Restaurant Lookup Start your 25 days free

← Search restaurants in Pasadena

Lupitas Mexican Food

Other food place · Pasadena, CA

17 inspections

Help fixFix itClaimFind yoursDirections
Reviews
Each one opens in a new tab.GoogleTripadvisorOpenTableApple Maps
OtherYelp

At a glance

CleanCleaver food safety systematic review results

What happened?

5 problems found · Routine health department inspection · Sep 23, 2025

Is that a lot?

Most food places here got 1 to 4 points taken off. Lupitas Mexican Food got more than most.

Compared with 992 Pasadena food places. Each place's last routine inspection counts.

What was found out about Lupitas Mexican Food?

It's fair to care about this. Here's what the county found. Tap any item to see how a kitchen fixes it.

  1. Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right K014How to fixFix it
  2. Pests seen inside: rodents K023How to fixFix it
  3. No hot or cold water at a sink K021How to fixFix it

See all 5 items ↓

Source: City of Pasadena Public Health Department

We review Pasadena health data to make this report. We are not the City of Pasadena Public Health Department.

Visit them directly at cityofpasadena.net (opens the department's site) · How we review

Which one are you?

For Lupitas Mexican Food's team

Is this your place?

Welcome, Lupitas Mexican Food. We'll walk through this together, one item at a time. To log the fixes, claim Lupitas Mexican Food first; we check that you run it.

Your whole team can help. Each person gets one next step, and everyone can see what's done.

This is my place: claim Lupitas Mexican Food

We'll help you get every item done. You don't have to do it alone.

We know an inspection can feel heavy, especially when it's busy.

  1. Fix it together

    Follow the steps for each item, with the rule beside it.

  2. Log it

    Your team logs the fix on their phones, with the time and who did it.

    Claim Lupitas Mexican Food to log it

  3. Show what you did

    Saying what you fixed, in your own words, builds trust. Families and regulars respect a kitchen that owns it and fixes it.

Each fix step comes from the rule it names: Food Code 4-603.16, Food Code 6-501.112, Food Code 2-301.15, Food Code 7-201.11.

Try it yourself

Fix and log it: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right

A practice run. Nothing is saved. Tap each step when it's done.

0 of 3 done

Clean first, then sanitize

From Food Code 4-603.16

Logged

That's one done. We'll be here for the next.

What people see now

Today, people see the department's words and nothing from you.

What people see after you fix and log it

Example reply

CleanCleaverBusiness reply

Your business replied to this with the public statement:

We fixed this the same day. Now our team logs it on their phones at open and close.

The date of your reply

This is not an official update to the health inspection report. The county's record is unchanged.

Most kitchens get something cited at some point. What people remember is that you fixed it.

Want to join the restaurants in Pasadena that keep their kitchens clean and put their guests' health first?

Claim Lupitas Mexican Food

We'll set it up with you. 25 days free.

Replies are part of a paid plan. We read each one before it goes up. You can take it down any time. Only the department can change its record.

Do you work there, and someone else owns it? I work there

What people see next

Under each item here, people see what you fixed, in your words.

Left alone, or fixed together

Left alone, the same items can come back at the next inspection. Fixed together, they're done.

Not your place?

CleanCleaver puts these same items on your team's phones, with the rule beside each one. Your binder is ready when the inspector is.

Start for my business

25 days free. Cancel anytime.

Inspections

From City of Pasadena Public Health Department · 17 inspections on record · Last checked Oct 8, 2026

The health department lists no visits in the last 12 months.

Points taken off at each routine inspection
Dec 8, 2014: 18Feb 2, 2015: 3Oct 5, 2015: 8Feb 27, 2017: 7Aug 28, 2017: 3Mar 21, 2018: 8Jul 23, 2018: 13Feb 27, 2019: 9Jul 23, 2019: 8Nov 26, 2019: 10Apr 1, 2021: 7Aug 3, 2021: 2Nov 16, 2021: 1May 23, 2023: 5Mar 20, 2024: 7Nov 13, 2024: 4Sep 23, 2025: 9184920142025

The City's Environmental Health Division inspects each permanent food facility on its own schedule. A routine score of 85 to 100 is a Pass, 75 to 84 a Conditional Pass.

