SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

DON MEMO MEXICAN RESTAURANT.

EAT. 77/100

10536 S TORRENCE AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO

Last inspected September 24, 2025 · passed

4 of 6 inspections passed, with 8 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
6
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
62
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Aug 2022

INSPECTION HISTORY

SEP 24
2025
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHEN WORN OR DISCOLORED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER ABD REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

GREASE TRAP HAS FOUL ODOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN REGULARLY TO REMOVE SMELL.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS AND WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

HOOD VENT ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.

MAR 5
2025
PASSED
12 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALOther
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP OF OPEN BEVERAGE ON SLICER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FROM SLICER AND PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

MINORFood Temperature
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

OBSERVED BOXES OF FROZEN MEAT IMPROPERLY THAWING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER REFRIGERATION, COLD RUNNING WATER OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

MINOROther
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON TWO-DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES AT DOOR WAY LEADING TO KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALL BASEBOARDS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN OUTSIDE STORAGE/PATIO AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DAMAGED AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 12
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

MINOROther
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2578504 ON 7-11-23, 57-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

JUL 11
2023
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.11: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZER.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 27
2023
FAILED
29 violations6 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (STEAK,RICE,BEANS,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 2:46 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE A PERSONAL FAN ON TOP SIDE OF SINK,PLASTIC STRAINER IN SAME. ARTICLES WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION MUST KEEP SINK ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO SOAP AT PREP AREA HAND SINK .SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HAND DRYING DEVICES NO WORKING AT HAND SINK IN STAFF AND CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOMS. PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS COOKED FOODS SUCH AS 30LBS. STEAK-117.9F IN A BOWL ON PREP TABLE.1-GALLON. BEEF IN MOLE SAUCE-103.8F IN A POT ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE, APPX. 38.34LBS. $140.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE(SHAKERS & SQUEEZE BOTTLES).

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON A PIECE OF METAL ON FLOOR IN WATER TANK AREA,ON FLOOR UNDER TABLE IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA,ON LEDGES OF PALLETS IN SAME AREA.ALSO. EVIDENCE OF LIVE SMALL FLIES CRAWLING ON LOWER WALL IN WATER TANK AREA.APPX. 8-LIVE ANTS CRAWLING ON FLOOR ON FOOD IN PREP AREA AND WINDOW SILLS IN DINING AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/27/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON CUTTING BOARDS.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

MUST STORE KNIVES FROM IN BETWEEN PIPES AND WALL ABOVE PREP TABLE AND STORE PROPERLY.

MINORSanitation
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP TABLES.

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

MUST ELIMINATE GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.

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

MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE NEXT TO GRILL.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZER.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW TO PROPERLY SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS OR REMOVE POTS FROM PREMISES.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,GRILL TABLE, PREP TABLES,ROLLING CARTS, INTERIOR OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS,SHELVING UNITS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA .

MINOROther
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA WITH OVER GROWN TALL WEEDS AROUND DUMPSTER AND GREASE CONTAINER.MUST CUT DOWN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DIRT AND FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALLS ,WALL BASES AND DOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS TO DRY AND NOT IN MOP BUCKET.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER FROM INSIDE PATIO AREA,FURNANCE ROOM,MOP SINK CLOSET AND WHERE NEEDED.MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA NEAR PATIO DOOR(TIRES,MOP BUCKETS,MOP HEADS,ABANDON CARS)POSSIBLE HARBORAGE AREA)

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND REMOVING STANDING MOLDED WATER FROM FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM AND KEEP DRY..

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN MOP SINK CLOSET,MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,PREP AREA AND WHERE NEEDED.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2562202 8/16/22 NOT CORRECTED #37-3-302.12 : OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL BULK CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.#47- 4-501.12 : OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. 6-501.114 :#55- OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES. 2-102.13 : #58-OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

show all 6 inspections →
AUG 16
2022
PASSED
9 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN TOILET ROOM USED BY PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN. SIGNAGE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL BULK CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD AND ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON SHELVES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NEAR EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, AND PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE REAR NEAR THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING OVER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE PUBLIC UNISEX TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

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 →

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