SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

5411 EMPANADAS.

YOUR CALL. 60/100

3715 N SOUTHPORT AVE · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Last inspected January 6, 2026 · passed

9 of 14 inspections passed, 2 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 11 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
14
9 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 11 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since May 2016

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 6
2026
PASSED
0 violations
JAN 17
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
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.

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

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

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MINORFacility Condition
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
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
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.

MINORSanitation
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
FAILED
8 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

MINORFood Temperature
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.

CRITICALPest Activity
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.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
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.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
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.

show all 14 inspections →
MAR 15
2022
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

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

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MINORFacility Condition
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
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINOROther
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
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

OCT 1
2019
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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

MINORSanitation
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
FAILED
8 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

SERIOUSSanitation
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.

MINORChemical Safety
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.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
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.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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

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

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

MINORSanitation
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.

CRITICALPest Activity
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 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
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.

CRITICALOther
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.

MINOROther
23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
MINORFood Storage & Handling
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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

MINOREmployee Hygiene
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.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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.

CRITICALPest Activity
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.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MINORFood Storage & Handling
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.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

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

SEP 21
2017
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

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

MINORSanitation
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
DETAILS
SERIOUSOther
* 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.

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

FOODHANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

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

MAY 24
2016
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
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.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
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.

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →

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