BAJA TACO
209 S SUMMIT STREET, Crescent City FL 32112 · 386-698-4155
Last inspected Aug 20, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found 2 live insects in kitchen area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2022019858 | Mar 28, 2022 | May 19, 2022 | $600 |
| 5--2018023119 | Apr 26, 2018 | Sep 12, 2018 | $560 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 20, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Observed food manager certification expired 5/24/26. Person in charge states she has appointment to retake manager's exam.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed plastic storage shed used for the storage of single service items and dry goods not on plans. Current construction of shed is not sufficient enough to protect contents from environmental contamination by evidence of the other observed violations on this report.
Aug 17, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed black plastic grocery-like bag used to line hot well food pan containing rice.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 12 live moth-like insects inside two rubber containers filled with dried chili peppers. Observed approximately 4 live thin six legged crawling insects inside two rubber containers filled with dried chili peppers. Observed 2 live thin six legged crawling insects on floor of plastic storage shed, being used as dry storage, behind restaurant.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed approximately 12 live moth-like insects inside two rubber containers filled with dried chili peppers. Observed approximately 4 live thin six legged crawling insects inside two rubber containers filled with dried chili peppers. Observed rice in black plastic grocery bag inside steam well. Operator cannot confirm black plastic bag is food safe.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed flip-top cooler: diced tomatoes (60F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (66F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese mixes (59F - Cold Holding) inside for approximately three hours per person in charge. Person in charge placed ice on product.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Observed food manager certification expired 5/24/26. Person in charge states she has appointment to retake manager's exam.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed plastic storage shed used for the storage of single service items and dry goods not on plans. Current construction of shed is not sufficient enough to protect contents from environmental contamination by evidence of the other observed violations on this report.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed bathroom door not self closing and left open.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing rain water, per person in charge, on floor of plastic storage shed used for single service and dry goods.
Food stored outside. Observed food stored inside a plastic storage shed that is unable to protect from environmental contamination by evidence of standing rain water inside the unit, live vermin present inside the unit, and by visible light present from gaps in the construction of the shed.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed grease receptacle on bare ground.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Gaskets on flip-top cooler soiled with black/green mold like substance.
Mar 31, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In double door reach in cooler longer than 24 hours. taco beef (44F - Cold Holding); shredded chicken (45F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In double door reach in cooler longer than 24 hours. taco beef (44F - Cold Holding); shredded chicken (45F - Cold Holding)
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Bathroom door not self closing.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle still on grass.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Double door reach in cooler shelves soiled with food debris.
Jul 23, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Bathroom located outside establishment not enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors or constructed to have entrances and exits that ensure the privacy of occupants. Bath room door not self closing.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle on grass behind establishment.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled.
Jul 16, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 2 live insects in kitchen area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler overnight raw steak (48F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (47F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler raw steak (48F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (47F - Cold Holding)
Bathroom located outside establishment not enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors or constructed to have entrances and exits that ensure the privacy of occupants. Bath room door not self closing.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle on grass behind establishment.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled.
Jan 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Observed outside door to bathroom open.
Bathroom located outside establishment not enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors or constructed to have entrances and exits that ensure the privacy of occupants. Observed door to outside bathroom not self closing.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed multiple handles on reach in coolers with debris.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed grease receptacle on ground behind establishment.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed self closure to door not connected.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed food trays and cups on floor in storage area in back of building. Operator moved items off of floor.
Jul 8, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 3, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 27 violations recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority3 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee cutting onions to be used as garnish for tacos with bare hands. Employee put on gloves.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee washing dishes at triple sink without sanitizing dishes.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 5 flying insects in kitchen during inspection.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Rice in steam well stored in direct contact with to go bag. Also, chili peppers stored in direct contact with non food container in storage shed.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In reach in freezer raw beef stored over non commercially packaged mussels that are fully cooked.
