BIRRIERIA OCOTLAN.

Chicago Health Dept

8726 S COMMERCIAL AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Apr 2025).

9 inspections on record since 2022 · Last inspected Apr 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

APR 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 7

2025

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

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

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS IN FIRST FLOOR COOLERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 31

2025

FAIL 6 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

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

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS IN FIRST FLOOR COOLERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

Minor Chemical Safety

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIAING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 1

2024

PASS 8 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROOPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS NOT COVERED IN COOLERS AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAKE ALL WALLS AND CEILINGS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

APR 20

2023

PASS · 0 violations

APR 18

2023

FAIL 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

4-102.11 Observed plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food storage in all chest freezers, must eliminate and provide food grade storage bags.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-101.19 Must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in prep area.

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-301.12 Observed large pots on site unable to be fully submerged inside of 3 compartment sink for proper washing and sanitizing. Instructed to remove or provide a larger sink.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11 Must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers, debris build up from prep tables in basement and clean.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

6-501.19 Must provide a self closing device on toilet room door in basement leading to prep area.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.13 Must repair or replace holes in walls throughout premises including basement.

show all 9 inspections →

APR 12

2023

FAIL 17 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

06-202.16 Observed back door open in rear prep area with door open and magnetic screen not tight fitting. Instructed to enclose in order to prevent pest entry.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-307.11 MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.14 OBSERVED CUSTOMERS USING TOILET ROOM AND LINED UP AGAINST WALL THAT IS ADJACENT TO REAR PREP AREA A BARRIER IS NEEDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM CUSTOMERS AND KEEP THEM FROM WALKING INTO PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

4-901.12 Observed air drying wiping cloths stored throughout all prep areas. Instructed to store in sanitizing water and maintain

Minor Sanitation

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

4-102.11 Observed plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food storage in all chest freezers, must eliminate and provide food grade storage bags.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-501.11 Observed crates located in dry storage area, must eliminate and provide adequate shelving units.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-101.19 Must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in basement prep area and raw wood surface tops in poor repair of prep tables in basement.

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-301.12 Observed large pots on site unable to be fully submerged inside of 3 compartment sink for proper washing and sanitizing. Instructed to remove or provide a larger sink

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11 Must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers, debris build up from prep tables in basement and clean.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

must provide a self closing device on toilet room door in basement leading to prep area.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: Observed large black garbage bags of trash and recycles stored in backyard leading to trash area. Instructed to remove and maintain area free of clutter.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Violation Codes: 6-201.16 Inspector Comments: must scrape and paint chipping paint on walls throughout basement prep/dish washing area.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: must clean food debris and splatter from walls in basement prep/dish washing area.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

must repair or replace damaged walls and holes in walls throughout premises including basement.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: Observed no food handler training certificates for all employees. Instructed to provide and maintain

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: Observed no allergen training certificate on site for City of Chicago certified food managers. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Critical Pest Activity

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Previous priority foundation violation from report #2573756 4/5/23not corrected #38-still observed approximately 50 or more rat droppings in basement scattered under 3 compartment sink and inside hole in the wall, scattered in with the dirt in dirt mound area, on shelves in tool room. As well a strong smell of rodent urine. Instructed to clean and sanitize and maintain. Must eliminate pest activity. Must have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 4/12/23.( Priority 7-42-090). Citation Issue

APR 5

2023

FAIL 22 violations 5 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Observed no signed employee health policies on site during inspection for all food employees. Instructed to provide and maintain. Priority Foundation Violation. #7-38-010. Citation Issued.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Observed hand sink located in rear prep/dishwashing areas blocked by garbage can,a wrench and hand washing sign was stored inside of said sink unable to access hand sink during time if inspection. Instructed to remove and maintain accessible. Priority Foundation Violation. #7-38-030(C). Citation Issued.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINKS IN 1ST FL. REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA AND BASEMENT PREP AREA. PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Observed the following TCS foods at improper hot holding temperatures during inspection... Approximately 6 lbs with $120 value of Goat located in front prep area 111.0F-126.0F Instructed to hold hot food @135.0F at all times and maintain. Priority Violation. #7-38-005. Citation Issued.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Observed no labels (squeeze bottles) located on tables and front prep area. Instructed to provide and maintain when not in original containers.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Observed approximately 50 large rodent droppings in basement scattered under 3 compartment sink and inside hole in the wall, the dirt area and in the tool room scattered throughout the shelving units. Instructed to clean and sanitize and maintain. Must eliminate pest activity. Recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 4/5/23. Priority Foundation Violation.# 7-38-020 (A). Citation Issued.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Observed back door open in rear prep area with door open and magnetic screen not tight fitting. Instructed to enclose in order to prevent pest entry.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Observed air drying wiping cloths stored throughout all prep areas. Instructed to store in sanitizing water and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Observed ice scoop stored improperly in between uses. Instructed to store in a clean container and not on top of ice machine.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed crates located in dry storage area, must eliminate and provide adequate shelving units. Observed 2 door refrigeration unit located in dining area in need of lock to protect food from public and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in basement prep area.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food storage in all chest freezers, must eliminate and provide food grade storage bags.

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Observed large pots on site unable to be fully submerged inside of 3 compartment sink for proper washing and sanitizing. Instructed to remove or provide a larger sink.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers and clean.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Observed no toilet seat in toilet room in basement instructed to attach. Must repair leaky pipes on front and rear first floor hand washing sinks. Must maintain in good repair.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Observed no back flow device on ice machine located in basement. Must be seen for servicing and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

must scrape and paint chipping paint on walls throughout basement prep/dish washing area.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

must clean food debris and splatter from walls in basement prep/dish washing area.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Observed large black garbage bags of trash and recycles stored in backyard leading to trash area. Instructed to remove and maintain area free of clutter.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

observed cooking equipment not under ventilation hood fully in rear prep area must place underneath.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Observed no food handler training certificates for all employees. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Observed no allergen training certificate on site for City of Chicago certified food managers. Instructed to provide and maintain.

AUG 25

2022

PASS 2 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF SUGAR IN SECONDARY CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL CONTENTS WITH COMMON NAME WHEN NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED DIRTY TOILET FIXTURES IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL TOILET ROOMS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.

AUG 18

2022

FAIL 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT THREE HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL HAND SINKS MUST BE MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT 3 HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER 6-301.11

Minor Food Temperature

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

OBSERVED MULTIPLE POUNDS OF FROZEN MEAT THAWING ON TABLE IN BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF SUGAR IN SECONDARY CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL CONTENTS WITH COMMON NAME WHEN NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

Serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO SANITIZING SOLUTION FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK AT BASE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED DIRTY TOILET FIXTURES IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL TOILET ROOMS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.

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 →

Report an error on this page →