Each month, the Visalia Times-Delta lets you know which Tulare County restaurants aced their inspections, as well as which ones need to make improvements. Only restaurants that offer meals, and provide seating to their customers are included. This month’s report is shorter than usual because the Tulare County Environmental Health Division is making changes to its Retail Food Inspection Program. No inspection reports were filed for most of the month as a new system was being prepared for a July 28 launch.\n\nThe following five restaurants met all standards during their June inspections and no violations were found. Their scores are considered perfect.\nGong cha, 1661 Retherford St., Tulare\nBravo Farms, 1691 Retherford St., Tulare\nTacos Mi Casita, 222 E. Houston Ave., Visalia\nAngelo’s Kitchen, 1531 S. Court St., Visalia\nChipotle Mexican Grill, 1108 E. Prosperity Ave., Tulare\n\nThe following three restaurants were found to have major or critical risk violations:\n\nWoodlake Drive-In, 222 N. Valencia Blvd., Woodlake – Complaint investigation and routine inspection on July 2. Inspector did not see what was mentioned in the complaint. Inspection Score: 88.\nViolations: Observed employees with expired food handler cards. Observed beef patties and sliced cheese with temperatures of 44°F and 45°F. Observed mold-like substance on the interior of the ice machines where the ice comes out. Observed uncovered corn dogs in the display refrigerator. Observed accumulation of dirt, grime, and/or dust on the handles of the refrigeration units in the back. Observed ice build-up in the one-door reach-in refrigerator. Observed lack of thermometers in refrigeration units.\n\nTavern on Main, 221 E. Main St., Visalia – Complaint investigation and routine inspection on July 10. Complaint regarded cooking oil spill in the alleyway “due to improper waste management.” Staff reported that the cooking oil container had been accidentally overfilled due to improper waste pick-ups due to unpaid bill from previous business owner, and the tank had been having leaking issues. Complaint could not be validated at time of inspection. Complaint abated. Inspection Score: 86.\nViolations: Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old. During inspection, only one employee was able to provide food handler card. Observed bar handwashing sink in disrepair and unable to dispense soap. In three-door Atosa food-preparation table refrigerator, observed mayonnaise at 52°F and stacked over other container. In four-drawer refrigerator across cooking equipment, observed ground beef at 45°F and pastrami at 43°F, having been stored from the night before. In three-door Avantco upright refrigerator next to cooking equipment, observed pork belly at 45°F and mozzarella cheese at 48°F. In three-door black refrigerator at opposite end of bar handwashing sink area, observed pesto sauce at 45°F. Observed bacon at 86°F on table at 12:43 p.m. Observed three-door Atosa food-preparation table refrigerator handle missing. Observed four-door refrigerator across griddle with ambient temperature of 42°F. Observed three-door Avantco upright refrigerator next to cooking equipment with ambient temperature of 48°F. Observed three-door black refrigerator at opposite end of bar handwashing sink area not maintaining food at 41°F or below. Observed Ansul fire suppression system with expired tag. Observed three-door black refrigerator at opposite end of bar handwashing sink area without thermometer. Observed improper storage/sanitation of wiping cloths. No copy of a health department inspection report was available. No valid permit from the health department was posted.\n\nRaising Cane’s, 542 W. Riggin Ave., Visalia – Complaint investigation and routine inspection on July 10. Complaint regarded at least one person having eaten food from facility and reporting foodborne symptoms thereafter. Complaint is still under investigation. Inspection Score: 86.\nViolations: Observed lack of food handler cards for all staff during inspection. Observed improper time control for Raising Cane’s sauces underneath boarding shelves area. Observed Raising Cane’s 15-liter container at approximately 46°F in a refrigeration unit with an ambient temperature of 41°F. Water was measured at less than 100°F at handwashing sink. (Repeat violation) Observed soiled metal tray leaking frying oil stored directly above prepackaged flour bags that were also soiled. No valid permit from the health department was posted.\n\nRemember some of the violations noted are technical issues not directly linked to hygiene or cleanliness. Broken refrigerators, chipped tiles, or missing paperwork may be included among the violations because they can be linked to germs, injury, or awareness. \n\nFor full restaurant inspection details, visit the Tulare County Division of Environmental Health's restaurant inspections score website here. If you notice violations of state standards, you can file an online complaint here. Critical risk factors inspectors look for range of factors, from a demonstration of knowledge, like possessing a food handlers certificate, to protection from contamination by keeping contact surfaces sanitized and clean. Other things inspectors look at include employee health and hygienic practices, preventing contamination by hand, time and temperature relationships, food from approved sources, and more. Some of the items inspectors check for are weighed more heavily than others, usually anywhere between two to four points. \n\nDisclaimer: These inspection reports are from the Tulare County Retail Food Inspection Program, which inspects retail food facilities to ensure safe food handling practices, proper sanitation, and compliance with the California Health and Safety Code within the county. Please note that follow-up inspections may not be included here.

The best and worst Tulare County restaurant inspections for July 2025

This report details the results of restaurant inspections conducted in Tulare County during July 2025 by the Tulare County Environmental Health Division. Five restaurants received perfect inspection scores with no violations, including Gong Cha, Bravo Farms, Tacos Mi Casita, Angelo’s Kitchen, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Three restaurants were found to have major or critical violations: Woodlake Drive-In, Tavern on Main, and Raising Cane’s. The inspection program was temporarily suspended for most of July as the county prepared for a new system launch on July 28. Violations included expired food handler cards, improper food temperatures, lack of valid permits, poor sanitation, and equipment issues. The report emphasizes that some violations are technical and not directly related to hygiene, such as broken refrigerators or missing paperwork, which may still pose risks. Consumers are encouraged to file complaints if they observe state-standard violations.