Rios Barbacoa #

5707 Zarzamora St S San Antonio, Tx 78211 « Back, San Antonio, TX

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Dec 13, 2025

Score

High Risk

Public records show five inspections at Rios Barbacoa # stretching back to 2023. On Dec 13, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.

The last inspection found 11 violations, up from eight the time before.

By comparison, the average San Antonio facility scores 84, putting Rios Barbacoa # on the weaker side. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 13, 2025

Routine

6 major violations. 5 minor violations.

View 11 violations

The food establishment shall maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler training course for each food employee.

228.31(e)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

3-501.17(A)

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly

5-205.11

Permit holder responsibilities not met

8-304.11(K)

Sanitizer test kit not available

4-302.14

Certified food protection manager shall be present at the food establishment during all hours of operation as required in Food Code, §2-101.11 and §2-102.12.

228.31(b)

Employee not wearing required hair restraint

2-402.11

Dead or trapped pests not removed promptly

6-501.112

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(C)

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

6-501.12

Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable

6-101.11(A)(1)

Apr 5, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.

View 13 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

3-501.16(A)(1)

Handwashing sink water not at required temperature

5-202.12(A)

Observed: All other employees did not have Food handlers certification to show inspector at tie of the visit. Ensure all employees take and pass the Food handlers certification class and keep all certificates on site for inspector view, as per...228.31(d) Food Handler Training criteria.

228.31(d)

Observed: Inside reach in cooler was full of blood and refrigerator was off. Ensure all reach-in coolers are cleaned and sanitized prior to use, as per....4-202.12 Cleaned in place (CIP) equipment. CIP equipment shall meet the characteristics specified under §4-202.11 and shall be designed and constructed so that: cleaning and sanitizing solutions circulate throughout a fixed system and contact all interior food-contact surfaces; and the system is self-draining or capable of being completely dra

4-202.12

Outer openings not protected against pests

6-202.15(A)

Insect control devices improperly placed or designed

6-202.13

Mechanical ventilation inadequate or absent

6-304.11

Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable

6-101.11(A)(1)

Observed: Numerous refrigerators not in use but present. Ensure to remove all equipment not in use at the business so not to cause harborage.

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area

2-401.11

Employee not wearing required hair restraint

2-402.11

Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable

6-201.11

Observed: No mop sink on site. Ensure a mop sink is installed with hot and cold running water, as per...5-203.13 Service sink or one curbed cleaning facility provided.

5-203.13

Jun 22, 2024

Routine

4 critical violations.

View 4 violations

Conveying sewage.

5-402.13

Plumbing not installed to prevent backflow

5-203.14

Food obtained from unapproved source

3-201.11

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

3-501.16(A)(1)

Oct 21, 2023

Routine

2 critical violations. 2 major violations.

View 4 violations

Food obtained from unapproved source

3-201.11

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Prohibited toxic material present in facility

7-202.11(A)

Sanitizer test kit not available

4-302.14

Aug 19, 2023

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Chlorine sanitizing solution shall have a minimum temperature based on the concentration and pH of the solution as listed in the following chart.

4-501.114(A)

Food obtained from unapproved source

3-201.11

Warewashing sink compartments insufficient or improperly set up

4-301.12(A)

Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable

6-101.11(A)(1)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Rios Barbacoa # last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Rios Barbacoa # on file is from Dec 13, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does Rios Barbacoa # compare to other restaurants in San Antonio?

Rios Barbacoa # most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the San Antonio average of 84.

Has Rios Barbacoa #'s inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Rios Barbacoa # have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about eight per visit to around 11 more recently.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Rios Barbacoa # means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Rios Barbacoa # inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Rios Barbacoa # is inspected around two times per year on average.

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