VALLARTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT INC
22948 SR 54, Lutz FL 33549 · 813.949.6565
Last inspected Aug 3, 2026 · 15 visits since December 2023
5 inspections trending up, 41 points better than where it started.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -2 live roaches in gasket of triple door cooler in dry storage
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $960
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024006623 | Jan 24, 2024 | Mar 18, 2024 | $600 |
| 3--2019018710 | Mar 12, 2019 | Oct 11, 2019 | $160 |
| 3--2019043304 | Jun 25, 2019 | Oct 2, 2019 | $200 |
Inspection history
15 visits, newest first
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef above queso sauce. Operator removed the beef to bottom shelf
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda nozzles interior soiled and black mold like substance buildup
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Opened gallon milk in reach in cooler in storage no date marked over 24 hours. Operator marked date correctly
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and vents soiled and grease buildup heavily in kitchen.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled and grease buildup heavily under cooking equipment in kitchen
Food stored on floor. Raw beef on floor in walk in freezer. Operator moved the beef to shelf
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled and grease buildup heavily.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Opened bottle soda in reach in cooler in kitchen, operator discarded it
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Ripped tin foil used for shelf of prep table in kitchen
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 10 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of reach in cooler soiled with accumulated food debris. Interior of frozen drink machine nozzle soiled with black debris
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. On cook line and dish area hand sink. Manager refilled
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked beef, cooked chicken and cut tomatoes not dated in reach in cooler. Queso in walk in cooler made the other day
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Current copy available expired 2-1-2026.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken metal table in storage
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Throughout kitchen and dish area
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple broken throughout kitchen
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. In dry storage
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked beef, cooked chicken and cut tomatoes not dated in reach in cooler
Walk-in cooler, reach in cooler and dish shelves have rust that has pitted the surface.
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Dish washer touched dirty dishes then handled clean dishes without hand washing. Discussed with operator and he washed hands properly
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs above cooked chicken in walk in cooler, operator moved eggs to bottom shelf
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained in kitchen. Vegetables cuter soiled with food debris on clean dishes shelf.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit for chlorine used in dish machine
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken in walk in cooler more than 24 hours no date mark. Operator marked it correctly
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee food in drink fridge in bar. Operator moved employee food to a separate container with label on stored at bottled in walk in cooler
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups wet nesting in bar counter.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Fried chalupas in open container on top of vertical fridge in kitchen, exposed to dust buildup ceiling. Operator removed the chalupas and cover it.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed education packet to operator.
Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken and plant food not covered in walk in cooler. Operator covers them with plastic wrap
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 8 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed to go bag holding tortillas. Manager transferred to food grade bag.
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.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. In dish area. Manger put roll closer to hand sink
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Current copy posted expired 2-1-2025
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Stored food not covered. Frozen potato balls not covered in walk in freezer. Manager covered
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over cooked chicken in reach-in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Walk-in cooler: Cold Holding: salsa 54 F, chorizo 52 F, milk 54 F, pork tamale 54 F, liquid egg white 53 F, Queso 54 F. Ambient temperature: 54 F. Food was stored in walk-in cooler from overnight and over 4 hours, no temperatures was taken by operator from last night and prior to inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk-in cooler: Cold Holding: salsa 54 F, chorizo 52 F, milk 54 F, pork tamale 54 F, liquid egg white 53 F, Queso 54 F. Ambient temperature: 54 F. Glass door reach-in cooler at cook line: Cold Holding: sliced tomato 44 F, raw steak 45 F, raw shrimp 50 F, raw chicken 51 F. Reach-in cooler at storage area: Cold Holding: cooked pork 44 F, enchiladas sauce 45 F, buritto sauce 48 F, raw chicken 48 F. Operator starts placing ice on most of the food items in reach-in coolers.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Queso, pork tamales and various food items in walk-in cooler. Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Multiple bottles of milk opened in walk-in cooler with no date marks.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over cooked chicken in reach-in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Walk-in cooler: Cold Holding: salsa 54 F, chorizo 52 F, milk 54 F, pork tamale 54 F, liquid egg white 53 F, Queso 54 F. Ambient temperature: 54 F. Food was stored in walk-in cooler from overnight and over 4 hours, no temperatures was taken by operator from last night and prior to inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk-in cooler: Cold Holding: salsa 54 F, chorizo 52 F, milk 54 F, pork tamale 54 F, liquid egg white 53 F, Queso 54 F. Ambient temperature: 54 F. Glass door reach-in cooler at cook line: Cold Holding: sliced tomato 44 F, raw steak 45 F, raw shrimp 50 F, raw chicken 51 F. Reach-in cooler at storage area: Cold Holding: cooked pork 44 F, enchiladas sauce 45 F, buritto sauce 48 F, raw chicken 48 F. Operator starts placing ice on most of the food items in reach-in coolers.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. A opened bottle of liquid cleaner stored with food to be served the public on food storage shelf in walk-in cooler.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed hands with no soap. Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee washed hands in prep sink with no soap and not rubbing hands for at least 10-15 seconds.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Wiping clothes stored in hand wash sink at bar.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink at dish washing area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Queso, pork tamales and various food items in walk-in cooler. Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Multiple bottles of milk opened in walk-in cooler with no date marks.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. In dish washing area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Food stored on floor. Multiple containers of salsa stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Multiple containers of tortillas stored on floor in storage room.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of grease/food debris. On cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grinder head connector soiled with mechanical oil like grease.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 4 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gasket by mop sink. Ice machine in bar area lid in disrepair.
