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Santa Clara County, CA

Restaurant Palacios

280 N Capitol Av

Last inspected May 26, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

2 inspections

Routine Inspection

May 26, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

2nd hand sink battery operated paper towel dispenser is not working. [CA] Repair/replace batteries in dispenser. [SA] Paper towels were placed on top of dispenser

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode K36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

Bowls and to-go containers observed to be stored in container to be used as scoops for dry bulk foods. [CA] Provide scoops with handles and store store scoops such that handles are not in direct contact with food.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

1) Large bin of shredded cheese observed in back of facility. Per employee cheese had been out there for about 30 minutes for refill and he had forgotten to put it away. Cheese measured to be 51F. 2) Shredded cheese by grill measured to be 68F. Per employee she had just taken it out to use for orders. Once done cooking observed employee go to back to clean and leave cheese out on counter. [CA] Keep PHFs cold at 41F and below. When not in active use, keep PHFs inside refrigerator. [COS] 1)Cheese bin was moved into reach in cooler in back. 2)Cheese on countertop was placed into ice bath and shall be kept on ice bath when set out on countertop for use.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Dry bulk foods such as rice, beans, and flour observed to be stored in open bins under prep table. [CA] Ensure foods are stored in containers of tight fitting lids to prevent cross contamination. Ensure lids are on containers when food is not in use.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

Inspector’s notes

Back and front door and propped open. [CA] Keep doors closed when not in use to prevent vermin entry.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode K09Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

Large container of refried beans observed on countertop and measured to be 130F on edges and 173F interior. Low level of ice observed around container of bins. After stirring beans measured to be 159F. Per employee beans were done cooking about 35 minutes prior. [CA] After cooking, heating, or hot holding, facility has 2 hours to cool from 135F to 70F and then 4 hours to cool from 70F to 41F. Adding more ice to ensure ice level sufficiently submerges sides of containers and stirring frequently to release steam. [COS] Operator stirred container and added more ice.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

Flies observed throughout facility. [CA] Food facility shall be kept free of non-disease carrying insects, weevils, ants, gnats, and fruit flies.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, May 26, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Oct 28, 2025

Pass

7 recorded violations

minorCode K14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

Pink/brown organic growth observed inside the ice machine; no contamination of ice observed. Knives on the knife rack have food residue. [CA] Wash, rinse and sanitize ice machine and knives; discard all ice before the cleaning process.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Shredded cheese measured 73F inside a bucket. Per staff, the cheese was left out since the day before. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] Staff discarded cheese in the trash; see VC&D report.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

1. Heavy food debris and residue observed on floor under equipment and before equipment throughout facility. [CA] Walls and/or floors in food preparation area shall be kept clean. 2. Wall paint is peeling and deteriorating near back of the facility, in front of the refrigeration units. [CA] Floors, walls, and ceilings of all enclosed food preparation areas shall be constructed so that the surfaces are impervious, smooth, and easily cleanable.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

Food handler cards are not provided for employees. [CA] Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of his or her employment as food handler. A valid food handler card shall be provided within 30 days of after the date of hire.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

2nd hand sink battery operated paper towel dispenser is not working. A table is placed in front of 2nd hand sink. [CA] Repair/replace batteries in dispenser. Handwashing facility shall be clean, unobstructed, and accessible at all times.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode K43Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Inspector’s notes

Restroom door is not self closing and door was open during inspection; employee restroom is adjacent to food prep area. [CA] Restroom door shall be self closing.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode K34Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewash facilities: installed/maintained; test strips

Inspector’s notes

Chlorine test paper is not available for use. [CA] Provide chlorine test paper to measure chlorine concentration of 100 ppm (30 seconds).

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Oct 28, 2025 · Original Source

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