 Aug. in walk-in refrigerator
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Carnitas 45 F - cold holding; in walk in cooler
- 31A-07-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink in between food prep tables unable to turn on hot water. Warning
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink
- 16-37-1:Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit for dishwasher or sanitizer buckets Repeat Violation
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sinks. Hand washing Sink across from triple sink and handwashing sink between prep tables Repeat Violation
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 new employee under 60 days no employee health reporting agreement - copy sent to operator Warning
- 53B-14-5:Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Several employees had expired food handlers cards Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/6/2024 revealed 19 total violations (4 high priority, 7 intermediate, 8 basic).
Inspection on 1/9/2024
High Priority
4
Intermediate
5
Basic
11
Total
20
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of blackmold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine Repeat Violation
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowls with no handle used to dispense sugar and flour Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation
- 24-08-4:Basic - Cups near server station not completely air dried before being stacked.
- 14-11-5:Basic - Equipment in poor repair: Gaskets on 1st reach-in cooler torn, walk in freezer has leak, multiple parts of steam table not functional Repeat Violation
- 14-69-4:Basic - Extreme Ice buildup in walk-in freezer due to leak in roof Repeat Violation
- 23-03-4:Basic - Gaskets on reach-in cooler Repeat Violation
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses on stove Corrected On-Site
- 36-62-4:Basic - Light not functioning in dry storage
- 29-49-6:Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler, operator states he has maintenance coming tomorrow to address it **Corrective Action Taken**
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered: sauces in walk-in freezer, veggies and empanadas in reach-in chest freezer, dry beans in dry storage, multiple pitchers of various beverages in reach in cooler on expo lineCorrected On-Site Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation
- 32-23-4:Basic - Urinals out of order, and one toilet in woman's bathroom, operator thinks the problem is linked and has plumber coming to fix next week **Corrective Action Taken**
- 01B-01-4:High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale 6.62 pounds x 3 Tomato sauce
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw bacon stored over stuffed jalapeños in reach in cooler, raw beef stored over prepped vegetables in drawer on cookline, raw beef stored over beverages in walk-in cooler Repeat Violation
- 08A-02-6:High Priority - Raw hamburger stored over empanadas and veggies in white chest reach-in freezer Repeat Violation
- 22-42-4:High Priority - Soap and sanitizer mixed together in triple sink located in the bar. Educated operator and Provided sanitation handout
- 16-37-1:Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels at handwash sink next to prep table
- 31B-03-4:Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sinks in the bar and in the handicap stall in men's restroom
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Nozzle of soda gun in bar heavily soiled Repeat Violation
- 41-17-4:Intermediate - Spray bottle containing bleach not labeled. Corrected On-Site
Food safety inspection conducted on 1/9/2024 revealed 20 total violations (4 high priority, 5 intermediate, 11 basic).
Inspection on 8/25/2023
High Priority
0
Intermediate
1
Basic
8
Total
9
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 14-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in flour no handle Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 24-08-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 36-17-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Through out kitchen - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 38-01-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Over front expo line - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets black like substance Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 29-49-6:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline unit - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 02D-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled granulated substance under tea station - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
- 31B-06-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Hand sink by white chest freezer - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-25: **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/25/2023 revealed 9 total violations (0 high priority, 1 intermediate, 8 basic).
Inspection on 8/23/2023
High Priority
7
Intermediate
5
Basic
15
Total
27
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in flour no handle Repeat Violation
- 12B-07-4:Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On grill ledge on cook line water bottle
- 24-08-4:Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Through out kitchen
- 08B-38-4:Basic - Food stored on floor. Frozen tilapia on floor in walk in freezer
- 10-14-5:Basic - Ice bucket not inverted Repeat Violation
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
- 38-01-4:Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Over front expo line
- 31B-04-4:Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink on back cookline
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets black like substance Repeat Violation
- 25-06-4:Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go boxes not inverted or protected
- 29-49-6:Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline unit
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered. Multiple items in walk in cooler uncovered Uncovered dry beans in dry storage Repeat Violation
- 21-38-4:Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. By back door Corrected On-Site
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled granulated substance under tea station
- 35A-02-6:High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 live flying insects found at bar
- 01D-01-5:High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Using tilapia raw in ceviche must call Sysco rep for parasite destruction letter Warning
- 08A-02-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw hamburger over empanadas white chest freezer
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon over breading and avocado salsa in cook line unit Raw chicken over raw beef in drawers under flat top, must be organized with raw beef over raw chicken Corrected On-Site
- 01B-02-5:High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. rice (130F - Hot Holding); made at 10am no temperatures taken to know when went out of temperature. See stop sale homemade tomatillo sauce (53F - Cold Holding), tomatoes(53F - Cold holding); raw bacon (48F - Cold Holding) Warning
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); raw bacon (48F - Cold Holding); homemade tomatillo sauce (53F cold holding ) see stop sale in cooler since this morning at 10:00 found at 3:00pm. Shredded cheese 44-45F cold holding stocked an hour ago suggested rapid chill Repeat Violation Warning
- 03B-01-6:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. rice (130F - Hot Holding); made at 10am no temperatures taken to know when went out of temperature. See stop sale Queso (95F - Hot Holding) reheated Queso 1 hour ago, operator kept out at room temp as back up has been out for an hour. Educated in keeping hot or cold not at room temperature, operator decided to cool down in walk in cooler
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bar soda gun nozzle soiled Repeat Violation
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Knife in hand sink on back line Buckets in hand sink at bar Scrubbies in hand sink by white chest freezer
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
- 31B-06-4:Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Hand sink by white chest freezer
- 41-17-4:Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in dish pit Repeat Violation
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/23/2023 revealed 27 total violations (7 high priority, 5 intermediate, 15 basic).