Taqueria La Tapatia

538 Fair Av, San Antonio, TX 78223

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Nov 26, 2025

Score

High Risk

The health department has logged six inspections at Taqueria La Tapatia, the earliest from 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 26, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

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

Looking across the full record, “employee prepared ready-to-eat tacos with bare hands” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

Taqueria La Tapatia's latest score of 50 falls below the San Antonio average of 84. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 26, 2025

Routine

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

View 6 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

3-501.16(A)(1)

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food

3-301.11(B)

Permit holder responsibilities not met

8-304.11(K)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

3-501.17(C)

Nonfood-contact surfaces not corrosion-resistant or cleanable

4-101.19

May 30, 2025

Routine

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

View 10 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

3-501.14(A)(2)

Toxic materials not stored separately from food

7-201.11

Employee hands not clean

2-301.11

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)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

3-501.17(C)

Permit holder responsibilities not met

8-304.11(K)

Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage

4-901.11

Employee sweeping floor around uncovered foods. 6-501.13(A) Only dustless methods of cleaning shall be used. Cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing. Dustless methods of cleaning shall be used, such as wet cleaning, vacuum cleaning, or the use of dust-arresting sweeping compounds. Cleaning operations shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes the possibility of contamination of food or food-contact surfaces.

6-501.13(A)

Do not store personal drinks above prep areas. 7-209.11 Other Personal Care Items, Storage.

7-209.11

Feb 20, 2025

Routine

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

View 7 violations

Observed ready to eat food handled with bare hands. Ensure all ready to eat food is not handled with bare hands.

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(1)

Ensure all dishes are being WASHED, RINSED AND SANITZTED. see hand out.

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly

5-205.11

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

3-501.17(A)

• Ensure that there is a certified food manager present during all hours of operations and certification must be posted in a place conspicuous to the public. • Asegúrese de que haya un alguien con el certificado de Food Manager presente durante todas las horas de operaciones y la certificación debe publicarse en un lugar visible para el público. 2.103.11 Person in charge. The person in charge shall ensure that §228.34 (1-15) Relating to Duties of PIC are met.

228.34

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses

3-304.12(B)

Jun 21, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.

View 10 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

4-301.11

Improper cooling methods used

3-501.15(A)

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(A)

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

4-501.11

Food storage containers not labeled with contents

3-302.12

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

6-501.12

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

3-305.11(A)(3)

Outer openings not protected against pests

6-202.15(A)

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

4-501.11

Jan 16, 2024

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation.

View 3 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(2)

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Improper cooling methods used

3-501.15(A)

Jan 17, 2023

Routine

2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Food contacted unclean equipment or utensils

3-304.11

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

3-302.11(A)(4)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

3-501.17(A)

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(A)

Mops not properly air-dried after use

6-501.16

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(C)

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

3-305.11(A)(3)

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses

3-304.12(A)

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria La Tapatia last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Tapatia on file is from Nov 26, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Tapatia?

Across the inspection record, “employee prepared ready-to-eat tacos with bare hands” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Tapatia.

How does Taqueria La Tapatia compare to other restaurants in San Antonio?

Taqueria La Tapatia most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the San Antonio average of 84.

Has Taqueria La Tapatia's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria La Tapatia have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Taqueria La Tapatia 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 Taqueria La Tapatia inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria La Tapatia is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 64 — Medium Risk

Stop N Go Snacks

1111 Fair Ave

Score: 78 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in San Antonio → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Texas → Mexican / Latin restaurants in San Antonio