EL TAQUITO IV
917 N FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH BLVD, Fort Lauderdale FL 33304 · 786.208.4966
Last inspected Aug 17, 2026 · 12 visits since April 2024
AUG 24
APR 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
AUG 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. Provided handout to operator.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2024038715 | Jun 17, 2024 | Aug 29, 2024 | $160 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Aug 17, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
In the walk in cooler, raw chicken stored over unwashed peppers. The chicken was moved down.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Between the coffee machine and cook line, the hand sink is blocked by a gyro machine. The machine was moved over to make the sink accessible.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Next to the coffee machine, a spray bottle of window cleaner was not labeled. An employee labeled the spray bottle
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Across from the pot and pan storage rack.
Feb 24, 2026Call 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 ▾
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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm).
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. At the front cook line hand wash sink. The water is turned off for sink repair.
Feb 13, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm).
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw beef stored over unwashed peppers. The peppers were moved.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. At the front cook line hand wash sink. The water is turned off for sink repair.
Plumbing system in disrepair. The front line hand wash has no running water and is wrapped with plastic wrap.
Nov 10, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and tuna tartare. Reviewed menu updating with operator.
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/ Pic - Omar Suarez
Carbon dioxide tanks by back door not adequately secured.
Equipment in poor repair. Cookline flip top - torn gaskets on doors
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline flip top.
Sep 10, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and tuna tartare. Reviewed menu updating with operator.
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/ Pic - Omar Suarez
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. 3 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Carbon dioxide tanks by back door not adequately secured.
Equipment in poor repair. Cookline flip top - torn gaskets on doors
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline flip top.
Sep 9, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Cook failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food - preparing an order. Reviewed proper hand washing and employee washed hands.
Cook washed hands with no soap. Reviewed proper hand washing and employee washed hands with soap.
Server handled soiled dishes and then prepared a beverage without washing hands. Reviewed proper hand washing and employee washed hands.
Walk in cooler - Raw fish stored over ready-to-eat corn. Operator stored all items properly.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and tuna tartare. Reviewed menu updating with operator.
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/ Pic - Omar Suarez
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. 3 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Carbon dioxide tanks by back door not adequately secured.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Walk in cooler.
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. Cookline. Operator removed.
Equipment in poor repair. Cookline flip top - torn gaskets on doors
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline - utensils in water 102F. Operator moved to heat source.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline flip top.
Apr 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink by ice machine has bucket and dirty linen bag blocking access. Operator moved bucket and dirty linen bag.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink on cook line has coffee cup stored in sink. Operator removed cup.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In walk in cooler, air vent soiled with mold like substance
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. At ice machine, ice scoop stored on top of machine on a dirty surface. Employee removed scoop to clean
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. At dry storage shelf by door to kitchen, scoop handle in contact with sugar. Operator removed scoop.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Microwave exterior solid with food debris.
Aug 20, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Cook touched raw chicken, removed gloves, put on new gloves and touched clean utensils to dispense refried beans without washing hands. Employee removed gloves and washed hands.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Front counter flip top cutting board.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter. Operator replaced.
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 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Walk in cooler - soiled cardboard on floor.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Visibly soiled cardboard on dry storage area shelves.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop on visibly soiled ice machine. Operator removed.
Water draining onto floor surface. Under prep area sink. Operator cleaned during inspection.
Aug 20, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Front counter cutting board at flip top visibly soiled.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Walk in cooler.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Jun 17, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded.
0 High priority10 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Front counter cutting board at flip top visibly soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink next to ice machine blocked by kegs. Operator removed.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pitchers stored in Handsink next to ice machine. Operator removed.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and Tuna Tartare on menu. Reviewed menu updating with operator.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quat and chlorine.
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/ PIC - David Lopez.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter. Operator replaced.
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. 2 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Walk in cooler - bowl in cooked beans and bowl in cooked rice. Operator removed.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. All cold holding units throughout establishment.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Walk in cooler.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under and around front counter cooking equipment and cold holding equipment.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Front counter. Operator removed.
Jun 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
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. 2 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Operators thermometer missing battery.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door.
Apr 17, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority7 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee handled personal cell phone and then engaged in food preparation - handled ready to eat cheese without washing hands. Reviewed proper hand washing and employee properly washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Walk in cooler - raw shrimp stored over ready to eat cooked beef. Operator stored all items properly.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Walk in cooler - raw shell eggs stored over raw shrimp. Operator stored all items properly.
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 handout to operator.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bar soda gun. Operator cleaned during inspection.
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/ PIC - Alejandro Saturno.
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. 2 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Operators thermometer missing battery.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Front counter - water 80F.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door.
Hot water faucet handle at plumbing front counter hand sink not operating.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline - water 94F. Operator removed.
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.