Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano

734 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801-8806

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Across the available record, Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent visit was on Apr 17, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “food-contact surface soiled with food debris”, showing up two times.

That's lower than the typical Lakeland restaurant, which scores around 85. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 17, 2026

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine

22-02-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom of soda head on soda machine

23-03-4

Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Spoons on serviceline

24-18-4

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Portion cup on service line

25-06-4

Dec 10, 2025

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener Ice machine

22-02-4

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Degreaser Employee labeled **Corrected On-Site**

41-17-4

Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Stored above prep table. Drinks removed. **Corrected On-Site**

12B-02-4

Apr 29, 2025

Routine - Food

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drink on the ledge of the ice machine. The beverage was removed. **Corrected On-Site**

12B-07-4

Dec 5, 2024

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place

FL-36

Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored

FL-41

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures

FL-21

Mar 22, 2024

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized

FL-22

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

FL-23

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Oct 20, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppm Operator adjusted machine retested 100 ppm **Corrected On-Site**

22-41-4

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 2 spray bottles with blue liquid not labeled in service area.

41-17-4

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. Floor and wall

14-69-4

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Service area in soda machine ice bin.

10-08-5

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood and filters soiled with grease and dust. **Repeat Violation**

23-03-4

Jun 15, 2023

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

FL-23

Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used

FL-24

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal

FL-51

Dec 21, 2022

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed large cart blocking sink, employee moved cart. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-09-4

Basic - Carbon dioxide/tanks not adequately secured. Observed next to juice machine.

51-11-4

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee bottled water on storage shelf employee removed water. **Corrected On-Site**

12B-07-4

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on clear containers on dish storage shelf, operator removed containers. **Corrected On-Site**

24-08-4

Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200ppm), employee diluted Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 75ppm) **Corrected On-Site**

21-07-4

Show all 8 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano?

Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano.

How does Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?

Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Lakeland average of 85.

Has Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano is inspected around two times per year on average.

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