BORINQUEN.

Chicago Health Dept

3811 N WESTERN AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jun 2025).

7 inspections on record since 2022 · Last inspected Jun 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
7
VIOLATIONS
36
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
JUN 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUN 11
2025
PASS · 0 violations
JUN 3
2025
FAIL 5 violations
Minor Food Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (POTATO, ONION, BREAD ETC)

Minor Plumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN LEAKY DRAINPIPE FROM THE BASEMENT CEILING.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP IN THE BASEMENT (WATER DRIPPING FROM THE DRAIN PIPE CEILING)

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING FLOOR BASEBOARD UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Pest Activity
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2604780 ISSUED ON 10-17-2024 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 #38 - OBSERVED SMALL GAP AROUND EXTERIOR SCREEN DOOR LEADING TO ALLEY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING EXTERIOR OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. #56 - OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE GRILL IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. #57 - OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. #58 - OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

OCT 17
2024
PASS 7 violations 1 CRITICAL
Minor Chemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED SLICES OF FLAN AND CAKE IN PLASTIC "CLAMSHELL" CONTAINERS SOLD "TO-GO" WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH INGREDIENTS, ALLERGEN INFORMATION, AND BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION.

Critical Pest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED SMALL GAP AROUND EXTERIOR SCREEN DOOR LEADING TO ALLEY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING EXTERIOR OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED TO FREEZE FOOD ITEMS THROUHGOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE USE AND ONLY USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HEABY BUILD UP OF GREASE IN INTERIOR FRYER CABINETS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE GRILL IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

OCT 15
2024
FAIL 9 violations 3 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Food Temperature
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDSINK IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH STRIPPED HOT WATER KNOB MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 68.0F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SINK SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER PRESSURE IN AN ACCEPTABLE RANGE BETWEEN 100-120F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED SLICES OF FLAN AND CAKE IN PLASTIC "CLAMSHELL" CONTAINERS SOLD "TO-GO" WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH INGREDIENTS, ALLERGEN INFORMATION, AND BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION.

Critical Pest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED SMALL GAP AROUND EXTERIOR SCREEN DOOR LEADING TO ALLEY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING EXTERIOR OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED TO FREEZE FOOD ITEMS THROUHGOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE USE AND ONLY USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HEABY BUILD UP OF GREASE IN INTERIOR FRYER CABINETS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE GRILL IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

OCT 2
2023
PASS 4 violations
Minor Food Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

4-204.112(B) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT IN THE KITCHEN.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (BREAD CRUMBS, FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT ETC).

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.11 OBSERVED CEILING IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE OPENING IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/SEAL THE SAID CEILING (BY THE STAIRCASE).

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12 OBSERVED CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

show all 7 inspections →
SEP 25
2023
FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL
Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK BEHIND FRONT BAR AREA.

Serious Food Storage & Handling
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED NO DATE LABEL ON READY TO EAT FOOD (COOKED GROUND BEEF, COOKED RICE, COOKED PORK, COOKED BEEF)STORED INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS AND PREP COOLERS FOR OVER 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS IF STORED OVER 24 HOURS. MUST IDENTIFY FOOD PRODUCTS SHELF LIFE OR CONSUME BY DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD PRODUCTS. TOTAL WEIGHT 10 LBS, TOTAL VALUE $600.00 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT IN THE KITCHEN.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT ETC).

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CEILING IN POOR REPAIR WITH LARGE OPENING IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/SEAL THE SAID CEILING (BY THE STAIRCASE).

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2563938 ISSUED ON 09-20-2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #47 - OBSERVED WORN CUTTING BOARDS WITH STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES AT MAIN PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN/REPLACE. #51 - OBSERVED NO UTILITY MOP SINK ON THE PREMISES.MUST INSTALL UTILITY MOP SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AND BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN. #55 - OBSERVED SECTION OF NORTH EAST WALL IN PREP AREA MUST BE SMOOTH AND SEALED.MUST SEAL,PAINT SO THAT ITS SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

SEP 20
2022
PASS 4 violations
Minor Sanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED WORN CUTTING BOARDS WITH STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES AT MAIN PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN/REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP IN INTERIOR OF COOKING FRYER, INTERIOR OF STOVE, AND TOP OF STOVE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO UTILITY MOP SINK ON THE PREMISES.MUST INSTALL UTILITY MOP SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AND BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SECTION OF NORTH EAST WALL IN PREP AREA MUST BE SMOOTH AND SEALED.MUST SEAL,PAINT SO THAT ITS SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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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