La Casita Gastown
101 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC V6B 1E1 · Food Service Establishment 1
Details
- Google rating
- 4.4 / 5 (8)
- Phone
- +1 604-646-2444
- Website
- Visit website →
Opening hours
- Friday12 PM–1 AM
- Monday12–11 PM
- Saturday12 PM–1 AM
- Sunday12–11 PM
- Thursday12–11 PM
- Tuesday12–11 PM
- Wednesday12–11 PM
Contact details, hours and reviews from Google Maps
Inspection summary
La Casita Gastown has been inspected 26 times by Vancouver Coastal Health since July 20, 2015. The most recent inspection, on August 13, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.
5 of 26 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.
The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.
What these findings mean
Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.
Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk
Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.
Recorded 17 times across 15 separate inspections, most recently on August 13, 2026. For example:
All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
Food temperature controlHigher risk
Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.
Recorded 14 times across 12 separate inspections, most recently on August 13, 2026. For example:
Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk
This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.
Recorded 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 21, 2019. For example:
Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
PestsHigher risk
Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.
Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 21, 2019. For example:
The premises is free of pests.
Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk
Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.
Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 20, 2026. For example:
Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
About this data
These results come from Vancouver Coastal Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.
26 inspections
- Routine Follow-up
2 infractions
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
- Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not maintained in a manner that prevents contamination.
- Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Routine Follow-up
2 infractions
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
- Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Routine
3 infractions
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
- Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
- Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
- Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Routine Follow-up
1 infraction
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- Routine
3 infractions
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not maintained/used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
- Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Routine
5 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
- Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- An accurate thermometer is not provided for temperature monitoring.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine
3 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
- Potentially hazardous food is cooled in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not cooled using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine Follow-up
2 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine
5 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
- Potentially hazardous food is thawed in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not thawed using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- Test strips are not available to monitor sanitizer level.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine
5 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
- Potentially hazardous food is thawed in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not thawed using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
- Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
- Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine Follow-up
0 infractions
- Routine Follow-up
3 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Owner/Operator does not hold a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine
5 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
- Owner/Operator does not hold a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
- Test strips are not available to monitor sanitizer level.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Request
17 infractions
- COVID-19 Safety Plan developed and in use
- COVID-19 Safety Plan contains the maximum number of patron count
- Maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated on the premises has been determined
- Maximum number of patrons allows for 2m separation between patrons of different parties at all times
- 2m separation maintained between patrons of different parties, except when partition in place
- Maximum number of patrons and staff on premises is monitored at all times
- Maximum of 6 patrons per table
- No events over 50 people on premises
- Licensed premises only provide liquor service between 9am and 10pm
- Patrons in licensed premises are assigned to a table and shown their seats by a staff member
- Patrons remain seated while at a licensed establishment, except to use the washroom or leave (Exception: licensed premises with manufacturing license)
- Where partitions are in use, they are positioned such that droplet transmission is blocked
- Operator assessed their premises and taken steps to prevent congregation of patrons near or outside their premises
- Physical devices or markers are used to assist patrons in maintaining physical distance
- Background music is no louder than the volume of normal conversation
- Reservation contact information is kept for 30 days: First name, last name, and phone number or email of at least one member of every party
- Full meal service is provided at premises open after 11pm
- Routine Follow-up
0 infractions
- Routine
5 infractions
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Owner/Operator does not hold a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate.
- Potentially hazardous food is thawed in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not thawed using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
- Potentially hazardous food is cooled in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not cooled using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
- All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
- Routine Follow-up
0 infractions
- Routine
5 infractions
- Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
- Food is not stored off of floor.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
- Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- The premises is free of pests.
- Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
- Routine Follow-up
5 infractions
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- The premises is free of pests.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Routine
4 infractions
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
- Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not in a condition that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- The premises is free of pests.
- Premises has signs of an insect activity.
- Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
- Routine Follow-up
0 infractions
- Routine Follow-up
1 infraction
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- Routine
4 infractions
- Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
- Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
- Food is not properly covered and protected from contamination.
