GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Santa Clara County, CA

El Cielo Bar & Grill

2650 Alum Rock Av

Last inspected Mar 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when El Cielo Bar & Grill has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Follow-Up Inspection

Mar 25, 2026

Pass

1 recorded violation

minorCode K48Other

Official wording

Plan review

Inspector’s notes

The bar has not gone through plan check. Ensure to submit plans to this department within 30 days for the addition of the bar. Note: The bar has unapproved floors and walls. The bar also lacks a handwash sink, three compartment sink, and any floor sinks. [CA] A person proposing to build or remodel a food facility shall submit plans and specifications for review and shall receive plan approval prior to starting any new construction or remodeling. Please visit our website at www.ehinfo.org for more information on the plan check process. You may also visit our office Monday - Friday from 7:30 am - 10am for help from our plan check desk duty. Plan check desk duty consults are limited to 20 minutes.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 25, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Mar 20, 2026

Closed

The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.

15 recorded violations

criticalCode K06Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwash facilities supplied, accessible

Inspector’s notes

The only handwash sink in the kitchen area was blocked off. [CA] Ensure to maintain the handwash sink fully stocked with soap and paper towels. Keep unobstructed and easily accessible. [COS] PIC removed the obstructions.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode K41Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing approved, installed, in good repair; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

The three compartment sink faucet leaks from the handle. [CA] Repair plumbing fixture and maintain in clean and good repair.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode K26Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used; frozen food

Inspector’s notes

1. Facility was thawing foods in the prep sink at ambient temperatures. 2. Facility was thawing foods on the drainboard of the three compartment sink. [CA] Frozen potentially hazardous food shall only be thawed in one of the following ways: 1) under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F or below, 2) completely submerged under potable running water for a period not to exceed two hours at a water temperature of 70°F or below, and with sufficient water velocity to agitate and flush off loose particles into the sink drain, 3) in a microwave oven if immediately followed by immediate preparation, 4) as part of a cooking process.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K45Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floor, walls, ceilings: built,maintained, clean

Inspector’s notes

1. The floors under the cookline equipment have an accumulation of grease and grime. 2. The wall by the heat lamp for to go orders has the FRP peeling. 3. The cove base near the dishwasher is in disrepair. [CA] Ensure to maintain the floors, walls, and ceilings of the facility clean and in good repair.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode K19Food temperature

Official wording

Consumer advisory for raw or undercooked foods

Inspector’s notes

Facility's menu lacks a consumer advisory and warning for menu items served raw or undercooked. [CA] Ensure to provide both a disclosure and reminder for undercooked or raw foods. Disclosure means a written statement that clearly includes either of the following: (1) A description of the animal-derived foods, such as “oysters on the half shell (raw oysters),” “raw-egg Caesar salad,” and “hamburgers (can be cooked to order).” (2) Identification of the animal-derived foods marked by an asterisk denoting a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked, or contain or may contain raw or undercooked ingredients. (c) “Reminder” means a written statement that identifies the animal-derived foods by an asterisk that denotes a footnote that includes either of the following disclosure statements: (1) Written information regarding the safety of these food items is available upon request. (2) Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or EGGs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

Food was found stored on the floor in the kitchen area. [CA] Food shall be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent contamination.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

Raw eggs were found stored above produce in the one door upright cooler. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below ready-to-eat food items.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K47Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Signs posted; last inspection report available

Inspector’s notes

The restrooms lack handwash reminder signs for staff. [CA] A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be posted at all handwashing stations used by food employees.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
criticalCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

1. Observed Vermin: Documented in the following areas: - Live cockroaches of all life stages were observed in the condenser area of the non ANSI upright white freezer. - Live cockroaches of all life stages were observed near electrical conduit by the dry storage area near the bar. - Dead cockroaches were observed behind clear tape holding a poster in the kitchen. - Dead cockroaches were observed in the ceiling above the heat lamp for to go orders. - A dead cockroach was observed near a hole in the cove base by the undercounter dishwasher. 2. Photographs: Taken for documentation purposes. 3. Supervisor Notified: Anjani S. 4. Notification: The person in charge during inspection, Dorian, has been informed that the facility must close immediately. [CA]: The premises of each food facility must be maintained free of vermin. A facility cannot operate if there is a vermin infestation that leads to contamination of food contact surfaces, packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food. The facility is required to cease operations immediately and must remain closed until all corrective actions on the provided checklist are completed. Requirements Before Reopening: 1. Email the signed and completed Reopening Checklist to the assigned inspector. 2. Submit a copy of the pest control report from a licensed provider.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
criticalCode K13Contamination

Official wording

Food in good condition, safe, unadulterated

Inspector’s notes

Staff used an unsanitized blender to blend a smoothie for customers. [CA] No employee shall commit any act that may cause the contamination or adulteration of food, food-contact surfaces, or utensils. [COS] While blender was running EH inspector informed kitchen staff of blender not being properly sanitized as there was no chlorine solution made and the dishwasher was in disrepair. Kitchen staff discarded the smoothie. PIC sanitized the blender cup.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode K35Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment, utensils: Approved, in good repair, adequate capacity

Inspector’s notes

Faciltiy has several non ANSI accredited equipment: - 1x one door upright freezer - 1x ninja slushie machine - 1x vevor slushie machine [CA] New and/or replacement food equipment shall be certified or classified for sanitation by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certification program (e.g. NSF, UL EPH, UL Sanitation, CSA Sanitation, or ETL Sanitation).

