COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT
Sep 23, 2026
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source
Cincinnati, OH
2845 Short Vine St
Last inspected Sep 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
We'll email you when El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist
COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Aug 24, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
6 recorded violations
6.4(K) - Controlling Pests
The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed: 1. Live cockroach present in bulk rice container. PIC discarded product and cleaned/sanitized container. 2. Infestation of insects in dish room and main bar. PIC committed to increase licensed pest control treatments until presence is mitigated within facility.
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 insects5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing sink - Operation and Maintenance
Access to handwashing facility blocked. Observed access to rear kitchen and dish room hand sinks blocked by equipment.
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 problems6.4(B)(1) - Cleaning- Frequency and Restrictions
The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Deep, thorough cleaning of kitchen and dish room is needed.
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 problems4.4(A)(2) - Equipment - Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. Observed kitchen cookline sink in disrepair. PIC indicated repairs were scheduled to be completed within 24 hrs of inspection.
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 issues4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency
Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough. Observed various kitchen surfaces soiled with residues.
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 problems3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination
Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Observed bottle of sour cream stored directly in shredded lettuce. Discontinue practice.
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 contaminationOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Aug 18, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
7 recorded violations
4.5(A)(2)(3) - Food-Contact Surfaces of Cooking Equipment and Pans and Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Equipment
The food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans and Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Observed slightly soiled blade for the commercial kitchen can opener. PIC acknowledged it needs to be cleaned. Recommended taking taking the blade mechanism out for easy cleaning.
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 temperature6.4(K) - Controlling Pests
The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed the presence of gnats in the area between the dishwashing side and the kitchen. Floors must be kept clean and dry to prevent pest activity. Recommended increasing the frequency of cleaning and maintaining dry conditions in this area. Additionally, traps may be installed provided they are not placed near food, food-contact surfaces, or clean equipment. PIC stated that a licensed pest control operator does treat the facility for pests. Gnat activity at the end of the inspection was significantly less after staff completed cleaning after lunch rush.
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 insects3.2(C)(1)(H) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation
Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. 1. Observed ice bin located in front of the soda machine in the kitchen is not covered. Must be kept covered when not actively in use to prevent possible contamination risk. Person In Charge (PIC) covered the ice bin. 2. Observed chips in large white bins were not covered. PIC covered them.
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 contamination6.4(B)(1) - Cleaning- Frequency and Restrictions
The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Observed trash and food debris accumulating behind the ice machine. Must be cleaned.
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 problems6.4(J)(2) - Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers
Lockers or other suitable facilities are not being utilized for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Observed staff jacket stored right next to large white bin holding chips. The bin was not covered. PIC moved the jacket and covered bin.
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other finding3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination
Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Observed steam from hot holding equipment in the kitchen condensing on the ceiling near the ventilation area. That moisture could potentially drip onto food items below. Discussed with PIC; food items were relocated, and it was recommended to keep hot holding items covered to minimize steam release and protect food from potential contamination.
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 contamination4.8(E)(1) - Equipment, Utensils, Linens - Storage
Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination. Observed ice scoops stored in a blue holder has water and food debris in it. PIC removed the ice scoops and holder to be cleaned.
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Aug 18, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
2 recorded violations
4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency
Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough. 1. Observed chips accumulating behind the chip storage unit. Must be cleaned. 2. Observed one of the drip guards in the bar area has a small amount of biofilm inside of it. Must be cleaned. 3. Observed grease accumulation behind the fryer. Must be cleaned.
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 problems4.1(Z) - Temperature Measuring Device - Functionality
Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. The facility’s temperature measuring device requires a mobile app to read the temperature. To ensure proper monitoring, all kitchen staff must have access to the app or an alternative method for accurately reading the temperature.
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 temperatureOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 1, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
2 recorded violations
4.5(A)(2)(3) - Equipment, food-contact surfaces, nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils
Non-food contact surfaces are dirty. 1. Observed small food debris accumulation on industrial can opener. Must be cleaned. 2. Observed biolfilm accumulation on the soda gun drip guard. Must be cleaned.
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 problems4.8(E)(1) - Equipment, utensils, linens, single-service articles, and single-use articles - storage
Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination. Observed knifes stored between the slits of a holding rack. Must be kept in a clean container or on a proper knife holder.
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 10, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
5 recorded violations
4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment cleanliness
Food-contact surfaces were dirty. Observed buildup of matter around the industrial can opener. Must be cleaned and inspected regularly.
