EL SABOR DE MEXICO LLC
302 W WATERS AVE, Tampa FL 33604 · 813-871-0958
Last inspected May 6, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
JAN 24
AUG 24
FEB 25
NOV 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 3 flies 3 compartment sink 2 flies in service ares front kitchen area
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $440
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024029057 | Mar 12, 2024 | Jun 20, 2024 | $440 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
May 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed chlorine sani bucket testing over 200ppm. Operator remade bucket. End test 100pp chlorine.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test kits for restaurant at time of inspection.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee bottled water on clean dish shelf over prep table at time of inspection
Nov 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed prepared vegetables stored in Togo style handled bags in reach in coolers at time of inspection
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef and bacon in reach in cooler in room by back door at time of inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on cooks line are stained at time of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small black cowl in bulk rice in dry storage at time of inspection.
Feb 18, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority7 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 3 flies 3 compartment sink 2 flies in service ares front kitchen area
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheese and milk sauce 71 F. Operator reheating on stove. Second temperature Cheese and milk sauce 166 F.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottles with toxic chemicals stored on shelf wit pita breads
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.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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/. Observed 4 employees working when started inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Back kitchen area
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.
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for ware washing. Chlorine
No soap provided at handwash sink. Back kitchen area
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Front kitchen area near glass reach-in-cooler on shelf over cups.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Grease buildup underneath cooking equipment
Hood filters missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood soiled with dust and grease
Oct 30, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room where there is no accessibility to a hand sink.
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/. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room added, dry storage and reach-in-freezer areas were added and not included in last plan review revision.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Dry storage area
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Aug 15, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room where there is no accessibility to a hand sink.
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/. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room added, dry storage and reach-in-freezer areas were added and not included in last plan review revision.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Dry storage area
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Aug 13, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 6 small flies in dishwasher area.
Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room where there is no accessibility to a hand sink.
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/. The three-compartment sink was moved to a room added, dry storage and reach-in-freezer areas were added and not included in last plan review revision.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employees eating in service area.
Food stored on floor. Observed large bag of onions on floor near 3 compartment sink
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Dry storage area
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Mar 12, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded.
0 High priority4 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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/. Added bar, prep area and moved equipment.
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 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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Jan 11, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
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.
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/. Added bar, prep area and moved equipment.
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 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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout kitchen area
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Jul 20, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand sink in front kitchen area used ad a dump sink for drink ice.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Large container on floor in kitchen on cooksline not labeled and scoop inside without a handle.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. On prep table cooksline
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single serving items stored on floor in dry storage area
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen lamb thawing at room temperature on in standing water. Operator placing in reach-in-cooler
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large container on floor in kitchen on cooksline not labeled.
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.