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not in a condition that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
- Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
- Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
- Routine
5 infractions
- Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
- Ready-to-eat food is in contact with un-sanitized surfaces or utensils.
- Food is not stored in suitable containers.
- Food is not stored off of floor.
- Potentially hazardous food is thawed in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
- Potentially hazardous food is not thawed using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
- Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
- Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
- A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
- Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
- Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
- Routine Follow-up
0 infractions
- Routine
4 infractions
- The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
- All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
- An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
- The premises is free of pests.
Nearby inspected facilities
- Pacific Rose Tattoo
200 289 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 2K7
4 inspections
- Express News Tobacconist #21
109 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC V6B 1T9
4 inspections
- Express News #21
109 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC V6B 1E1
1 inspection
- Vapester Smoke Shop - Gastown
239 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 2K7
10 inspections
- Shadow and Shear
235 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 2K7
1 inspection
- Arcana Spirit Lounge
238 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 2K8
4 inspections
- Habibi Barber Shop
303 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 0G6
2 inspections
- Smoke 2 Snack Gastown
315 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 0G9
7 inspections
Reviews
Reviews provided by Google Maps- Dustin Lange
We absolutely LOVED our visit to La Casita! We couldnt get over how good everything was! The service was fantastic, even though we went during the height of FIFA and the restaurant was full of patrons there for the food and the game, we never felt neglected, in fact we had one of the most attentive servers we had experienced in a while. The drinks were downright amazing! Not only were they full of flavor, they didnt skimp on the doubles! The food speaks for itself, in a city where it is sometimes hard to find satisfying Mexican food, La Casita just became our go-to spot! We've been spoiled by some of the best Mexican food from all across North America, and our meal definitely made our top 5 list! And a bonus, the atmosphere! We had such a wonderful experience, when you walk in the door, the atmosphere changes from that urban Vancouver we all know and expect, and you get transported into a space that feels welcoming, warm, and comfortable, we could have easily stepped into this restaurant from a street in Guadalajara. Check the place out, you wont be disappointed. Thank you for the wonderful experience!
- Melissa Zavala
Friendly and attentive staff we got seated right away. I ordered cheese enchiladas, reminded me of back at home of Los Angels my comfort food. The margaritas we ordered were Fresa and Cadillac they were really good especially after a long day .
- Earnest
The margarita we got was soooo thick like the consistency of literal pudding. Not good. Plus we got the giant one so it was really awkward to have him re make it I felt bad. and it was still subpar. He said the mango puree was just bad like that… stick to lime or something lol
- Rachel Van Haute
Came here for taco Tuesday as soon on their happy hour menu and I was so impressed! The food was incredible, server was very friendly and helpful, and the place is clean and comfortable. Tried 5 tacos and as someone who is a fairly big eater, I was full even though they were "considered small". Can't wait to come back. I ordered the pastor, steak, cheeseburger and chorizo tacos and was thoroughly impressed. Altogether with a pitcher of beer (shared) my meal was under 25.
- Anand
La Casita in Gastown offers a lively atmosphere and flavourful Mexican food. We tried the chipotle prawns, wings, and quesabirrias the chipotle prawns were fab, the wings were good, and the quesabirrias were great with rich, satisfying flavours. A fun spot for casual dining if you’re craving good Mexican food in Vancouver.
- Dustin Lange
We absolutely LOVED our visit to La Casita! We couldnt get over how good everything was! …
- Melissa Zavala
Friendly and attentive staff we got seated right away. I ordered cheese enchiladas, reminded me of back at home of Los Angels my comfort food. The margaritas we ordered were Fresa and Cadillac they were really good especially after a long day .
- Earnest
The margarita we got was soooo thick like the consistency of literal pudding. Not good. Plus we got the giant one so it was really awkward to have him re make it I felt bad. and it was still subpar. He said the mango puree was just bad like that… stick to lime or something lol