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
criticalCode K14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

1. Dishwasher measured at 0 PPM while actively warewashing. Staff took one of the bowls to serve food prior to EH inspector verifying concentration of sanitizer solution. [CA] Maintain chlorine in mechanical warewash machine at 50 PPM. [SA] Staff to manually wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes. 2. Staff were observed skipping the sanitizing step of warewashing manually. [CA] Manual sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by contacting a chlorine solution of 100 PPM concentration for at least 30 seconds or by contacting a quaternary ammonium solution of 200 PPM concentration for at least 60 seconds. [CA] Maintain chlorine in mechanical warewash machine at 50 PPM. [COS] PIC set up a chlorine solution at 100 PPM to sanitize the dishes.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode K38Facility maintenance

Official wording

Adequate ventilation/lighting; designated areas, use

Inspector’s notes

The ceiling tiles around the exhaust hood and the filters have an accumulation of grease. [CA] Ventilation hood filters shall be maintained clean and good repair.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode K01Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

Food handler cards for staff are unavailable. [CA] Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of his or her employment as food handler. A valid food handler card shall be provided within 30 days of after the date of hire.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

1. Rice stored on the counter measured between 120-130F. 2. Ground beef in a pan stored on a shelf above the range measured at 99F. 3. Beef soup measured at 120F on the range with the flame off. 4. Eggs in the upright one door cooler measured at 48F. Per PIC they had been there since the day before. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [COS] 1. Rice was reheated to 165F on the griddle. [COS] 2. Ground beef was transferred to a metal hotel pan to cool. [COS] 3. Soup was transferred to a cambro to cool . [COS] 4. Eggs were discarded.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Mar 20, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection

Nov 7, 2024

Pass

10 recorded violations

minorCode K27Other

Official wording

Food separated and protected

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A CONTAINER WITH RAW CHICKEN STORED ABOVE LETTUCE AND TOMATOES IN THE REACH IN REFRIGERATOR. [CA] STORE RAW FOOD OF ANIMAL ORIGIN BELOW COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOOD.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K26Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used; frozen food

Inspector’s notes

FOUND GROUND BEEF THAWED IN STANDING WATER AT THE FOOD PREPARATION SINK. [CA] FROZEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD SHALL ONLY BE THAWED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS: 1) UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41°F OR BELOW, 2) COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER POTABLE RUNNING WATER FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED TWO HOURS AT A WATER TEMPERATURE OF 70°F OR BELOW, AND WITH SUFFICIENT WATER VELOCITY TO AGITATE AND FLUSH OFF LOOSE PARTICLES INTO THE SINK DRAIN, 3) IN A MICROWAVE OVEN, IF IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE PREPARATION, 4) AS A PART OF A COOKING PROCESS.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K33Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

FOUND MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE PLASTIC FLAP INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. [CA] WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THIS PART MORE OFTEN. COS

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode K23Pests

Official wording

No rodents, insects, birds, or animals

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A SMALL DOG IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM CONTAINING BEER AND SODAS. [CA] ANIMALS PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE INSIDE A FOOD FACILITY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode K44Pests

Official wording

Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A CELL PHONE ON THE FOOD PREPARATION COUNTER IN THE KITCHEN AND A FEW BOTTLES OF MEDICINE ON A SHELF IN THE KITCHEN. [CA] STORE PERSONAL ITEMS SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM FOOD STORAGE AND FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. COS

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode K14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

FOUND OCTOPUS BEING THAWED IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. [CA] DO NOT USE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO THAW FOOD USE THE FOOD PREPARATION SINK TO THAW FOOD.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode K07Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE FLANS IN THE COUNTER REFRIGERATOR BY THE BAR AT 56F. [CA] KEEP COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT 41F OR BELOW. NOTE: THE REFRIGERATOR WAS SET AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS LOWERED AND THE REFRIGERATOR IS NOW AT 38F.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode K39Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided, accurate

Inspector’s notes

THE SERVICE REFRIGERATOR IS MISSING THE THERMOMETER. [CA] PROVIDE A THERMOMETER. COS

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode K30Other

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A CONTAINER WITH RICE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN. [CA] KEEP FOOD 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode K49Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

THE PERMIT TO OPERATE HAS EXPIRED. [CA] PROVIDE A CURRENT PERMIT TO OPERATE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Nov 7, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby