El Gallo Bravo
Last inspected: May 21, 2025
82
Score
El Gallo Bravo has been inspected 22 times since 2010. The latest inspection on file is from May 21, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “proper cooling methods used”, showing up seven times.
That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Chicago restaurants. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 21, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIFE STORED IN BETWEEN STORAGE RACKS BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER SERVICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KNIFE RACK FOR PROPER KNIFE STORAGE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
82
Oct 7, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED FOIL PAPER USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
90
Jan 27, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE OF FROZEN BEEF AND REFRIED BEANS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
35
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: (2) FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
86
Dec 20, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 13, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED COOKED RICE AT 49.7F AND SALSAS AT 55-65F INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. MUST ADD THE SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT "THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
74
Sep 15, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS SUCH AS EGGS THAT ARE UNDERCOOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. CONSUMER ADVISORY STATEMENT SIGN FOUND POSTED ONLY ON THE WALL. MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE PRINTED MENU THAT DISCLOSES AND REMINDS CONSUMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDTION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 4-25-19. #58- NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TINFOIL, PLASTIC WRAP OR TAPE AS LINER FOR SHELVING OR EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT.----EXCESSIVE ON RUST ON REAR METAL PREP TABLE BOTTOM SHELVING. MUST REMOVE RUST. SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT DINING AREA MUST BE REPLACED.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE BATHROOM WALL VENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----CHIPPING PLASTER ON WALLS AT THE REAR PREP TABLE SLICER AREA. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BASEBOARD COVING AT THE REAR METAL PREP TABLE IN POOR REPAIR, DAMAGED WITHOPEN CREVICES. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS SUCH AS BEANS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCTS COMMON NAME.
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR SUCH AS BULK BAGGED AND BOXED FOODS, MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR/GUARD ON THE HAND WASHING SINK OR ANY SHELVING. SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
58
Apr 25, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS WITHOUT A SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST UPDATE ALL EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AND KEEP ON PREMISES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
67
Apr 11, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER (BY COOKLINE) NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPRATURE AT 51.8 F. FOUND BEEF AND CHICKEN HELD INSIDE SAID COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MUST BE 41.0 F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE- BEEF AT 51.6 F AND CHICKEN AT 52.9 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS WITHOUT A SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CALIBRATE A METAL STEM THEROMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS AND KEEP ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER (ALONG COOKLINE) DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST UPDATE ALL EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AND KEEP ON PREMISES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
43
Nov 27, 2017
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA DOOR RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLER GASKETS.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CEILING LIGHT BULBS (X2) BURNED OUT ABOVE MOP SINK. MUST PROVIDE WORKING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE MOP SINK.
36
90
May 4, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: 2-DOOR STAND UP REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKET.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR SAID REACH IN COOLER.
40
86
Dec 16, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAINT/SEAL REAR PREP AREA FLOOR SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.FOUND ABOVE STATED FLOOR WITH PATCHES OF PEELING PAINT AT THE ENTRANCE INTO THE ABOVE STATED SPACE IN FRONT OF THE COOLERS AND THE RESTROOM ENTRANCE.
34
95
Mar 28, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY IN PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES. MUST PROPERLY STORE CUT TORTILLAS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS AT ALL TIMES. FOUND ABOVE FOOD ITEM BEING STORED IN WHITE PLASTIC BAGS.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE DUST AND DEBRI FROM ALL BASEMENT FLOOR CORNERS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL LIGHT SHIELDS LOCATED IN THE FRONT SERVICE COOKING LINE TI REMOVE DEBRI AND DEAD INSECTS.
36
86
Nov 9, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES.FOUND 2 PLASTIC CONTAINERS OF COOKED BEANS FROM 11/8/2015,RANGING FROM 76.4F - 78.8F IN REAR REFRIGERATOR.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 20 LBS. $50.00 AS STATED PER OWNER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE.MUST SEAL USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES NEAR THE EXPOSED HAND SINK.MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR MONITORING FOOD TEMPERATURES AND MAINTAIN.
