Atlanta Restaurant Inspections: Taqueria Fails, Mix'd Up Burgers Earns Perfect Score

A local Mexican restaurant falls short while a burger joint receives top marks from health inspectors.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:03pm

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In the latest round of Atlanta restaurant health inspections, a Taqueria in Lawrenceville scored only 44 points and received an 'unsatisfactory' rating due to issues like a water leak, improper food storage, and pest problems. Meanwhile, Mix'd Up Burgers on Boulevard at Memorial Drive earned a perfect 100-point score, winning the 'Golden Spatula' award for their delicious and well-executed burgers.

Why it matters

Restaurant health inspections are crucial for ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met, protecting the public from potential foodborne illnesses. The stark contrast between the failing Taqueria and the top-scoring Mix'd Up Burgers highlights the importance of proper food handling and cleanliness practices in the restaurant industry.

The details

The Taqueria in Lawrenceville was cited for several major violations, including a box of sauces stored under a water leak in the cooler, raw chicken thawing on the prep table for over a day, and the presence of ants crawling on the prep surfaces and in employee food. The restaurant manager claimed the chicken had only been out for two hours, not a day, and said they had already brought in a pest control company to treat the issues. Meanwhile, Mix'd Up Burgers on Boulevard earned a perfect 100-point score, praised for their expertly grilled and dressed burgers that have made them a local favorite for nearly 14 years.

  • The Taqueria in Lawrenceville failed its latest health inspection on March 24, 2026.
  • Mix'd Up Burgers on Boulevard received their perfect 100-point score on their most recent health inspection.

The players

Taqueria

A Mexican restaurant located in Lawrenceville, Georgia that failed a recent health inspection with a score of only 44 points.

Mix'd Up Burgers

A burger restaurant located on Boulevard at Memorial Drive in Grant Park, Atlanta that earned a perfect 100-point score on their latest health inspection, winning the 'Golden Spatula' award.

Rick Roy

The manager of the Taqueria in Lawrenceville who spoke with Atlanta News First reporters about the restaurant's failed health inspection.

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What they’re saying

“We already had a pest guy come in and treat the whole entire area.”

— Rick Roy, Manager, Taqueria

“I'll print it out and have the employee put it up there.”

— Rick Roy, Manager, Taqueria

What’s next

The Taqueria in Lawrenceville will need to address all of the health code violations cited in the failed inspection and pass a follow-up inspection before they can resume normal operations.

The takeaway

This report highlights the stark contrast between restaurants that prioritize food safety and cleanliness, like the award-winning Mix'd Up Burgers, versus those that fall short and put public health at risk, like the failing Taqueria. It underscores the importance of strict health code enforcement to maintain high standards in the restaurant industry.