MARISCOS VALLARTA MEXICAN GRILL
10155 SW HWY 484 UNIT 2, Dunnellon FL 34432 · 904-525-6210
Last inspected Feb 23, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
JUL 23
FEB 24
JUL 24
DEC 24
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Toilet leaking large amount of sewage onto the floor inside employee restroom in kitchen near cookline.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2024019533 | Feb 6, 2024 | May 2, 2024 | $800 |
| 5--2021017158 | Mar 24, 2021 | May 17, 2021 | $400 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Feb 23, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Bags of raw chicken stored above pan of raw beef on shelf inside reach-in cooler in prep room. Manager moved the raw chicken to the bottom shelf during.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled with old food debris. Manager moved the can opener to the warewash area to be cleaned.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sinks located in kitchen and prep area clocked with supplies. Manager removed all supplies from the sink during this inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Section of drywall missing above water heater.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Dead roaches on premises. 1. One dead roach on floor in storage room. 2. One dead roach on floor in kitchen near mop sink. Manager swept both during this inspection.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle sitting directly on ground.
Open dumpster lid. Manager closed the lid during this inspection.
Feb 20, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No certified food manager for establishment. 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 of certified food manager certification for any employees.
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 of any food handler training for any employees.
Dec 30, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. 1. Spray bottle containing "Lysol" stored on shelf directly beside clean plates in bar area. 2. Spray bottle containing "Spic and Span" multi surface cleaner stored on shelf directly beside box containing single-use utensils in cabinet behind ice cream counter. 3. Box containing "Raid" fly sticky strips stored on shelf directly beside and above single-use lids in manager's office.
No certified food manager for establishment. 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 of certified food manager certification for any employees.
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 of any food handler training for any employees.
Dec 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 28 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority7 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 28 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee at cookline mopped floor with bare hands, put on gloves, then proceeded to handle utensils at cookline without first washing hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Wrapped package containing raw ground sausage stored on wire shelf directly above jar containing pickles and bottle containing milk inside reach-in cooler in back of kitchen. 2. Open package containing raw bacon stored on shelf directly above pan containing raw cut potato fries inside reach-in cooler at cookline.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored on shelf directly above pan containing raw beef inside reach-in cooler in prep area of kitchen.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. 1. Spray bottle containing "Lysol" stored on shelf directly beside clean plates in bar area. 2. Spray bottle containing "Spic and Span" multi surface cleaner stored on shelf directly beside box containing single-use utensils in cabinet behind ice cream counter. 3. Box containing "Raid" fly sticky strips stored on shelf directly beside and above single-use lids in manager's office.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing on green hose connection after splitter in porch area behind building.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1. Interior of microwave on top of cooler in prep area heavily soiled with food debris. 2. Can opener blade soiled with black buildup on prep table in center of prep area. 3. Bottom edge of deflector plate in ice machine soiled with black substance.
Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Water turned off at handwash sink in server station at fro t of kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink at cookline completely blocked by three large pots containing used oil. Inspector had manager unblock the handwash sink during this inspection.
No certified food manager for establishment. 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 of certified food manager certification for any employees.
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 of any food handler training for any employees.
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. Two employees working in kitchen with no proof of food handler training. Neither employee has proof they have signed the employee health reporting agreement.
Well water testing report/documentation is not available upon request. Copy of well testing report unavailable upon request.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-use condiment cup without handle stored down inside container of pepper on shelf in prep area of kitchen.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. One small co2 tank not secured in server station, near fountain machine.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Covered waste basket not provided inside unisex restroom near ice cream counter.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board at cookline has deep cut marks and is no longer smooth and cleanable.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in kitchen in chemical storage room near cookline.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. 1. Employee's phone stored directly on top of lid to refrigerated make-table near pizza oven. Employee removed phone from area during this inspection. 2. Employee phone charging directly on top of lid to ice cream cone storage pan on counter in ice cream area.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Lids of storage bins near manager's office cracked.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster sitting directly on grass.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Fluorescent glass tube lights unshielded on ceiling in center of prep area.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Absorbent and porous unsealed wooden leg below pizza oven in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Front of black cooler in prep room soiled with slimey substance. 2. Gaskets on doors of several coolers in prep area soiled with mold-like substances.
Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid left open behind building.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Box containing single-use foam trays stored directly on floor in manager's office.
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. Power drill stored directly on top of microwave in prep area of kitchen.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Floors under and around equipment throughout kitchen soiled with food debris. 2. Wall behind grill soiled with grease.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Accumulation of unused equipment on porch area begin building, including reach-in coolers, sinks, etc.
Jul 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Inside reach-in cooler in back prep area: rice (45F-47F - Cooling overnight). Manager stated the rice was placed into the cooler the previous night to cool. Pot of rice was placed into unit to cool covered with a tight lid. Stop sale issued.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Inside reach-in cooler in back prep area: rice (45F-47F - Cooling overnight). Manager stated the rice was placed into the cooler the previous night to cool. Pot of rice was placed into unit to cool covered with a tight lid.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Two packages of salmon thawed inside reduced oxygen packaging on shelf inside reach-in cooler in rear prep room. The packaging does have labeling stating that it must be removed from packaging prior to thawing. Manager stated the salmon was thawed the previous day.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing oven cleaner stored on shelf beside bag of hamburger buns and stack of foam trays at cookline. Spray bottle containing bleach stored on shelf beside clean plates in bar area. Manager removed chemicals from both shelves during this inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention devices missing at both ends after splitter on wall on back side of building.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Inside reach-in cooler in back prep area: rice (45F-47F - Cooling overnight). Manager stated the rice was placed into the cooler the previous night to cool. Pot of rice was placed into unit to cool covered with a tight lid. Stop sale issued.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixing bowl and hook on mixer in prep area soiled with food debris. Can opener blade soiled with black buildup and rust on prep table in rear prep area.
