El Rancho

330 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Public records show six inspections at El Rancho stretching back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 8, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.

“Certified food protection manager” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.

The city-wide average sits at 95, which El Rancho's 64 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 8, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed in the deli hot case, pans of tamales at 80-88 deg f . also pans of cooked potatoes stew and cooked portioned of rotisserie chicken at 122-124 deg f . proper hot holding requirement reviewed with manager. all removed and reheated to 165 deg f

3-501.16(A)(1)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: In the food reach-in cooler lower drawer some bags of rte food such as cooked shredded chicken and chopped veggies, without a use by date. per manager chicken was cooked, chilled and placed in bags yesterday. MCESD use by date policy reviewed. manager placed a use by date on the food bags

3-501.17

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

Inspector notes: Upon entry to deli, facility has a handwashing basin. station was blocked with boxes and cleaning supplies. discussed with facility manager. all articles removed. please ensure the hand washing sink is always accessible

5-205.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Please there is one staff on duty with the proper certified food manager. available resources at esd.maricopa reviewed

2-102.12(A)

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Proper placement for the raw and rte food reviewed, observed in the grill station, food cooler drawers, tortilla bread and cheese, in the same pans as raw meat patties in 2 different food cooler reach-in drawers. discussed with manager on duty. manager removed raw meat patties, cleaned the food pans. please ensure rte, and raw food are in a designated separate pan

3-302.11(A3-8)

Sep 23, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site

2-102.12(A)

Apr 29, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed inside the walk-in near the deli area by the drinks multiple cartons of raw eggs directly above RTE food, such as milk and other beverages. Per PIC, they got a delivery yesterday and an employee probably placed them there by mistake. PIC moved all the raw eggs to the lowest shelf at time of inspection

3-302.11(A1-2)

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site

2-102.12(A)

Jan 8, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed inside the walk-in multiple RTE food such as cooked bean, pork and beef without a date marking on. Per PIC, every food item was either cooked Monday 01/6 or yesterday 01/7 and probably an employee forgot to put dates on them. PIC ordered another employee to date marked every cooked item inside the walk-in at time of inspection

3-501.17

Nov 20, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Sep 3, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Rancho last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Rancho on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Rancho?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Rancho.

How does El Rancho compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

El Rancho most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.

Has El Rancho's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Rancho have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Rancho means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

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