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 contamination3.2(Q) - Food Storage
Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. Observed rice scoop stored inside the rice bin. Must be stored in a separated sanitized comtainer.
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other finding4.5(A)(2)(3) - Equipment, food-contact surfaces, nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils
Non-food contact surfaces are dirty. Observed buildup of matter inside the soda gun holster. Must be cleaned more frequently.
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 problems5.1(O)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using handwashing facility
Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cups in the hand washing sink. Nothing should be kept in the hand washing sink.
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 problems4.8(A)(1) - Equipment and utensils - air-drying required
Equipment and utensils are not being air dried or allowed to drain adequately after sanitizing. Observed food containers stacked and stored while still wet. Must be allowed to air dry after being stanitized.
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 9, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
11 recorded violations
"3717-1-02.4(C)(15) - Violation - PIC Duties -employees informed of their responsibilities Food employees and conditional employees are not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibilities to report to the person in charge, information about their health as it relates to diseases transmissible through food."
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-06.4(A) - Violation - Facilities: Maintenance: Good repair The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair."
"Blown lights in the dishwashing area. Insufficient lighting."
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"3717-1-05.3(C) - Violation - Drainage system-prohibited direct connections A direct connection exists between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed."
"Violation has been abated"
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems"3717-1-04.2(I) - Violation - Sanitizing solutions-testing devices. There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer."
"No Quat test kit available."
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"3717-1-03.2(K) - Violation - In-use utensils-between-use storage In-use utensils are improperly stored."
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-04.5(B)(5) - Violation - Cleaning Frequency-non-TCS food Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency."
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-05.1(O)(2) - Violation - Using handwashing facility-Other purposes Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. "
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-04.5(D) - Violation - Non-food contact surfaces-Cleaning Frequency Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-04.4(J) - Violation - Mechanical warewashing-wash temperature. The wash solution temperature in a spray type warewasher was insufficient."
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-03.2(Q) - Violation - Food Storage-preventing contamination form the premises Food items are not protected from contamination during storage."
"Violation has been abated"
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"3717-1-02.4(A)(2) - Violation - PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."
"PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 6, 2023 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
11 recorded violations
"3717-1-04.5(D) - Violation - Non-food contact surfaces-Cleaning Frequency Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."
"Soiled areas on the bottom of the ice scoop holder of the ice machine. Clean."
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"3717-1-05.1(O)(2) - Violation - Using handwashing facility-Other purposes Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. "
"OBSERVATION: Observed a Strainer Mat and a towel in handsink at the bar. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Items removed from handsink and sinks labels will be removed."
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"3717-1-04.5(B)(5) - Violation - Cleaning Frequency-non-TCS food Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency."
"OBSERVATION: Cream colored residue on backsplash and upper area inside of ice machine. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Ice machine will be cleaned today."
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"3717-1-03.2(K) - Violation - In-use utensils-between-use storage In-use utensils are improperly stored."
"Ice scoop was stored inside of ice bin at the bar."
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"3717-1-04.2(I) - Violation - Sanitizing solutions-testing devices. There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer."
"No Quat test kit available."
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"3717-1-04.4(J) - Violation - Mechanical warewashing-wash temperature. The wash solution temperature in a spray type warewasher was insufficient."
"OBSERVATION: Temperature of dishmachine was noted at 110F after multiple cycles. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator will get machine serviced and use 3 comp sink."
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"3717-1-02.4(C)(15) - Violation - PIC Duties -employees informed of their responsibilities Food employees and conditional employees are not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibilities to report to the person in charge, information about their health as it relates to diseases transmissible through food."
"OBSERVATION: Employee Sick Policy unavailable. PIC Duties -employees informed of their responsibilities Food employees and conditional employees are not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibilities to report to the person in charge, information about their health as it relates to diseases transmissible through food. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Provided a template to operator for implementation."
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"3717-1-02.4(A)(2) - Violation - PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."
"PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."
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"3717-1-03.2(Q) - Violation - Food Storage-preventing contamination form the premises Food items are not protected from contamination during storage."
"Large white chip containers were stored on the floor at the kitchen server's station."
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"3717-1-05.3(C) - Violation - Drainage system-prohibited direct connections A direct connection exists between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed."
"OBSERVATION: Drain pipe of ice machine is in the floor drain resulting in a direct connection to the sewer. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator will install an air gap."
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems"3717-1-06.4(A) - Violation - Facilities: Maintenance: Good repair The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair."
"Blown lights in the dishwashing area. Insufficient lighting."
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 16, 2023 · Original Source