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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

El Gallo Bravo

3714 W Lawrence Ave

Last inspected Jul 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

4 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jul 29, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

9 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP BENEATH THE GRILL.

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 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

2-301.15 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WASH THEIR HANDS IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE BAR AREA WHERE DISHES AND UTENSILS ARE WASHED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MUST USE ONLY THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS TO WASH THEIR HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

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
notedCode 14Food source and labeling

Official wording

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

Inspector’s notes

3-202.18(A) OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAGS ON THE PREMISES FOR RAW OYSTERS FOR THE PREVIOUS 90 DAYS. MANAGEMENT ONLY HAS CURRENT SHELLSHOCK TAGS FOR THE OYSTERS THAT ARE CURRENTLY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MARK THE SHELLSHOCK TAG WITH THE DATE THAT THE LAST OYSTER IS CONSUMED AND KEEP THE TAGS AFTERWARDS FOR AT LEAST 90 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS STORED IN THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION ON 7/22/26. OBSERVED FISH AT 48F, SHRIMP AT 44F, OYSTERS IN WATER AT 46F AND COOKED RICE AT 46F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. 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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11 OBSERVED THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 48F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS FISH, RAW OYSTERS AND SHRIMP. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE PREP COOLER BELOW 41F. 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

4-101.11 OBSERVED COOKED CACTUS STORED IN A CRACKED PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN THE REFRIGERATOR. ALSO OBSERVED SLICED TORTILLAS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX ON THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN PROPER AND INTACT FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS.

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

5-204.12 OBSERVED A RUBBER HOSE CONNECTED TO THE MOP SINK WHERE THE FAUCET IS LOCATED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE RUBBER HOSE WITH A FAUCET AND INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE FAUCET TO ATTACH THE HOSE.

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

6-501.12 CLEAN THE WALLS AND FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA BENEATH ALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2640045 ON 7/22/6 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROX. 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT OFFICE, BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET AND ON THE PREP TABLES USED AS STORAGE IN THE REAR CORNER OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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, Jul 29, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 22, 2026

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 9Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS BY A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE. OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE TOUCH A TORTILLA WHILE PREPARING A TACO WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT NO BARE HAND CONTACT IS ALLOWED WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COOKED STEAK STORED IN A STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINER ON THE GRILL WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 80F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HOT FOODS ABOVE 135F. 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED UNSHUCKED OYSTERS IN A CONTAINER OF 45F WATER, SHRIMP AT 44F, FISH AT 45F, AND COOKED CACTUS AT 44F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE VIOLATION #21 ABOVE FOR CITATION.

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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL ITEMS ON THE MENU THAT ARE RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (BREAKFAST EGG ITEMS) WITHOUT A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ASTERISK NEXT TO THEM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO ASTERISK ALL FOOD ITEMS ON THE MENU WHICH CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE ASTERISKED REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 60F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS FISH, RAW OYSTERS AND SHRIMP. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE PREP COOLER BELOW 41F. 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROX. 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT OFFICE, FLOOR OF THE HVAC CLOSET NEXT TO THE WASHROOMS, BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET AND ON THE PREP TABLE USED AS STORAGE IN THE REAR CORNER OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

REPAIR THE LOOSE FLOORING IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

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, Jul 22, 2026 · Original Source

License

Aug 25, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED AN OVERSIZED POT LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT PREP UNABLE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REMOVE POT FROM THE PREMISES OR PROVIDE A LARGE ENOUGH SINK TO ACCOMMODATE OR DEMONSTRATE AND PROVIDE A WRITTEN CLEANING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURE FOR THE POT.

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

FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT WITH POOLING WATER MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS, REPAIR ANY LEAKS POSSIBLY FROM WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS.

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, Aug 25, 2025 · Original Source

License

Aug 14, 2025

Not Ready

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 14, 2025 · Original Source

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