PlateScore

Vaqueros Carne Asada #2

A

1821 W Southern Ave, Phoenix 85041

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-03365

Score based on 9 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works

93
Excellent

Phoenix restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Jul 20, 2023 — Routine — score 95 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Feb 27, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Jul 11, 2024 — Routine — score 83 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)Oct 7, 2024 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Apr 15, 2025 — Routine — score 82 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)Aug 18, 2025 — Routine — score 97 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)Oct 28, 2025 — Routine — score 81 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 4 core)Mar 13, 2026 — Routine — score 98 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)Jun 18, 2026 — Routine — score 97 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)97
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history9 on record

2026

Jun 18, 2026Routine3 coreA

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no employee with a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on premises at the time of inspection. Discussed with PIC that one employee with CFPM must be present on premises at all hours of operations, every shift and time of inspection.

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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. 3rd consecutive occurrence Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Observed leaky faucet at 3 compartment sink. Discussed with PIC that all plumbing required to be maintained in good repair at all times.

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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Predefined Comment: All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.114

Inspector's notes

Observed Pepsi machine is not functioning. Discussed with PIC that equipment that is not functioning or required for maintenance may not be stored in establishment.

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6-501.114 - Core: Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter Predefined Comments: Removal of litter and articles that are not needed for the operation or maintenance of the establishment is required. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Mar 13, 2026Routine2 coreA

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no employee with a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on premises at the time of inspection. Discussed with PIC that one employee with CFPM must be present on premises at all hours of operations, every shift and time of inspection.

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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. 2nd consecutive occurrence Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#38 — Insects, Rodents and Animals not PresentCore6-202.15

Inspector's notes

Observed backdoor propped open and air-curtain not functioning. Discussed with PIC that outer opening needs to be protected to prevent pests from entering facility.

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6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected Predefined Comment: Establishment must be maintained free of pests, and all pest control measures must be taken. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

2025

Oct 28, 2025Routine1 priority4 coreB

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no employee with CFPM on premises at the time of inspection. Discussed with PIC that one employee with CFPM must be present on premises at all hours of operations and time of inspection.

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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#20 — Proper Cooling Time and TemperaturesPriority3-501.14

Inspector's notes

Observed cooked pork made overnight and refrigerated, temperature reading at 59F, PIC voluntarily discarded food. Discussed with PIC cooling method requires foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: Cooling. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Predefined Comment: Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#39 — Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and DisplayCore3-307.11

Inspector's notes

Observed time-as-control pans of taquitos placed on shelf above steam table of hot holding food and crumbs of taquitos falling into food. Discussed with PIC that needs to prevent cross-contamination of time-as-control foods with food that is being held at temp-as-control. Food that are not being held for temp-as-control and exceed 4 hours must be discarded. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-307.11 - Core: Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination

#53 — Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, CleanCore5-501.17

Inspector's notes

Observed no covered waste receptacle in female restroom. Discussed with PIC that covered waste receptacle is required in unisex/female restrooms.

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5-501.17 - Core: Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered Predefined Comment: Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide prior to next routine inspection. 2nd consecutive occurrence Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.12

Inspector's notes

Observed buildup of dirt and dust debris on kitchen door and restroom door. Discussed with PIC that physical facility requires to be cleaned more frequently to prevent accumulation of dust and dust debris.

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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Predefined Comment: Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Addl Notes: Observed tile at entrance of kitchen with cracked and missing tiles. Discussed with PIC that floor requires to be in good repair, smooth and cleanable. Predefined Comment: All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Aug 18, 2025Routine3 coreA

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#39 — Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and DisplayCore3-305.11

Inspector's notes

Observed delivery of beef cases and avocado cases on floor. Discussed with PIC that all deliveries need to be place 6 in off ground.

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3-305.11 - Core: Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises Predefined Comment: Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground at all times to prevent contamination from the premises. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#53 — Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, CleanCore5-501.17

Inspector's notes

Observed no covered waste receptacle in unisex restroom. Discussed with PIC that covered waste receptacle is required in unisex/female restrooms.

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5-501.17 - Core: Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered Predefined Comment: Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed torn and missing plastic curtain in walk-in cooler. Discussed with PIC that physical facility required to be in good repair

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6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Predefined Comment: Physical facility must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Apr 15, 2025Routine1 priority3 coreB

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no employee with CFPM on premises at time of inspection. Discussed with PIC that need one employee with CFPM on premises at all hours of operations and time of inspection.

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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#21 — Proper Hot Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed a pan of beef taquitos and a pan of beef tacos on shelf above steam table at 56F. Discussed with PIC that TCS food must be held at 135F and above and that TCS foods using Time Temp Control must be documented.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly hot held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#39 — Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and DisplayCore3-305.11

Inspector's notes

Observed eight boxes of beef delivery being place in back storeroom on floor. Discussed with PIC that all deliveries still need to be placed 6 inches above the floor.

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3-305.11 - Core: Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises Predefined Comment: Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground at all times to prevent contamination from the premises. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed door to kitchen is falling off the hinges and unable to open and close properly. Discussed with PIC that physical facility must be in good repair at all times.

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6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Predefined Comment: Physical facility must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

2024

Oct 7, 2024RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

Jul 11, 2024Routine1 priority2 coreB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority4-501.114

Inspector's notes

Observed several dishes soaking in the sanitizer section of 3 compartment sink, chlorine-based sanitizer in 3-compartment sink was at 0ppm. PIC had employee re-make sanitizer at appropriate range (50-100ppm) and re wash in appropriate sanitizer at time of inspection. Discussed with PIC importance of checking chlorine sanitizer for proper sanitization. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114 (A-E) - Priority: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.

#38 — Insects, Rodents and Animals not PresentCore6-202.15

Inspector's notes

Observed gap at the bottom of backdoor leading outside, discussed with PIC that outer openings shall be protected against the entry of insets and rodents. Please replace or repair prior to next inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected

#39 — Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and DisplayCore3-305.11

Inspector's notes

Observed various containers of raw meat, eggs, and box of pineapples stored directly on floor of walk-in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground at all times to prevent contamination from the premises. Items were moved to shelves at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-305.11 - Core: Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises

Feb 27, 2024Routine1 coreA

This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report was Emailed On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Food Manager Licenses: 1,Award: A,Signer: Derek Isais

#47 — Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and UsedCore4-402.11

Core-4-402.11, C: Fixed Equipment, Spacing or Sealing ---Observed silicon seal between hand sink and wall coming undone or gone leaving small gap. Discussed with PIC that the sink should be sealed to wall to ensure proper cleaning. Fix prior to next routine Inspection. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

2023

Jul 20, 2023Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB

This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 0 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report emailed.Inspection conducted with R.S.#1365.The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in the coming months. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal. If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may: • Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or • Contact the Department using the email addresses below, o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food) o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants) o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets) o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review) Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.Award: B,Signer: Alondra Ruby Martinez

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Priority Foundation-3-501.15 (A), Pf: Cooling Methods. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. --Observed a large covered plastic tub of cooked shredded beef cooling in the walk-in refrigerator with internal temperatures between 60°F-65°F. Per person in charge, the beef was prepped and placed in the walk-in about 2.5-3 hours prior to inspection. Due to the large amount of food and cooling method used, it was determined that this item would not reach 41°F within the proper time frame. Person in charge transferred the items into smaller containers and placed them in the freezer to facilitate rapid cooling. Reviewed cooling methods with the person in charge to ensure foods cool quickly. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Jul 20, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →