Roaches, flies and hair found in taco spot refrigerators

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week's Food 4 Thought the Food Patrol visited the worst restaurant we've seen all year.

We're also celebrating the success of a small business with big dreams and big appetites for pizza.

Mikey's Pizza and Shots at 1907 Lubbock Street in Harlingen has earned its second Top Performer sticker.

The owner and kitchen staff are the same from 2022 Top Performer Station 1. Manager Omar Trevino is happy to see the Food Patrol again.

Mikey's is the new hot spot for locals to grab a drink and a slice.

It is always a good time at Mikey's and the team is celebrating their Top Performer status.

"I'm proud to work here," said Bartender Emily Appell. "I will rep this place wherever I go!"

Grab a slice, order a cold one and take a picture with the sticker.

That's que rico!

But it's que asco time!

The Food Patrol headed to Mi Taqueria Rio Bravo at 3010 E Mile 11 in Mercedes and were shocked at what was found.

Its Feb. 1 inspection stuck them with 18 violations. Some violations included dirty cutting boards, missing food labels, out-of-regulation storage equipment and dirty walls, ceilings and equipment.

The second inspection on Feb. 8, busted them for roaches.

Rio Bravo has not learned from its mistakes because we showed up after Easter weekend and owner Luis Gutierrez gave permission to go into the kitchen.

For the customer's sake, we're glad we did. In its refrigerators, the Food Patrol spotted violations galore.

The employees left their uncovered lunch from yesterday afternoon and owned up to it being a cross-contamination hazard.

That was in one fridge but there were still three more to inspect.

The other three were the same. A mix of customers' food, employees' food and bugs food.

A dead earwig, a dead fly, dead cockroaches and hair were found inside.

The employee said the last time the fridges were properly cleaned out the day before they went on vacation... Easter vacation that is.

The restaurant agreed these are unacceptable conditions to operate under.

You’re part of the Food Patrol! When you see dirty habits, please send us photos/videos and a copy of the complaint you filed to your local health department to News@KVEO.COM