DON MEMO MEXICAN RESTAURANT.

Chicago Health Dept

10536 S TORRENCE AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Sep 2025).

6 inspections on record since 2022 · Last inspected Sep 2025.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

SEP 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

SEP 24

2025

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Sanitation

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

Minor Sanitation

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

PASS 12 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Other

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.

Minor Food 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.

Minor Food 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.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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

Minor Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

Minor Pest 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.

Minor Facility 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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Pest 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.

Minor Other

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

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

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

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

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

JUN 27

2023

FAIL 29 violations 6 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & 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)

Critical Documentation & 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)

Critical Employee 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)

Critical Employee 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)

Critical Employee 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)

Serious Food 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)

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

Critical Pest 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)

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

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

Minor Sanitation

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

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

Minor Sanitation

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

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

Minor Sanitation

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

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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

Minor Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

Minor Sanitation

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)

Minor Sanitation

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..

Minor Food 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.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

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

Minor Sanitation

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

PASS 9 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee 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

Minor Food 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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Documentation & 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.

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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