EL TEQUILAS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1784 S RIDGEWOOD AVE, South Daytona FL 32119 · 386-676-9512
Last inspected Apr 20, 2026 · 13 visits since August 2023
JAN 25
JUL 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Under the prep table left of the blodget oven and salamander on the cookline: 5+ 1 in unused oven on cookline Approximately 15 between ansul line and wall at the end of the cookline 3 in shelving above tortilla storage 1 on lime juice container in dry storage Operator used blowtorch to kill roaches
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2019029373 | Mar 25, 2019 | Jul 22, 2019 | $400 |
| 4--2019005094 | Nov 21, 2018 | Feb 22, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Apr 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple areas
Plumbing system in disrepair. Wash sink with sprayer drains on to the floor next to the dish machine
Apr 16, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 2
Dead roaches on premises. 2 in the steam table water 1 behind microwaves 1 on prep table 2 around reach in cooler gaskets 1 in dry storage on the shelf 1 on floor in front of prep table 2 in the bar on the floor
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple areas
Plumbing system in disrepair. Wash sink with sprayer drains on to the floor next to the dish machine
Apr 15, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Queso up to 64F in the middle, refried beans 65F, caldo 48F, Birria 52F, beef tips 45F, caldo mares 50F, black beans 48F, sauce 58F, sauce 45F. cooling from somewhere between midnight and 3:45 am. At 10:50 am and 11:50 am
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 2
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Veg dicers
Dead roaches on premises. 2 in the steam table water 1 behind microwaves 1 on prep table 2 around reach in cooler gaskets 1 in dry storage on the shelf 1 on floor in front of prep table 2 in the bar on the floor
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple areas
Plumbing system in disrepair. Wash sink with sprayer drains on to the floor next to the dish machine
Apr 15, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Queso up to 64F in the middle, refried beans 65F, caldo 48F, Birria 52F, beef tips 45F, caldo mares 50F, black beans 48F, sauce 58F, sauce 45F. cooling from somewhere between midnight and 3:45 am. At 10:50 am and 11:50 am
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Salsa ranchero 3/31
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Under the prep table left of the blodget oven and salamander on the cookline: 5+ 1 in unused oven on cookline Approximately 15 between ansul line and wall at the end of the cookline 3 in shelving above tortilla storage 1 on lime juice container in dry storage Operator used blowtorch to kill roaches
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Live moths in dried peppers dry storage bin
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 2
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Veg dicers
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/
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In items in walk in cooler
Dead roaches on premises. 2 in the steam table water 1 behind microwaves 1 on prep table 2 around reach in cooler gaskets 1 in dry storage on the shelf 1 on floor in front of prep table 2 in the bar on the floor
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Jacket in dry storage
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple areas
Food stored on floor. Flour
Improper storage of maintenance equipment. Blower on bag in the box soda
Plumbing system in disrepair. Wash sink with sprayer drains on to the floor next to the dish machine
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.expo cooler
Jan 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. From 7 or 8 per operator: salsa burrito 82F at 12:28. Covered in plastic 5 gallon container At 12:58, salsa burrito 81F, 74F after stirring.
Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Dichloros fly strip in the bar near uncovered ice. Operator discarded
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice 125 F (hot holding); black beans 120-137 F (hot holding); refried 132-140 F (hot holding); Advised to reheat to 165F to hot hold at 135F or above and increase steam table temp. All reheated to 175F+
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items in the walk in cooler dated 1/28 when checked at start of inspection. When rechecking walk in cooler cooling temperatures at the end of the inspection, dates all changed to 1/30 (day of inspection). Discussed with operator.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In sauce walk in cooler
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In the bar
Ceiling tile missing. The storage area that was formerly an office
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Between water heater area and back line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone, sweater, bag
Equipment in poor repair. - Cookline freezer gaskets hanging - cookline freezer door fell off when opened
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. - Dish area, tile missing, - various area, deep grout lines
Food stored on floor. In the storage room /former office, corn on the floor
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster and back area
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Back hood system
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Dish area
Stored food not covered. Flour
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Left at room temperature: beef feet, tripe, seafood.
Observed electrical wiring in disrepair. For reporting purposes only. Exposed wires outside at the back door, appears to be for door bell
Sep 2, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 2, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. 4
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Deep grout lines with pooling water/soil
Hole in or other damage to wall. Near back door
Aug 25, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 2 recorded.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Slow drain handsink in unisex restroom.
Water draining onto floor surface. Handsink dish area. Repaired to some extent but dripping onto the floor.
