BIRRIERIA DE LA TORRE MEXICAN RESTAURANT.

Chicago Health Dept

6724-6726 S PULASKI RD · CHICAGO LAWN, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Feb 2026), 1 critical violation noted.

12 inspections on record since 2016 · Last inspected Feb 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

FEB 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 24

2026

PASS 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED BUILD UP ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 24

2025

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Other

63. REMOVAL OF SUSPENSION SIGN

MAR 18

2024

PASS 5 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MISSING BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTD TO INSTALL IN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAINENCE

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

FOOD HANDLERS MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION ON SITE.

OCT 16

2023

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED MISSING HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Minor Food Temperature

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 23

2022

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN STAFF WASHROOM IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.

Minor Facility Condition

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 8

2021

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CKEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Documentation & Training

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 29

2020

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Food Temperature

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 28

2019

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 20

2019

FAIL 11 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

Critical Sanitation

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

Serious Food Temperature

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

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED FOOD AND CONDIMENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER FRONT HAND WASHING SINK AND REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Employee Hygiene

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 21

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 10 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Other

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.

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED THERMOMETERS ARE NEEDED INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS, SOME REFRIGERATORS AND ALL FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Food Temperature

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Documentation & Training

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.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

AUG 22

2017

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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 5

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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