FEB 24
2026
PASSED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BIRRIERIA DE LA TORRE MEXICAN RESTAURANT.
EAT. 79/100
6724-6726 S PULASKI RD · CHICAGO LAWN, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 24, 2026 · passed
8 of 12 inspections passed, with 11 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
12
8 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 11 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Oct 2016
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED BUILD UP ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 1/4 IN GAP AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NEAR CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON SMALL FLIP TOP PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN REAR STAFF UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL RESTROOMS FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE PRODUCTS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DAMAGED PAINT ON WALL IN RESTROOM CREATING A VOID. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
FEB 242025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 24
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MULTI USE SCRAPERS AND CLEAN KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN WALL AND BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN A CLEAN PROTECTED MANNER
63. REMOVAL OF SUSPENSION SIGN
MAR 182024PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 18
2024
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
CUTTING BOARDS HEAVILY STAINED WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INST TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
ALUMIMUM FOIL LINING ON MULTI USE PLATES. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
MISSING BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL IN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLERS MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.
OCT 162023PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 16
2023
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED MISSING HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC STORAGE TOTES IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS AND FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
JUN 232022PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 23
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (GOAT 150.9F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED BOX OF TORTILLAS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR IN COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN GUARDS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED CONDENSATION WASTELINE DRAINING INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE WASTELINE FROM HAND WASHING SINK AND PROPERLY CONNECT TO FLOOR DRAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN STAFF WASHROOM IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN STAFF WASHROOM IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
show all 12 inspections →
JUN 82021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 8
2021
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CKEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HOLD SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN
OCT 292020PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 29
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED LARGE COVERED POT OF COOKED BEANS( APPROX 25-LBS), UNDER LOWER SHELF OF GRILL IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 110.0F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 135.0F OR HIGHER. PIC REMOVED AND DISCARDED BEANS AT COST APPROX $30.00-COS. PRIORITY VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED LARGE DEEP POT, APPROX 40-LBS OF BEEF SOUP INSIDE OF COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE OF 49.0F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD( TCS) FOODS AT 41.0 OR BELOW. PIC REMOVED AND DISCARDED AT COST APPROX $30.00-COS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.CONSOLATED WITH PREVIOUS VIOLATION
AUG 202019FAILED11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 20
2019
FAILED
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES FOR CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE PREP COOLER RAW BEEF 51.4F, SLICED TOMATOES 52.6F, SOUR CREAM 50F. GUACAMOLE 51.2F, FLAUTAS 50.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 50LBS AND $300 OF PRODUCT. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SALSA, CHEESE, GUACAMOLE,ETC.) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DATE. ALL REFRIGERATED TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH DATE BY WHICH FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, CONSUMED, OR DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE OR A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 52.4F INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD AND CONDIMENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER FRONT HAND WASHING SINK AND REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2243791 ON 12-21-18:10-OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 58-OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
DEC 212018PASS W/ CONDITIONS10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 21
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN POLICY FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY TO EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (HAM, CHEESE, COOKED MEAT, RICE, ETC.) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DATE FOR ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE OR A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED THERMOMETERS ARE NEEDED INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS, SOME REFRIGERATORS AND ALL FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED BLACK PLASTIC BAGS BEING USED TO STORE RICE IN THE REFRIGERATOR AND IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT AND WHITE PLASTIC BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN BANANAS INSIDE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY USE FOOD GRADE STORE BAGS OR FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS TO STORE ALL FOODS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE SMALL ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR FOOD HANDLER'S THAT ARE ON DUTY DURING THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
AUG 222017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 22
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP.
OCT 52016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 5
2016
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CORRECT 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 →