Jul 1, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee returning to line from front area
Live, small flying insects found. 4
Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep/storage area. In the bar, dichlorvos emitting strips
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken over cases of produce walk in cooler
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over uncovered sauces, back cookline double cooler
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Red sauce 6/23, menudo 6/23 Herote 6/10, flan 6/16, pollo 6/23. Carnitas tacos 6/23, carnitas normal 6/23
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Half and half 46F bottom of expo sauce cooler Bottom of true cooler next to cookline handsink for 4.25 hours per employee: Steak 47F, chicken 47F Overnight per employee: tamale 47F
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Next to cookline handsink
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cooling from 10 @ 12:55 Burrito sauce 49F+, at 2:15 49-64F.
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. Employees with no proof of food handler training
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Dish area
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Bar, turned off at three compartment and handsink
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Shoes, boxing gloves, sweater with single service
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Deep grout lines with pooling water/soil
Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Grease, old food/debris, and flies in the area, no lid on grease recycle container inside enclosure
Hole in or other damage to wall. Near back door
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan cover reach in cooler back cookline Under grill
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Sauce expo cooler
Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Large mixers, paint rollers, spray foam, stored on top of or with bags of masa and chicharrones
Jan 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee running food arranged it in the plate with bare hands
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs sauces
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Shredded cheese. Chicken, fish, and beef 46F, Tamales 46F, crumble cheese 47F. Sliced cheese 46F, True cooler next to cookline hand sink. Operator moved to another cooler
Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. Cheese sauce 96F in the steam table at 1:10 from around 11. Employee moved to the Stove to reheat more rapidly
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. Employees with no food handler
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
Deep grout lines pooling water/food in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Jackets in an oven Hair cream with single service
Equipment in poor repair. Large pot cracked and broken in multiple areas. Operator discarded
Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Rusted through
Stored food not covered. Sugar in waitstation
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Beef room temp Cooked beans, chicken, pork room temp. Chicken standing water
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar in waitstation
Aug 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
7 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 in storage area of kitchen
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Reach in cooler raw steak over guacamole Raw chicken over spinach dip cookline cooler
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Pablano 8/22
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Live and dead insects in flour container
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. milk 44F, double cooler adjacent to single service storage. Out and returned to cooler Top cookline drawer raw chicken 44-45F, cooked pork 44-49F. Just stocked per operator. Operator iced.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice heated and moved to steam table 84F. Operator removed
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Insecticide over dry storage
No soap provided at handwash sink. Bar
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical storage area
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In sauces walk in cooler
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Dead roaches on premises. Dead roach parts in a container on top of microwave holding a bag of corn flakes. 1 dead roach in cookline freezer 1 on the floor in front of ice machine
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drinks on prep and storage shelving
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets hanging cookline freezer
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Over beans
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar
Jan 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. -hose bibb on rear of building
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 double door reach-in cooler next to handwash sink lacking date, operator dated
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -inside of ice machine has a light accumulation of black, mold-like substance -long white cutting board on top of reach-in cooler has an accumulation of food debris
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. -operator's CHLORINE test kit wet
Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. -probe thermometer reading 20F in ice bath, operator recalibrated
Equipment in poor repair. -gasket on reach-in freezer at cookline drooping -front of paper towel dispenser in dishwashing area is cracked
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. -plastic lid on top of queso in walk-in cooler is chipped, operator discarded lid
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. -significant amount of discarded construction materials stored on ground in dumpster area
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. -reach-in freezer across from cooking equipment
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. -multiple knives stored between prep sink and prep table, operator removed
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. -tongs hanging off off oven door handle, operator removed
No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. -handwash sink next to double door reach-in cooler, operator installed waste receptacle
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -walk-in cooler fan covers have an accumulation of dust/debris. -hood filters above cooking equipment have a light accumulation of grease and food debris
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -unwashed lettuce stored above diced tomatoes in walk-in cooler, operator relocated diced tomatoes
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. -bar area sanitizer bucket tested 0pmm, operator refilled, retested 200ppm
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor in dishwashing area, operator relocated
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -sugar container, operator labeled
Aug 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 17 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. -0ppm, operator installed new bucket of sanitizer, retested 25 ppm
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet, operator installed new hose bibb vacuum breaker.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting boards on reach-in coolers throughout the kitchen are stained
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. -1 tank in bar area, operator secured
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. -large stainless steel pots in dishwashing area
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -open employee drink on top of prep table, operator relocated
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -employee backpack on prep table, operator relocated
Equipment in poor repair. -gasket torn on small reach-in cooler on cookline
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in dishwashing area.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. -open buckets of salsa and sour cream stored on the floor in walk-in cooler, operator relocated
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment., operator removed to dishwashing area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -walk-in cooler fan covers have an accumulation of dust/debris. -hood filters over cookline have an accumulation of grease -equipment door handles soiled throughout kitchen
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. -true reach-in cooler
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -small reach-in cooler on cookline
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. -0ppm, operator refilled, retested 100ppm
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.