Food stored on floor. Pot of mozzarella on floor in kitchen. Margarita drinks in igloo coolers on floor in bar area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout cooks line.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon over cut tomatoes Reach in cooler. Raw meat over cook beef and salsa in reach in cooler across from mop sink. Raw beef over ready to eat sauce in walk in cooler. Employee removed to proper storage.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.reach in cooler on line in the middle of kitchen ambient air temperature 48 f no temperatures taken food held overnight in cooler Reach in cooler : cook beef 48 f 3 lbs cook beef cheese ball 1 lbs 48 f cook peppers 48 f.50 cut tomatoes 50 f 7 lbs cook chicken 7 lbs 50 f guacamole 50 f 7 lbs Reach in cooler by right side of kitchen door entrance cook beef 51 f cook chicken 50 f cook beef 49 f ambient air temperature top 41 f bottom 63 f no temperatures taken held overnight. Cook beef 51 f 5 lbs cook sauce 52 f 5 lbs raw beef sausage 51 f 8 lbs 9 raw shelled eggs 49 f
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.reach in cooler on line in the middle of kitchen ambient air temperature 48 f no temperatures taken food held overnight in cooler Reach in cooler : cook beef 48 f 3 lbs cook beef cheese ball 1 lbs 48 f cook peppers 48 f.50 cut tomatoes 50 f 7 lbs cook chicken 7 lbs 50 f guacamole 50 f 7 lbs Reach in cooler by mop sink ambient air temp 50 f on bottom and 42 f on top. Cold holding : raw beef 45 f raw chicken 45 f raw sausage 44 f discussed with operator to place food in walk in cooler. Reach in cooler by right side of kitchen door entrance cook beef 51 f cook chicken 50 f cook beef 49 f discussed with employees to move food to a working cooler. ambient air temperature top 41 f bottom 63 f no temperatures taken held overnight. Cook beef 51 f 5 lbs cook sauce 52 f 5 lbs raw beef sausage 51 f 8 lbs 9 raw shelled eggs 49 f
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At bar area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked beef cooked sauce cooked chicken in reach in cooler
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White boards cooks line.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gasket by mop sink. Ice machine in bar area lid in disrepair.
