EL ALACRAN MEXICAN FOOD

Is EL ALACRAN MEXICAN FOOD clean? No — a D, 67/100, at its most recent inspection on June 4, 2026. That visit logged 2 high-priority, 3 intermediate, and 8 basic violations.

Inspectors cited 2 high-priority, 3 intermediate, and 8 basic violations. That leaves it safer than 7% of Orange County restaurants we grade. On the upside, the trend has been improving. Safer, higher-graded options nearby are listed below.

D grade · 67/100 · safer than 7% of Orange County restaurants we grade

Get directions Call (407) 395-9750

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to EL ALACRAN MEXICAN FOOD, by Florida DBPR grade:

  • WINTER GARDEN BOWL

    4★ 0.1 mi away

  • CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL

    3.8★ 0.3 mi away

  • WENDY'S #11721

    3.7★ 0.3 mi away

Restaurant details

Health grade
D (67/100)
Violations
13 total — 2 high-priority, 3 intermediate, 8 basic
Address
32 E. CYPRESS ST, Winter Garden, FL
Cuisine
Mexican
Categories
Mexican restaurant
Price
$10–20
Rating
4.3 stars (636 reviews)
Seats
75
Phone
(407) 395-9750
Photo of EL ALACRAN MEXICAN FOOD
Photo: El Alacran Mexican food

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.3 Community-sourced rating 636 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

Diners rate this place well. The inspector did not. Reviewers who mention how guests are treated rate this place 5.0 on average — it is working in the restaurant’s favour. Value for money follows at 25% of reviews, where ratings average 4.2.

5 stars is the modal score, given by 19 of the 20 reviewers who rated. These reviews span Sep 2025 to Apr 2026, so they cover more than one stretch of this kitchen’s history. Conspicuously absent: wait times, which no reviewer brings up.

None of that is visible in a star rating: the most recent DBPR inspection graded this kitchen a D (67/100), citing 2 high-priority, 3 intermediate, and 8 basic violations. Diner sentiment and inspection result are measuring different things here, and only one of them is checked by the state. That inspection was on June 4, 2026. The trend across inspections is improvement. On health score it sits safer than 7% of the Orange County restaurants we grade. Among the items recorded were cross-contamination and employee health knowledge.

What to do with that is a judgement call — the reviews describe the experience, the grade describes the conditions behind it. The individual reviews are below, newest first, if you want the raw material.

Our own analysis of 20 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • April 26, 2026

    Es un lugar ameno y buena comida de seguro regresare

  • April 24, 2026

    Every bite was packed with flavor. The meats were tender and perfectly seasoned, and the portions were very generous for the price. Everything from the chips and salsa to the main course was top tier. Highly recommend!

  • March 3, 2026

    I honestly loved this place so much. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming — cozy, vibrant, and full of authentic Mexican charm. You can really tell it’s run by the owners themselves, and that personal touch makes such a difference. The food is the real deal. Truly authentic Mexican flavors, a huge menu with so many options to choose from, and an amazing variety of seafood dishes. And the tacos? Absolutely incredible. Everything tasted so fresh and flavorful. I especially loved that they prepare the food fresh to order — you can taste the quality in every bite.

  • February 3, 2026

    Great local spot. Quesadillas have an awesome cheese pull.

  • February 1, 2026

    Loved this place! El Alacrán in Winter Garden has amazing food, great flavors, and a super friendly staff. The vibe is nice and relaxed, perfect for a good meal. 100% recommended!

  • January 24, 2026

    Buen servicio y muchas opciones de mariscos

  • January 24, 2026

    Bestmexican food ever

  • January 23, 2026

    Delicious food with true authentic Mexican taste. The service is excellent and makes you feel at home, and the atmosphere is warm, traditional, and full of character. Everything about this place feels genuine. Highly recommended!

  • January 23, 2026

    Amazing food, full of authentic Mexican flavor. The service is outstanding, super friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere feels very traditional and cozy. You can really tell this place is the real deal. 100% recommended!

  • January 16, 2026

    Excelente serivcio la comida es delicosa

  • January 16, 2026

    The bets mexican restaurante in orlando are i love it

  • January 12, 2026

    Super rica la comida, exelentes precios y muy buen servicio nos atendieron a solo poco de cerrar, el 25 de dic!! me encantó !! La torta súper grande los tacos al pastor super ricos y los sopes también muy bueno todo !!!

  • January 2, 2026

    The most authentic Mexican cuisine I ever had. A family owned restaurant with incredible staff, great food, drinks and atmosphere. I’ll be back again and again

  • December 26, 2025

    The food was okay. But the prices are a rip off. Their prices online are completely different then what they charged me. Online their tacos are $2.50. they charged me $4 per taco when I payed for my order to go. This is a total scam and false advertising. They put a price on their menu online and on their website to hook you and when it's time to pay they nearly double their prices. This is not an honest business. They don't even tell you why their prices change or why they charge you more. I also asked for extra cheese they charged it.... But there's no trace of cheese on some of the tacos. Extremely disappointed with this business practices. Do not recommend it at all!!! La comida estaba bien, pero los precios son un robo. Los precios que aparecen en internet son completamente diferentes a los que me cobraron. En línea, los tacos cuestan $2.50, pero me cobraron $4 por taco cuando pagué mi pedido para llevar. Esto es una estafa total y publicidad engañosa. Ponen un precio en su menú en línea y en su página web para atraer clientes, y a la hora de pagar, casi duplican los precios. Este no es un negocio honesto. Ni siquiera explican por qué cambian los precios o por qué cobran de más. También pedí queso extra y me lo cobraron... pero algunos tacos no tenían ni rastro de queso. Estoy extremadamente decepcionado con las prácticas de este negocio. ¡No lo recomiendo para nada! Update... They tried telling me that they do not have an online menu. On the pictures it says it very…

  • December 14, 2025

    Adorable great prices and super service

  • December 13, 2025

    Un lugar mexicano familiar donde la calidad de servicio es lo primordial, atendido por sus propios dueños. Exelente comida buena atencion agradable ambiente y muy buen trato. Lo recomiendo

  • December 7, 2025

    Excelente comida y servicio en un lugar muy acogedor.

  • October 25, 2025

    He comido en muchos restaurants Mexicanos y he ido a Mexico, tienen la mejor variedad y similitud en sus platos, Mole negro es uno de mis favoritos, sus tortas son riquísimas, su lengua en salsa verde, pozole, Doña sagrario es una excelente cocinera, y todo su personal es atento y amable. Puedo asegurar que te venden comida realmente fresca y con confianza también puedo decir que son extremadamente aseados. El precio está super bueno..

  • October 19, 2025

    The best pastor and carnitas tacos in Central Florida. This is my favorite place for an authentic Mexican meal. The service is always good and the food always delicious!!

  • September 28, 2025

    Authentic Mexican tacos.

Overall Score

53 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 10/40
    Grade D
  • Dietary transparency 20/20
    6 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.3★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 6/10
    Improving, 0% clean

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

Opening hours

Monday
9 AM to 8 PM
Tuesday
9 AM to 8 PM
Wednesday
9 AM to 8 PM
Thursday
9 AM to 8 PM
Friday
10 AM to 10 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM to 10 PM
Sunday
9 AM to 8 PM

Inspection history

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

  1. June 4, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    2 high-priority · 3 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage (×2)
    • 11 — Employee health knowledge; no ill/symptomatic employee present
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×2)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided (×2)
    • 32 — Bathrooms
  2. October 28, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    3 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 12 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating) (×2)
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized (×3)
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying (×2)
    • 29 — Plumbing installed & maintained; mop sink; backflow prevention
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×2)
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings

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 4, 2026