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EL GRITO

234 FAIRVIEW AVE N, SEATTLE, WA 98109 · Restaurant (Seating 51-150)

Inspection summary

EL GRITO has been inspected 15 times by Public Health – Seattle & King County since December 4, 2017. The most recent inspection, on April 29, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

6 of 15 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Pests.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 29, 2026. For example: 4200 - Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 17, 2020. For example: 2110 - Proper cold holding temperatures (greater than 45° F)

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on May 13, 2024. For example: 3200 - Insects, rodents, animals not present; entrance controlled

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded once on May 13, 2024. For example: 0600 - Adequate handwashing facilities

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 14, 2025. For example: 0100 - PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

About this data

These results come from Public Health – Seattle & King County, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

15 inspections

  1. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    1 infraction

    • 4200 - Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized
      • BLUE
  2. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    1 infraction

    • 0100 - PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt
      • RED
  3. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    2 infractions

    • 4200 - Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized
      • BLUE
    • 0100 - PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt
      • RED
  4. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    3 infractions

    • 4300 - Nonfood-contact surfaces maintained and clean
      • BLUE
    • 4500 - Sewage, wastewater properly disposed
      • BLUE
    • 4700 - Garbage, refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
      • BLUE
  5. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    2 infractions

    • 3200 - Insects, rodents, animals not present; entrance controlled
      • BLUE
    • 0600 - Adequate handwashing facilities
      • RED
  6. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    1 infraction

    • 4200 - Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized
      • BLUE
  7. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    0 infractions

  8. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    0 infractions

  9. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    1 infraction

    • 2110 - Proper cold holding temperatures (greater than 45° F)
      • RED
  10. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    0 infractions

  11. Consultation/Education - Field

    0 infractions

  12. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    1 infraction

    • 2120 - Proper cold holding temperatures ( 42° F to 45° F)
      • RED
  13. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    1 infraction

    • 1600 - Proper cooling procedure
      • RED
  14. Routine Inspection/Field Review

    0 infractions

  15. Consultation/Education - Field

    0 infractions

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