El Tlacoyo
A°2535 E University Dr, Tempe 85288
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-10493
Score based on 13 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works
Score over time
Inspection history15 on record
2026
Jun 22, 2026Re-InspectioncleanA°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected.
Jun 9, 2026Routine2 foundationB°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed establishment provide raw marinated shrimp ceviche as ready to eat but have no parasite destruction letter from seafood provider.
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3-402.12 - Priority Foundation: Records, Creation & Retention; Raw as Ready-to-Eat Fish. 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/4619/AMC-Toolbox---Approved-Source. Predefined Comment: Parasite destruction records or letter from supplier are required for all non-exempt fish served raw or undercooked at establishment. Must provide parasite destruction letter from supplier prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed disclosure portion and incomplete reminder statement of consumer advisory on printed menus for the ready to eat raw marinated shrimp ceviche.
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3-603.11 - Priority Foundation: Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw, Undercooked, or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. Predefined Comment: Offering and serving undercooked proteins requires an approved consumer advisory at all points of sale; and must contain an approved disclosure method and reminder statement. Predefined Comment: Must provide approved consumer advisory at all points of sale prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
Apr 2, 2026Routine1 coreall corrected on siteA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Observed bar procedures with person in charge.
Inspector's notes
Observed frozen beef being thawed out at ambient temperature. Person in charge started using the frozen beef by the end of the inspection. All foods being thawed from frozen must be thawed in an approved manner. Foods must be thawed under refrigeration, under cold running water, or as part of the cooking process. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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3-501.13 - Core: Thawing
2025
Sep 25, 2025Routine4 coreA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
The certified food-service manager is off duty. Provide a certified food-service manager during all hours of operation.
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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.
Inspector's notes
Observed employee bottles of water in the reach-in freezer in the kitchen next to frozen foods. Do not store employee drinks near customer food. Place employee drinks in employee-designated areas. The owner the removed the bottles of water. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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2-401.11 - Core: Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco
Inspector's notes
There was a bowl of cooked chicken (6-inch food depth) and a 5-gallon container of cooked salsa (12-inch food depth) cooling at ambient temperature in the kitchen. Both were measured at 134 degrees F. The owner was advised to divide the cooked chicken into two containers and transfer the cooked salsa into shallow 4-inch containers, and then put them in the reach-in coolers (which were 39 Degrees F), with no lids. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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3-501.15 (B) - Core: Cooling Methods; Covered and Properly Arranged Containers. 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.
Inspector's notes
There is no splashguard between the kitchen handwashing sink and the adjacent food-prep sink to the left of it. The owner was instructed to install an adequate splashguard between the two sinks. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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3-307.11 - Core: Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination
Jun 27, 2025Routine1 priority3 coreB
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
The certified food service manager was on vacation. Provide a certified food-service manager during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine 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
Inspector's notes
In the reach-in refrigerator, raw bacon and raw chorizo were stored above salsa, The manager then moved the bacon and chorizo to a lower shelf. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.
Inspector's notes
Raw ribs were being rinsed in the 3-compartment sink. The food-prep sink was not being used and was covered by a cutting board. Do not use the 3-compartment sink for food preparation. Use the food-pep sink. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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3-305.14 - Core: Food Preparation
Inspector's notes
The hot water faucet of the kitchen handwashing sink had been dripping and was shut off at the valve below. Have the faucet repaired or replaced so that it doesn't drip. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained
Mar 17, 2025Re-InspectioncleanA°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection conducted with USDA investigator to determine meat source and compliance with law. PIC provided sales receipt from Encinas Meats showing mixed lamb sold to establishment (received 2/27/2025). PIC stated the organ meat (head with brain, teeth and small portions of hide hair, trachea and lungs) was goat meat was purchased from a different entity. PIC stated the lamb rib meat and shanks were purchased from Encinas Meats. PIC later clarified that all meat is lamb. Since no boxes with inspection seals or stamps could be observed on the meat or organ meat, the Embargo has been released to USDA for further investigation. Instructed PIC that there is no approved source for animal trachea or lungs. Establishment stated they would voluntarily discard all comingled organ meat and meat in the stockpot even if the source of the rib meat is verified as from an approved source due to possible cross contamination. Since the meat embargoed is comingled with meat still being investigated for source, establishment will hold onto all meats and organs until the investigation is completed. Advised PIC retain all records including inspection seals, invoices etc. with meats until fully prepared. Advised PIC to obtain foods from approved sources only. Advised PIC lung and trachea cannot be served in accordance with ARS. PIC stated the lungs and trachea are for personal consumption.
Mar 3, 2025Routine1 priority2 foundation1 coreB°
A re-inspection will be conducted 3/13/2025 to verify source.No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Establishment does not have a CFPM. 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.
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Repeat Violation *Ninth consecutive repeat violation* 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
Inspector's notes
Observed a cooked goat head with teeth and eyeballs in the reach in cooler. Observed trash bags of raw frozen goat meat in the reach in freezer. Observed a large stock pot of raw goat with teeth, eyeballs, trachea and lungs attached. PIC stated the foods were obtained from Encinas meat but was unable to provide receipts with proof of purchase. All food must be obtained from an approved source as defined by law. PIC had all the goat meat moved to the back reach in freezer. A true embargo was placed on the cooked goat head, raw goat meat, and fresh goat meat. PIC was instructed the goat may not be moved, sold, discarded or used without approval from MCESD. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-201.11 (A-B) - Priority: Compliance with Food Law; Approved Source. 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/4619/AMC-Toolbox---Approved-Source.
Inspector's notes
Observed food debris on the blade guard of the immersion blender that was stored as cleaned. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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4-601.11(A) - Priority Foundation: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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.
