El Ranchero

1900 E Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Feb 2, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

Across the available record, El Ranchero has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2024. On Feb 2, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around one violation each.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “equipment food - contact surfaces and utensils-frequency”, showing up two times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Phoenix restaurant scores 97. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 2, 2026

Routine

No violations found.

100

Sep 12, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Improper cooling methods used

Inspector notes: Some containers of cooked meats and broths had cooled (41F) in the reach-in refrigerator with a food depth of more than 4 inches (6-8inches). Do not exceed a food depth of 4 inches while cooling in containers

3-501.15(B)

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings

Inspector notes: The rear wall near the storage and tool area is made of unpainted drywall. Have the wall painted with a gloss or semi-gloss paint so that it can be wiped down as needed

6-201.16

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: The certified food-service manager was not present during the inspection. Provide a certified food-service manager during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Jul 15, 2025

Routine

2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: The interior of the ice machine has a slight buildup of organic residue on the ice baffle. Properly clean the ice machine and maintain clean at all times

4-602.11(E)

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: No detectable chlorine sanitizer residual in one of the wiping-cloth buckets. An employee remade and rechecked the sanitizer- ok at 100PPM Chlorine

3-304.14

May 2, 2025

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: The interior of the ice machine had a slight buildup of organic residue on the ice baffle. Maintain interion of ice machine clean at all times

4-602.11(E)

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

Inspector notes: The rear storage area is not well lit. Install ceiling lights so that the rear storage area is well lit

6-303.11

Feb 6, 2025

Food Advisory Inspection

No violations found.

100

Nov 14, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jul 18, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed refrigeration unit located opposite of cooling rack in kitchen with an ambient unit temperature of 47.6'F. PIC put a work order in at time of inspection. Establishment has adequate coldholding capacities. All TCS food items inside the unit were relocated or embargoed. PIC agreed to not use unit in question until fixed. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below

4-301.11

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Ranchero last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Ranchero on file is from Feb 2, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Ranchero?

Across the inspection record, “equipment food - contact surfaces and utensils-frequency” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Ranchero.

How does El Ranchero compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

El Ranchero most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has El Ranchero's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Ranchero 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 Ranchero inspected?

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

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