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CARDENAS #203 - TAQUERIA

235 E JULIAN ST, SAN JOSE, CA, 95112 +14082923177
Pass
75
Latest score
71%
Pass rate
7
Inspections
4
Critical violations

Location

Latest inspection

PASSED
Aug 12, 2026FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION3 days ago

This is the first follow up inspection after the facility was closed on 8/11/26 for an active cockroach infestation. A completed and signed checklist for reopening, two pest control reports, and proof of corrections of structural deficiencies were provided prior to the inspection. Facility was serviced by EcoLab. Observation: - No evidence of cockroaches observed. - Cove base along the wall of the cookline was sealed with a red sealant, ensure to adequately repair the cove base. - The large hole on the wall to the left of the steam tables was sealed with a stainless steel panel, however, the underside of the counter top is still unfinished with gaps. - The underside of the counter top near the scale is unfinished with gaps. Facility is okay to reopen. Finish repairs to structure and provide proof of corrections to this department. An additional follow up inspection may be conducted to verify compliance with violation K07: Proper hot and cold holding temperatures. Any and all subsequent follow up inspections shall be charged at the approved hourly rate of $282.00/hr, minimum of one hour, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and $645 for a minimum of two hours, during non-business hours, and upon inspector availability. Placards were relocated to the window next to the automated sliding doors, in accordance to Santa Clara County Ordinance requirements.

Inspection Timeline

Aug 12, 2026Latest
Passed
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION
Aug 11, 2026
FailedScore: 75/100
ROUTINE INSPECTION
75
Jan 21, 2026
FailedScore: 92/100
ROUTINE INSPECTION
92
Jan 21, 2026
Passed
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION
Jul 9, 2025
PassedScore: 90/100
ROUTINE INSPECTION
90
+2 more inspections

Violations Analysis

4
Critical Violations
3 in last 3 inspections
16
Non-Critical
20
Total Violations
Across 7 inspections

Complete inspection history

7 inspections
PassLatest Aug 12, 2026
N/A

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION

This is the first follow up inspection after the facility was closed on 8/11/26 for an active cockroach infestation. A completed and signed checklist for reopening, two pest control reports, and proof of corrections of structural deficiencies were provided prior to the inspection. Facility was serviced by EcoLab. Observation: - No evidence of cockroaches observed. - Cove base along the wall of the cookline was sealed with a red sealant, ensure to adequately repair the cove base. - The large hole on the wall to the left of the steam tables was sealed with a stainless steel panel, however, the underside of the counter top is still unfinished with gaps. - The underside of the counter top near the scale is unfinished with gaps. Facility is okay to reopen. Finish repairs to structure and provide proof of corrections to this department. An additional follow up inspection may be conducted to verify compliance with violation K07: Proper hot and cold holding temperatures. Any and all subsequent follow up inspections shall be charged at the approved hourly rate of $282.00/hr, minimum of one hour, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and $645 for a minimum of two hours, during non-business hours, and upon inspector availability. Placards were relocated to the window next to the automated sliding doors, in accordance to Santa Clara County Ordinance requirements.

No reported violations
Fail Aug 11, 2026
75/100

ROUTINE INSPECTION

6 reported violations
  • K45: Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

    Junction at floor and wall separating.[CA] The juncture of the floor and wall shall be coved with a 3/8-inch minimum radius coving and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches.

  • K27: Food separated and protected

    Self service agua fresca is not protected by covering or sneeze guard. [CA] Food on display shall be protected from cross-contamination, by the use of an approved sneeze guard that intercept a direct line between the consumer's mouth and the food being displayed.

  • K07: Proper hot and cold holding temperaturesCritical

    PHF held at preparation table measured >41F,<135F,>4hrs [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.

  • K35: Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity

    Ambient temperature of standing refrigerator measured at 49F [CA] Refrigeration must be capable of maintaining PHFs at 41°F or below.

  • K06: Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

    Mens restroom lacks liquid hand cleanser. [CA] Provide handwashing cleanser in dispenser at handwash stations at all times.

  • K23: No rodents, insects, birds, or animalsCritical

    1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: 5 live cockroaches of different generations found at floor of cookline. 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: Samantha Khan. 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Jorge Haro, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.

Fail Jan 21, 2026
92/100

ROUTINE INSPECTION

- Due to lack of hot water, facility is hereby temporarily closed. - Subsequent follow-up inspection after first follow-up shall be billed $298/hour, minimum one hour, during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM), and $645 for a minimum of two hours, during non-business hours, and upon inspector availability.

1 reported violation
  • K21: Hot and cold water availableCritical

    Maximum water temperature in facility measured at 65F.[CA] An approved, adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water and cold water shall be provided.

Pass Jan 21, 2026
N/A

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION

No reported violations
Pass Jul 9, 2025
90/100

ROUTINE INSPECTION

2 reported violations
  • K36: Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

    Scoops in bulk containers lack handles. [CA] Use scoops with handles and store scoop handle in such a way that the handle does not come in direct contact with food to prevent contamination.

  • K07: Proper hot and cold holding temperaturesCritical

    Cooked rice and raw eggs held at cook line and preparation table measured >41F,<135, ~ [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.[SA] PIC voluntarily condemned and destroyed PHF.

Pass Jan 22, 2025
82/100

ROUTINE INSPECTION

7 reported violations
  • K40: Wiping cloths: properly used, stored

    Several wet/soiled wiping cloths found on preparation tables. [CA] Wiping towels shall be stored in sanitizing solution of an approved concentration when not in use (100 ppm - chlorine, 200 ppm - quaternary ammonium).

  • K21: Hot and cold water available

    Water at 3 compartment sink measured a maximum of 109F. [CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at handwash sinks.

  • K36: Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

    Scoop used for scooping champurado is located in public area and not protect by a sneeze guard. [CA] All cleaned utensils shall be stored in a clean, dry location where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination, and at least six inches above the floor.

  • K38: Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

    Unshielded lighting found above food preparation area. [CA] Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is unpackaged foods, clean equipment, utensils, linens, or unwrapped single use articles. Ceiling above food service and cook line is yellowing. [CA] Provide approved exhaust hood ventilation over all cooking equipment as required to effectively remove cooking odors, smoke, steam, grease, heat, and vapors.

  • K23: No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

    1 live fly found on preparation table.[CA] Maintain facility to prevent entry/harborage of vermin. Dry cockroach found stuck to wall in door way. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings.

  • K06: Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

    Single use paper towels are not installed in dispenser in preparation area. [CA] Single-use sanitary towels shall be provided in dispensers; heated-air hand drying device may be substituted for single-use towels.

  • K05: Hands clean, properly washed; gloves used properly

    Observed 2 employees wipe face and continue to work in service area. [CA] Properly wash hands with soap, warm water and dry using single use paper towels as required.

Pass Oct 18, 2024
89/100

ROUTINE INSPECTION

4 reported violations
  • K21: Hot and cold water available

    Hot water measured a maximum of 76F at hand wash sink. [CA] Handwashing facilities shall be equipped to provide minimum 100°F water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds.

  • K43: Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

    Toilet paper held outside of installed dispenser. [CA] Toilet tissue shall be provided in a permanently installed dispenser at each toilet.

  • K07: Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

    Raw chicken on rolling rack measured >41F,<125F,<2hrs. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.

  • K23: No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

    Several dead cockroaches found on storage shelves in dish station. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of dead cockroaches or old droppings.

Source: Santa Clara County open data. Records are supplied as-is and may take 24–48 hours to reflect a newly published inspection.