Hacienda Real Mexican Restaurant Receives Re-Inspection Required Rating Following Health Department Visit
Hacienda Real, a family-owned Mexican restaurant located at 421 Centro Way in Fort Collins, received a "Re-Inspection Required" rating following a health inspection conducted on September 10, 2025. The establishment scored 77 points on Larimer County's risk index, which falls within the 50-109 range requiring re-inspection to ensure basic food safety standards are met.
The inspection found several food safety violations that inspectors noted needed correction. Among the primary concerns were improper food storage practices, including raw sausage stored in the same container with ready-to-eat deli ham and cooked chicken wings in equipment at the cooking line. Inspectors also observed raw eggs and raw beef stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in cooler.
Temperature control issues were identified during the inspection, with cooked chicken stored at room temperature near the cooking line for approximately two hours, reaching internal temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken stock that had been cooling for more than two hours measured over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and a container of cooked beans prepared the previous day was found at 62 degrees Fahrenheit in the center rather than the required 41 degrees or below.
The inspection also found violations related to hand washing procedures, with employees observed handling raw meats and changing gloves without washing hands first. A container of cooked pork feet prepared on September 3 exceeded the seven-day date marking requirement and was voluntarily discarded during the inspection.
Additional violations included unlabeled or incorrectly labeled chemical spray bottles, a heavy presence of flies throughout the establishment with the back door left open, and the absence of test strips for quaternary ammonia sanitizer used for wiping cloth storage. Inspectors noted that allergen information for the nine major food allergens was not properly provided to consumers on menus or table displays.
The inspection revealed that the restaurant was conducting vacuum packaging of raw steaks without having the required Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan available on-site for review. A HACCP plan is mandatory for establishments using reduced oxygen packaging methods.
Under Larimer County's inspection system, a "Re-Inspection Required" rating indicates that food safety violations were found and while some corrections may have been made during the initial inspection, a follow-up visit is necessary to ensure all basic food safety standards are met.
Hacienda Real has been operating in Fort Collins for over 15 years and is known for its traditional Mexican dishes, festive atmosphere, and generous portions. The restaurant holds a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award and serves both dine-in and takeout customers daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The establishment also provides catering and private event services.
Health inspections are routine regulatory procedures conducted to ensure public safety and help establishments maintain proper food handling practices. The re-inspection will determine whether the identified violations have been adequately addressed before the restaurant can return to standard operating compliance.