What is EL Gallo Mexican Food's health inspection score?

EL Gallo Mexican Food has a SafeDine safety score of 76 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was EL Gallo Mexican Food last inspected?

EL Gallo Mexican Food was last inspected on August 1, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does EL Gallo Mexican Food have?

EL Gallo Mexican Food has 30 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is EL Gallo Mexican Food safe to eat at?

EL Gallo Mexican Food has a good safety record with a score of 76/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does EL Gallo Mexican Food serve?

EL Gallo Mexican Food serves Mexican cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

EL Gallo Mexican Food

Name: EL Gallo Mexican Food
Address: 2547 W 111TH ST, Chicago, 60655
Rating: 76

2547 W 111TH ST, Chicago

Last inspected 8mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Mexican•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 80% of mexican restaurants

Improving

6 inspections

Last: Aug 1, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

17%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

8 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-24

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-8 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+13 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

2547 W 111TH ST, Chicago, IL 60655

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

1 inspections

Aug

Mar 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jun 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Jun

Jan 2025

1 inspections

6 basic

Jul 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

5 basic

Jul

Aug 2025

1 inspections

3 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass2 License

Aug 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING UNDER THE FLAT TOP COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND SMALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING (POSSIBLE PIPES) ABOVE THE LIGHTING IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER UNIT AND THE FLOOR AND WALL AREA UNDER AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND POSSBLE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jul 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High5 Basic

7 total2 risk factors

60/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER PRESENT WHILE FOODS; SUCH AS, SCHICKEN,BEEF, FISH, AND OTHER TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE FACILITY IS OPENED AND OPERATING AND WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TESTING DEVICES FOR MANUAL WARE WASHING THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT RETURN INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING UNDER THE FLAT TOP COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND SMALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING (POSSIBLE PIPES) ABOVE THE LIGHTING IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER UNIT AND THE FLOOR AND WALL AREA UNDER AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND POSSBLE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2609936 DATED 01/02/2025 VIOLATION # 47 4-501.2 CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WHEN WORN OR WITH DEEP CUTS. WITH A CORRECT BY DATE OF 4/2/2025 STILL NOT CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−30 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WHEN WORN OR WITH DEEP CUTS
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
TOILET ROOM WASTE RECEPTACLE IN NEED OF COVER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING BETWEEN EQUIPMENT AND FLOORS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING BETWEEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FILTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE SOME GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−12 pts

Jun 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High2 Med5 Basic

8 total

70/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
RUBBER GASKETS AT REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
BULK FOOD ITEMS IE.. DRIED RICE, BEAN, SLAT AND SUGAR MUST BE STORED IN CONTAINERS WITH NAME DISPLAYED. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND REFRAIN FROM LEAVING OPEN IN BAGS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
WINDOWS THAT ARE OPENED IN NEED OF SCREENS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE SOME BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING OR REPLACING WHERE DARK SPOTS AND CUTS ARE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
DETAIL CLEANING OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND PREP TABLES TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INTERIOR CLEANING OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL WATER, FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
HOOD VENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−30 pts

Mar 23

License InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED THERMOMETERS MISSING IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA, MISSING OUTLET COVER ALONG WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT, OPENINGS IN WALLS OF EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED VENTILATION NOT OPERABLE IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Base deductions−15 pts

Aug 22

License InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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