⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

EL GORDO BURGER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

EL GORDO BURGER 1745 W CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO 60622 Restaurant
June 24, 2025 Complaint License #2984094
17
Total Violations
9
Critical
1
Major
7
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

17
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED REAR MAIN PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK WITHOUT RUNNING WATER,SINK IS NOT CONNECTED TO HOT AND COLD WATER LINES MUST RECONNECT AND PROVIDE RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED PLASTIC UTENSILS INSIDE OF SAID SINK ,UTENSILS WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT REAR MAIN PREP AREA HAND SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT REAR MAIN PREP AREA HAND SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #21
CRITICAL
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED STEAK & CHICKEN-71.1F,2LBS. COOKED CHICKEN-79.5F.IN PAN ON TOP OF STOVE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F.APPX. 5LBS. $50.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
Violation #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2LBS. COOKED STEAK-47.7F. INSIDE OF 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN PLASTIC BIN.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 2LBS. $20.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC)
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 10 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES IN CRACKS AND CREVICES AT FRONT & SIDE SERVICE COUNTER, IN LOWER WALL PANEL IN DISH WASHING AREA, ON FLOOR UNDER HOT HOLDING UNIT.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/24/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR , FRONT & MAIN KITCHEN DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DEEP GROOVES IN CUTTING BOARD ON TOPSIDE OF PREP COOLER MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STEAM TABLE,GRILL TABLE,STOVES,SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS AND COUNTERS,PREP COOLERS.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKS/ CREVICES AND GAPS IN WALL PANELING AND SERVICE COUNTERS,LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL PANELING, WALLS, AND FLOOR TILES WHERE NEEDED.MUST REPAIR LEAKY CEILING IN STAFF TOILET ROOM.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES AND STANDING WATER. MUST REMOVE AND KEEP DRY.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS,SIDE STORAGE AREA (TIRES, BOXES,ETC)
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS,SIDE STORAGE AREA (TIRES, BOXES,ETC)
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections