APR 7
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BIRRIERIA OCOTLAN.
BEAT. 39/100
8726 S COMMERCIAL AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 7, 2025 · passed
Failed 5 of 9 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
9
4 passed · 5 failed
VIOLATIONS
73
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Aug 2022
INSPECTION HISTORY
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.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING SALSA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 312025FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
MAR 31
2025
FAILED
6 violationsDETAILS
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.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING SALSA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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.
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
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 12024PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
MAR 1
2024
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROOPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
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.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
APR 182023FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
APR 18
2023
FAILED
6 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 Must repair or replace holes in walls throughout premises including basement.
show all 9 inspections →
APR 122023FAILED17 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 12
2023
FAILED
17 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
must provide a self closing device on toilet room door in basement leading to prep area.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
must repair or replace damaged walls and holes in walls throughout premises including basement.
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.
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
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.
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 52023FAILED22 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 5
2023
FAILED
22 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Observed air drying wiping cloths stored throughout all prep areas. Instructed to store in sanitizing water and maintain.
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.
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.
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.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in basement prep area.
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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers and clean.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Observed no back flow device on ice machine located in basement. Must be seen for servicing and maintain.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
must scrape and paint chipping paint on walls throughout basement prep/dish washing area.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
must clean food debris and splatter from walls in basement prep/dish washing area.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
observed cooking equipment not under ventilation hood fully in rear prep area must place underneath.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Observed no food handler training certificates for all employees. Instructed to provide and maintain.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Observed no allergen training certificate on site for City of Chicago certified food managers. Instructed to provide and maintain.
AUG 252022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 25
2022
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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 182022FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 18
2022
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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
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
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.
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.
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAK AT BASE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED DIRTY TOILET FIXTURES IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL TOILET ROOMS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
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 →