FEB 27
2026
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BIRRIERIA Y TAQUERIA LOPEZ.
EAT. 87/100
2705 W 59TH ST · CHICAGO LAWN, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 27, 2026 · passed
Passed all 15 inspections, but 4 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
15
13 passed · 2 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
59
includes 4 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Jun 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON TWO DOOR UPRIGHT COLD HOLD UNIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTRAIRS PREP AREAS NOT LABLED DESIGNATING COMPARTMENTS FOR WASH-RINSE-SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON BASEMENT CEILING ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AREA TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULB IN HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 302025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 30
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
FROZEN BEEF TONGUE IMPROPERLY THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AT 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTD TO UTILIZE PROPER THAWING PROCEDURES AND MAINTAIN THAW (EX, UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR UNDER REFRIGERATION)
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON COUNTER. INSTD TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANTIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE RAW BEEF AND GOAT IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
MAR 222024PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 22
2024
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
EMPLOYEE OPEN BEVERAGE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO HAVE CLOSED BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
SMALL LEAK AT PIPE UNDERNEATH 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
DAMAGED/BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF WALK IN COOLER AND IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPAIR SO AS FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
AUG 92023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
AUG 9
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES REAR WALK COOLER, SUCH AS 80 LBS OF BEEF TONGUE AT 63.5F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 80LBS AT $200. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DAMAGED CONCRETE FLOOR UNDER INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
JUN 102022PASSED11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 10
2022
PASSED
11 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA AND BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED RAW BEEF THAWING ON DRAINBOARD OF 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW IN REFRIGERATOR, UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON STEAM TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED MULTI-USE POTS TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL LARGE EQUIPMENT.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAK UNDER BASIN OF HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON WALLS AND CEILINGS, DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED OPENINGS IN CEILING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA AND PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ONE MALE EMPLOYEE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
show all 15 inspections →
JUL 312019PASS W/ CONDITIONS13 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 31
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
13 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM AVAILABLE. ALL REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED WITH DATE BY WHICH FOOD IS TO BE CONSUMED, SOLD, OR DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED SEVERAL POTS TOO LARGE FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED METHOD TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE LARGE POTS AND EQUIPMENT.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED CALCIUM BUILDUP AND RUST DEPOSITS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN BASEMENT CEILING IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND ACCUMULATED MOLD ON CEILING INSIDE BASEMENT WASHROOM. INTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR CEILING AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED ONLY ONE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND THREE EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
JAN 122018PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 12
2018
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
GROCERY BAGS BEINGS USED TO STORE FOOD IN FREEZER. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS. GROCERY BAGS ARE PROHIBITED.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
BROKEN/CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAITNAIN.
MAY 252017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 25
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE BASEMENT BOX FREEZER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED REAR FLOOR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO RE-SEAL. ALSO CLEAN BASEMENT FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL STORAGE SHELVES.
MAR 172016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 17
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
CUTTING BOARDS MUST REPLACED WHEN WORN AND DISCOLORED. NO GROCERY BAGS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE BAGS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIME.
MAY 122015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 12
2015
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE BASEMENT BOX FREEZER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE BASEMENT FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/DRY MOP.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED HOLE IN BASEMENT CEILING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFORMATION.
JUN 92014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 9
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, ALSO CLEAN WALLS IN RESTROOM.
FEB 132013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
FEB 13
2013
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
LABEL AND DATE MISSING FROM READY-TO EAT FOODS IN COOLER (FLAN). INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
PREP COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
REPLACE CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF WALK-IN COOLER.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST DO SO.
FEB 292012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 29
2012
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. MULTI USE UTENSILS IN NEED OF WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND STORING IN CLEAN AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. DRAIN BOARD IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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. ANY UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
JAN 42011PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 4
2011
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING, DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHTS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA IN NEED OF SHEILDING, LIGHT AT 1ST FLOOR AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 252010PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 25
2010
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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. THE FLOOR IN THE FURNACE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS. CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN THE BASEMENT SO NO INSECT HARBORAGE.
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 →