Two Popular Mexican Restaurants Receive Low Inspection Scores

Authorities cite health code violations at well-known El Paso eateries.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:09pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of people dining at a Mexican restaurant, captured in soft, blurred pools of warm light and color, conveying a sense of the dining experience.Concerns over food safety and cleanliness at popular Mexican restaurants in El Paso raise questions about dining out.El Paso Today

Two prominent Mexican restaurants in El Paso, Texas have received low scores on recent health inspections, raising concerns about food safety and cleanliness at these popular dining establishments. The inspections, conducted across the greater El Paso region, uncovered a range of violations at the two unnamed restaurants.

Why it matters

Restaurant health scores are an important indicator of food quality and public health, especially for popular dining spots that attract large numbers of customers. Low scores can undermine consumer trust and lead to potential closures if issues are not addressed.

The details

The specific restaurants were not named in the report, but authorities stated that one was a well-known gordita restaurant in West El Paso, while the other was a Mexican eatery elsewhere in the city. Inspectors cited a variety of health code violations, including improper food storage, unsanitary kitchen conditions, and issues with employee hygiene.

  • The inspections were conducted across the greater El Paso region in recent weeks.

The players

El Paso Health Department

The local government agency responsible for conducting restaurant health inspections in the El Paso area.

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What’s next

The restaurants will have a chance to address the violations and request re-inspections to improve their scores.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for diners to pay attention to restaurant health scores and make informed choices about where to eat, as poor inspection results can indicate broader issues with food safety and cleanliness.