SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

EL KAPORAL RESTAURANT.

BEAT. 41/100

5078 S ARCHER AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected May 7, 2026 · failed

Failed 4 of 19 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
19
11 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
58
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
13 YEARS
since Aug 2012

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 7
2026
FAILED
8 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 48.6-50.7F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, PORK(50.7F) AND BEEF(48.6F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $200 WEIGHING 5LBS PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

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

OBSERVED SPOONS STORED LAYING DOWN UNCOVERED IN BOWL NEAR COFFEE MACHINE IN DINING AREA AND OBSERVED SINGLE USE SPOONS, FORKS AND KNIVES STORED LAYING DOWN IN CONTAINER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SPOONS NEXT TO COFFEE MACHINE IN DINING AREA INVERTED DURING STORAGE AND INSTRUCTED TO STORE SINGLE USE SPOONS, FORKS AND KNIVES IN REAR PREP AREA INVERTED OR COVERED DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED CONTAINERS AND BOTTLES STORED ON FLOOR IN SMALL AND LARGE DRY STORAGE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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

OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON DOOR OF ONE DOOR WHITE REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED GASKET ON DOOR OF ONE DOOR WHITE REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHT IN ONE DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHT IN ONE DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

JUL 7
2025
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAME

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

DEBRIS/DIRT ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE IN STORAGE ROOM. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME

SEP 4
2024
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WOMEN'S RESTROOM DOOR NOT OPERABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

SEP 1
2023
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

BROKEN HINGE ON CHEST FREEZER. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

BROKEN ICE CREAM MACHINE IN REAR. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES

DEC 7
2022
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MILK CRATES AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, MAINTAIN.

show all 19 inspections →
NOV 29
2022
FAILED
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER OR DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED EGGS AND CARNE ASADA. INSTRUCTED TO ADD BOTH REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU FOR ALL RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS, MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MILK CRATES AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, MAINTAIN.

JAN 29
2021
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-101.11(B, C, D, E): MISSING LIDS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 STAINED CEILING TILES ON SITE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

JAN 22
2021
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE, LAST PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORT FROM 2018. INSTD TO OBTAIN UPDATED PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECEIPT. SERVICES SHALL BE PROVIDED FROM THE LICENSED EXTERMINATOR AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C).

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

MISSING LIDS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

STAINED CEILING TILES ON SITE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 14
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED THE FRONT ICE CREAM FREEZER AND THE REAR MEAT FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED ONE LIGHT OUT UNDER THE HOOD/OVER THE COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

SEE VIOLATION #60

MINOROther
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED NON COMPLIANCE WITH VIOLATION #58 NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FROM REPORT #2279623 DATE3/19/2019, CORRECT BY DATE JUN.19,2019. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.

MAR 19
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide written employee health policy for all employees. Priority foundation violation.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up porcedure/kit on site. Must provide written procedure for the clean up of vomit and diarrheal events. Must provide equipment outlined in procedure. Priority foundation violation.

SERIOUSOther
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Observed prep date on TCS foods in coolers. Instructed must include discard date on all prepped TCS foods held for more than 24 hours. Must correct and maintain same. Priority foundation violation.

SERIOUSSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Observed excessive ice accumulation inside chest freezer in dry storage room. Must remove ice, clean and sanitize equipment. Must maintain same.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Observed hot water handle hard to turn (it is stripped) on the hand sink in the front prep area. Once water is turned on, it is difficult to turn off. Must repair handle to function properly. Observed leaks at faucet of 3 compartment sink in rear prep. Must repair and maintain same.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago certified food sanitation managers.

SEP 7
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED

EXPOSED HANDSINK IN MAIN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE, UNCLEAN CUPS, PLATES IN BASIN OF SINK. INSTD TO MAINTAIN BASIN CLEAR AND USE SINK FOR HANDWASHING ONLY. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

NO DIPPERWELL ON SITE FOR HAND PACKED ICE CREAM. INSTD TO PROVIDE OR REMOVE ICE CREAM.

SEP 9
2016
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.

SEP 8
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS PORK AND SALSA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED PORK AT 50.5F, EGGS AT 59.5F, GREEN SALSA AT 54.4F AND RED SALSA AT 57.6F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10# OF FOOD WORTH $25. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.

JUL 1
2015
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD IN BETWEEN PREP SINK AND STORAGE RACK.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

CLUTTER NOTED IN BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICALES AND ORGANIZE AREA.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD REQUIREMENTS NOT MET, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SAME.

JUN 12
2015
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

NEWLY ADDED PREP AREA WITHOUT ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITES, NO EXPOSED HANDSINK WHERE PREP TABLE, JUICER, CUTTING BOARD IS CURRENTLY IN USE AND PREPARING MASA, CUTTING, PREPARING FRUIT AND BLENDING, PREPARING ORANGE JUICE. INSTD TO PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN SAME AREA. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.

SERIOUSOther
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

3 COMPARTMENT DRAIN NOT MAINTAINED, OBSERVED 3 COMP. GREASE TRAP LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN LINE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD INBETWEEN PREP SINK AND STORAGE RACK.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

CLUTTER NOTED IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREA.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.

JUN 10
2014
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

INSTALL ADDITIONAL WALL MOUNTED DRYING RACK ACROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO AIR DRY DISHES AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

REPAIR HANDLE ON MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

REPAIR HANDLE ON EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK OUT SIDE OF RESTROOM AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DRAIN LINE FROM 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR DRAINING INTO LARGE BUCKET. DRAIN LINE NEEEDS TO BE PROPERLY PLUMBED TO FLOOR DRAIN OR EVAPORATOR NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED.

APR 30
2013
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST LABEL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE REAR STORAGE ROOM

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYER HAS GREASE BUILD-UP ON EQUIPMENT

MINORFood Storage & Handling
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER AT FRONT COUNTER AREA,CHEST COOLER AT REAR PREP AREA,AND INSIDE 2 REFRIGERATORS UNITS LOCATED IN A ENCLOSED ROOM NEXT TO STORAGE ROOM IN REAR

DEC 14
2012
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

SEAL HOLES AROUND PIPE IN FLOOR OF STORAGE ROOM. CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT.

CRITICALPest Activity
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FOUND:- THE DOUBLE DOOR COOLER IS NOT WORKING. ALSO SOME CLUTTED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DOUBLE DOOR COOLER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE THE BASEMENT STOREROOM SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.

AUG 13
2012
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

SEAL HOLES AROUND PIPE IN FLOOR OF STORAGE ROOM. PROVIDE FLOOR DRAIN COVERS FOR BASEMENT DRAINS. CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT AND SEAL HOLES IN FLOOR OF BASEMENT (CRACKS IN FLOOR) WHERE OBSEVED.

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 →

NEARBY IN BRIGHTON PARK