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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

El Cantarito Bar Grill

155 S Main St

Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 97

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jul 16, 2026

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11 (A)Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Handsink next to cook line had clear bucket in sink basin at beginning of inspection as well as a small portable prep table blocking the use of this handsink. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. CDI: Prep tale and bucket removed from the sink during inspection.

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
notedCode 4-602.11(E) Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils - Frequency - C In EQUIPMENT such as ice bins and BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of EQUIPMENT such as ice makersCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(E) Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils - Frequency - C In EQUIPMENT such as ice bins and BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of EQUIPMENT such as ice makers; cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines; BEVERAGE and syrup dispensing lines or tubes; coffee bean grinders; and water vending EQUIPMENT: (a) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or (b) Absent manufacturer specifications; at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. Dark slime build-up on ice machine basin guard. Please have machine wiped down at closing every night to prevent slime growth. Have whole ice machine emptied for a deep clean once a month.

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
notedCode 7-207.11 Medicines that are in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT for the EMPLOYEES' use shall bear a legible manufacturer's label and be located to prevent the contamination of FOODChemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-207.11 Medicines that are in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT for the EMPLOYEES' use shall bear a legible manufacturer's label and be located to prevent the contamination of FOOD; EQUIPMENT; UTENSILS; LINENS; and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. (P) Bottle over Tylenol stored on shelving with food ingredients and above single-service storage. CDI: Medication removed to office area.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 3-305.11 Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises A) Except as specified in par. (B) and (C) of this sectionContamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11 Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises A) Except as specified in par. (B) and (C) of this section; FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean; dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash; dust; or other contamination; and (3) At least 6 inches above the floor. (B) FOOD in packages and working containers may be stored less than 6 inches above the floor on case lot handling EQUIPMENT as specified under sec. 4-204.122 . (C) Pressurized BEVERAGE containers; cased FOOD in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans; and milk containers in plastic crates may be stored on a floor that is clean and not exposed to floor moisture. Several food items stored on the floor inside walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. Some food items stored on the floor under beer keg stand and shelving.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode —Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11 Provide required lighting intensity. Blub blown in hood ventilation system. Please have light bulb replaced for maximum lighting in this area. No points taken.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 16, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 12, 2026

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode 6-301.12Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

6-301.12; Priority Foundation; Back handsink near prep sinks and dish machine out of paper towels. Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. Manager added paper towels during inspection. 5-205.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Handsink next to cook line had clear bucket in sink basin at beginning of inspection. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Bucket removed from the sink during inspection.

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
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(1) PriorityFood temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(1) Priority; Beef; black beans; rice and queso on steam table less than 135F. Items at 109-120F. Knobs for temperature were in low or off position. Maintain TCS(Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety) foods in hot holding at 135F or above. Some items reheated on stovetop during inspection; and steam table knobs adjusted for other items. Food must be at 135F or higher. Full points taken for repeat violation.

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
notedCode 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Spray bottle of glass cleaner hanging on shelf with dry food and tortillas. Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food; equipment; utensils; linens; and single-service/use items. Bottle moved during inspection. No points deducted. All other chemicals stored in chemical storage area.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 12, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 10, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

notedCode 4-501.114Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-501.114;Priority; Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment; Chemical Sanitization - Temperature; pH; Concentration and Hardness; Dish machine chlorine sanitizer tested at 10ppm. Sanitizer button primed during inspection but no chemicals observed to be coming from hose into machine. Manager called dish machine company to service machine during inspection. Sanitizer at three compartment sink checked and sink cleaned and filled during inspection to sanitize dishes until company can service machine.

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
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(1)' PriorityFood temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(1)' Priority; Refried beans; black beans and queso on steam table less than 135F. Items at 90-110F. Maintain TCS(Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety) foods in hot holding at 135F or above. Items reheated in pan during inspection.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 10, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 21, 2025

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11 (A) One handwash sink blocked by cartHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11 (A) One handwash sink blocked by cart; one had pans in it; and a third had straws and lemon in it. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use Pf. Corrected by removing items.

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
notedCode —Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-102.11 Two spray bottles cleaner/sanitizer not labeled. Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. Labeled at time of inspection.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 4-901.11Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-901.11; Core; Multiple pans stacked wet on wire shelf. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 21, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

May 28, 2024

Score 99

Official score: 99 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

majorCode 3-501.13Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 ; Priority Foundation;

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 6-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-501.110; Core; Cell phone on dry goods shelf.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, May 28, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Dec 21, 2023

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

1 recorded violation

criticalCode 3-302.11Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11; Raw beef above ready to eat items in reach in cooler. In all coolers; store foods according to final cook temperatures with highest temp at bottom and ready to eat foods on top. Moved to another shelf. Core;

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Dec 21, 2023 · Original Source

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