40
82
Jul 21, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSILS STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT UTENSILS
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET IN THE RREACH IN COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON TOP OF STORAGE BINS IN THE THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED SO THAT THE PAINT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE BATHROOM AND UNDER THE 3 COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY WALLS IN THE REAR PREP AREA NEAR THE SLICER. CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY HAVE DUST BUILD. STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP IN LIGHT SHEILDS ABOVE THE GRILL. LIGHT BULB OUT ABOVE THE CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND REPLACE BULB.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER VENTILATION IN THE RESTROOM. THE FAN WAS RUNNING, BUT NOT PULLING THE AIR THROUGH PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. BACK FLOW DEVICE NEEDED ON MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. ALSO RECOMMENDED GOOSE NECK FOR THE 3 COMP SINK TO PROPERLY CLEAN LARGE POTS.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ONSITE. WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
45
67
Oct 29, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, REMOVE GREASY SURFACES BY COOKING EQUIPMENT, MUST REPAINT,
34
95
Oct 22, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: REAR KITCHEN DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX., 1/4 GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM OF DOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, AND PROPERLY SEAL, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, REMOVE GREASY SURFACES BY COOKING EQUIPMENT,
34
86
Jan 30, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RESTRICT CARRYOUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE FOOD,
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SURFACE OF REAR KITCHEN FLOOR NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEAN, MUST REPAINT,
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: RESTRICT STORING EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS ON FOOD STORAGE SHELVES, MUST PROVIDE SPACE TO BE STORED NICE AND NEATLY,
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR PLUMING UNIT AT COMMODE, UNIT MUST WORK PROPERLY,
38
82
Mar 28, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULKING AROUND THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST RE GLUE THE PLASTIC BASEBOARD INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST INSTALL MISSING BASEBOARD/COVING 4" BEHIND THE GRILL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: GAP IN BETWEEN THE HOOD AND THE CEILING ABOVE THE COOKING AREA, AND GAP BETWEEN THE CEILING AND WALLS ABOVE THE CASHIER MACHINE. MUST SEAL THE GAP AND MAINTAIN. PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS INSIDE THE WASHROOM AND WALLS BESIDE THE REACH IN COOLER IN THE COOKING AREA,WALLS BEHIND THE SHELVE FOR THE CLEAN POT AND PANS. MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND RE-PAINT. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE HOOD,THE LIGHT SHIELD BY THE HOOD AND CONNECTING PIPE/TUBINGS ON THE HOOD WITH GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE THE THREAD OF THE MOP SINK FAUCET OR INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTIVE DEVICE. LEAK ON THE HOT HANDLE OF THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK.
38
82
Feb 8, 2012
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER DOORS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOKING EQUIPMENT, MEAT SLICER AND STORAGE SHELVES UNDER FRONT SERVING COUNTER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT REAR STORAGE AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR LEAKING PIPE UNDER 3PART SINK AND REPLACE BROKEN COLD WATER HANDLE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK; ALSO PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPER FOR 3PART SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.
43
74
Jul 27, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Must increase cold water pressure at handsink in toilet room.
38
95
Jul 25, 2011
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Potentially hazardous foods does not meet temperature requirement during storage, preparation, display and service. Found 2-5 gallon containers of salsa(cooked) at 64.9 F to 67.4 F inside cooler. Manager stated that salsa was prepared at 4am, however no time or temperature log provided. Instructed that all potentially hazardous foods must maintain 40 F or below. Must cool potentially hazardous foods in shallow pans within 6 hrs-from 140F to 70 F in 2 hrs and 70 F to 40 F in 4 hrs. Manager voluntarily discarded and denatured, value $75, 80lbs.
3
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: No hot running water under city pressure. Temperature of hot water at sinks 69.4 F. Instructed that premises must have hot running water under city pressure at all times of operation. Critical citation issued 7-38-030.
9
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: Previous serious violation not corrected: 7-38-012, 1-25-2010, report #98351: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepare or served. Premises open 24 hrs one manager not on premises at this time when potentially hazardous foods being prepared and served i.e., beans hot holding at 153.9F. Critical citation issued 7-42-090
14
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Storage shelves and grease trap not maintained. Instructed to remove foil on units, detail clean and/or reseal.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor not maintained through-out. Instructed to detail clean floor vents and remove food debris, behind and under all equipment and repaint/seal floor in rear. Repair or replace missing/broken floor tiles.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Light covers in pre area not cleaned or maintained. Instructed to detail clean or replace.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation not provided in toilet room. Instructed to repair exhaust fan in toilet room. Utility sink has hoses connected to faucet. Instructed to backflow device on faucet or remove hoses and cut threads from faucet.
38
70
Jan 25, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.PREMISES OPEN 24 HRS ONE MANAGER NOT ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED I.E. STEAK TACO BEANS HOT HOLDING ETC. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.CLEAN FLAT GRILL AND DRIP TRAYS.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: TWO LIGHTS OUT 1 FRONT PREP AND THE OTHER ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ALSO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS THRU OUT.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Gallo Bravo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Gallo Bravo on file is from May 21, 2025. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Gallo Bravo?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at El Gallo Bravo.
Has El Gallo Bravo's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Gallo Bravo have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Gallo Bravo means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is El Gallo Bravo inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Gallo Bravo is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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