EL TAPATIO
1804 W VINE ST, Kissimmee FL 34741 · 407.572.8500
Last inspected Jan 22, 2026 · 7 visits since September 2023
APR 24
SEP 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Jan 22, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 16 findingsThe state's own report →
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Kitchen towel used to store tortillas in cooler on cooks line. Operator replaced with foil.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwashing sink on cooks line.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Handwashing sink next to ice-machine. Hot water required by next unannounced inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Condiment cups used as scoop in spice containers.
Show the remaining 12 findings ▾
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Several pans not properly air-dried in storage room.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Ceiling tile in poor repair in storage room at bar.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Several cracked tiles throughout.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Heavily soiled with grease and leaves.
Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Lid open.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Gaps in hood filters. One cracked.
Light not functioning. Two lights under hood.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In reach In make-table cooler on cooler on cooks line.
Open dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Poll-out drawers on cooks line interior soiled with food debris. Operator cleaned.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Leaking faucet at triple sink and at dump sink at bar.
Jul 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Shopping bags used to store chicken in reach-in freezer at back of kitchen and in bar freezer.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink on cooks line used to fill squeeze bottle for cleaning grill.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic condiment cup used as scoop in salt.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Several pans in storage room not properly air-dried.
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler at wait station.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Exit door at back of kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Drink syrup stored on floor in bar storage area. Cooking oil stored on floor on cooks line.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Gaps in hood filters on cooks line from broken filter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tong on oven door.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Female restroom.
Open dumpster lid.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Ensure bottle in reach-in cooler at wait station.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Paper towel on floor in bar storage area.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Leaking faucet in female restroom.
Mar 3, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Pork, Chicken, and Beef cooling on a speed rack near reach in freezer.All three items temping at 125F, 94F and 87F.Per operator the items were prepared 2 hours ago. Advised operator to remove Saran wrap and refrigerate immediately.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans at dry dish storage.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer at reach in cooler across from flat top grill on cooks line.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar, Corn Flour, Salt and Chicken Bouillon not labeled in storage container.
Feb 12, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Heat strip failed to turn black to indicate the sanitization temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was achieved on the dish surface and/or high temperature holding thermometer did not reach 160F. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired. Used operators heat strip and inspects heat strip and the color did not change.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Tortillas wrapped in kitchen towel in mini cooler on cooks line.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Several containers of Pico tempting between 50F-56F at reach in cooler across from flat top grill. Per operator they have been in the reach in cooler over 4 hours. Milk and Whipped topping temping at 50F and 47F. Per operator they were refrigerated overnight.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Several containers of Pico tempting between 50F-56F at reach in cooler across from flat top grill. Per operator they have been in the reach in cooler over 4 hours. Milk and Whipped cream topping temping at 50F and 47F. Per operator they were refrigerated overnight.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Pork, Chicken, and Beef cooling on a speed rack near reach in freezer.All three items temping at 125F, 94F and 87F.Per operator the items were prepared 2 hours ago. Advised operator to remove Saran wrap and refrigerate immediately.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Attempted to calibrate thermometer but thermometer is not working.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans at dry dish storage.
Food stored on floor. Oil stored on the floor is in dry dishes storage area. Steaks thawing in bucket of water near dishwashing area.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives stored between prep table and wall. Tongs hanging on oven door at cooks line.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer at reach in cooler across from flat top grill on cooks line.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen Steak in bucket with water stored on floor near dish washing area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar, Corn Flour, Salt and Chicken Bouillon not labeled in storage container.
Sep 10, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Evaporated milk, glenview brand, 3 qts.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken over chili peppers.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Wiping cloth bucket in sink basin at drinkststion.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl in rice at cookline.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen over dishwasher/cook line.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket at drive thru window.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Several areas throughout facility in poor repair.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Drink station and other areas.
Apr 15, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Evidence of mop/cleaning wastewater dumped onto ground. Mop buckets upside down at back door with puddles of mop like water draining.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quat test strips for 3 bin 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/ 6 employees on duty with no certified food manager present. Managers appeared during inspection.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Opened Water bottles in drive thru area by chip baskets.
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach in prep cooler at drive thru in poor repair.
Faucet/handle at plumbing fixture, handwash sink in drink area not working..
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.
Very slow draining water in handwash sink at drink station.
Walking or driving surfaces not maintained. In back by dumpsters several large divots.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar or other white powder like substance on shelf over soda dispenser in drive thru area.
Sep 21, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over ready to eat food (sauce) in walk in cooler.
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.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Manager Wiam has no proof of certification.
Wash solution in spray type hot water sanitizing dishmachine not reaching proper temperature according to manufacturer's specifications. Temperature on inspectors thermometer reached 162f. Advised to set up 3rd sink for sanitizing.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Possible AM DELIVERY PRIOR TO INSPECTION.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Women's restroom and Fruit drink dipping bar.
No suitable facilities provided to store employee clothing and other possessions. Woman's purse stored on shelf with cutting boards.
Open dumpster lid.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.
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.