El Guanaco
Last inspected: Jun 30, 2021
86
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at El Guanaco stretching back to 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Jun 30, 2021. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. The file hasn't been updated since Jun 30, 2021, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately compared to roughly three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “proper cooling methods used” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 30, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
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86
Oct 21, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE MENU WITHOUT DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BY USING BROCHURES, MENU ADVISORIES, LABEL STATEMENTS, TABLE TENTS, PLACARDS OR OTHER EFFECTIVE WRITTEN MEANS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PROCEDURES AND A KIT FOR CLEANING UP VOMIT, AND DIARRHEA, BUT MISSING A DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE FLAT GRILL NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD AND FILTERS NOT CLEAN, NSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES WITHOU THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE UPRIGHT FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN. ALSO REMOVE THE ALUMINUM FOIL FROM THE REAR STORAGE SHELVES, AND TABLE STORAGE SHELF.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL CUTTING BOARDS STAINED AND PITED, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE NEW CUTTING BOARDS.
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61
Aug 27, 2018
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A) OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA: PORK AT 45.3F, CHORIZO AT 45.7F, SOUR CREAM AT 52.3F, CHEESE AT 44.6F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 15# OF FOOD WORTH $100. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT. OBSERVED THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS MEATS AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-202.11 NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY WAS PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO WRITTEN CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE ON AND INSIDE THE DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 REPLACE THE LOOSE FLOOR TILE IN FRONT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12(A) CLEAN THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
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50
May 24, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around exposed hand sink in kitchen prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Reach in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in bsmt storage area that had peeling paint, shall be repaired/sealed. Floors in walk in cooler under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling in men's bathroom had peeling paint, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
82
Jul 13, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT THE DOOR OF SERVICE PREP COOLER AT THE REAR PREP KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE REAR KITCHEN PREP AND AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE WITH WATER ON THE FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DUSTY CEILING TILES THROUGH OUT THE FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Jul 30, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED AND PREPARED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PREP COOLERS AND WALK-IN COOLER NOT LABEL AND DATED. MUST LABEL AND DATE ITEMS. OBSERVED BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTS ON HALL BY PIZZA KITCHEN WITH HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Apr 9, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found some food items not properly dated in reach in freezer, must properly date food items in reach in freezer.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving that had peeling paint, rust, shall be repaired/sealed., caulk around sink in prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment in 1st floor not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in bsmt storage closet area under shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning .
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls, ceilings that had peeling paint, plaster in kitchen areas, bathrooms, and in dining area, shall be repaired/sealed.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing light shields in kitchen prep area, shall be provided.
36
74
Oct 28, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST ICE BOX FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE RACKS LOCATED INSIDE THE 1DR REFRIGERATOR ON THE 1ST FLOOR REAR KITCHEN AREA AND IN BETWEEN GASKETS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BOTH HOT AND COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLES SO AS TO CLOSE PROPERLY AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK.
38
86
Oct 19, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR SURFACES UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, ESPECIALLY BY COOKING EQUIPMENT, FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREAS
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE MORE LIGHT IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA, AND REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN SAME AREA
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE, AND PROVIDE SHELVING TO BETTER ORGANIZE WANTED ITEMS
41
86
Apr 4, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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.Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced,OPENINGS BELOW FAUCET AT 3 COMP SINK MUST SEAL ALSO MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD PROTECTION ON EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN ON CLEAN UTENSIL DRAIN BOARD SIDE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS,SHELVINGS,FAN COVER INSIDE WALK-IN-COOLER,SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN,HOOD/FILTERS,DEEP FRYER,SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES,BENEATH THE 3 COMP SINK AREA INCLUDING LEGS OF EQUIPMENTS ETC.
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.CLEAN and maintain the floors and baseboards so they are smooth and sanitary from corner to corner THROGHOUT KITCHEN,BASEMENT INCLUDING INTERIOR OF WALK-IN-COOLER.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.MUST REPLACE ALL BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS ABOVE FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA,WALK-IN-COOLER.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST CLEAN,ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS,REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE ALSO CLEANING EQUIPMENTS WET DRIPPING MOPS BY MOP SINK AREA MUST BE STORED PROPERLY SAME AREAS.
41
78
Dec 20, 2010
Routine
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DATE ON PREPARED FOOD CONTAINNERS IN WALKIN COOLER AT BASEMENT.
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. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN FOOD CONTAINER EDGES IN CHEF REACH IN COOLER,REPAIR DAMAGED SEAT COVER ON AND COVER TABLE TOPS IN BASEMENT. ALSO MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD PROTECTION ON EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN ON CLEAN UTENSIL DRAIN BOARD SIDE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE OVEN IN PIZZA PREP KITCHEN,EXPOSE HAND WASH SINKS AT FRONT PREP,AND IN PREP KITCHEN AT REAR,TOILET BOWLS,EXTERIORS OF CHEF COOLER,EXTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER AT REAR KITCHEN,DEEP FRYER INSIDE & OUTER WALLS,MOP SINK IN BASEMENT,AND EXTERIOR OF 3COMP.SINK.
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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER,AND REPAIR PEELING PAINTS ON SAME FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN STAINS AND DEBRIS ON WALLS THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN.
35
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. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HOSE RUSTIG ON MOP SINK IN BSMT.
38
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Guanaco last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Guanaco on file is from Jun 30, 2021. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Guanaco?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at El Guanaco.
Has El Guanaco's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Guanaco have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Guanaco means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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