CARMELITA'S TAQUERIA.
1206 W LAWRENCE AVE · UPTOWN, CHICAGO
13 of 18 inspections passed, with 5 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAR 252025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL STORAGE RACKS IN THE BASEMENT PRPE AREA (BY THE HAND SINK).
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE PREP COOLER (BEHIND FRONT PREP SERVICE COUNTER) AND INSIDE THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER,
MAR 62024PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD-UP (BEHIND UPPER PANEL).
TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER.
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REPLACE MISSING FLOOR BASEBOARD (BY THE ICE MACHINE) IN BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
JAN 122023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED CEILING VENT COVERS IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM WITH DUST BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED SOME FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RENEW EXPIRED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE AND ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HOLDS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND OBTAINS ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE.
APR 202022PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND PORK HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE PREP COOLER AT 52.0 F HOWEVER, SAID COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 40.0 F. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE PORK VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP ALONG THE DOOR SWEEP OF SIDE EXIT DOOR LEADING TOWARDS GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL DOORS MUST BE RODENT PROOF.
MAR 22021PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violationsDETAILS
BEGINING OF MINERAL BUILD-UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE AT FRONT PANEL OF ICE BIN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
BROKEN THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS AT FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
PREPACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST LABEL PACKAGES WITH FOOD NAME, INGREDIENTS, NET CONTENTS, SOURCE, AND LIST OF ALLERGENS.
DEBRIS ON CAN OPENER HELD FROM A NYLON DIRTY STRING, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNIT.
CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA, MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE.
TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER BY THE POP COOLER AT FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE. THE DOOR OF PREP COOLER DOOR HINGES ARE BROKEN, FIRST FLOOR. REPAIR. MISSING RELEASE KNOB FROM INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT, MUST BE REPLACE.
PLASTIC BASEBOARD DETACHED FROM WALL UNDER THE DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER. RE-SEAL.
CRACKED CAULKING BETWEEN WALL AND HANDWASHING SINK AT FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA,NEED TO REPAIR. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANBLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
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FEB 42020PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND NO DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS INSIDE VOMIT SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSTALLED AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
FOUND TRASH CAN INSIDE RESTROOM WITH NO LID. MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND EXHAUST VENT INSIDE RESTROOM NOT WORKING. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
MAY 82019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED NOT ALL COOLERS HAVE WORKING THERMOMETERS. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITIATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN
JUN 72018PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED PREPARED FOOD ITEMS IN THE FRONT REFRIGERATION UNITS WITHOUT DATES OF PREPARATION. MUST PROVIDE DATE LABELS FOR ALL PREPARED FOODS ON PREMISES.
OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE BREAD. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE FOOD ITEMS AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED A CUP USED TO DISPENSE SPICES IN THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE A HANDLED SCOOP TO DISPENSE FOOD AND TO STORE THE SCOOP EITHER IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP OR IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER IN BETWEEN USE.
MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD FOR THE LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE THE FRONT PREP AREA WHERE HIBISCUS AND LEMONADE ARE STORED.
THE FAN VENTILATION UNIT INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAN VENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE EMPLYOEE WASHROOM AT ALL TIMES.
FACILITY HAS 2 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS WITH ONLY 5 STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE A STOPPER FOR EACH COMPARTMENT ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE ONE MORE ADDITIONAL STOPPER.
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON A FOOD STORAGE RACK IN THE BASEMENT. PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM ANY FOOD STORAGE AND PREPARATION AREAS.
INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
JUL 312017PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FOODS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. RAW EGGS ON OPEN FLATS BEING STORED ON TOP SHELVING DIRECTLY OVER UNCOVERED, FRESH PRODUCE, JALAPEÑO PEPPERS AND ASSORTED PREPARED FOODS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT REMOVED EGGS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS BEANS AT 154.4F. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIME POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1770559 ON 5-10-16 NOT CORRECTED.#34- REMOVE CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MAT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA 1ST FLOOR. PROVIDE RUBBER FLOOR MAT INSTEAD.#41-FOUND EMPLOYEES CLOTHES(SWEAT SHIRT, SHIRT, COAT,ETC) HANGING ON THE FOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE ONE AREA TO PUT ALL EMPLOYEES CLOTHES,NOT ON THE FOOD STORAGE SHELVE. MANAGEMENT REMOVED CARDBOARD AND EMPLOYEE CLOTHING DURING THE INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING/EQUIPMENT ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE. MANAGEMENT REMOVED DURING THE INSPECTION.
PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE.
INACCURATE INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES NOTED DURING THE INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
MAY 102016PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FAN GUARD OF THE ONE DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN 1ST FLOOR WITH HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN THE FOOD CART IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR THRU-OUT THE BASEMENT PREP AREA.ALONG THE WALL BASE. ALL CORNER. UNDER ALL THE FOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS AND MAINTAIN. REMOVE CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MAT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA 1ST FLOOR. PROVIDE RUBBER FLOOR MAT INSTEAD. ALL FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER NEEDS TO BE ELEVATED 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND RE PAINT. WALL VENT COVER ON THE DINING AREA WITH HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
MISSING ONE LIGHT BULB ON THE HOOD/CANOPY. MUST REPLACE LIGHT BULB.
FOUND EMPLOYEES CLOTHES(SWEAT SHIRT, SHIRT, COAT,ETC) HANGING ON THE FOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE ONE AREA TO PUT ALL EMPLOYEES CLOTHES,NOT ON THE FOOD STORAGE SHELVE. UNNECESSARY ITEMS/ARTICLES INSIDE THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM BESIDE THE PREP AREA IN THE BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND DISCARD ITEMS/ ARTICLES NOT BEING USE TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.
JUL 272015FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND A 2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR THAT LEADS INTO THE BUILDING. AFTER YOU ENTER THROUGH THE REAR DOOR, THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE IS DOWN THE HALL ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE BASEMENT DOOR HAS BEEN REMOVED AND THE DOOR TO ENTER CARMELITA'S MAIN KITCHEN IS ON THE RIGHT WITH THE DOOR PROPPED OPEN. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 40 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT, 0 DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA OF THE BASEMENT. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS REQUIRED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL INFECTED AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED. MUST INSTALL A PROPER DOOR SWEEP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BUILDING ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR. CARMELITA'S HAS BEEN PROPPING THEIR DOOR THAT LEADS INTO THE KITCHEN DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING NOT FUNCTIONING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
RUBBER TRIM UNDER THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING/RIPPED TRIM AND MAINTAIN TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
FOUND THE FLOORS DIRTY IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA FROM DOLLY TIRES DURING DELIVERIES. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 232015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
ELEVATE STOCK IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND AT ALL TIMES.
FOUND A CONTAINER OF UNWRAPPED PLASTIC FORKS FACING IN ALL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS IN ONE DIRECTION TO AVOID HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF UTENSILS.
FOUND MEAT STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MUST STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS/CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY PROTECT FOOD DURING STORAGE.
FOUND EMPLOYEES ONSITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMATION REGARDING FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE WAS PROVIDED.
JAN 152014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NO SPLASH GUARD PROVIDED BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND DISPLAY PREP COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH A SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. OBSERVED KNIFES STORED BETWEEN THE WALL AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A KNIFE RACK.
WORKING STOPPERS IS NEEDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,PRESENTLY DRAIN IS CLOSED WITH PLASTIC BAG.
MAY 102013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASEKET RIPPED AND 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER RIGHT SIDE DOOR HINDGE BROKEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN DAMAGED GASKET AND COOLER DOOR.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/FOOD STAINS ON EXTERIOR OF HANDWASH BOWL AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN SINKS.
MAR 222012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEE REPORT DATED ON 06/01/12
SEE REPORT DATED ON 03/01/12
SEE REPORT DATED ON 03/01/12
MAR 12012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ACCUMULATED ICE ON FLOOR IN FREEZER/MAINTAIN FREEZER.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON HORCHATA/TEA DRINK NOZZLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNCLEAN NOZZLES.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED CRACKED/MISSING WALL TILES BY 1ST FLOOR PREP HANDWASH BOWL AND BY HORCHATA/TEA DRINK MACHINE. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED WALL TILES/SEAL GAPS IN WALL TILES.
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. PREP AREAS 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS FAUCETS LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
NOV 232010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
A SPLASHGUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HANDSINK AND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL.
3 DRAIN STOPPERS ARE MISSING AT THE BASEMENT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
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 →