JAN 6
2026
PASS · 0 violations
5411 EMPANADAS.
Chicago Health Dept
3715 N SOUTHPORT AVE · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO
Passed most recent inspection (Jan 2026).
14 inspections on record since 2016 · Last inspected Jan 2026.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
VIOLATIONS
56
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
JAN 2026
INSPECTION HISTORY
JAN 17
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL
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
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.
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.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
ALL STORED ITEMS IN REAR PREPARATION AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON LIGHTSHIELDS COVERS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
JAN 17
2024
PASS 2 violations
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.
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.
JAN 9
2024
FAIL 8 violations 3 CRITICAL
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED FLOOR DRAINS UNDER BOTH THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND DIRT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 7
2023
PASS 1 violation 1 CRITICAL
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.
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MAR 15
2022
PASS 3 violations
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
MAR 19
2021
PASS 1 violation
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.
JUL 30
2020
PASS 3 violations
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATED ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 1
2019
PASS 3 violations
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
NEWLY PURCHASED SPLASH GUARD FOR THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
ALL FOOD PREPARERS, HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.
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.
SEP 24
2019
FAIL 8 violations 2 CRITICAL
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.
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.
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.
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.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
ALL FOOD PREPARERS, HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
ALL STORED BOXED ITEMS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA MUST BE STORED ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
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.
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.
DEC 10
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 13 violations 3 CRITICAL
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.
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.
23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN THE FRONT PREP MILK STORAGE COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS WITH SOME DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER REAR METAL RACK SHELVING FOR SODA STORAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP. MUST REPLACE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
SEP 21
2017
PASS 2 violations
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOUND CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT HALLWAY AREAS. MUST REPAIR.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT OUTSIDE HALLWAY AREAS. MUST CLEAN.
FEB 15
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations
* 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.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
FOODHANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
FOODHANDLERS AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
MAY 24
2016
PASS 2 violations
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.
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.
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