EL MEZCALITO MEXICAN GRILL LLC
4651 NE BABCOCK ST 1, Palm Bay FL 32905 · 321-837-3450
Last inspected Jul 7, 2026 · 13 visits since August 2023
AUG 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 35 points better than where it started.
Live, small flying insects found four small flies in back storage area near soda syrup.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jul 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 15 findingsThe state's own report →
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. O ppm. Pushed hose down in bucket 100 ppm
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs over lard sauce. Walk in cooler
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun nozzle
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Show the remaining 11 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Cook line
Ice bucket/shovel stored not inverted
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Light not functioning. Several in kitchen
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. In kitchen
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sink back line
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket sm make table Handles both microwaves
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go containers not inverted
Stored food not covered. Scallops reach in freezer
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt
Jan 14, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found four small flies in back storage area near soda syrup.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soiled can opener blade.
Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling tile missing in back of kitchen prep line.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles on cook line soiled with debris.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Exterior door has gap at bottom. Door nearest office.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles in walk in freezer missing and damaged. Floor tiles in kitchen from last inspection repaired.
Light not functioning. Various lights burned out in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Chest freezer exterior soiled with food debris.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back door left open with plastic guard that ends approximately 1.5' from floor.
Stored food not covered. Five gallon vanilla ice cream in chest freezer with no lid.
Oct 20, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
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/ Managers with cards not present during inspection with more than 4 employees present
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Numerous ceiling tiles soiled.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back on both sides of kitchen door wasted at lower area won't seal.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk in cooler has water on floor from dripping overhead.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Broken and missing tiles on cook line by griddles. Grout missing between tiles on flooring with debris in spaces.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in walk in freezer at the freezer discharge from blower.
Light not functioning. Several lights out or dimmed in kitchen. 2 under hood burned out.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sign missing at back hand wash station.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handle on reach in chest freezer is dirty Handle microwave Track for vent screens and side separation wall on vent hood dirty with dripping grease. Handle on microwave in kitchen cook line dirty Vent screens over deep fat fryer dripping grease.
Aug 19, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 22 recorded.
0 High priority4 Intermediate18 Basic
Show 22 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep line dirty. Can opener blade soiled.
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/ Managers with cards not present during inspection with more than 4 employees present
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. New hire Alejandro has not signed agreement.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Various unlabeled bottles in kitchen, at least one containing bleach.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in dry store area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Numerous ceiling tiles soiled.
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. Salmon seal not broken, fish still frozen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks on back prep table.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back on both sides of kitchen door wasted at lower area won't seal.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk in cooler has water on floor from dripping overhead.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Broken and missing tiles on cook line by griddles. Grout missing between tiles on flooring with debris in spaces.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Not inverted.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in walk in freezer at the freezer discharge from blower.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scope at bar was laying in ice.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on stove handle both stoves.
Light not functioning. Several lights out or dimmed in kitchen. 2 under hood burned out.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sign missing at back hand wash station.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handle on reach in chest freezer is dirty Handle microwave Track for vent screens and side separation wall on vent hood dirty with dripping grease. Handle on microwave in kitchen cook line dirty Vent screens over deep fat fryer dripping grease.
Stored food not covered. Beef broth cooked and chicken raw an flour not covered in walk in cooler.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Avocado stickers still on skin after washed.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 PPM operator using sanitizer purchased from Sisco that did not turn test strip. Corrected to 75 PPM
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour not labeled.
Feb 19, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in bar area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cookline make table
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Blue plastic cups above drink station in kitchen
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket in make table reach in cooler on cook line
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
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls soiled in kitchen
Feb 18, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
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
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over ceviche - moved to properly storage order by chef
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
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
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in bar area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cookline make table
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Blue plastic cups above drink station in kitchen
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket in make table reach in cooler on cook line
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in walk in freezer
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle - removed by chef
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cook line above make table soiled
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
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back door kept open by hose running out the door
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Plastic lids in storage room not inverted - chef inverted items
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make table on cook line across from warmer
Stored food not covered. Ice cream in reach in chest freezer Chicken base - covered by chef Salt in prep area - covered by chef
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls soiled in kitchen
Oct 7, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer
Aug 13, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink
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
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
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
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled
Aug 7, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority6 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Handwash sink in between food prep tables unable to turn on hot water.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink
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
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
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
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
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plastic containers on storage rack not inverted
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled
Aug 6, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority7 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
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
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
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
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Carnitas 45 F - cold holding; in walk in cooler
Handwash sink in between food prep tables unable to turn on hot water.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink
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
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
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
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
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
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used to scoop ground beef in steam table
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plastic containers on storage rack not inverted
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
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle on cook line
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make table on end of cook line across from dishwasher
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
Jan 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority5 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale 6.62 pounds x 3 Tomato sauce
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
Raw hamburger stored over empanadas and veggies in white chest reach-in freezer
Soap and sanitizer mixed together in triple sink located in the bar. Educated operator and Provided sanitation handout
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels at handwash sink next to prep table
No soap provided at handwash sinks in the bar and in the handicap stall in men's restroom
Nozzle of soda gun in bar heavily soiled
Spray bottle containing bleach not labeled.
Accumulation of blackmold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine
Bowls with no handle used to dispense sugar and flour
Cups near server station not completely air dried before being stacked.
Equipment in poor repair: Gaskets on 1st reach-in cooler torn, walk in freezer has leak, multiple parts of steam table not functional
Extreme Ice buildup in walk-in freezer due to leak in roof
Gaskets on reach-in cooler
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses on stove
Light not functioning in dry storage
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler, operator states he has maintenance coming tomorrow to address it
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 line
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
Aug 25, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Hand sink by white chest freezer
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in flour no handle
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Through out kitchen
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Over front expo line
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets black like substance
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline unit
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled granulated substance under tea station
Aug 23, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 27 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority5 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 live flying insects found at bar
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bar soda gun nozzle soiled
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
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/
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Hand sink by white chest freezer
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in dish pit
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in flour no handle
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On grill ledge on cook line water bottle
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Through out kitchen
Food stored on floor. Frozen tilapia on floor in walk in freezer
Ice bucket not inverted
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Over front expo line
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink on back cookline
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets black like substance
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go boxes not inverted or protected
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline unit
Stored food not covered. Multiple items in walk in cooler uncovered Uncovered dry beans in dry storage
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. By back door
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled granulated substance under tea station
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.