PlateScore

Hansen's Cowboy BBQ

B°

6245 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek 85331

Food Establishment · Permit FD-86626

Score based on 10 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 24, 2026.

87
Good

Cave Creek restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Dec 21, 2023 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jun 27, 2024 — Routine — score 74 (1 priority, 2 foundation, 1 core)Jun 28, 2024 — Re-Inspection — score 79 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Mar 5, 2025 — Routine — score 35 (4 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Oct 3, 2025 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Feb 25, 2026 — Routine — score 93 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 2 core)Mar 25, 2026 — Re-Inspection — score 94 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Apr 2, 2026 — Re-Inspection — score 94 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Apr 16, 2026 — Re-Inspection — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)May 13, 2026 — Routine — score 84 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)84
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history16 on record

2026

Jul 9, 2026Advisorynot scoredclean
May 13, 2026Routine1 priority1 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

In Coke reach-in refrigerator/57.4F, observed TCS holding over 41F including pork/55F, beef brisket/55F, pre-cooked macaroni/57F, sausage/55F, cabagge slaw/58F, pepper jack cheese/56F, potato salad/54F, sliced cheese/56F, and queso/56F.Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. All TCS foods were in the unit over 24 hours and were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Staff will not use the unit until it is repaired/replaced. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: 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.

#49 — Non-Food-Contact Surfaces CleanCore4-601.11

Inspector's notes

The food prep sink was soiled and contained debris. Clean and maintain the sink and all surfaces as needed. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-601.11(B) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils

Apr 16, 2026Re-Inspection1 coreA°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected. Observed women's and men's restrooms "Out of Order". Additional restrooms for men and women with approved handwashing are available for use. Ensure all handwash sinks are supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing.

#35 — Approved Thawing Methods UsedCore3-501.13

Inspector's notes

Observed frozen ribs thawing in pans of water at room temperature. All foods being thawed from frozen must be thawed in an approved manner. Thaw TCS foods under refrigeration, under cold running water, or as part of the cooking process. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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3-501.13 - Core: Thawing

Apr 2, 2026Re-Inspection1 foundation1 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-202.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no hot water at hand sink in the bar, and maximum water temperature of 76F at one hand sink in women's restroom. PIC restored the hot water in the bar faucet. Provide hot (at least 100F) running water to the women's restroom sink and all other handwashing sinks as needed. Email inspector proof of corrective action (e.g. a service receipt or photo) within about a week. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

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Repeat Violation 5-202.12 (A) - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Sinks, Installation. Proper temperature, Mixing Faucet. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#35 — Approved Thawing Methods UsedCore3-501.13

Inspector's notes

Observed frozen ribs thawing in pans of water at room temperature. All foods being thawed from frozen must be thawed in an approved manner. Thaw TCS foods under refrigeration, under cold running water, or as part of the cooking process. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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3-501.13 - Core: Thawing

Mar 25, 2026Re-Inspection1 foundation1 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-202.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no hot water at hand sink in the bar, and maximum water temperature of 65F at one hand sink in women's restroom. PIC restored the hot water in the bar faucet. Provide hot (at least 100F) running water to the women's restroom sink and all other handwashing sinks as needed. Email inspector proof of corrective action (e.g. a service receipt or photo) within about a week. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

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Repeat Violation 5-202.12 (A) - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Sinks, Installation. Proper temperature, Mixing Faucet. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#35 — Approved Thawing Methods UsedCore3-501.13

Inspector's notes

Observed frozen ribs thawing in pans of water at room temperature. All foods being thawed from frozen must be thawed in an approved manner. Thaw TCS foods under refrigeration, under cold running water, or as part of the cooking process. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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3-501.13 - Core: Thawing

Mar 18, 2026Advisorynot scoredclean
Feb 25, 2026Routine1 foundation2 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Menu currently does not denote burgers as cooked to order. If the establishment is willing to serve undercooked burgers, please provide approved Consumer Advisory on the menu. Inspector emailed guidance document.Owner indicated that the bakery section is an extension of their operating permit.

