SAN MARCOS MEXICAN GRILL
1170 APALACHEE PARKWAY, Tallahassee FL 32301 · 850-656-7264
Last inspected Feb 12, 2026 · 19 visits since July 2023
MAR 24
NOV 24
MAY 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. 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. Emailed operator.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $960
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6--2022037761 | Aug 1, 2022 | Mar 30, 2023 | $400 |
| 6--2016027870 | May 17, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | $400 |
| 6--2015030172 | Jun 30, 2015 | Aug 12, 2015 | $160 |
Inspection history
19 visits, newest first
Feb 12, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 11, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored behind shrimp inside reach in cooler on cook line. Operator properly placed food items during time of inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours during time of inspection: Chicken wings 47F Shrimp 48 Lettuce 47F Sour cream 48F
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours during time of inspection: Chicken wings 47F Shrimp 48 Lettuce 47F Sour cream 48F
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dish inside hand sink at bar.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Manager on duty: Alvaro Jordan.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at bar hand wash sink. Operator added paper towels during time of inspection.
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.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on equipment door handle at cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood vents soiled with grease.
Observed Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at bar.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up on prep table inside kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed tilapia thawed inside packaging.
Sep 2, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed following food item cold holding for more than 4 hours during time of inspection: Sour cream 54F
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food item cold holding for more than 4 hours during time of inspection: Sour cream 54F. Observed following food item cold holding for less than 4 hours: Lettuce 47F. Operator placed food inside walk in cooler during time of inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food item hot holding for less than 4 hours: Rice 94F. Operator began to reheat food item during time of inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood vents soiled with grease.
Jul 2, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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.
May 5, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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.
May 2, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Chicken 48F Beef 45F Rice 46F Black beans 45F Charro beans 45F. See stop sale.
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.
May 1, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate0 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 stored above beef inside walk in cooler. Operator properly placed chicken inside walk in cooler during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Chicken 48F Beef 45F Rice 46F Black beans 45F Charro beans 45F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding for more than 4 hours: Chicken 48F Beef 45F Rice 46F Black beans 45F Charro beans 45F. See stop sale.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris.
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.
Dec 5, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 25, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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.
Nov 15, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dish machine not properly sanitizing dishes properly during time of inspection. Informed operator to discontinue dish machine and to set up three compartment sink until machine is fixed.
Nov 4, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored in pan above shrimp inside reach in cooler on prep line. Operator properly stored chicken during time of inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice hot holding at 91F. Operator started to reheat rice during time of inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris. Soda gun nozzle soiled with slime at bar.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand sink next to prep table. No paper towels inside women's restroom.Employee added paper towels during time of inspection.
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 soap provided at handwash sink. No soap provided at handwashing sink next to prep table. No soap for handwashing sink at bar. Operator replaced soap during time of inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dish machine not properly sanitizing dishes properly during time of inspection. Informed operator to discontinue dish machine and to set up three compartment sink until machine is fixed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign inside women's or men's bathroom. No handwashing sign at hand sink in bar area.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves inside reach in cooler with rust that has pitted the surface.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed Chorizo sitting out to thaw. Employee placed Chorizo under running water during time of inspection.
May 24, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 22, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
Mar 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 28 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority5 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 28 findings ▾
Employee used tobacco, ate, or drank then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch personal drink and then touch clean plates.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken tenders stored on top of raw beef in walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salsa 57F placed 30 minutes ago, placed in walk in cooler to drop temperature.
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. Emailed operator.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Violation from 1/5/24. On time extension scheduled for 4/20/24.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for sanitizer strength in three compartment sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in bar area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap or hand washing sign at handwashing sink in bar area.
Can opener blade not kept sharp - observed metal shavings.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile and AC vents soiled with grease and dust throughout kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates not stored inverted.
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. Observed tilapia in ROP thawed in walk in cooler.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed cove molding missing throughout kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employees eating and drinking in food prep area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees preparing food no hair restraint.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed pans wet nesting near three compartment sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed freezer at 34F, manager called repair company to come out and inspect also ice machine in rear of kitchen leaking.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap beneath exit door.
Food stored on floor. Observed chicken stored on floor in walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in reach in cooler, rear of kitchen.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored in dirty container.
In-use utensil for non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored in a clean, protected location. Observed tongs stored on top of steak in cooks area expo cooler.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Observed tongs stored on fire suppression system.
Light not functioning. Observed light burned out in walk in freezer and near three compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed outside of ice machine with mold like substance and calcium near walk in coolers. Also observed seals on walk in cooler door with mold like substance and or dirt.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled with grease and food throughout kitchen.
Mar 21, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
Jan 5, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 24 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority5 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed rice on prep table near 3 compartment sink at 97F, per manager prepared more than 4 hours ago. Manager disposed of rice.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed rice on prep table near 3 compartment sink at 97F, per manager prepared more than 4 hours ago.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salsa 63F servers area, per manager placed 45 minutes ago, placed into freezer to quick chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice 113F on serving line, per manger placed an hour ago, manager turned up temperature on steam table. Rechecked temperature of rice 136F.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed multipurpose cleaner stored next to glasses near dish machine.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed milk opened in walk in cooler no date mark.
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. Emailed to operator to post.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed shrimp hulls and pastry brush in hand wash sink near ovens.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink near oven.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in and on exterior of ice machine.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing in storage area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed hood vents soiled with grease.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates not stored inverted near and under steam table.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks on prep table near ice machine.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed playing cards on prep table near oven.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food no hair restraint.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed bowls wet nesting near 3 compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed raw chicken, California blend and buffalo chicken wings stored on the floor in walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up in walk in freezer.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Observed tongs stored on fire suppression sprinkler.
Light not functioning. Observed light burned out in walk in freezer.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in expo cooler across from fryer.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloths throughout kitchen not stored in solution.
Jul 11, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 7, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Food prepared with soiled equipment/utensil. Observed old, soiled shirt resting on a pot of rice that was covered with aluminum foil. Shirt was not in contact with the food item.
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. Observed shredded chicken 56F, raw eggs 55F, beans 51F, flan 54F, cooked pork 50F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shredded chicken 56F, raw eggs 55F, beans 51F, flan 54F, cooked pork 50F.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Per manager salsa only held for 4 hours.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemicals stored on clean pot and pan shelf.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed diced chicken, beans, salsa not date marked in cooler past 24 hours.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed floor cleaner without label dish area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling vents soiled with mold-like substance.
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 walk in cooler not cooling to 41F or below.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed jackets stored on pan rack.
Food stored on floor. Observed frozen chicken stored on the floor in walk-in freezer. Also observed cooking oil stored on floor.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Observed tongs hanging on fire suppression hose.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed hood vents soiled with grease.
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.