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. Two packages of salmon thawed inside reduced oxygen packaging on shelf inside reach-in cooler in rear prep room. The packaging does have labeling stating that it must be removed from packaging prior to thawing. Manager stated the salmon was thawed the previous day. Stop sale issued.
Dumpster missing drain plug and/or not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster behind building missing drain plug. Dumpster behind building sitting directly on grass.
Food stored on floor. Container of frying oil stored directly on floor inside kitchen near pizza oven. Manager removed oil from floor during this inspection.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Painters tape stuck to side of two pans on clean dish rack near three-compartment sink.
Stored food not covered. Large bin of salt stored uncovered on shelf in rear prep room.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Wall in kitchen near grill soiled with grease. Floor behind coolers in prep room soiled with dirt and/or food debris.
Wood surface not properly sealed. Wooden table legs on table below pizza oven not sealed or painted.
Feb 7, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 6, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 17 violations recorded, 7 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
7 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee at cookline touched shirt, face, personal phone with gloved hands, then continued to touch bags of food and grill steaks at the cookline. Manager instructed employee to wash hands during this inspection.
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Unwrapped ham stored directly on visibly soiled shelf inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Cooked hamburger patty stored directly on visibly soiled shelf inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Manager voluntarily discarded both during this inspection.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan containing raw beef stored on shelf above pan containing cooked sausage inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Manager moved raw beef to the bottom shelf during this inspection. Raw shell egg stored on shelf above open box containing sticks of butter inside reach-in cooler in storage area. Manager removed eggs from cooler during this inspection.
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Toilet leaking large amount of sewage onto the floor inside employee restroom in kitchen near cookline.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee at cookline washed gloved hands in handwash then continued to prepare food at cookline. Inspector explained proper handwashing and glove use to employees during this inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing bleach and aerosol air freshener stored on shelf above cans of beans and box of dry pasta in rear storage room. Manager removed chemicals from shelves during this inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at grey hose connection behind 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. Unwrapped ham missing date on shelf inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Manager stated the ham was opened two days prior and voluntarily discarded the ham.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade rusted on prep table in storage area. Interior shelving of reach-in coolers at cookline soiled with debris.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink at cookline blocked by large pan and bucket. Manager stated the employees utilize the sinks at the kitchen entrance and in prep room. Manager had employees unblock and set up handwash sink at cookline during this inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Towels missing at handwash sink at kitchen entrance. Manager replenished towels during this inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pan containing cooked sausage missing date on shelf inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Manager stated the sausage was cooked two days prior and added proper date mark. Pan of beans missing date mark inside reach-in cooler in storage area. Manager stated the beans were cooked two days prior and added proper date mark. Pan containing cooked beef missing date mark inside reach-in cooler in storage area. Manager stated the beef was cooked three days prior and added proper date mark.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Heavy ice buildup inside reach-in freezers in storage area near back door.
Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Strong odor from toilet leaking sewage onto the floor inside employee restroom in kitchen near cookline.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Several old labels stuck to metal pans throughout kitchen.
Toilet leaking. Toilet leaking large amounts of sewage onto the floor inside employee restroom in kitchen near cookline.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Wall soiled in storage area above vegetable cooler. Floor soiled below equipment throughout kitchen.
Jul 25, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Pan of sliced tomatoes covered in a white mold-like substance.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Bread stored inside grocery bags inside reach-in freezer in prep area near back door.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 06/2023.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored above pan of fries inside reach-in cooler in kitchen near cookline. Manager placed raw chicken in the bottom shelf during this inspection. Raw chicken stored above cooked beef inside reach-in cooler in prep area near back door. Manager moved raw chicken to shelf below beef during this inspection. Raw beef stored above cooked chicken on shelf inside reach-in cooler in prep area. Manager placed raw beef below the cooked chicken during this inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of "Spic and Span" stored on prep table near cookline above clean dishes. Employee removed the spray bottle from the table during this inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled on prep table in prep area of kitchen. Deli slicer soiled with old food debris on prep table in prep area of kitchen.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Co2 tank in server station near handwash sink not secured. Co2 tank in prep area of kitchen near handwash sink not secured. Co2 tank in bar area not secured.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach inside reach-in cooler containing kegs in bar area. One dead roach on floor inside employee restroom in back of kitchen. All were cleaned up and discarded during this inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Drink cups wet nested near fountain machine in server station.
Floor and/or wall soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor throughout kitchen soiled with food debris under and around equipment. Floor in kitchen below make-table near cookline heavily soiled with food debris. Walls in kitchen near grids soiled with grease. Wall in kitchen above three-compartment sink soiled with dust.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Several boxes of takeout containers stored directly on floor inside storage area of manager's office.
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Propane tank stored inside employee restroom in back of kitchen. Manager removed tank from building during this inspection.
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.