Every visit

  1. LatestSep 23, 2025Routine inspection91 out of 100

    This one: 91 out of 100, inspected Sep 23, 2025.

    5 violations listed.

    Violations (5)

    • Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right

      The department's words

      K014 Food contact surfaces: clean and sanitized

      2 points

      Food Code 4-602.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      Clean first, then sanitize

      • 1. Scrape off food.
      • 2. Wash with detergent and warm water.
      • 3. Rinse off the soap (soap weakens sanitizer).

      From Food Code 4-603.16

      When to clean food-contact surfaces

      4 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide

      Cleaning vs sanitizing, and sanitizer strengths

      The full guide has 4 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Lupitas Mexican Food? Fix it

    • Pests seen inside: rodents

      The department's words

      K023 No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

      2 points

      Food Code 6-501.111

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      What to do

      • Any sign of mice, rats or roaches: act now. Protect or throw out affected food, clean the area, and call the pest control operator the same day.
      • Flies or ants in food areas: act within 24 hours.
      • Insects in food: throw that food out and check the stock around it.

      From Food Code 6-501.112

      What NOT to do

      3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide

      Signs of pests and what to do

      The full guide has 3 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Lupitas Mexican Food? Fix it

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K021 Hot and cold water available

      2 points

      Food Code 5-103.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures

      Hot and cold water at every sink

      In CleanCleaver: Log hand sink and dish water temperatures

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Lupitas Mexican Food? Fix it

    • Hand sink not ready to use

      The department's words

      K006 Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

      2 points

      Food Code 5-205.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      Hand sinks are for hands only

      • Wash only at a handwashing sink.
      • Never wash hands in the dish sink, a food prep sink, a mop sink, or a drink cooler.
      • Never dump drinks, rinse utensils or fill pitchers at the hand sink.

      From Food Code 2-301.15

      Soap and hand sanitizer

      4 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide

      Handwashing

      The full guide has 4 more parts. Sign up to open the full guide in the app.

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Lupitas Mexican Food? Fix it

    • Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food

      The department's words

      K029 Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

      1 point

      Food Code 7-201.11

      How can a restaurant or home fix this?

      Store them away from food

      • Store chemicals below and away from food, dishes, utensils, linens and single-use items. Never on a shelf above food.
      • Separate them by space or a partition.
      • Keep only the chemicals the kitchen needs.

      From Food Code 7-201.11

      Label every container

      3 more steps in the full guide Read the free guide

      Chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

      Fix and log it now

      Are you Lupitas Mexican Food? Fix it

  2. EarlierNov 13, 2024Routine inspection96 out of 100

    3 violations listed.

    Violations (3)

    • Hand sink not ready to use

      The department's words

      K006 Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

      2 points

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K036 Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use

      1 pointMarked complied on Nov 13, 2024

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K040 Wiping cloths: properly used and stored

      1 pointMarked complied on Nov 13, 2024

  3. EarlierMar 20, 2024Routine inspection93 out of 100

    6 violations listed.

    Violations (6)

    Show 1 more

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K036 Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use

      1 point

  4. EarlierMay 23, 2023Routine inspection95 out of 100

    3 violations listed.

    Violations (3)

    • No menu note about raw or undercooked food

      The department's words

      K019 Consumer advisory provided for raw or undercooked foods

      2 points

    • Hands not washed when needed

      The department's words

      K005 Hands clean and properly washed; gloves used properly

      2 points

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K040 Wiping cloths: properly used and stored

      1 point

  5. EarlierNov 16, 2021Routine inspection99 out of 100

    1 violation listed.

    Violations (1)

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K045 Floors, walls and ceilings: built and maintained

      1 point

  6. EarlierAug 3, 2021Routine inspection98 out of 100

    2 violations listed.

    Violations (2)

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K045 Floors, walls and ceilings: built and maintained

      1 point

    • Shelves and surfaces need cleaning

      The department's words

      K033 Nonfood-contact surfaces clean

      1 point

  7. EarlierApr 1, 2021Routine inspection93 out of 100

    3 violations listed.

    Violations (3)

  8. EarlierNov 26, 2019Routine inspection90 out of 100

    8 violations listed.

    Violations (8)

    • Cooked food not cooled in time

      The department's words

      K009 Proper cooling methods

      2 pointsMarked complied on Nov 26, 2019

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K021 Hot and cold water available

      2 points

    • Equipment in poor repair

      The department's words

      K035 Equipment/Utensils - approved; installed; good repair, capacity

      1 pointMarked complied on Nov 26, 2019

    • Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food

      The department's words

      K029 Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

      1 point

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K044 Premises; personal/cleaning items; vermin-proofing

      1 pointMarked complied on Nov 26, 2019

    Show 3 more

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K045 Floors, walls and ceilings: built and maintained

      1 point

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K040 Wiping cloths: properly used and stored

      1 pointMarked complied on Nov 26, 2019

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K036 Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use

      1 point

  9. EarlierJul 23, 2019Routine inspection92 out of 100

    4 violations listed.

    Violations (4)

    • Hot food below 135°F

      The department's words

      K007 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

      4 pointsMarked complied on Jul 23, 2019

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K021 Hot and cold water available

      2 points

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K036 Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use

      1 point

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K040 Wiping cloths: properly used and stored

      1 pointMarked complied on Jul 23, 2019

  10. EarlierFeb 27, 2019Routine inspection91 out of 100

    5 violations listed.

    Violations (5)

    • Food in poor condition

      The department's words

      K013 Food in good condition, safe and unadulterated

      4 pointsMarked complied on Feb 27, 2019

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K021 Hot and cold water available

      2 points

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K040 Wiping cloths: properly used and stored

      1 pointMarked complied on Feb 27, 2019

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K045 Floors, walls and ceilings: built and maintained

      1 point

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K036 Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use

      1 pointMarked complied on Feb 27, 2019

  11. EarlierJul 23, 2018Routine inspection87 out of 100

    7 violations listed.

    Violations (7)

    • Hot food below 135°F

      The department's words

      K007 Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

      4 pointsMarked complied on Jul 23, 2018

    • Hand sink not ready to use

      The department's words

      K006 Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

      2 pointsMarked complied on Jul 23, 2018

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K021 Hot and cold water available

      2 points

    • Hands not washed when needed

      The department's words

      K005 Hands clean and properly washed; gloves used properly

      2 pointsMarked complied on Jul 23, 2018

    • Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food

      The department's words

      K029 Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

      1 point

    Show 2 more

    • Food on the floor or under drips

      The department's words

      K030 Food storage; food storage containers identified

      1 pointMarked complied on Jul 23, 2018

    • Equipment in poor repair

      The department's words

      K035 Equipment/Utensils - approved; installed; good repair, capacity

      1 point

  12. EarlierMar 21, 2018Routine inspection92 out of 100

    7 violations listed.

    Violations (7)

    • No hot or cold water at a sink

      The department's words

      K021 Hot and cold water available

      2 points

    • Utensils or dishes stored wet or unwashed

      The department's words

      K036 Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use

      1 point

    • Food on the floor or under drips

      The department's words

      K030 Food storage; food storage containers identified

      1 point

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K045 Floors, walls and ceilings: built and maintained

      1 point

    • Dish sink or dish machine not set up right

      The department's words

      K034 Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips

      1 point

    Show 2 more

    • Chemicals unlabeled or stored near food

      The department's words

      K029 Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

      1 point

    • Equipment in poor repair

      The department's words

      K035 Equipment/Utensils - approved; installed; good repair, capacity

      1 point

  13. EarlierAug 28, 2017Routine inspection97 out of 100

    3 violations listed.

    Violations (3)

  14. EarlierFeb 27, 2017Routine inspection93 out of 100

    5 violations listed.