Squid, octopus, conch, eel, crab, shrimp, crawfish, lobster or other non-finfish offered raw or undercooked have not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment serves shrimp in ceviche raw with no heat. Person in charge not able to provide paperwork for parasite destruction. Inspector spoke to supplier received letter during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In flip top observed jalapeños, fries, cream at 65-68F. In small black reach in cooler sour cream 45F. Person in charge states fries, jalapeños and sour cream in unit over night. See stop sale. Flip top is at 62 ambient, black reach in cooler at 45 ambient. Person in charge purchased ice to ice down items in flip top.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top observed jalapeños, fries, cream at 65-68F. In small black reach in cooler sour cream 45F. Person in charge states fries, jalapeños and sour cream in unit over night. See stop sale. Flip top is at 62 ambient, black reach in cooler at 45 ambient. Person in charge purchased ice to ice down items in flip top.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottles hanging on shelf in kitchen facing towards clean pans. Person in charge removed,
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cut tomatoes in flip top cooling for one hour at 68F retemped one hour later at 71F. Also, shredded cheese, retemp (65; 69F - Cooling); cheese retemp (69, 64F - Cooling). All retemp taken 1 hour later. Person in charge added ice to items.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Establishment serves ceviche raw no disclosure present on menu.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Queso made 2 days ago per person in charge with no date.
Bathroom located outside establishment not enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors or constructed to have entrances and exits that ensure the privacy of occupants. Restroom door not self closing.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in kitchen with pealing paint. Also, vent in kitchen with grease buildup. Also, hole in wall observed under triple sink.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Flip top at 62 ambient during inspection. Also, observed water dripping into bucket under unit.
Drain cover(s) missing. Observed external pipe missing cover behind restaurant.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of food on floor in storage shed.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle on ground.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed employee with in use cutting board with wet wiping cloth underneath.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed debris buildup on gaskets on reach in freezer and exterior where lid meets unit. Also, observed grease buildup on hood filters.
Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. Observed multiple clean dishware with old food debris.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed door to kitchen and service window open during inspection. Flying insects present.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Self closer disconnect at front door.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Disposable chaffing pans on top shelf over cook line were not inverted.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked taco shells stored in fryer basket on wall by cook line with no cover.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed tripe thawing in sink not submerged.
Dec 8, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On bottom shelf of reach-in cooler across from cook line, beans (47F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been in and out of cooler many times during lunch rush. Operator put beans in different reach-in cooler
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In steam table next to grill, cooked beef (113F - Hot Holding) Operator stated beef had been in steam table approximately 1 hour.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bottom shelf of tall reach-in cooler has food buildup.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Bathroom door left open due to door hinge not working properly.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. In unisex bathroom, receptacle not covered. Operator covered during inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on shelf in dish room me t to clean dishes. Operator moved phone.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in reach in chest freezer at end of cook line.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Bathroom door self-closer broken
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop stored in bucket of water behind establishment. Operator removed mop to dry
Aug 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 15, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Operator handled raw chicken without gloves, put gloves on without washing hands, and handled ready to eat food items.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. cut tomato (69F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (64F - Cold Holding); cheese (67F - Cold Holding); quest (65F - Cold Holding) Items in cooler since 10 am now 2:15 pm
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut tomato (69F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (64F - Cold Holding); cheese (67F - Cold Holding); quest (65F - Cold Holding) Items in cooler since 10 am now 2:15.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom. Receptacle in unisex bathroom missing covering.
Food stored in undrained ice. Two ice chests filled with melting ice and glass bottled soda for purchased had plugs intact. Operator unplugged both ice chests.
Hole in ceiling Observed hole in ceiling on way on to dish room.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest freezer has accumulation of ice buildup and debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Employee must wash hands sign not present in unisex bathroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods in kitchen have debris buildup.
Outer openings of establishment left open without screen in place. Observed window was kept open, even when not in use and no screen available to use.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken. Bathroom door hinge broken and door left open at all times unless manually closed.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall in kitchen soiled and peeling paint.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Several wet mops not hanging to dry.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Multiple dirty weep wiping cloths in sue throughout kitchen.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.