El Nuevo Guadalajara
Last inspected: Dec 18, 2025
95
Score
Inspectors have visited El Nuevo Guadalajara 13 times, with records going back to 2011. The most recent report on file is from Dec 18, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; El Nuevo Guadalajara is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 18, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19 OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIRN AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
53
95
Dec 2, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATLEY 50 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION... THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS, IN PREP AREA INSIDE CONDENSER COIL/VENTILATION PANEL COMPARTMENT AND ON FLOOR OF 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED, WALL UNDER STORAGE RACK NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP, UNDER SANITIZER BASIN OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, IN REAR STORAGE ROOM SCATTERED ALONG FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTURES WALL AND IN 2ND STORAGE ROOM BEHIND CABINETS STORED ALONG WALL. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SAID AREAS AND ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIRN AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAPS BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE ROOMS AND PREP. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY OR HARBORAGE.
55
82
Sep 13, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE FREEZER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED WRAPPED IN PLASTIC WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.
47
95
May 31, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 30, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND PLASTIC ON EXTERIOR OF COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ENSURE A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX STAFF TOILET ROOMS, MAINTAIN.
53
90
May 3, 2021
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "3/4-1" GAP ALONG SIDES OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-101.13(C) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED CERAMIC BOWLS THAT AREN'T LEAD -FREE.MUST ELIMINATE USAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-102.11 Inspector Comments: MUST ELIMINATE USAGE OF REUSED PLASTIC FOOD BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT BAR AREA CABINETS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DOOR HINGE IN POOR REPAIR ON FREEZER.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING IN PREP AREA,DAMAGED WALL,DOOR AND TRIM IN REAR STORAGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILE AT ENTRY TO REAR STORAGE AREA.MUST SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALLS, LOWER WALL BASES & OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN.
58
67
Apr 16, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 150 OR MORE RAT AND MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS AND INSIDE OF A BOX OF PAPERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA,IN BASEMENT ON LEDGE UNDER STAIRCASE,ON ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF SHELVING UNITS (PAINT CANS,WOOD,TRIM,ETC)ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES AND SHELVING UNIT.ALSO EVIDENCE OF A LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON A PLASTIC CONTAINER ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN BEER COOLERS AND SEVERAL DEAD ON GLUE BOARDS UNDER BAR COUNTER.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/16/21.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
5
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR DISH WASHING AREA 3- COMPARTMENT SINK BACK -UP INTO OTHER COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER IS RELEASED AND SLOW DRAINING.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM AND BAR AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX. "3/4-1" GAP ALONG SIDES OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERAMIC BOWLS THAT AREN'T LEAD -FREE.MUST ELIMINATE USAGE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE USAGE OF REUSED PLASTIC FOOD BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT BAR AREA CABINETS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DOOR HINGE IN POOR REPAIR ON FREEZER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON MOPSINK AND ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX STAFF AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON STAFF TOILET ROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING IN PREP AREA,DAMAGED WALL,DOOR AND TRIM IN REAR STORAGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILE AT ENTRY TO REAR STORAGE AREA.MUST SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALLS, LOWER WALL BASES & OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN.
58
35
Jan 10, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous foods without labels in freezer. Must label all potentially hazardous foods with name and prep date when held for more than 24 hours. Must maintain same.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed peeling paint on threshold of door in rear of kitchen. Must make smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
35
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed fresh water pipe leaking in basement. Must repair and maintain.
39
86
Jun 3, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF UPRIGHT FREEZER AT REAR.
33
95
Jun 19, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVERED THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AT THE BAR 3 COMP SINK HAS A LEAK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Dec 3, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE UPRIGHT FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDSINK BEHIND THE BAR(EXISTING 1971), INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
38
90
Jan 14, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE TIN FOIL FROM STOVE TOP BURNERS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STOVETOP AND FLAT GRILL DRIP PAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM KITCHEN FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR HOLE IN CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE REAR WALLS.
35
82
Nov 22, 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.RAW WOOD STORAGE CABINET BEHIND BAR. MUST SEAL.
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.STORAGE/BEER ON FLOOR IN REAR.MUST ELEVATE OFF FLOORS.
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.OPENINGS ALOMG LOWER WALLS IN OFFICE AND MEN WASHROOM.MUST SEAL OR INSTALL BASEBOARDS.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated.MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOROF EMPLOYEES.
37
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.COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE ON LEFT IN POOR REPAIR/LOOSE.MUST REPAIR.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Nuevo Guadalajara last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Nuevo Guadalajara on file is from Dec 18, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Nuevo Guadalajara?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at El Nuevo Guadalajara.
Has El Nuevo Guadalajara's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Nuevo Guadalajara have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Nuevo Guadalajara 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 Nuevo Guadalajara inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Nuevo Guadalajara is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants