El Gordo Mexican Grill

8461 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Dec 9, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Public records show six inspections at El Gordo Mexican Grill stretching back to 2024. The most recent report on file is from Dec 9, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about three violations before that.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “food storage - preventing contamination from the premises”, showing up two times.

The city-wide average for Mesa sits at 95, putting El Gordo Mexican Grill on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 9, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Oct 22, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria

Inspector notes: Observed sanitizer bucket with more than 200 PPM of chlorine sanitizer. PIC drained and refilled bucket at time of inspection. Discussed testing levels of sanitizer to ensure levels remain between 50-100PPM for chlorine sanitizer

7-204.11

Jun 4, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

Inspector notes: Beef Consume soup found cooling in walk-in from previous day at 55*F. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling

3-501.14

Food thawed using improper method

Inspector notes: Observed raw adobada meat thawing in prep sink without running water

3-501.13

Dec 9, 2024

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

Inspector notes: Beef Consume soup found cooling in walk-in from previous day 47*f degrees. Embargoed. Cooling must occur 135-> 70*f in 2 hours and 70-> 41*f degrees in another 4 hours for a grand total of 6 hours. Please ice product or ice wand to prevent long cooling times in deep containers

3-501.14

Toxic materials not properly labeled

Inspector notes: Observed two bottles of chemicals unlabeled in dishwashing area. One bleach and other degreaser. Labeled at time of inspection

7-101.11

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Hand sink basin obstructed by pitcher at beginning of inspection, inspector had to remove in order to wash hands. Hand sinks must remain free and clear

5-205.11

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Large black bin in fryer section holding small bits of cut French fries for customer service found sitting on top of trash can. Food storage and prep cannot come into contact with contaminated areas

3-305.11

Aug 20, 2024

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Aug 2, 2024

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

Inspector notes: Observed blood visibly dripping from raw beef into uncooked rice in back prep area. According to PIC, uncooked rice is used to make agua de horchata beverage. Rice was discarded at time of inspection and all areas were cleaned and sanitized

3-302.11(A1-2)

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Observed birria broth stored underneath stovetop with an internal temperature of 106*f. According to PIC, broth had been removed from temperature controlled environment within 30 minutes prior to inspection

3-501.16(A)(1)

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

Inspector notes: Observed shredded beef cooling at ambient temperature near drive thru window with an internal temperature of 108*f. PIC stated beef was cooling for about 1 hour prior to inspection and was instructed to moved to walk-in cooler to rapidly chill. Also discussed, approved cooling methods. Observed assembly line main prep table holding ambient air temperature of 54*f. Please ensure prep table is holding ambient air temperature of 41*f prior to re-inspection on 8.15.24 and minimal food is stored in unit until repairs are made

4-301.11

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Observed green tomatillos used for salsa stored on floor near floor drain of ware washing area. PIC tomatillo away from floor drain to a dry area, 6 inches above floor

3-305.11

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area

Inspector notes: Observed several personal drinks stored throughout dry storage area. Please keep all personal drinks in designated area

2-401.11

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Gordo Mexican Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Gordo Mexican Grill on file is from Dec 9, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Gordo Mexican Grill?

Across the inspection record, “food storage - preventing contamination from the premises” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Gordo Mexican Grill.

How does El Gordo Mexican Grill compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

El Gordo Mexican Grill most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Mesa average of 95.

Has El Gordo Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at El Gordo Mexican Grill have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Gordo Mexican Grill means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

Nearby Restaurants

Christian Care

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

Kneaders Bakery and Cafe

1142 S Signal Butte Rd

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Stevenson Elementary School

638 S 96th St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Mesa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Maricopa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Mesa