TACOS LA CASITA
3605 N LOCKWOOD RIDGE RD, Sarasota FL 34234 · 941.960.1285
Last inspected Oct 27, 2025 · 8 visits since August 2023
FEB 24
JUL 24
NOV 24
JUL 25
OCT 25
— STEADY
5 inspections within 11 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed a large flying insect burrowing into a container of flour in the kitchen. Operator killed the insect and threw away the flour.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2023058687 | Aug 31, 2023 | Dec 11, 2023 | $160 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Oct 27, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed last years license posted.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed the hand wash sink leaking onto the floor. Operator mopped up the water and called a plumber.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in use utensils stored in 78F standing water. Operator removed the water.
Jul 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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. Observed no signed agreements. Had the operator sign a copy and emailed them more.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop for rice. Operator removed the scoop.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed the wrong year for their license displayed. Reviewed with the operator how to set up their account and print off their new license.
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. Observed ac filters stored over clean dishes. Operator removed them.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed under hot running water. Observed an employee thaw chicken with hot running water. Operator switched it to cold.
Nov 5, 2024Inspection 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 ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bottle of medical rubbing alcohol stored over their clean dishes in the kitchen. Operator disposed of the bottle.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet wiping cloth under a cutting board. Operator removed the cloth.
Jul 23, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed a no food grade plastic bag in direct contact with tamales. Operator wrapped the tamales.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple to go containers not inverted in the kitchen. Operator inverted them.
Stored food not covered. Observed food stored in the reach in freezer not covered. Operator covered the food.
Feb 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the make table: Chicken (45F - Cold Holding); Beef (45F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had been there for approximately 1hr. Operator called their repairman and placed bags of ice on the food.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed multiple unlabeled cooked rice and meats in the standing reach in cooler in the back. Operator stated the food had been made Friday and labeled the food appropriately.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop in a container of flour in the back. Operator removed the bowl.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple bottles of water on the back prep table. Operator placed bottles in a labeled container.
Oct 12, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 11, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed a non food grade grocery bag in direct contact with tortillas in the reach in cooler. Operate placed the tortillas in a ziplock bag.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed a large flying insect burrowing into a container of flour in the kitchen. Operator killed the insect and threw away the flour.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over ready to eat beef in the make table reach in cooler. Operator placed raw beef on the bottom shelf.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed a large flying insect burrowing into a container of flour in the kitchen. Operator killed the insect and threw away the flour.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Observed no knowledge of the big 6. Handed operator a copy to post.
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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Handed operator a copy to post.
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. Observed no signed agreements. Had operator and her employe sign a copy.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowls being used as scoops in multiple container of food in the kitchen. Operator removed the bowls.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining multiple food contact shelves in the dry storage area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed missing hand wash sing at the front counter sink.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee drink in the kitchen reach in cooler. Operator removed drink.
Aug 31, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. 5 ceiling tiles in the back preparation area showing water damage.
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.