EL CHARRO.

Chicago Health Dept

2547 W LAWRENCE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jan 2026), 1 critical violation noted.

7 inspections on record since 2023 · Last inspected Jan 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JAN 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 13

2026

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED AN OPENING ON THE LEFT BOTTOM SIDE OF BACK DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR OR CLOSE OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND THE INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IN THE KITCHEN AREA.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WET MOP STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ON SITE FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

FEB 11

2025

PASS · 0 violations

FEB 7

2025

FAIL 2 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12--OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Minor Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

8-404.13(B:4)--PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 2/11/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.

FEB 4

2025

FAIL 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

Serious Employee Hygiene

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

OBSERVED LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE FOLLOWING: AT (2) HANDWASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK,INCLUDING THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REPLACE BROKEN WALL TILES NEXT TO THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2589227 DATED:02/06/2024 #39--3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN. #41--3-304.14: **C** Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE. #47--4-501.11: **C** Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN. #49--4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN. #51--5-205.15: **C** System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. #56--4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN. #56--6-202.11: **C** Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN. #57--2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

FEB 6

2024

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UTILITY MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE UTILITY MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED BROKEN WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR AT REAR CHEST FREEZER STORAGE AREA WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF EXCESSIVE HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Minor Other

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2572012 DATED:03/03/2023 #58--2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

show all 7 inspections →

MAR 3

2023

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-204.119 OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.

Minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-502.12 OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.11 OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT

FEB 24

2023

FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO AVAILABLE HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE IN GRIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. FACILITY WILL COOK STEAK AND OTHER ITMES TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED DELI TOP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER ADJUSTED COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED EQUIPMENT TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A LARGER SINK OR SMALLER UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.

Minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET REQUIREMENT

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 →

Report an error on this page →