PLAZA MEXICO RESTAURANT BAR & GRILL
38361 COUNTY RD 54 E, Zephyrhills FL 33542 · 813-355-3627
Last inspected Jul 22, 2026 · 14 visits since December 2023
JAN 25
APR 25
NOV 25
MAR 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Employee killed live roach on clean dish shelf in ware washing area. Washed rinse and sanitized area and dishes on shelf.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025042918 | Apr 25, 2025 | Jun 25, 2025 | $200 |
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Jul 22, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair near three compartment sink off cook line area next to the dishmachine. Standing water present.
Jul 15, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon wrapped raw shrimp skewers stored above ready-to-eat sauces on cook line in cooler. Operator moved and stored correctly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Chicken (74F - Cold Holding); Cut Lettuce (72F - Cold Holding); Shredded Cheese (72F - Cold Holding); Cut Tomatoes (72F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler on cook line. Items had been in cooler for less than 2 hours. Employee started to ice products down. Operator had technician present to repair the unit. Observed Housemade Salsa (62F - Cold Holding) in wait station cooler. Operator stated the items had been in cooler for less than 4 hours. Operator started to have employee discard salsa.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb with hose attached near three compartment sink at end of cook line near dishmachine.
Containers of food stored on floor in walk-in freezer. Operator had employees store correctly.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair near three compartment sink off cook line area next to the dishmachine. Standing water present.
Mar 20, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at front exit door.
Food stored on floor. Observed bags of ice on floor in walk in freezer, manager removed ice from floor.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in water 123F, employees began to heat water to comply.
Feb 9, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean dishes on shelves in ware washing area.
Feb 4, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Employee killed live roach on clean dish shelf in ware washing area. Washed rinse and sanitized area and dishes on shelf.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach on floor in ware washing area washing area next to triple sink. Employee removed dead roach cleaned and sanitized area during inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean dishes on shelves in ware washing area.
Nov 24, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Employee killed live roach on clean dish shelf in ware washing area. Washed rinse and sanitized area and dishes on shelf.
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.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Employee removed cardboard from dry storage shelves in dry storage.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach on floor in ware washing area washing area next to triple sink. Employee removed dead roach cleaned and sanitized area during inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean dishes on shelves in ware washing area.
Food stored on floor. Boxes of octopus on floor of freezer and unwashed produce on floor of walk in cooler.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Employee removed knife from in between reach in cooler and prep table on cook line and took to ware washing area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Employee poured water out of container on cook line.
Apr 30, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 29, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On counter at pass through- pico (51F - Cold Holding); sour cream (48F - Cold Holding) house made salsa (51F - Cold Holding)moved to cooler to quick chill, removed from refrigeration 45 minutes ago. Walk in cooler - butter (45F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (45F - Cold Holding); next to door,rearrange cooler
Apr 25, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food prepared in a private home. See stop sale. Tres leches made from home, 18 pcs, no invoice to show supplier
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On counter at pass through- pico (51F - Cold Holding); sour cream (48F - Cold Holding) house made salsa (51F - Cold Holding)moved to cooler to quick chill, removed from refrigeration 45 minutes ago. Walk in cooler - butter (45F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (45F - Cold Holding); next to door,rearrange cooler
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle with chlorine next to spices in kitchen, moved to dish room
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Bucket in bar >200, corrected to 100 ppm
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun end cap soiled, operator cleaned
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At server station.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on prep table next to food, operator discarded In bar on top of cooler, moved to other shelf
Stored food not covered. In walk in cooler, butter, cream cheese
Jan 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken above raw beef in walk in cooler
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Logs of beef in standing water in prep sink, manager turned water on
Mar 28, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items In Walk-in-Cooler not date marked. Operator date marked items
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic cup used to scoop ice near bar. Operator removed
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee drinks not segregated from food first sake in Walk-in-Cooler. Operator moved
Food stored in a prohibited area. Bag in box sodas stored in cabinet out rear kitchen door.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses near ice machine. Operator removed
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice on bar area. Operator removed
Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand sink drain line in bar area is broken, operator has plumber coming to repair. Operator has bucket under pipe to catch leaking water
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler behind bar and salsa cooler in kitchen
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe in hand sink near Walk-in-Cooler has drip
Dec 7, 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 ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Cook make line lids and left door damaged. No gasket on left door causing hot air to get inside of cooler. Observed ceiling inside of walk in cooler coming down and ice buildup on floor as well.
Dec 6, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook make line: shredded lettuce (44F - Cold Holding); shreded cheese (44F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); guacamole (45F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo (44F - Cold Holding). Manager moved items to another working cooler and is calling for service.
Equipment in poor repair. Cook make line lids and left door damaged. No gasket on left door causing hot air to get inside of cooler. Observed ceiling inside of walk in cooler coming down and ice buildup on floor as well.
Dec 4, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook make line: shredded lettuce (44F - Cold Holding); shreded cheese (44F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); guacamole (45F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo (44F - Cold Holding). Manager moved items to another working cooler and is calling for service.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink at bar blocked by trash can. Mamager removed
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed ice dumped in hand sink at server station
No soap provided at handwash sink. Or paper towels at hand sink in serverstation.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed ice buckets on floor. Manager put in dish
Equipment in poor repair. Cook make line lids and left door damaged. No gasket on left door causing hot air to get inside of cooler. Observed ceiling inside of walk in cooler coming down and ice buildup on floor as well.
Food stored on floor. Observed container of chips on floor. Manager got off of floor
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In make line cooler
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. By dish area
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.