[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an routine inspection conducted on March 11. However, a follow-up inspection was conducted later on the same day and all violations were corrected]
Tony’s Mexican Restaurant received a routine inspection from the Tennessee health department on March 11. The inspection report listed multiple violations, and the restaurant received a score of 79. However, A follow-up inspection later the same day resulted in an improved score of 93.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Tony’s Mexican Restaurant
- When: March 11, 2026
- Where: 2635 Lakevilla Dr, Nashville, TN 37217
- Score: 79
Tony’s Mexican Restaurant serves dishes like steak fajitas and birria tacos. According to the report, the violations noted were:
- Churros, frozen vegetables, fries, and chicken nuggets in the reach-in freezer were stored uncovered with heavy condensation and ice buildup. The report states that the food must be covered, and about 10lbs of adulterated food were embargoed.
- Raw beef was kept above ready-to-eat items like queso, sour cream, and salsa in the reach-in cooler 2. Items were rearranged to maintain proper vertical storage.
- The report said dirty dishes with food debris were found stored on a rack with clean utensils. The person in charge said bleach was used, but inspectors could not confirm a rinse step. According to the report, PIC was explained the washing process and the staff was instructed on the proper procedure, and dishes were rewashed.
- A live cockroach was observed in bins and utensils located above prep cooler 2, according to the report.
- The report noted employee drinks stored in the expo reach-in cooler with guest drinks and above the salsa.
- The report noted forks, spoons, and knives stored handle-up in utensil holders with debris accumulation.
- A large accumulation of condensation and ice was seen on the racks inside the reach-in freezer on the cookline.
The full inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
The report states the restaurant must correct the violations within 10 days. Repeated violations could lead to the revocation of the eatery’s food service establishment permit, it said. In a follow-up inspection, Tony’s Mexican Restaurant addressed the major issues and received a score of 93.
