RecordWell Data

Don Memo Mexican Restaurant

10536 S TORRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60617 · Cook County

62cited violations
0serious tier
6inspections
54tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2863378
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
20252180
2024130
20232320
2022190

Inspections

  1. Sep 24, 2025 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHEN WORN OR DISCOLORED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER ABD REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      GREASE TRAP HAS FOUL ODOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REGULARLY TO REMOVE SMELL.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      FLOORS AND WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      HOOD VENT ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.

  2. Mar 5, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

      OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP OF OPEN BEVERAGE ON SLICER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FROM SLICER AND PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

      APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

      OBSERVED BOXES OF FROZEN MEAT IMPROPERLY THAWING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER REFRIGERATION, COLD RUNNING WATER OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

    • Severity not stated

      PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

      OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON TWO-DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES AT DOOR WAY LEADING TO KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALL BASEBOARDS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN OUTSIDE STORAGE/PATIO AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED DAMAGED AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

  3. Jan 12, 2024 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED CLUTTER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2578504 ON 7-11-23, 57-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

  4. Jul 11, 2023 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

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

      4-501.11: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZER.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

  5. Jun 27, 2023 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

      PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (STEAK,RICE,BEANS,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 2:46 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE A PERSONAL FAN ON TOP SIDE OF SINK,PLASTIC STRAINER IN SAME. ARTICLES WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION MUST KEEP SINK ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED HAND DRYING DEVICES NO WORKING AT HAND SINK IN STAFF AND CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOMS. PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO SOAP AT PREP AREA HAND SINK .SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

      OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS COOKED FOODS SUCH AS 30LBS. STEAK-117.9F IN A BOWL ON PREP TABLE.1-GALLON. BEEF IN MOLE SAUCE-103.8F IN A POT ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE, APPX. 38.34LBS. $140.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE(SHAKERS & SQUEEZE BOTTLES).

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON A PIECE OF METAL ON FLOOR IN WATER TANK AREA,ON FLOOR UNDER TABLE IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA,ON LEDGES OF PALLETS IN SAME AREA.ALSO. EVIDENCE OF LIVE SMALL FLIES CRAWLING ON LOWER WALL IN WATER TANK AREA.APPX. 8-LIVE ANTS CRAWLING ON FLOOR ON FOOD IN PREP AREA AND WINDOW SILLS IN DINING AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/27/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON CUTTING BOARDS.

    • Severity not stated

      IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

      MUST STORE KNIVES FROM IN BETWEEN PIPES AND WALL ABOVE PREP TABLE AND STORE PROPERLY.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP TABLES.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE NEXT TO GRILL.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST ELIMINATE GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZER.

    • Severity not stated

      WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

      OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW TO PROPERLY SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS OR REMOVE POTS FROM PREMISES.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE, PREP TABLES,ROLLING CARTS, INTERIOR OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS,SHELVING UNITS.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA .

    • Severity not stated

      GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

      OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA WITH OVER GROWN TALL WEEDS AROUND DUMPSTER AND GREASE CONTAINER.MUST CUT DOWN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DIRT AND FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALLS ,WALL BASES AND DOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS TO DRY AND NOT IN MOP BUCKET.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER FROM INSIDE PATIO AREA,FURNANCE ROOM,MOP SINK CLOSET AND WHERE NEEDED.MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA NEAR PATIO DOOR(TIRES,MOP BUCKETS,MOP HEADS,ABANDON CARS)POSSIBLE HARBORAGE AREA)

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND REMOVING STANDING MOLDED WATER FROM FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM AND KEEP DRY..

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN MOP SINK CLOSET,MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,PREP AREA AND WHERE NEEDED.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

      PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2562202 8/16/22 NOT CORRECTED #37-3-302.12 : OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL BULK CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.#47- 4-501.12 : OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. 6-501.114 :#55- OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES. 2-102.13 : #58-OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

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

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN TOILET ROOM USED BY PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN. SIGNAGE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL BULK CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED CARDBOARD AND ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON SHELVES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NEAR EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, AND PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING OVER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE PUBLIC UNISEX TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

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.