El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina

1705 Browns Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Service

Last inspected: Feb 9, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Public records show four inspections at El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina stretching back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 9, 2026. 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 one violation per visit.

Among Gainesville restaurants, the typical score is 91; El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 9, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

12C - wiping cloths: properly used and stored (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths stored outside of sanitizer bucket. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be: (i) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(6)(n). Corrective Actions: PIC placed wiping cloths in sanitizer solution measured to be at proper concentration.

511-6-1.04(4)(m)

Jul 23, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Aug 5, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed reach-in cooler gaskets torn/in disrepair throughout facility. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Note: PIC stated the gaskets will be replaced.

511-6-1.07(5)(a)

Feb 1, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

10D - food properly labeled; original container (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed gallon of milk with expiration date 1/29/2024. Prepackaged sandwiches, eggs, infant formula, shucked oysters, milk, and time/temperature control safety foods that are labeled as “keep refrigerated” and that are for sale or service to the consumer or used as an ingredient in other foods shall be immediately discarded and shall not be sold, served, or used after the manufacturer’s expiration date or the sell-by date. Note: PIC voluntarily discarded expired milk.

511-6-1.04(8)(b)

15B - warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips

Inspector notes: Observed no QAC test strips available in facility. A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. Note: PIC will order QAC test strips.

511-6-1.05(3)(h)

14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed several pans wet nesting. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils: 1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food; and 2. May not be cloth dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry. Note: PIC separated pans and arranged them to allow proper air drying.

511-6-1.05(10)(a)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina on file is from Feb 9, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

How does El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina compare to other restaurants in Gainesville?

El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Gainesville average of 91.

Has El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina 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 Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Sombrero Mexican Grill & Cantina is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Dave's Famous Cheesesteaks

891 Dawsonville Hwy Ste 130

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Hibachi Express

1872 Thompson Bridge Rd

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Scooter's Coffee

2010 Browns Bridge Rd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Gainesville → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Georgia → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Gainesville