Restaurant inspections: Here's how Dunkin', Cancun Mexican Restaurant and others scored
Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health officials found rodent droppings, gnats and more health violations at local restaurants in September.
Out of 120 businesses inspected, 16 scored below a 90 and 17 received perfect scores.
Here are the best and worst scores from September 2022.
Cancun Mexican Restaurant, 6314 Yorktown Blvd., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 12 and received an 83. Inspectors found chemicals near the food prep area, frozen foods stored at the incorrect temperature, food cooling underneath washed pans, a dirty soda fountain nozzle and margarita machine spouts at the bar, and dirty soda fountain nozzles. Employees wore jewelry and did not wear beard guards or wash hands between tasks.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 31 and received a 97.
Dunkin' Donuts, 6093 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 12 and received an 89. Inspectors found chemicals stored near food, gnats, dirty equipment and refrigerators without thermometers. Employees wore jewelry and did not use hair restraints. Wiping clothes were not stored in sanitizing solution and there was no soap for the handwashing sink.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 10 and received a 93.
Global Mixer World Fusion, 6201 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 14 and received an 87. Inspectors found raw chicken stored above beef and vegetables, rodent droppings, chicken held at the wrong temperature, dirty walls, improperly stored wiping towels, unlabeled food containers and scoop handles in dry goods.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 24 and received an 85.
Jack in the Box, 1502 Airline Road, Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 14 and received an 86. Inspectors found dirty microwaves, no paper towels for the handwashing sink or restrooms, and the ice scoop handle not stored correctly. There was no certified food manager and employees did not have food handler permits. Employees wore jewelry and did not use hair restraints.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 24 and received a 100.
Costa Sur Wok and Ceviche Bar, 15113 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 15 and received an 89. Inspectors found a dirty ice machine, unlabeled and undated food, dirty bar nozzle holders and gnats in the bar area. The restaurant did not have a current health permit and employees did not use hair restraints.
The restaurant was last inspected on Oct. 21, 2021, and received a 93.
Riley’s Pub, 6314 Yorktown Blvd., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 16 and received an 89. Inspectors found dirty glasses, a dirty ice machine, unlabeled chemical spray bottles, a broken handwashing sink, rodent droppings, dirty soda nozzle holders and a dirty kitchen area.
The restaurant was last inspected on Nov. 24, 2021, and received an 88.
La Mexicana Bakery and Tortilla Factory, 6337 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 19 and received an 86. Inspectors found food stored uncovered and on the floor, a dirty microwave, undated leftovers in the fridge, improperly stored wiping cloths and employees wearing jewelry.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 5 and received a 95.
Emerald Beach, 1102 Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 20 and received an 89. Inspectors found a dirty microwave, food stored on the floor, unlabeled food items and utensils stored handles down. The restaurant did not have a certified food manager.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 3 and received a 94.
La Playa Mexican Restaurant, 5017 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 21 and received an 82. Inspectors found raw beef stored above seafood, raw chicken above raw beef, dirty margarita machine nozzles, chemicals near clean utensils, gnats in the storage and bar areas, meat thawing in the handwashing sink and unlabeled food containers. There was no certified food manager on site, wet pans were stacked, and the ceiling and air conditioning vents needed cleaning.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 4 and received a 90.
Taqueria La Tapatia, 5606 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 22 and received an 87. Inspectors found raw meat stored above vegetables and cooked food, pans of food stacked on top of the other, undated food in fridge, and improperly stored wiping cloths. Employees did not wear hair restraints, the dishwasher did not sanitize and the walk-in cooler was not held at the correct temperature.
The restaurant was inspected on Jan. 19 and received a 95.
Tona’s Taqueria, 2561 Agnes St., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 23 and received an 84. Inspectors found food stored on the floor, unlabeled food items, dishes stored in the handwashing sink, utensils stored handle down and no door sweep in the kitchen. There was no certified food manager on site and employees did not have food handler permits.
The restaurant was last inspected on March 16 and received a 95.
Ruby’s Thai Kitchen, 5488 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 26 and received an 89. Inspectors found unlabeled and undated food, gnats, missing ceiling tiles, a dirty microwave and wiping cloths not stored in sanitizing solution.
The restaurant was last inspected on March 2 and received an 89.
Vernon’s, 1030 Third St., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 27 and received an 87. Inspectors found expired milk, unlabeled food items, refrigerators without thermometers, gnats and dirty vents. There was no soap or paper towels near the handwashing sink and there was not a certified food manager on site.
The restaurant was last inspected on April 14 and received a 98.
Brizuela’s Restaurant, 16301 FM 624
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 28 and received an 86. Inspectors found raw chicken stored above cooked food and vegetables, sausage thawing at room temperature, dishes cleaned improperly, bowls used to dispense food, and no paper towels or sanitized wiping cloths.
The restaurant was last inspected on Feb. 14 and received an 88.
Gemini Sushi Lounge, 5413 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 29 and received an 87. Inspectors found a dirty ice machine and microwave, chemicals near clean knives, gnats and scoops without handles. There was no hot water at the handwashing sink and floor and ceiling needed repairs.
The restaurant was last inspected on Nov. 19, 2021, and received an 80.
Taco Palenque, 5617 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi
The restaurant was inspected on Sept. 29 and received an 86. Inspectors found a dirty can opener, unlabeled chemical sprats, wet pans stacked, the scoop handles lying in ice and a gasoline-powered power washer in the building. There was no hot water, there was no soap or towels at the handwashing sink and employees wore jewelry.
The restaurant was last inspected on Jan. 18 and received a 95.
Perfect scores:
Ace Sushi, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive
Panda Express, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive
Family Fit Nutrition, 4510 Weber Road
Butterkrust Donut Bakery Store, 3717 Saratoga Blvd.
Sonic Drive in, 14018 S. Padre Island Drive
Divine Treats, mobile
Nona’s Cocina, 4006 Weber Road
Jerky Plug, Trade Center, 2833 S. Padre Island Drive
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice Booth, 2833 S. Padre Island Drive
Marty Mar’s, 4917 Marian Circle
Pop’s Jerky, 2833 S. Padre Island Drive
The Most Comida, 353 Naples St.
Tapology, 4334 S. Staples St.
Paul’s Seafood Market, 9810 S. Padre Island Drive
Tokyo Gardens, 1145 Waldron Road
Domino’s Pizza, 3812 S. Staples St.
Poki Yaki, 3823 S. Staples St.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here are inspection scores for Corpus Christi restaurants in September
