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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

El G-Fe

4820 S Cicero Ave

Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 24, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GASKET ON COLD HOLD PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF HANDSINK IN MEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 24, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 14, 2026

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF SHRIMP IN TWO DOOR COOLER AT 55F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL COLD HELD ITEMS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F AND BELOW. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED 5LBS OF SHRIMP AT COST OF $50. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GASKET ON COLD HOLD PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF HANDSINK IN MEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2618605 DATED:6/4/25 NOT CORRECTED; #55-MOP IMPROPERLY STORED IN UNCLEAN WATER IN MOP BUCKET. After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to airdry without soiling walls, EQUIPMENT, or supplies.#57-MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE#58-MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

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 Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 14, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 4, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

LIQUOR STORAGE STORED UNDERNEATH SEWER LINES THAT ARE NOT SHIELDED IN BASEMENT . INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN

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
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

HEAVILY STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AT PREP LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FLOOR DRAIN. INSTD TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

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
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE

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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE

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 Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 4, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 9, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15 OBSERVED 1/4IN GAP AT TOP OF EXTERIOR DOOR IN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.

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
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A; B;D) OBSERVED VARIOUS LIDS AND UTENSILS STORED IN SOILED CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CONTAINERS WHERE CLEAN UTENSILS ARE STORED.

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
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON INTERIORS OF COLD HOLD UNIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 9, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

May 2, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE IN BIN. (ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE MACHINE BEFORE USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VARIOUS LIDS AND UTENSILS STORED IN SOILED CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CONTAINERS WHERE CLEAN UTENSILS ARE STORED.

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
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/4IN GAP AT TOP OF EXTERIOR DOOR IN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.

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
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP ON INTERIORS OF COLD HOLD UNIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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
notedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WASTEWATER BACKING UP ONTO FLOOR FROM FLOOR DRAIN WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PLUMBER ARRIVED ON SITE FOR REPAIR DURING INSPECTION) PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 2, 2024 · Original Source

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