    Violations (5)

  15. EarlierOct 5, 2015Routine inspection92 out of 100

    6 violations listed.

    Violations (6)

    • No person in charge on duty

      The department's words

      K001 Demonstration of knowledge; food handler card

      2 points

    • Hand sink not ready to use

      The department's words

      K006 Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

      2 points

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K044 Premises; personal/cleaning items; vermin-proofing

      1 point

    • Shelves and surfaces need cleaning

      The department's words

      K033 Nonfood-contact surfaces clean

      1 point

    • Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food

      The department's words

      K027 Food separated and protected

      1 point

    Show 1 more
  16. EarlierFeb 2, 2015Routine inspection97 out of 100

    3 violations listed.

    Violations (3)

  17. EarlierDec 8, 2014Routine inspection82 out of 100

    11 violations listed.

    Violations (11)

    Show 6 more

    • Signs posted; last inspection report available

      The department's words

      K047 Signs posted; last inspection report available

      1 point

    • Raw food not kept apart from ready-to-eat food

      The department's words

      K027 Food separated and protected

      1 point

    • Equipment in poor repair

      The department's words

      K035 Equipment/Utensils - approved; installed; good repair, capacity

      1 point

    • Floors, walls or ceilings need cleaning or repair

      The department's words

      K045 Floors, walls and ceilings: built and maintained

      1 point

    • Shelves and surfaces need cleaning

      The department's words

      K033 Nonfood-contact surfaces clean

      1 point

    • Wiping cloths left out of sanitizer

      The department's words

      K040 Wiping cloths: properly used and stored

      1 point

Source: City of Pasadena Public Health Department. This is the department's data, not CleanCleaver's. See the department's full record (opens the department's site)

What you can do

As a customer of Lupitas Mexican Food, you can:

  1. Learn how these get fixed

    Free, step-by-step guides for each item.

    Open the steps here

  2. Let Lupitas Mexican Food know

    Ask for the manager. Lupitas Mexican Food can only fix what it knows about.

    The department lists no phone for this place.

  3. Share this page

  4. Use CleanCleaver at home

    Families clean together. Chores and food dates for everyone at home.

    See CleanCleaver for home

  5. Complain directly to the health department

    We are not the health department. You can report to them on their site. Report to City of Pasadena Public Health Department (opens the department's site)

When regulars speak up kindly and kitchens fix things, the whole neighborhood eats well. Now you know what the inspector found, and what you can do about it.

Do you work at or run Lupitas Mexican Food?

See the plan to fix each item and show what you did.

Address this

About this record

Open the City's Health Inspection Search, choose Restaurant/Market, and search for the name. Inspections before December 2025 are on its second page.

Most people don't know what a normal result looks like for a place that's open every day. The ranges use each place's last routine inspection in this area. No other county is mixed in.

100 means the inspector found no problems. Pasadena takes points off for each problem. Big ones take off more.

Each inspection starts at 100 points and points come off for each violation. 85 to 100 is a Pass, 75 to 84 a Conditional Pass, and below 75 a permit suspension hearing is scheduled. Closed means the permit was suspended. The City uses no letter grade. Its guide is from 2014: confirm the numbers with the department.

Listed as
Restaurant/Market
Inspection type
Routine inspection
Result
91 out of 100
Source
City of Pasadena Public Health Department

This is not an official ranking or grade. See the official source: City of Pasadena Public Health Department (opens the department's site) .

Information on this page may be out of date. Check the original source to confirm.

Questions about Lupitas Mexican Food

When was Lupitas Mexican Food last inspected?

The health department last inspected Lupitas Mexican Food on Sep 23, 2025. It was a routine inspection.

What did the health department find at Lupitas Mexican Food?

The health department listed 5 violations on Sep 23, 2025: Food-contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized right; Pests seen inside: rodents; and No hot or cold water at a sink, and 2 more.

How often does Pasadena inspect restaurants?

The City's Environmental Health Division inspects each permanent food facility on its own schedule. A routine score of 85 to 100 is a Pass, 75 to 84 a Conditional Pass.