Inspector's notes
Observed a large spray bottle of RAID pesticide spray in the dry storage area. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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7-202.11 - Priority Foundation: Restriction-Presence and Use
2024
Nov 22, 2024Routine1 coreA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Advised PIC to removed the pass through shelf above the saloon doors to ensure an unobstructed path to other areas (bar and salsa/drink server station. Establishment has only one hand sink in the kitchen. Discussed that additional hand sinks may be required in other areas if the shelf is not removed.
Inspector's notes
Establishment does not have a CFPM. 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.
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Repeat Violation *Eighth consecutive repeat violation* 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
Inspector's notes
Observed latex gloves used to prepare foods. Latex gloves are not approved for food handling. PIC stated gloves would be used for cleaning only. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 2, Reg. 5a - Latex gloves may not be used in direct contact with food.
Aug 5, 2024Routine1 coreA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.This inspection was conducted with RS #689.Advised PIC to removed the pass through shelf above the saloon doors to ensure an unobstructed path to other areas (bar and salsa/drink server station. Establishment has only one hand sink in the kitchen. Discussed that additional hand sinks may be required in other areas if the shelf is not removed.
Inspector's notes
Establishment does not have a valid CFPM. 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.
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Repeat Violation *Seventh consecutive repeat violation* 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
Mar 22, 2024Routine1 coreA
This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager ------ Establishment does not have a valid certified food protection manager that is regularly scheduled to work. Discussed retaining records onsite for CFM and employee food handler certificates. Obtain a CFM from an ANSI certified program prior to the next routine inspection. *Sixth repeat violation*A copy of the report was emailed to the manager.No County legal action will result from this inspection.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 website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181Award: A,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Miguel Angel Rojo
Core-6-201.13, C: Floor and Wall Junctures, Coved, and Enclosed or Sealed ------ Cove base observed missing throughout the kitchen and bar areas. Observed tile flooring installed on the floor and wall at a 90* angle without proper cove basing. Advised PIC to apply siliconized grout to the floor to wall juncture and use grout to create a 3/8" radius curve to allow for proper cleaning. Correct prior to the next routine inspection. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
2023
Nov 28, 2023RoutinecleanA
This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.FDA 01 2-102.12(A), C – Certified Food Protection Manager• No employee with supervisory and management responsibility with the authority to direct and control food preparation that is deemed a certified food protection manager.• The certified food protection manager certificate is deemed not to be from an accredited program. Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email. Notes: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 websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: A,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA--- TEW,Signer: David Cruz
Aug 24, 2023Re-InspectioncleanA°
Upon re-inspection, all violations have been corrected.A copy of the report was emailed to the manager.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Re-Inspection,Embargo Lbs: 0,Signer: Carlos Ortega
Aug 22, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundationB
This establishment received a(n) B Grade and had 1 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.A re-inspection will take place on 9/1/2023 to ensure priority foundation violation #31 has been corrected. Core-2-102.12(A), C: Certified Food Protection Manager ------ No certified food protection manager (CFM) available on site at the time of inspection. Discussed that a CFM must be available at all times to answer food safety questions for employees. Establishment currently has one CFM. Discussed that an additional CFM may be required. Discussed retaining records onsite for CFM and employee food handler certificates. *Fourth repeat violation*A copy of the report was emailed to the manager.No County legal action will result from this inspection.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-RequestForm-181 or call 602-506-6824Award: B,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Yolanda Ortega
PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B), P: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding. ------ In the reach in cooler, observed an ambient air temperature of 54*F when measured with a min/max thermometer. Inside the cooler, observed TCS foods with internal temperatures ranging from 44-48*F when measured with a probe thermometer, including:various preparations of cooked pork, beef, soups, tripas, huitlacoche, rice, beans, salsas, fresh masa, and rice porridge. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling, or when time is used as a control all TCS foods are to be maintained at 41°F or less. Observed multiple containers of cooling foods within the unit including a large metal container pork adobada with internal temperautres ranging from 145-155*F. PIC stated the cooling foods had been in the until for approximately 1 hour. Observed a small ice block forming on the coils and underside of the top. PIC stated all foods were in temperature less than 3 hours prior. Had PIC move TCS foods to other working coolers. Advised PIC to store only non-TCS foods including whole produce, breads etc in the unit until it can be repaired. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Priority Foundation-4-301.11, Pf: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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. ------ In the reach in cooler, observed an ambient air temperature of 54*F when measured with a min/max thermometer. Inside the cooler, observed TCS foods with internal temperatures ranging from 44-48*F when measured with a probe thermometer. Discussed coolers should be capable of maintaining TCS foods at 41*F or below. Observed a small ice block forming on the coils and underside of the top. A repair technician was onsite at the time of inspection completing repairs in other areas. The technician stated the warm air temperature, humidity, and a faulty thermostat were preventing the cooler from normal operation. A re-inspection will take place on 9/1/2023 to ensure the cooler is working properly. 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. ------ In the back reach in cooler, observed a tub of salsa with approximately 8 inches of cooling foods inside measuring 60-68*F when measured with a probe thermometer. PIC stated the salsas was prepared approximately 2 hours prior. In the main reach in cooler, observed a tightly sealed bag of shredded chicken and whole chicken breasts with more than 6 inches of cooling food which was tightly packed. Ensure cooling from 135*F to 70*F is done in no more than two hours, and to 41*F or below in no more than four more hours. Cool most efficiently in shallow, uncovered pans in walk-ins, reach-ins or freezers. PIC uncovered the chicken, separated into smaller pieces and placed in the reach in freezer. PIC separated the salsa into a shallow metal pan to aid in cooling Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection
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 →