Food stored on floor. Pot of mozzarella on floor in kitchen. Margarita drinks in igloo coolers on floor in bar area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Ware washing room
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout cooks line.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 3 findings ▾
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Dish area and storage area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Reach in cooler Steam table
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Dish area
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
Show 6 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 22 live cockroaches in wall in door way of cook area 3 on floor by chest freezer in cooking area 1 live in hinge of 3 door cooler in storage area
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Dish area and storage area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Reach in cooler Steam table
Dead roaches on premises. 3 dead in wall by doorway going into cook area 1 dead on floor behind keg cooler in storage 1 dead in gasket of 3 door cooler in storage area 8 dead on floor in dish area 7 dead on floor in bar area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Dish area
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 7 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 7 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 22 live cockroaches in wall in door way of cook area 3 on floor by chest freezer in cooking area 1 live in hinge of 3 door cooler in storage area
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Dish area and storage area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Reach in cooler Steam table
Dead roaches on premises. 3 dead in wall by doorway going into cook area 1 dead on floor behind keg cooler in storage 1 dead in gasket of 3 door cooler in storage area 8 dead on floor in dish area 7 dead on floor in bar area
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under and behind all equipment Under dish machine
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Dish area
Ordered shut on the spot. 16 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
Show 16 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 22 live cockroaches in wall in door way of cook area 3 on floor by chest freezer in cooking area 1 live in hinge of 3 door cooler in storage area
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. sour cream (57F - Cold Holding); shredded beef (55F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella cheese (53F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut lettuce (45F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (47F - Cold holding); sour cream (57F - Cold Holding); shredded beef (55F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella cheese (53F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler on cook line
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked by garbage can, tongs and steel scrubbie stored in hand sink on cook line, items removed
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand sink in dish area
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Dish area and storage area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Reach in cooler Steam table
Dead roaches on premises. 3 dead in wall by doorway going into cook area 1 dead on floor behind keg cooler in storage 1 dead in gasket of 3 door cooler in storage area 8 dead on floor in dish area 7 dead on floor in bar area
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. All floor in dish area
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under and behind all equipment Under dish machine
Food stored on floor. Corn and salsa on floor in walk in cooler
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall in doorway on cooking area is in disrepair and has hole in it Wall under three compartment sink has hole
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Dish area
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. -Observed cook rinse hands for 4 seconds before immediately returning to cook. Discussed proper handwashing with cook
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. -Employee touched face with gloved hands and immediately returned to preparing food Discussed proper handwashing with employee
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Cutting boards on cook line -Can opener on cook line near double door reach-in cooler -Container of shredded lettuce in double door reach-in cooler in dry storage area soiled
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Large amount of Food debris present in hand washing station on cook line
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. -Acoustic ceiling tiles in dishwashing area and dry storage area
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. -Condensation of walk-in cooler not being properly disposed. Drains directly onto concrete into large puddles of water.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -Metal hotel pans stacked while wet in dishwashing area
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Floor in walk-in cooler not smooth or easily cleanable
Open dumpster lid.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 28 recorded, 8 high priority.
Show 28 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. -Observed cook rinse hands for 4 seconds before immediately returning to cook. Discussed proper handwashing with cook
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. -Employee touched face with gloved hands and immediately returned to preparing food Discussed proper handwashing with employee
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. -1 fly in dry storage area, not landing on any food contact surfaces
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. -1 dead insect on soap dispenser of hand washing station in dish area Employee cleaned and sanitized area
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. -Raw chicken over raw beef in reach-in cooler on cook line. Employee properly stored all products
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -2 live roaches in gasket of triple door cooler in dry storage
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. -Shredded lettuce at 58F -Cut tomatoes at 55F -Cooked chicken at 53F -Beans at 59F -Flan at 56F -Cooked 54F -Mozzarella 62F All in triple door cooler in dry storage
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -Shredded lettuce at 58F -Cut tomatoes at 55F -Cooked chicken at 53F -Beans at 59F -Flan at 56F -Cooked beef 54F -Mozzarella 62F All in triple door cooler in dry storage. Cook states food was prepared and stored 2 days ago, no temperature monitoring. See Stop Sale.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. -Jug of milk in double door cooler on cook line not date marked. Manager on duty states it was opened 2 days ago
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Cutting boards on cook line -Can opener on cook line near double door reach-in cooler -Container of shredded lettuce in double door reach-in cooler in dry storage area soiled
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -Trash can in front of hand washing station on cook line Employee removed trash can
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Large amount of Food debris present in hand washing station on cook line
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device or soap provided at handwash sink. -Hand washing station in dishwashing area -Hand washing station behind bar
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -Bowl used as scoop in beef and vegetable mix in double door reach-in cooler on back of cook line Employee removed bowl
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. -Double door reach-in cooler on cook line across from steam table -Double door reach-in cooler at the back of cook line next to chest freezer
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. -Acoustic ceiling tiles in dishwashing area and dry storage area
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. -Ice bin not inverted for protection
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. -Condensation of walk-in cooler not being properly disposed. Drains directly onto concrete into large puddles of water.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Dead roaches on premises. -2 dead under triple door cooler in dry storage -1 dead roach on floor near back door
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -Employee beverage container on prep table in kitchen Employee removed and properly stored beverage
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -Cellphone stored above prep table on cook line Employee removed cell phone
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -Metal hotel pans stacked while wet in dishwashing area
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Floor in walk-in cooler not smooth or easily cleanable
Food stored on floor. -Boxes of avocados stored on floor of walk-in cooler
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -Handwashing station behind bar Provided operator with hand washing sign to place behind bar
Open dumpster lid.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -Double door cooler on cook line has standing water
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.