#35 — Approved Thawing Methods UsedCore3-501.13

Inspector's notes

Observed frozen ribs thawing in pans of water at room temperature. All foods being thawed from frozen must be thawed in an approved manner. Thaw TCS foods under refrigeration, under cold running water, or as part of the cooking process. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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3-501.13 - Core: Thawing

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-202.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no hot water at hand sink in the bar, and maximum water temperature of 65F at one hand sink in women's restroom. PIC restored the hot water in the bar faucet. Provide hot (at least 100F) running water to the women's restroom sink and all other handwashing sinks as needed. Email inspector proof of corrective action (e.g. a service receipt or photo) within about a week. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection. 6-301.12 - Priority Foundation: Hand Drying Provision. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: No single use towels at two kitchen hand sinks and the hand sink in the bar. After instruction, towels were provided. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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5-202.12 (A) - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Sinks, Installation. Proper temperature, Mixing Faucet. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlCore3-501.15

Inspector's notes

In the walk-in cooler, observed brisket/95F cooling while wrapped in paper. PIC indicated that the ribs had been cooling for less than an hour. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means.Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine 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.

2025

Oct 3, 2025Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB°

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

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

Observed prep table not holding temperature correctly. Foods inside measured 51-57°F. Potato Salad in the prep table was measured to be 51°F and coleslaw was measured to be 54°F by probe thermometer. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. PIC stated foods had been placed in there from the walk-in about an hour ago. PIC removed all foods from the prep table at time of inspection and placed them in walk-in cooler to rapidly cool. Prep table was found to be unplugged and began working to specifications near the end of the inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: 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.

Aug 20, 2025Advisorynot scoredclean
Mar 5, 2025Routine4 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteD°

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

#13 — Food in Good Condition, Safe and UnadulteratedPriority3-101.11

Inspector's notes

Observed green cabbage in reach in cooler on cook line that began turning purple and had a sell by date of 2/11, heavy cream in reach in cooler in bloated bottle with a sell by date of 2/11, poblano sauce in reach in cooler on cook line dried and dis-colored in plastic container, baked beans in metal dish stored in red Coca-Cola cooler with white, green and blue organic matter on surface of item and cooler with water bottles, Gatorade and Coca-Cola with white organic matter on outside of containers.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-101.11 - Priority: Safe, Unadulterated and Honestly Presented. 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: All food must be in good condition, safe, and unadulterated. All adulterated food was discarded at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

Inspector's notes

Observed raw whole shelled eggs in reach in cooler on cook line stored on shelf above shredded cheese milk and mayonnaise.

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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. Predefined Comment: All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority foundation4-601.11

Inspector's notes

Observed metal tongs, metal sheet pan, and plastic containers stored at as clean with visible debris on surface of items.

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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. Predefined Comment: All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. Predefined Comment: 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.

#19 — Proper Reheating Procedures for Hot HoldingPriority3-403.11

Inspector's notes

Observed ribs, tri-tip, sausages and chicken in hot holding unit with temperatures ranging from 108-140*F. CFPM on site explained the items were re-heated to 110*F at 9am in the oven then placed into hot holding. Temperatures of items were taken at 11:30am 2 hours and 30 minutes after initial re-heating began.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-403.11 - Priority: Reheating for 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/4618/AMC-Toolbox---Reheating. Predefined Comment: TCS food items prepared onsite and reheated for hot holding must be rapidly reheated to 165°F within 2 hours prior to hot holding. Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly reheated were discarded by PIC. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority3-501.18

Inspector's notes

Observed cooked tri-tip with a date marking of 2/18, cooked rip tips with a date marking of 2/21 and cooked pork butt with a date marking of 2/26 in walk-in cooler at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.18 - Priority: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition. 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: All RTE/TCS foods past 7 days of preparation were discarded by PIC at the time of inspection. Predefined Comment: RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1). Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

2024

Jun 28, 2024Re-Inspection1 priority1 foundation1 coreB°
#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

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 Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority7-203.11

Inspector's notes

Observed apple cider vinegar in spray bottle previously used as sanitizer bottle. Person in charge informed a container previously used to store poisonous or toxic materials may not be used to store, transport, or dispense food. Apple cider vinegar in spray bottle was discarded at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-203.11 - Priority: Poisonous or Toxic Material Containers-Container Prohibitions

#29 — Compliance with Variance, Specialized Process, Reduced Oxygen Packaging Criteria or HACCP planPriority foundation3-502.11

Inspector's notes

Observed tri-tip, and roasted garlic in oil in reduced oxygen packaging in walk in cooler.

