[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on February 24 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The Sacramento health department conducted a health inspection at Cilantro’s Mexican Restaurant on February 24. The establishment was deemed non-compliant with several food safety regulations and was issued a yellow placard.
Cilantro’s Mexican Restaurant
- When: February 24, 2026
- Where: 4160 Northgate Blvd #1, Sacramento, CA 95834
Cilantro’s Mexican Restaurant serves Mexican food in downtown Sacramento. According to the report, the violations noted are:
- A new digital probe thermometer was observed, still in its packaging and unused. This issue was corrected on site, and the staff was trained.
- A valid food safety manager certificate was not available at the time of inspection. This is a repeat violation.
- Chicken held in the steam table measured 122°F and was out of temperature. The item was corrected by recooking it. Steam table water temperatures measured 140°F in the first and third compartments but only 70°F in the second compartment.
- Minor temperature violations were also observed for refried beans (131°F-135°F) and cheese sauce (132°F). These items were reheated.
- The report said overfilled cooked steak (94°F) and chicken (84°F) were seen cooling improperly in five-inch-deep, covered containers. Both items were corrected by reportioning into containers no deeper than two inches.
- No sanitizer was available in the facility at the time of inspection. This was temporarily corrected by borrowing bleach from a neighboring business until an approved supply is purchased.
- An incorrect sanitizer (Clorox disinfectant cleaner with bleach) was observed in the third-compartment sink at 10 ppm chlorine. The sink was drained and refilled with clean water and bleach.
- The self-service chip station at the front of the POS lacked a sneezeguard.
- An unused hot drawer was observed with accumulated debris, the report mentioned.
- The steam table was not functioning properly.
- Lighting in the main cooks’ area was observed to be dim, the report said.
- A monitoring thermometer was missing in the prep cooler.
- Damp wiping cloths stored on the prep cooler surface and in a bucket behind the POS measured 10 ppm chlorine. The issue was corrected.
- The three-compartment sink was missing a faucet capable of filling all compartments. The sink was also leaking, with a catch container placed underneath.
- A jacket was observed draped over CO₂ tanks, and ibuprofen was stored on a shelf with food-related items. These issues were corrected on-site.
The detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the report, Cilantro’s Mexican Restaurant was issued a yellow placard, and a reinspection will be conducted within 24-72 hours. The eatery must correct all the violations to secure a green placard.
