EL CERRITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND GRILL
6911 CONGRESS ST, New Port Richey FL 34653 · 727-815-1969
Last inspected Jun 8, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
APR 24
NOV 24
MAR 25
MAR 26
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on sticky trap by prep table, operator removed trap 1 live roach on pvc pipe behind ice machine in kitchen
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,000
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024012660 | Feb 5, 2024 | Jun 24, 2024 | $800 |
| 3--2021044603 | Jul 26, 2021 | Oct 27, 2021 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jun 8, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.cut tomatoes 46F double pained in make table. Operator moved tomatoes to refrigerator. Tomatoes in unit less than 4 hours
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.employee beverage stored on slicer.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Jacket and purse stored with food / clean equipment on wire rack
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Operator cutting green onions before washing. Discussed the reason produce must be washed before it's cut.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles containing food removed from its original container not labeled with common name.
Mar 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 1 dead insect, by the door of the bathroom in the kitchen area. The operator swept up the dead insect and sanitized the area.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided the operator with the DBPR HR form 5030-204. The operator posted.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 1 bottle not labeled by the dishwashing area. The operator labeled the bottle.
Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice bin in the kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. 1 ceiling tile damage in the kitchen area above the walk in cooler.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container in ice machine/ice bin. The ice bin in the kitchen had a employee beverage in it. The operator removed the beverage.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. The exit door in the kitchen area.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided the operator with the DBPR HR form 5030-105. The operator posted.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In the women's bathroom. Provided the operator with a handwashing sign.
Stored food not covered. Garlic, chili powder, black pepper bottles not covered. The operator covered the bottles.
Mar 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In single door cooler on cook line- raw beef and chicken over cut onions and peppers, operator moved meat to bottom.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. By dish machine -greater than 200 ppm, corrected to 100 ppm
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Garcia A.
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Some don't have dates
Food stored on floor. In walk in freezer ground beef on floor, moved to shelf
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Nov 14, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 small flies in bar 1 small fly in kitchen
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Armando G.
Nov 12, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 small flies in bar 1 small fly in kitchen
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In single door cooler on cook line, raw chicken over sliced onions, chicken moved to bottom shelf
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on sticky trap by prep table, operator removed trap 1 live roach on pvc pipe behind ice machine in kitchen
Roach excrement and/or droppings present. By prep table next to walk in cooler on pvc pipe. Operator began to clean.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Armando G.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach on floor by reach in cooler on cook line 1 dead roach on floor between cooler in bar
Apr 10, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Armando Quiroz Garcia.
Apr 8, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 8 small flies in back storage area, 1 small fly by water heater at end of cook line 1 small fly in bar 1 small fly on bag of onions in prep area
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine drop plate has black mold like substance Oven on cook line soiled Stove top soiled
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Armando Quiroz Garcia.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. On cook line, moved to shelf
Apr 8, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Food manager expired, no other food manager for establishment. Armando Quiroz Garcia
Records/documents for required employee training appear to be falsified. Names and dates have been crossed out and written over on 2 certificates
Feb 6, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Food manager expired, no other food manager for establishment. Armando Quiroz Garcia
Records/documents for required employee training appear to be falsified. Names and dates have been crossed out and written over on 2 certificates
Feb 5, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 9 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 small fly on cook line 2 small fly in back storage room
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pork over salad dressings and unwashed produce, operator moved to bottom of cooler
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roaches in pvc pipe by hand wash sink in kitchen 1 live roach in vent of 3 door cooler on cook line 1 live on door of single door reach in cooler on cook line 1 live on wall by back door 6 live in back of reach in coolers on cook line
Roach excrement and/or droppings present. Around outlet on end of cook line by water heater
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Food manager expired, no other food manager for establishment. Armando Quiroz Garcia
Records/documents for required employee training appear to be falsified. Names and dates have been crossed out and written over on 2 certificates
Dead roaches on premises. 7 dead roaches in back of cooler
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of single door cooler on cook line
Aug 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 flies in kitchen
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler in bar- milk (45F - Cold Holding); horchata (44F - Cold Holding)moved to walk in cooler, manager on duty took temperatures this morning, all were at proper temperature
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Can of bug spray and air freshener on top of keg cooler
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance food debris.
Food stored on floor. In walk in cooler - case of pineapples on floor
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. In bar behind soda nozzles
Stored food not covered. In walk in freezer - tamales
Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Bucket in bar, discussed not mixing sanitizer with other chemicals
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.