RecordWell Data

5411 Empanadas

3715 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago, IL 60613 · Cook County

56cited violations
1serious tier
14inspections
39tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2447089
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2026100
2025170
20242101
2023110
2022130
2021110
2020130
20192110
20181130
2017250
2016120

Inspections

  1. Jan 6, 2026 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  2. Jan 17, 2025 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

      NO PERSON IN CHARGE WHO IS A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. A PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SUCH AS BEEF, CHICKEN AND CHORIZO EMPANADAS. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER HAS TO BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

      OBSERVED EMPLOYEE IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WARMINING UP FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.

    • Severity not stated

      SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

      ALL STORED ITEMS IN REAR PREPARATION AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON LIGHTSHIELDS COVERS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED BURN OUT LIGHT BULBS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE BURN OUT LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.

  3. Jan 17, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      3-307.11 OBSERVED UNLOCKED BOX FREEZERS (3) FILLED WITH FROZEN EMPANADAS IN THE HALLWAY TOWARD THE WASHROOMS WITH CUSTOMER ACCESS TO THE STORED FOODS. MUST STORE ALL FOODS PROTECTED FROM THE PUBLIC AND CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

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

      4-101.11(B, C, D, E) INTERIOR PLASTIC DOOR OF THE TALL REACH-IN FREEZER DAMAGED WITH EXPOSED INSULATION. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE OR REPLACE.

  4. Jan 9, 2024 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Priority

      PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

      THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY VIOLATION.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      INOPERABLE METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE UNABLE TO MONITOR HOT COOKING TEMPERATURES OF EMPANADAS AND COLD FOODS. MUST PROVIDE. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. LAST PEST SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE DATED 4-26-22. MUST HAVE A LICENSED PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT AND PROVIDE A CURRENT SERVICE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED UNLOCKED BOX FREEZERS (3) FILLED WITH FROZEN EMPANADAS IN THE HALLWAY TOWARD THE WASHROOMS WITH CUSTOMER ACCESS TO THE STORED FOODS. MUST STORE ALL FOODS PROTECTED FROM THE PUBLIC AND CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

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

      INTERIOR PLASTIC DOOR OF THE TALL REACH-IN FREEZER DAMAGED WITH EXPOSED INSULATION. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE OR REPLACE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE COOLERS.----MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING ABOVE THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      NOTED FLOOR DRAINS UNDER BOTH THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND DIRT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

  5. Mar 7, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HAND WASH SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS.

  6. Mar 15, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED ONE MISSING CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER AND ONE LOOSE CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT COVER/MAKE CEILING LIGHT COVERS TIGHT FITTED ABOVE PREP AREA.

  7. Mar 19, 2021 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

  8. Jul 30, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF REAR PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATED ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

  9. Oct 1, 2019 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      NEWLY PURCHASED SPLASH GUARD FOR THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED.

    • Severity not stated

      PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

      ALL FOOD PREPARERS, HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED WOODEN SERVING PLATES IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPS, CRACKED AND DEEP CUTS IN WOOD. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

  10. Sep 24, 2019 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS AREA BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES UPPER WATER DISPENSER WITH A BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE ON ICE FOR CONSUMPTION SURFACES AND WATER RESERVOIR DISPENSER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL BLACK SLIME FROM ALL AREAS, SANITIZER ALL INTERIOR OF THE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      ALL PRE-PACKAGED BEVERAGES ON DISPLAY FOR SALE MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND LIST OF INGREDIENTS.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      BOX FREEZERS FILLED WITH PREPARED, FROZEN EMPANADAS STORED IN THE REAR WASHROOM HALLWAY WITH PUBLIC ACCESS MUST BE LOCKED, PROTECTED DURING STORAGE FROM PUBLIC CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

      PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

      ALL FOOD PREPARERS, HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.

    • Severity not stated

      SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

      ALL STORED BOXED ITEMS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA MUST BE STORED ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED WOODEN SERVING PLATES IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPS, CRACKED AND DEEP CUTS IN WOOD. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 12-10-18 #2243351 NOT CORRECTED. #'S 36- MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN THE FRONT PREP MILK STORAGE COOLER. MUST REPLACE.#39- MISSING SPLASH GUARD ON FRONT PREP HAND WASHING SINK. BETWEEN FRONT HAND SINK AND CLEAN STORED DISHES. MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD.#54- EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND UNUSED ITEMS STORED ON THE REAR WALKWAY TO THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE. MUST REMOVE AND KEEP AREA CLEAN AND CLEAR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.#56- MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP. MUST REPLACE.#56- NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS STORED IN FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS.#58-: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

  11. Dec 10, 2018 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN THE FRONT PREP MILK STORAGE COOLER. MUST REPLACE.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON BOTH HAND WASHING SINKS. BETWEEN THE SANITIZING DRYING RACK AT THE REAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BETWEEN FRONT HAND SINK AND CLEAN STORED DISHES. MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS.

    • Severity not stated

      UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

      SOILED LINENS IMPROPERLY STORED PILED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE FRONT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE SOILED LINENS.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION OR SHELVING FOR STORED ITEMS. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      NOTED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS LINER FOR SHELVES INSIDE COOLERS. MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD. SHELF LINING MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

      GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

      EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND UNUSED ITEMS STORED ON THE REAR WALKWAY TO THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE. MUST REMOVE AND KEEP AREA CLEAN AND CLEAR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      FLOORS WITH SOME DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER REAR METAL RACK SHELVING FOR SODA STORAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS STORED IN FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP. MUST REPLACE.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.

  12. Sep 21, 2017 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      FOUND CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT HALLWAY AREAS. MUST REPAIR.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT OUTSIDE HALLWAY AREAS. MUST CLEAN.

  13. Feb 15, 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

      FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZADOUS FOOD. (HANDLES BEEF, CHICKEN, ETC.) SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-012.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      FOODHANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

      FOODHANDLERS AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.

  14. May 24, 2016 License · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST SEAL WOOD WALL AT THE FRONT DINING AREA. WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AT THE REAR PREP AREA DRAINIG SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.