El Guanaquito Restaurant

1438 E Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Feb 13, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

El Guanaquito Restaurant has been inspected eight times since 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 13, 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.

The pattern that stands out is “nonfood contact surfaces”, which has been cited two times.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Phoenix restaurants. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 13, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed grease deposits and dust accumulation on the fume hood vents above the cookline at time of inspection. Discussed cleaning frequency with PIC. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues

4-602.13

Sep 30, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed hot water nob on hand sink next to ice machine very difficult to turn on. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times

5-205.15(B)

Aug 18, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

May 9, 2025

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed buildup of rust on metal wire shelving in secondary walk-in refrigerator closest to dry storage area. No visible contamination of food on or beneath these shelves was noted. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues

4-602.13

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: PVC drain line from a 2-compartment food prep sink extends below flood rim of the corresponding floor drain. Please shorten drain pipe to ensure that a 1" air gap is maintained above the floor drain to prevent a cross-connection. Also of note: hot water faucet handle at hand washing sink closest to "expo" station could only be turned with significant difficulty. Hot water was verified at this sink. Please repair so that hot water faucet can easily be turned. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times

5-205.15(B)

Oct 22, 2024

Food AMC Trainings

No violations found.

100

Oct 7, 2024

Routine

2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Linens and Napkins, Use Limitations (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed white napkin linen mixed in with masa mix and cooked papusa in the tabletop prep cooler across from the stove. Please ensure that any linens/napkins are kept away from direct contact with food to avoid any possible cross contamination. Staff removed the linen napkin

3-304.13

Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered

Inspector notes: Observed no covered receptacle available in unisex employee's bathroom. Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide prior to next routine inspection. 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION

5-501.17

Jul 8, 2024

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Jun 27, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

Inspector notes: Observed standing refrigerator next to cookline with a minimum ambient air temperature of 64'F and maintaining all TCS foods at 41'F or above at the time of inspection. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain all TCS foods at 41'F or below. Please repair refrigerator such that the walk-in maintains all TCS foods at 41'F or below. Will re-inspect on 7/8/2024

4-301.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Manager (CFM) onsite at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) was unable to produce a certified food protection manager certificate. A CFM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operations. Provide a CFM onsite by next routine inspection

2-102.12(A)

Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered

Inspector notes: Observed no covered receptacle available in women's bathroom. Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide prior to next routine inspection

5-501.17

Show all 8 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Guanaquito Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Guanaquito Restaurant on file is from Feb 13, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Guanaquito Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Guanaquito Restaurant.

How does El Guanaquito Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

El Guanaquito Restaurant most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Phoenix average of 97.

Has El Guanaquito Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Guanaquito Restaurant have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Guanaquito Restaurant 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 Guanaquito Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Guanaquito Restaurant is inspected around five times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Welcome Diner

929 E Pierce St

Score: 58 — Medium Risk

Garfield Elementary School

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

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