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3-502.11 - Priority Foundation: Variance Requirement. 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/3978/Food-Variances. Predefined Comment: A variance/HACCP must be obtained prior to conducting any specialized processes. Variance/HACCP applications are available through the customer portal "Permit Center" at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home. Additional resources can be found at https://www.maricopa.gov/3978/Food-Variances. Tri-tip and roasted garlic in oil discarded at time of inspection refer to embargo form. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Jun 27, 2024Routine1 priority2 foundation1 coreB°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report emailed and confirmed received at time of inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

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 Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-202.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no hot water at three hand washing faucets in men and women employee used restrooms.

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5-202.12 (A) - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Sinks, Installation. Proper temperature, Mixing Faucet. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Predefined Comment: Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F. Corrective Action: Correct within 24 hours.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority7-203.11

Inspector's notes

Observed apple cider vinegar in spray bottle previously used as sanitizer bottle. Person in charge informed a container previously used to store poisonous or toxic materials may not be used to store, transport, or dispense food. Apple cider vinegar in spray bottle was discarded at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-203.11 - Priority: Poisonous or Toxic Material Containers-Container Prohibitions

#29 — Compliance with Variance, Specialized Process, Reduced Oxygen Packaging Criteria or HACCP planPriority foundation3-502.11

Inspector's notes

Observed tri-tip, and roasted garlic in oil in reduced oxygen packaging in walk in cooler.

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3-502.11 - Priority Foundation: Variance Requirement. 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/3978/Food-Variances. Predefined Comment: A variance/HACCP must be obtained prior to conducting any specialized processes. Variance/HACCP applications are available through the customer portal "Permit Center" at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home. Additional resources can be found at https://www.maricopa.gov/3978/Food-Variances. Tri-tip and roasted garlic in oil discarded at time of inspection refer to embargo form. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

2023

Dec 21, 2023RoutinecleanA°

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.A facilities inspection was conducted today. No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report emailed to person in chargePer Plan Review Construction inspection:1) For future jockey box, it must drain indirectly to the sewer; provide a hub drain with a minimum 1??air gap (walk-up beverage service area).2) Finish out small closet with electrical panel ??in process at time of inspection.3) Provide a cover or similar for on/off switch at fly fan at service window, so that fan may not be turned off (a micro switch has been properly installed).For outdoor bar and outdoor cooking areas:4) Smooth out all rough areas of concrete in outdoor area.5) Seal concrete in outdoor cooking area, so that concrete does not absorb fluids and is easy to clean.6) Seal all wood and metal in outdoor bar area, including floor. Patch any major holes in floor first. No dish washing machine at time of inspection person in charge stated that dish washing machine was leased and will be replaced when establishment re-opens. All connections still remain at establishment. Person in charge informed dishwasher shall be like-for-like.Award: Not Participating,Signer: Denise Hansen

Dec 20, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Scheduled inspection for 12/20/2023 at 4pm through email. Person in charge was not at establishment at 4pm, waited at establishment for 30min before leaving. Emailed person in charge at 4pm with no response at this time, Called phone number provided at 4:14pm and was sent to voicemail.

Oct 23, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Contact the owner via email to check on permit status, per owner they are still working on getting opened and plan on opening in December. Also, stated that they are not doing any remodeling to affect the permit.

Oct 18, 2023Advisorynot scoredclean

Establishment not accessible at time of inspection. Current status is establishment is still closed due to town violations. Ineffective visit report was emailed to the establishment.No County legal action will result from this inspection.

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Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 24, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →