AY JALISCO

AY JALISCO is slipping. It still carries a C (79/100), but the trend across its recent inspections points down — worth a look at the history below before you go.

Its most recent inspection on June 8, 2026 cited 4 intermediate and 9 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 30% of Lake County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.3 from 2,194 reviews.

Trend: declining · C (79/100)

Get directions Call (352) 243-1360

Restaurant details

Health grade
C (79/100)
Violations
13 total — 4 intermediate, 9 basic
Address
580 E HWY 50, Clermont, FL
Cuisine
Mexican
Categories
Mexican restaurant, Grill, Bar & grill, Barbecue restaurant, Family restaurant, Latin American restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.3 stars (2194 reviews)
Seats
183
Phone
(352) 243-1360
Website
Official website
Photo of AY JALISCO
Photo: Ay Jalisco Clermont

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.3 Community-sourced rating 2,194 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

An average is a poor summary when the underlying reviews look like this. Where the staff comes up, the rating that follows averages 4.1, so it reads as a strength.

The split is 16 positive to 3 negative across 21 rated reviews, with 2 in the middle. More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 13 of 21. What nobody raises here is tidiness — it goes unmentioned across all 21 reviews.

On the health side, the most recent DBPR inspection returned a C (79/100) with 4 intermediate and 9 basic violations — middling, much like the reviews. That result dates from June 8, 2026. The trend across inspections is decline. Ranked against Lake County, it is safer than 30% of the restaurants we score. What the inspector actually wrote up: employee health knowledge and dishwashing facilities.

Neither signal is decisive on its own here, which is why both are shown. The underlying reviews are reproduced in full underneath.

Our own analysis of 21 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 30, 2026

    Food is terrible. Drinks at the bar are veey good.

  • June 25, 2026

    Lo mejor de lo mejor

  • June 23, 2026

    3rd time visit this time Taco Tuesday early bird special at 4pm yet there was none - no longer offered! Expecting chimichanga for $9 or $13 if fajita yet not available. Disappointing. Food prep slow. Pepsi products.

  • June 22, 2026

    Mi experiencia como cliente en El Jalisco Clermont fue excelente. La comida estuvo deliciosa y definitivamente volvería una y otra vez. Los precios son muy accesibles para todos los presupuestos, y la sazón es simplemente increíble. Además, el personal brinda una atención excepcional, haciendo que te sientas bienvenido desde el primer momento. El ambiente es muy agradable y familiar, perfecto para disfrutar de una buena comida. ¡Lo recomiendo totalmente!

  • June 19, 2026

    Food was ok, nothing that stood out

  • June 10, 2026

    I love this place. Truly authentic Mexican food, great atmosphere and a fantastic staff.

  • June 3, 2026

    A staple of the community that we have been grateful to enjoy. We have been coming here for years and it's always good. The margaritas are always fantastic too. We enjoy the laid back atmosphere. I've never had an issue with service or quality and any concerns are always handled. The staff is relaxed and kind to our kids which we appreciate.

  • June 2, 2026

    Cosina auténtica con barrios platillos.. Me encantó..

  • June 1, 2026

    I had the al pastor I wished there was more pineapple. I had small piece of pineapple on all four tacos. Not enough pork. I think it would be better if I big flour tortilla than 4 small ones.

  • May 30, 2026

    Outstanding food and service! If you are looking for great Mexican food, this is the place.

  • May 28, 2026

    Love this place. My favorite Mexican restaurant.

  • May 17, 2026

    The food was delicious if you like it hot ask for there house sauce and cooked Diablo seasoning if you have a draft beer they have a small large in a picture and one of my pictures there's a large beer show the difference in size great atmosphere

  • May 16, 2026

    Good place for maxican food lovers. Chips with delicious salsa served first as like in all maxican restaurants. Tacos, Burritos, Enchiladas, vegetarian even vegan menu is available. We have gone to enjoy with Family gatherings.

  • May 10, 2026

    Why haven't I been here sooner. Daily happy hour specials and the taco di bierra where fantastic. Fresh salsa

  • May 10, 2026

    I had an amazing experience here yesterday night with a friend of mine, our server was amazing and the food was great. I decided to come back tonight and bring my family because we were looking for something last minute and I had went there the night prior with friends so I knew it was good. We got there and our server wasn’t bad but she did explain she was new and we were totally sympathetic to that. We ordered two side burritos, we asked for grilled chicken and she told us it came with the chicken in the burrito with rice and beans and lettuce and tomato on the side. It came out just chicken in a tortilla and lettuce. We knew she was new so we didn’t cause a fuss. We just ate it. It was good. Drink and everything was fine. Then she brings the check and for these two side burritos and two side tacos and one margarita it was $70. I looked further into the bill and saw that she charged $10 per burrito up charge for grilled chicken which then brought the price of the burrito to $17 each For a SIDE burrito. Which is the normal price of a burrito on their menu With sides. When I brought this to her attention, she tried to explain her point and tell me basically that we were wrong. I asked her to get her manager, and he then fixed it, but after a fuss of that’s what they charge. At the end of the day, I understand it is a server job to upsell to make the restaurant money and make tips. However, this has just cost that server her tip and any further business For this restaurant.…

  • May 9, 2026

    The food was good. However they should really tell guests that EACH glass of apple juice is almost $7?!?!

  • April 25, 2026

    When I tell you this is one of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. 10/10 underrated hidden Gem

  • April 19, 2026

    The food is sooooo good. The service was also amazing and the atmosphere with the music was great.

  • April 7, 2026

    The service and the food were fantastic, as usual!

  • April 5, 2026

    All ways good service. And food

  • April 4, 2026

    Great House margaritas & the Fajitas are a winner every time.

Overall Score

46 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 20/40
    Grade C
  • Dietary transparency 7/20
    2 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.3★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 2/10
    Declining, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
11 AM to 10 PM
Tuesday
11 AM to 10 PM
Wednesday
11 AM to 10 PM
Thursday
11 AM to 10 PM
Friday
11 AM to 10:30 PM
Saturday
11 AM to 10:30 PM
Sunday
11 AM to 9:30 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. June 8, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Call Back - Complied

    0 high-priority · 4 intermediate · 9 basic

    • 11 — Employee health knowledge; no ill/symptomatic employee present
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 32 — Bathrooms
    • 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 50 — Current license, properly displayed
    • 53 — Food manager certification; employee food-safety training (×2)
  2. June 3, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Administrative complaint recommended

    6 high-priority · 7 intermediate · 16 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition (×2)
    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods (×2)
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating) (×4)
    • 06 — Potentially hazardous foods properly thawed
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 11 — Employee health knowledge; no ill/symptomatic employee present
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention (×2)
    • 32 — Bathrooms
    • 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×3)
    • 50 — Current license, properly displayed
    • 51 — Other conditions of sanitary & safe operation
    • 53 — Food manager certification; employee food-safety training (×3)
  3. December 8, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    4 high-priority · 4 intermediate · 10 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating) (×2)
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 12 — Handwashing; employee eating/drinking/smoking practices
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained (×3)
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×2)

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to AY JALISCO, by Florida DBPR grade:

  • HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CLERMONT

    4.3★ 0.5 mi away

  • GABBY'S

    4.3★ 0.5 mi away

  • DUNKIN DONUTS

    3.4★ 0.7 mi away

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: June 8, 2026