EL JALISCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
719 APALACHEE PKWY, Tallahassee FL 32301 · 850-765-4680
Last inspected Jan 27, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
JAN 24
JUL 24
DEC 24
AUG 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed 6/1/24.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jan 27, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Chorizo 46F. *see stop sale*
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone stored on food prep table inside kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of cooking oil stored on floor in kitchen area.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed Mahi fish thawed while still in its packaging. *see stop sale*
Sep 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 29, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dish machine not sanitizing dishes properly. Operator set up three compartment sink during time of inspection until dish machine is fixed.
Aug 28, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 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. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Pulled chicken 50F Beef 52F Beans 50F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding for less than 4 hours: Raw chicken 49F Shrimp 45F Chorizo sausage 51F Raw bacon 48F Ground beef patties 48F. Operator placed food items inside walk in freezer during time of inspection. New temperatures: Chorizo sausage 40F Raw bacon 38F Ground beef patties 41F Shrimp 40F Raw chicken 41F. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Pulled chicken 50F Beef 52F Beans 50F. *See stop sale*
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dish machine not sanitizing dishes properly. Operator set up three compartment sink during time of inspection until dish machine is fixed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks on food preparation table. Employee removed drinks during time of inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of oil stored on floor in kitchen area. Operator properly placed food item during time of inspection.
Dec 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dirty glasses inside handwashing sink in bar area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone on prep table.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed cups wet nesting on expo line.
Food stored on floor. Observed tomato sauce cans and pinto beans on floor in dry storage area. Employee removed items off floor during inspection.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed clean utensils stored upright in wash ware area.
Jul 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 23 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority3 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed refried beans 75F, and cooked ground beef 57F, in walk in cooler per manager stored more than 24 hours ago.
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed sliced cheese stored directly on reach in cooler shelves, no packaging.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed 6/1/24.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed refried beans 75F, and cooked ground beef 57F, in walk in cooler per manager stored more than 24 hours ago.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken tender 47F, per manager placed an hour ago, manager placed into walk in freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade with food debris.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed refried beans, Mexican rice, black beans, pico di galllo, cooked ground beef no date marking, per manager stored more than 24 hours.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water 75F, at handwash sink near dish machine.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine with mold like substance.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food no hair restraint, employee put on hair restraint during inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed clear and blue cups wet nesting, servers area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles in disrepair near walk in freezer.
Food stored on floor. Observed flour stored on the floor in storage area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop stored in standing water 54F, in cooks station.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at either hand wash sinks in kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed housing at drink dispenser with mold like substance.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed forks stored upright in servers area.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed portion cup lids stored upright in servers area.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leak at faucet handwashing sink near dish machine, also observed leak at pipe, dump sink near dish machine.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on counter, servers area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour not labeled, storage area.
Apr 1, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 12, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Hand wash sink drains onto floor in dish area. Manager put pan under sink to catch water. Floor area cleaned at time of inspection.
Jan 5, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee handle raw beef, change gloves without washing hands, continued to plate tacos. Manager discussed with employee, employee removed gloves and washed hands.
Hand wash sink drains onto floor in dish area. Manager put pan under sink to catch water. Floor area cleaned at time of inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Dark build up in grooves on soda gun nozzle. Ice scoop soiled. Ice paddle soiled. Scoop discarded. Paddle sent to dish pit. Nozzle cleaned.
Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Observed porous molcajete bowls in establishment. Crack in ice scoop by ice machine.
Forks on expo line stored food contact surface up. Manager inverted forks at time of inspection.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Stored food not covered. Uncovered rice, sauce, canned jalapeños, and cooked chicken in walk-in cooler. Uncovered cheese sticks and hot sauces in walk-in freezer. Manager covered all items.
Oct 10, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 11, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 19 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee throw food in trash and proceed to cut up steak without changing gloves.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed shredded chicken 50° in walk in cooler, per manager shredded chicken placed in cooler more than 24 hours.
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. Printed for manager
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed shredded chicken 50F per manager chicken stored in cooler more than 24 hours. Contents excessive in pan not allowing product to cool properly. Advised manager to cool in shallow pans. Manager disposed of shredded chicken.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels hand sink in bar area.
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.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink bar area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed referred beans, queso, rice stored in walk in cooler per manager was stored more than 24 hours.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance throughout kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed spoons not stored inverted
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal keys stored above food being prepped.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed all employees in kitchen area no hair net, hair restraint.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed, throughout kitchen area
Hot holding unit not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed st steam table directly in front of flat top not working properly. Advised manager to not store any hot held food in this unit until repaired.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign hand wash sink bar area.
Stored food not covered. Observed raw chicken in walk in cooler not covered.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed black beans in tub no label.
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.