Mucho Gusto Barra Cocina

Year by year

Inspections

1. Oct 23, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     6-201.16OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILINGS WITH PAINT CHIPPING OFF IN BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

2. Oct 16, 2025 Short Form Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE BAR HAND SINK AND DISH AREA INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Serious Priority

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED THE HAND SINK AT BAR NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT OR COLD WATER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT AND COLD WATER NEEDS TO BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS, HOT WATER MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

     OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BEFORE RE-INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

   • Serious Priority

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED INADEQUATE DISPOSAL OF CLEAN WATER; PIPE IN PREP DRIPPING CLEAN WATER INTO HANDSINK . INSTRUCTED TO REDIRECT THE DISPOSAL OF CLEAN WATER TO THE FLOOR DRAIN ACCORDING TO LAW. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILINGS WITH PAINT CHIPPING OFF IN BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

3. Jul 22, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     6-301.14: **C** Handwashing Signage NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNS AT BAR, KITCHEN, DISHMACHINE ROOM AND BOTH BASEMENTS HANDSINKS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

     4-602.11(B-E)// OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND INTERIOR SHUTE

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     6-501.114// NOTED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE END OF THE WASHROOM HALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM THE FLOORS AND ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     2-102.13// OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MAINTAINING DOCUMENTATION ON SITE.

4. Jul 10, 2025 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNS AT BAR, KITCHEN, DISHMACHINE ROOM AND BOTH BASEMENTS HANDSINKS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

     OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AND INTERIOR SHUTE

   • Serious Priority

     PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

     NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD IN PREP COOLER. SLICED CHEEDAR CHEESE 55.6 F, SHREDDED VEGAN CHEESE 55.6 F, BURGER 54.1 F, RANCH 55 F, GROUND BEEF 44.4 F, MEXICAN RICE 48.6 F, WHITE RICE 50.2 F, PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED ALL OTHER TCS FOODS (LIME JUICE, GRAPEFRUIT JUICE, COCKTAIL SAUCE, SLICED TOMATOES, MASHED POTATOES, MOLE, CHORIZO, PORK AND STEAK) FROM COOLER AND DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 248 LBS VALUED AT $499 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION

   • Serious Priority

     PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

     NOTED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT. AMBIENT AIR OF WALK-IN COOLER AT 66 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED UNIT TAGGED

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     NOTED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE END OF THE WASHROOM HALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM THE FLOORS AND ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MAINTAINING DOCUMENTATION ON SITE.

5. Dec 3, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     FOUND BURNT LIGHT FIXTURE AT LOWER LEVEL PREPARATION AREAS.MUST REPAIR.

6. Oct 4, 2023 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

   Result: Pass.

7. Sep 27, 2023 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Serious Priority

     PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

     OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 49F, GROUND BEEF AT 45F, ITALIAN SAUSAGE AT 46F AND VEGGIE BURGERS AT 50F INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE BASEMENT UNDER MR. E'S AND IN THE 2 DRAWER PREP COOLER OF MR. E'S. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

   • Serious Priority

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE BASEMENT. OBSERVED ONE LIVE COCKROACH ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA UNDER THE OLD PLANK. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS BEHIND THE LARGE AND SMALL BARS OF THE OLD PLANK AND IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA OF THE OLD PLANK BASEMENT. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE OLD PLANK DRY STORAGE AREA, ON THE WOODEN PLATFORM UNDERNEATH THE BASEMENT STAIRS, IN THE STORAGE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR NEXT TO THE BACK DOOR, ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BENEATH MR. E'S BEHIND THE COMPRESSOR FOR THE WALK-IN COOLER AND IN THE STORAGE AREA ON PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS AND TABLES USED TO STORE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT UNDER MR. E'S. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     SEAL THE STAINLESS STEEL WALLS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA OF THE OLD PLANK BETWEEN THE PREP SINK AND EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. SEAL THE OPENINGS IN THE BRICK WALLS AROUND THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT OF MR. E'S.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     CLEAN THE FLOOR BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE IN MR. E'S BASEMENT, UNDER BOXES OF DECORATIONS STORED ALONG THE WALLS AND UNDER THE BOXES OF FOUNTAIN POP. CLEAN THE DEBRIS UNDER THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE TO THE OLD PLANK.

8. Nov 29, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT BAR PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE AFFECTED AREAS.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

9. Nov 15, 2021 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

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

     PREP AREA STAND UP 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGE DOOR RUBBER GASKET.

10. Nov 8, 2021 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

      NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENUS BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

    • Severity not stated

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

      PREP AREA STAND UP 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGE DOOR RUBBER GASKET.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      HOT DOG SIDE DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH BOWL SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM WALL (AT 2700 N MILWAUKEE SIDE). MUST REATTACH SAID HANDWASH BOWL TO WALL.

11. Dec 8, 2020 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-201.16 MUST PROVIDE A CLEANABLE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA THAT LEADS FROM THE STAIRCASE BETWEEN THE SIDE BAR AND MAIN BAR ON THE 1ST FLOOR. THE CEILING MUST COVER THE AREA ABOVE THE PREP COOLER AND ICE MACHINES AND THE AREA ABOVE THE PREP TABLE AND STORAGE SHELF.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      2-102.13 MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.

12. Dec 4, 2020 License Re-Inspection · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      2-102.13 MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.

13. Oct 8, 2020 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED SMALL GAP UNDER REAR DOOR ON MR. ELI'S SIDE. MUST REPAIR TO MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON COUNTERS AT FRONT PREP AREA (ON THE 2004 N. MILKWAUKEE SIDE). MUST PAINT OR SEAL ALL RAW WOOD TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ON SITE. MUST REMOVE.

    • Serious Priority

      SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

      OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM 1 COMPARTMENT TO OTHER 2 COMPARTMENTS IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO CORRECTLY CONVEY ALL WASTE WATER PROPERLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR RESTROOM DOORS IN HALLWAY ON MR. ELI'S SIDE.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTABLES (GARBAGE) INSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOMS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED UNFINISHED WALLS (DRYWALL) IN STORAGE ROOM. MUST SEAL ALL WALLS TO MAKE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST PROVIDE COVING OR BASEBOARD FOR ALL WALLS. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.