El Mezquite

Year by year

Inspections

1. Apr 8, 2026 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

   Result: Pass.

2. Nov 19, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     THE RACKS INSIDE THE REAR WALK IN COOLER HAS RUST ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANBLE, RUST FREE SURFACE.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     THE LOWER/SIDE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE REAR REACH IN FREEZER WITH STAINS, FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     THERE IS A LEAK AT THE P-TRAP UNDER THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAK AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     WATER STAINED CEILING TILE ABOVE THE REAR WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     THE CFM ON SITE FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE.

3. Nov 5, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     3-302.12 OBSERVED FOODS IN CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WITHOUT A LABEL WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     6-202.15 OBSERVED SIDE DOOR OPENED WITHOUT ADEQUATE MESH SCREENING TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DOORS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE MESH SCREENS WHILE OPENED.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.

4. Oct 29, 2024 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     3-302.12 OBSERVED FOODS IN CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WITHOUT A LABEL WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     6-501.111 OBSERVED ABOUT 15 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA ON THE WALL BY THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     6-202.15 OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR DOORS OPENED WITHOUT ADEQUATE MESH SCREENING TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DOORS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE MESH SCREENS WHILE OPENED.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.

5. Oct 19, 2023 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Serious Priority

     FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

     OBSERVED DISHWASHER WASH AND RINSE DISHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADEQUATELY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. USING A SANITIZING SOLUTION TO ADEQUATELY SANITIZE DISHES PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO SANITIZE DISHES.PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

     FOUND ICE MACHINE WITH A MINIMAL BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     FOUND REAR PREP AREA LIGHT BULB BURNT OUT. MUST REPLACE

6. Aug 16, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     6-301.14 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED AT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK AND AT THE DINING ROOMM HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR (TOOLS) AND CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     2-102.13 OBSERVED NO UP TO DATE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR MANAGERS (ALL MANAGERS ENROLLED IN A FOOD SAFETY MANAGER'S CLASS WITH RECEIPTS DATED 7/13/22 FROM KEYSTONE ENRICHMENT SERVICE). INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL MANAGERS.

7. Oct 7, 2021 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH LOOSE FAUCET, LEAK FROM DRAIN PIPE AND NEED SPLASH GUARD BEING SO CLOSE TO THE STOVE WHERE FOOD IS PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAUCET, LEAK AND PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED WALL TILE IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MISSING AND OTHERS BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. (INFORMED OF UPCOMING REMODEL TO REPLACE ALL) OBSERVED REAR CEILING TILE MISSING DUE TO UPSTAIRS WATER DAMAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED STACKS OF CRATES AND OTHER MATERIALS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE BACK DOOR LEADING TO GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN. (INFORMED THEY ARE WAITING FOR TRASH PICK UP TO GET RID OF ALL)

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

8. Aug 12, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

9. Apr 11, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

     OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

     OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

     OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE OWN MADE FLAN, AND RICE PUDDING, INSTRUCTED ON PROPER LABELING.

   • Severity not stated

     WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

     OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP COUNTERS, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES OVER REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED A SECTION OF THE REAR FLOOR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE RAW WOOD FLOOR.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

10. Jun 15, 2018 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      CLEAN FLOOR IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA OF FOOD SPILLS(BEANS)UNDER AND AROUND SHELVING.

    • Not serious Minor

      PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

      REMOVE DIRTY MOP WATER IN BUCKET AT REAR, HANG MOP UPRIGHT TO PROPERLY AIR DRY.

11. Apr 10, 2017 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

      NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (REFRIED BEANS AT 148.5F) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      REPLACE THE BROKEN WALL TILE AT THE CORNER NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WAS SLOW DRAINING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT THE SINK DRAINS PROPERLY.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER.

12. Jun 23, 2016 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD IN REAR PREP AREA BETWEEN THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE HAND SAINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.ALSO REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM COOLER STORAGE SHELVES.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      OBSERVED THE REAR UPRIGHT FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      OBSERVED CEILING PEELING PAINT IN REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/RESEAL.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      OBSERVED PLASTIC AROUND THE REAR 2 COMP. SINK NECK OF NOZZLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE.

13. Dec 28, 2015 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

14. Dec 16, 2015 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

      NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SANITIZER TEST KIT TO TEST PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      REPAIR LEFT LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER EXPOSED SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.

15. Jun 11, 2015 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

      LABEL PACKAGED DESSERTS IN DISPLAY COOLER.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM(DUST BUILDUP).

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

    • Not serious Minor

      PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

      ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. PROPERLY ORGANIZE WALK-IN COOLER. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE REAR DOOR.

    • Not serious Minor

      APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

      ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

      PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

16. May 27, 2014 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

      ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE DATED AND LABELED. ONLY FOOD GRADE BAGS ARE ALLOWED.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      INNER DOOR FRAME OF BOTH COLD HOLD UNITS , FRONT PREP, HAS BUILD UP OF GRIME. MUST DETAIL CLEAN.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      BUILD UP OF GRIME ON COVING BEHIND COLD HOLD UNITS AND FLOOR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN. FLOOR TILE IN TOILET ROOM IS DAMAGE. MUST REPLACE DAMAGE FLORR TILES.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      VENTILATION COVER IN TOILET ROOM HAS BUILD UP OF DUST MUST DETAIL CLEAN.

17. Jan 7, 2014 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

18. Dec 31, 2013 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

      NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION. CITATION ISSUED-SERIOUS 7-38-020.

    • Not serious Minor

      CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

      ALL SINGLE-SERVICE UTENSILS MUST BE STORED IN CLEAN CONTAINERS INVERTED(HANDLES UP).

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      REMOVE SHELF LINERS FROM SHELVES UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES AND PAINT RUSTY SURFACES. REPLACE MILK CRATES IN BASEMENT WITH SHELVING UNIT(S).

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN DINING AREA.