SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

BIG HILL CANTINA.

EAT. 93/100

3307 W BRYN MAWR AVE · WEST RIDGE, CHICAGO

Last inspected February 19, 2025 · passed

Passed all 17 inspections, but 3 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
17
15 passed · 2 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
67
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since May 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 19
2025
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS (UNDER GRILL) DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

APR 16
2024
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

GREASE AT INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS AND UNDER THE FLAT GRILL.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE ALUMINUM FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE

JUL 5
2023
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

FOUND CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.MUST STORE INVERTED.

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

FOUND TORN GASKETS INSIDE REACH IN COOLER.MUST REPLACE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

FOUND EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN.

NOV 7
2022
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER LOCATED IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA ACROSS FROM THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

JUN 17
2021
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT MOP SINK FAUCET IN REAR CLOSET. MUST REPAIR ISSUE.

show all 17 inspections →
DEC 4
2020
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE ICE MACHINE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED BROKEN GASKETS ON DRAWER COOLER BELOW FLAT TOP GRILL AND 2 DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM LIQUOR ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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

OBSERVED WALL MOUNTED POTATO CUTTER COVERED IN FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 7
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSFacility Condition
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU AND ON THE WALLS REGARDING THE UNDERCOOKED FOODS BEING SERVED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

WIPING CLOTH MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.

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

ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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

RUBBER GASKET ALONG THE DOOR OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER RIPPED OFF. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

ALL FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RE TAKE THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CLASS AND PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATE.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CETIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

MAY 4
2018
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Observed hood in kitchen missing filters. must obtain, install and maintain filters for hood.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Observed rear dry storage closet disorganized and unnecessary articles stored on floor. clean and organized storage area, remove unnecessary articles not use for facility from facility.

FEB 24
2017
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

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

NOTED HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH THICK DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION.

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

NOTED VERY SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN....NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY FANS AND CEILING INSIDE THE 3 PRIVATE DINNING ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.

APR 14
2016
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED EXCESS ICE ACCUMULATION ON INTERIOR OF STAND UP REACH IN FREEZER. DEFROST AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED FAN COVERS WITHIN WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN WITH EXCESS DUST ACCUMULATION. MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED

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

OBSERVED FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN WITH HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OVSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.

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

OBSERVED WALL UNCLEAN. WALL IS LOCATED ON SIDE OF WALK IN COOLER NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT. WALL MUST BE DEGREASED, CLEANDED AND MAINTAINED. OBSERVED ALL WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING IN CLOSET NEAR REAR EXIT. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOLE IN CEILING.

MINORPest Activity
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED CLOSET IN REAR NEAR EXIT DOOR CONTAINING MOP WITH EXCESS CLUTTER. REMOVE ALL UNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AREA CLEAR SO PEST CONTROL CAN HAVE COMPLETE ACCESS. OBSERVED ONIONS ON FLOOR. ONIONS NEED TO BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF OF FLOOR.

NOV 20
2015
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Caulk around 3 compartment sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.

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

Non food contact surfaces of cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), walk in cooler shelving not clean, need cleaning(crevices). prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

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

Floors under 2nd stove not clean, needs detailed cleaning(corners). Floors in rear kitchen areas, and by hot water heater area not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

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

Walls that had peeling paint/holes by walk in cooler, and rear kitchen door area shall be repaired/sealed.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

Must provide food handlers list for next routine inspection.

JAN 23
2015
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Found some food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, must properly date food items in walk in cooler.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.

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

Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices)., non food contact surfaces of kitchen storage shelving not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).

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

Floors under cooking equipment, heavy equipment not clean, need cleaning(detailed).

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

Damaged, missing ceiling tiles in storage area, shall be repaired/provided.

MAR 6
2014
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPLACE EXTERIOR OF BOTH BATHROOM HAND SINK CABINETS. FOUND ADHESIVE PLASTIC FALLING APART. BOTH HAND WASHING SINK CABINETS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AT ALL TIMES.

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 1DR FREEZER NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO REMOVE ALL EXCESSIVE ICE AND FROST BUILD-UP.

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

MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE 1DR FREEZER TO THE LEFT AS YOU FACE THE FREEZER SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS AT THE KITCHEN.

JUL 3
2013
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Cooler shelving that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced, non food contact surfaces of ice machine not clean, need detailed cleaning.

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

Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

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

Ceiling tiles that had peeling paint in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced.

MINORSanitation
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Light shields in kitchen prep area not clean, need cleaning.

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

Exhaust canopy not clean, needs cleaning, exhaust vents(ventilation) in coolers, bathrooms not clean, need cleaning(detailed).

JAN 24
2012
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

Observed employee washing the glasses and pitcher in the mop sink. 3 compartment sink was set up but no sanitizing solution on the 3rd compartment sink and and the employee is rinsing the glasses and pitcher on running water only in the mop sink. Instructed manager and employee how to properly set up the 3 compartment sink and not to use the mop sink for washing and rinsing the glasses and pitcher. Provided manager the sign on how to set up the 3 compartment sink. Citation issued critical. 7-38-030

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST PROVIDE MISSING LABEL/DATE ON ALL FOOD CONTAINERS THAT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER,AND PREP COOLER.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CAULKING ALONG THE SPLASHGUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.

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

MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE WALLS OF THE PREP COOLER,INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND ALL WIRE RACK SHELVING WITH FOOD DEBRIS.

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

RUSTY BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.

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

RUSTED VENTILATION COVER ABOVE THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 12
2010
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

cooler shelving that had peeling paint, rust, shall be repair/replaced.peeling paint on storage shelving, shall be repair.

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

non food contact surfaces of ice machine, coolking equipment, cooler shelving not clean need detailed cleaning.

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

floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, and storage closet not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).

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

ceiling, wall in kitchen prep area not clean need cleaning. ceilings in bathrooms need cleaning.

MINORSanitation
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

light shields in kitchen prep area not clean need detailed cleaning.

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

exhaust vents(ventilation)in kitchen prep area, coolers, bathrooms not clean need cleaning(detailed).

MAY 18
2010
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL ALL STORED FOODS WITH NAME AND DATE.

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED TO REMOVE DEPOSITS.

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

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS NEAR WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL GAPS IN BASEBOARDS UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THROUGHOUT PREMISES AS NEEDED. REPAIR HOLES AND SEAL ALL GAPS IN WALL BEHIND 3 COMPARMENT SINK.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE CLUTTER, PLASTIC TUBS ETC AND STANDING WATER FROM REAR OF PREMISES

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 →

NEARBY IN WEST RIDGE