El Gallo Giro
Last inspected: Apr 16, 2025
86
Score
Going back to 2010, El Gallo Giro has 20 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 16, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “approved thawing methods used”, which has been cited eight times.
El Gallo Giro's latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINET. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKS IN FLOOR TILE NEAR FRYER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA WHERE HOT WATER IS LOCATED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Feb 9, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND LITTER ON THE FLOOR BEHIND COLD HOLD UNITS IN THE FRONT DINING AREA AND IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Apr 19, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICEE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
45
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHICKEN AND MENUDO IMPOPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, REFRIGERATION, OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS
35
90
Apr 1, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 25, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MISSING DISCLOSURE FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE ON THE MENU WHICH FOODS (EX, EGGS, STEAK) CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED/COOKED TO ORDER WITH AN ASTERISK NEXT TO THOSE SPECIFIC ITEMS; AND THEN BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOTNOTE THAT STATES THESE ITEMS ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN (OR MAY CONTAIN) RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND ALSO A REMINDER STATEMENT SUCH AS "Consuming raw or undercooked MEATS, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGS may increase your RISK of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions" PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 2 UPRIGHT COOLERS WITH FOOD STORAGE IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA WITH LOCKING MECHANISM TO PROTECT FROM POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION FROM UNAUTHRORIZED PERSONNEL. INSTD TO PROVIDE LOCKING MECHANISM OF REMOVE FROM CUSTOMER DINING AREA
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: IMPROPER CONTAINERS THAT ARE WORN, AND IN POOR REPAIR ARE BEING USED TO STORE FOOD (RE USING COUNTRY CROCK BUTTER CONTAINERS). INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS DESIGNED FOR MULTI USE THAT ARE DURABLE AND RESISTANT TO DISTORTION
47
78
Jul 1, 2021
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NO ALUMINUM ON SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SHELF AND REMOVE ALUMINUM
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED IN GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN FOOD GRADE BAGS ONLY CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SIDE OF FRYER AND WHEELS OF FRYER WITH GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: HOT WATER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH LOW PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT FRONT PREP AND REAR PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Nov 13, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
95
Jun 6, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH REQUIRED SUPPLIES AS NOTED ON PROCEDURE (DISPOSABLE MASK, DISPOSABLE GLOVE, EFFECTIVE DISINFECTANT AGAINST NOROVIRUS, ETC.) AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: VARIETY OF FOODS (COOKED PORK, COOKED RICE) NOT PROPERLY LABELED, DATED. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOR ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS (EGGS AND CARNE ASADA COOKED TO ORDER). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALUMINUM FOIL ON STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO REMOVE SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: IMPROPER CONTAINERS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD (RE USING COUNTRY CROCK BUTTER CONTAINERS). INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS, FOR MULTI USE.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN TRAINING VERIFICATION.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS.
58
55
Feb 26, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR PREP AND FRONT PREP CUTTING BOARDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN THE FOOD CONTACT UTENSILS BEING STORED BETWEEN THE WALL AND PLASTIC BOARD BEHIND SINK.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR CEILING LIGHT SHIELD NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
90
Jan 12, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP. REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE. INTERIOR RUBBER GASKETS OF PREP COOLER DOORS IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE AND TORN. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. CUTTING BOARD AT FRONT PREP LINE WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPAIR/REPLACE BOARDS AND MAINTAIN. CARDBOARD AND ALUMINUM LINING ON BOTTOM OF SHELVES.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT PIPE UNDER REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
39
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STOCK ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES.
41
82
Feb 8, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHIE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Jan 16, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATES POSTED NOR A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALY HAZADROUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED/SERVED(BEEF 167.7*F, RICE 153.4*F, ETC.) SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012a. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE, GIVEN SCHOOL INFORMATION._
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR RICE STORAGE, INSTRUCTED MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS(ZIP LOCK BAGS).
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FAN GUARD COVERS NOT CLEAN IN THE FRONT SALSA COOLER, AND REAR 2 DOOR COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONIONS, RICE STORED ON THE REAR STORAGE ROOM FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN WALL BEHIND THE RICE STORAGE CONTAINEER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLERS INFORMATION NEED TO COMPLY.
45
74
Feb 18, 2014
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SAND OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT/REAR PREP WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS, SHELVES ON PREP TABLES AND THE KNIFE RACK IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LOWER VENT (SAME WALL AS THE KNIFE RACK)IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND THE LIGHT SHIELDS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ICE SCOOP IN A SANITIZED UTENSIL OR IN ICE WITH HANDLES UP WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
82
Feb 4, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND MICE ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES, 15 AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK AND 10 BEHIND THE REACH IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED NOR A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (I.E. BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN, RICE, ETC.) INSTRUCTED TO HAVE BOTH ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SAND OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT/REAR PREP WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS, SHELVES ON PREP TABLES AND THE KNIFE RACK IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LOWER VENT (SAME WALL AS THE KNIFE RACK)IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND THE LIGHT SHIELDS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ICE SCOOP IN A SANITIZED UTENSIL OR IN ICE WITH HANDLES UP WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
70
Feb 19, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF HOOD INCLUDING LIGHTSHIELDS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: FOOD DISPENSING UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.
43
86
Apr 4, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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. NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEED AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
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. FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING THROUGHOUT TO REMOVEN FOOD SPILLS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. THE MOP SINK INNEED OF BOTH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
86
Jul 26, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS AT INTERIOR OF HOOD NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SLOW DRAINING. REPAIR SAME.
38
90
Oct 29, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 22, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: NO UTILITY SINK ON SITE. PROVIDE SAME WITH BACKFLOW DEVICE.
10
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS. PAINT RUSTY SURFACE ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE WITH NON-TOXIC PAINT.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPLACE FRONT MISSING/CRACKED FLOOR TILES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLBASE COVING MISSING IN VARIOUS AREAS. PROVIDE SAME. INTERIOR OF HOOD NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING. REPLACE WORN THRESHOLDS ON FRONT AND REAR DOOR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS AND ENDCAPS MISSING IN REAR. PROVIDE SAME.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH LOW PRESSURE. REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK SLOW DRAINING. REPAIR SAME. FRONT HANDSINK LOOSE FROM WALL. REPAIR SAME.
38
74
Oct 18, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Gallo Giro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Gallo Giro on file is from Apr 16, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Gallo Giro?
Across the inspection record, “approved thawing methods used” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at El Gallo Giro.
Has El Gallo Giro's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Gallo Giro 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 Giro 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 Giro inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Gallo Giro is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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