EL TARASCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
728 PINE ISLAND RD SW STE 8-9, Cape Coral FL 33991 · 239.673.6371
Last inspected Mar 6, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
MAR 25
MAY 25
JUL 25
SEP 25
MAR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 28 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
5 cases · $2,820
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2024066031 | Sep 20, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | — |
| 7--2024010449 | Jan 4, 2024 | May 29, 2024 | $800 |
| 7--2024021688 | Mar 4, 2024 | May 9, 2024 | $300 |
| 7--2023032730 | Apr 18, 2023 | Jun 28, 2023 | $1,200 |
| 7--2017053146 | Oct 13, 2017 | Jan 12, 2018 | $520 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Mar 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler gasket torn.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar. The operator removed scooper from ice bin.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Sep 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw ground beef over ready to eat chicken wings in walk-in cooler. The operator moved the raw ground beef on bottom shelf beside raw chicken under the ready to eat chicken wings.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shredded beef (122F - Hot Holding) in steam table. The cook is reheating shredded beret on stove top. See Reheating Temperature.
No soap provided at handwash sink in bar. The operator placed soap at handwashing sink in bar.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors men's restroom.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line gasket torn.
Hole in or other damage to wall in storage area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container of orange rice.
Jul 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 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. Observed dishwashing marching not chlorine sanitizing. The operator changed out sanitizer bucket to get correct proper strength.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in walk-in cooler. The operator placed raw chicken on bottom shelf under the raw beef.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwashing in kitchen blocked by water bottles. The water bottles was removed from handwashing sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed shrimp and pork and shredded beef not date marked in walk-in cooler.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in men's restroom.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on prep table in kitchen. The operator removed cell phone from prep table.
Food stored on floor. Observed bags of pinto beans on floor in storage area. The operator removed pinto beans off floor.
Hole in or other damage to wall in storage are.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. The wiping cloth was removed from under cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach-in cooler gaskets and shelves in walk-in cooler soiled.
May 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed dishwasher going dirty to clean without washing hands. Educated operator in washing hands when changing assignments.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef in non-food grade bags in walk cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw steaks over ready to eat ham in reach-in cooler across from cook line. The owner moved the raw steaks to bottom shelf in reach-in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting board in bar.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine soiled and rust like substance inside ice machine.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler gaskets torn.
Exterior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Hole in or other damage to wall in storage area.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses in bar.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in bar.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked peppers uncovered in stand up reach-in freezer.
Mar 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in walk-in cooler. The operator moved the raw chicken on bottom shelf in walk-in cooler under the raw beef.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line gasket torn.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container of orange rice in steam table.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed plastic plates above prep table not inverted.
Sep 20, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach-in across from cook line. The cook is placing ice on raw products. Observed cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from cook line. See Stop Sale.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pork and shredded chicken not date marked in walk-in cooler.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line ambient temperature 50F.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line gasket torn.
Sep 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach-in across from cook line. The cook is placing ice on raw products. Observed cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from cook line. See Stop Sale.
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/
No soap provided at handwash sink in bar.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pork and shredded chicken not date marked in walk-in cooler.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line ambient temperature 50F.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed personal food (grapes) in stand up reach-in cooler in bar area. The personal food was removed from stand up reach-in cooler.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line gasket torn.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar ice bin.
Mar 4, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw steaks (48F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); raw marinated chicken (51F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from cook line. The cook stated he was putting ice on all raw products.
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/
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature 51F in reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Jan 4, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 13 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. Observed dishwashing machine not properly sanitizing set up 3 compartment sink. Re-Check.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef over produce cut tomatoes and salsa in walk-in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw steaks (48F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); raw marinated chicken (51F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from cook line. The cook stated he was putting ice on all raw products.
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/
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. Observed shredded chicken, beef and refried beans not date marked in walk-in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature 51F in reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open drink on food preparation area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Oct 10, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Aug 10, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 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. Observed dishwasher machine not chlorine sanitizing set up 3 compartment sink.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw snapper and raw chicken over ready to eat wings in walk-in cooler. The cook moved raw chicken to bottom of shelf.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef over raw shrimp in walk-in cooler. Emailed Proper Storage Form HR 5030-098 to manager to place on walk-in cooler door.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw beef (48F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (49F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from cook line. The cook placed all raw products on ice.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink blocked by dirty dishes. The operator removed dirty dishes from hand washing sink.
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. Emailed manager DBPR Form HR 5030-103.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open drinks in stand up reach-in freezer.
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.