Taqueria El Ranchero

505 Fair Av, San Antonio, TX 78210

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Nov 12, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Going back to 2024, Taqueria El Ranchero has five inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 12, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 10 violations to closer to six violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “bare hands contact with ready-to-eat foods”, which has been cited three times.

Restaurants in San Antonio average 84, so Taqueria El Ranchero trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 12, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food

3-301.11(B)

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

3-501.14(A)(2)

Observed cleaning tools in hand sink. Ensure hand sink is always available for use and not used for any other purpose.

Hand sink in back was once again blocked by torilla machinery. An additional sink that is accessible will need to be installed for back portion of establishment.

Ensure that air gaps are added to draining pipes in drain holes.

Observed cups and bowls in food containers. Ensure scoops have handles and are kept above food level.

May 30, 2025

Routine

5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 10 violations

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food

3-301.11(B)

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Toxic materials not stored separately from food

7-201.11

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(2)(b)

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

3-501.14(A)(2)

Improper cooling methods used

3-501.15(A)

Food thawed using improper method

3-501.13(B)

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(A)

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses

3-304.12(B)

Food storage containers not labeled with contents

3-302.12

Jan 9, 2025

Routine

5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.

View 11 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Toxic materials not used according to law or manufacturer instructions

7-202.12(A)

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food

3-301.11(B)

Equipment material allows contamination or unsafe migration

4-101.11

Sanitization method does not meet required temperatures or concentration

4-703.11(C)(1)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

3-501.17(A)

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

3-305.11(A)(3)

Ensure all food is covered and protected inside and outside of cooler. Observed food on bottom shelf without cover, breakfast food off to side without cover.

Single-use articles reused

4-502.13(A)

Observed plates used as scoops. Ensure scoops have handles and are kept above food level.

Ensure wiping clothes are kept in sanitizer solution in between uses.

Aug 1, 2024

Routine

5 critical violations. 5 minor violations.

View 10 violations

Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented

3-101.11

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

3-501.14(A)(1)

Equipment material allows contamination or unsafe migration

4-101.11

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Lettuce is water was stored under raw meat and eggs in a refrigerator. Ensure no raw animal products are stored above the lettuce

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Bulk containers of seasoning were missing labels. Some prepared foods in the refrigerators were missing labels. Ensure all containers of foods and spices are labeled with the common name of the food.

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

3-305.11(A)(3)

Employee wearing prohibited jewelry while handling food

2-303.11

Handwashing sign not posted

6-301.14

Jan 17, 2024

Routine

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

View 5 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

3-501.16(A)(2)

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(A)

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

4-301.11

Food thermometer not available or accessible

4-302.12(A)

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area

2-401.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria El Ranchero last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Ranchero on file is from Nov 12, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Ranchero?

Across the inspection record, “bare hands contact with ready-to-eat foods” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Ranchero.

How does Taqueria El Ranchero compare to other restaurants in San Antonio?

Taqueria El Ranchero most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the San Antonio average of 84.

Has Taqueria El Ranchero's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria El Ranchero have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Taqueria El Ranchero means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Taqueria El Ranchero inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Ranchero is inspected around three times per year on average.

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