MAR 30
2026
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL LLANO RESTAURANT.
YOUR CALL. 65/100
3941 N LINCOLN AVE · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 30, 2026 · passed with conditions
6 of 11 inspections passed, 2 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 7 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
6 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Mar 2018
INSPECTION HISTORY
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1-DOOR PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED BEEF AT 55F, CHORIZO AT 46F, COOKED YUCA PLANT AT 45F, EMPANADAS AT 45F, AND CHICKEN AND POTATO STEW AT 47F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE BOTTOM OF THE 1-DOOR FREEZER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
MAR 132025PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MAR 13
2025
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE ARE. MUST ELEVATE ALL STORED ITEMS OF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZER IN FRONT JUICE BAR AREA. MUST REMOVE ICE, DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHTSHIELD COVERS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND CHEST FREEZERS IN BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BURN OUT LIGHT BULB IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPLACE BURN OUT BULB AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
AUG 62024FAILED8 violationsDETAILS
AUG 6
2024
FAILED
8 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS SUCH AS STEAK AND EGG NOT REMINDED ON THE MENU FOR ITS CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED TO REMIND ALL FOODS THAT MAY BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BAR AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
NOTED THE WASH AND RINSE SIGNAGE AT THE DISH ROOM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK REVERSED. RINSE BIN MUST BE AT THE ATTACHED DRAINBOARD SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SWITCH SIGNAGE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC WRAP AS A SPLASH GUARD AT THE COOKS LINE METAL RACK SHELVING. MUST BE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE MATERIAL.----MUST NOT USE TOWELS AS LINER FOR DISHROOM GREASE TRAP. MUST BE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INTERIOR OF THE KITCHEN TALL REACH-IN FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE WASHROOM AND AT THE DISH AREA MUST BE REPLACED.-----DIRTY FLOOR SURROUNDING THE DISH ROOM GREASE TRAP.----DIRTY WALL UNDER AND BEHIND THE DISH ROOM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE DISH ROOM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
ALL UNUSED COOLERS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2576929 NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-7-23 #39- NOTED 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AND REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH FOOD ITEMS STORED AT THE DINING AREA NOT PROTECTED.. MUST RELOCATE EQUIPMENT TO A MORE PROTECTED AREA PROVIDE A LOCK FOR THE REFRIGERATIONS.#47-NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.#47- NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.#55- NOTED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS LEADING TO THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
JUN 72023PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
JUN 7
2023
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
NOTED 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AND REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH FOOD ITEMS STORED AT THE DINING AREA NOT PROTECTED.. MUST RELOCATE EQUIPMENT TO A MORE PROTECTED AREA PROVIDE A LUCK FOR THE REFRIGERATIONS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH NO STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING STOPPERS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED FOR SHELVING AT THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVES WITH NON POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS LEADING TO THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED CLUTTER ALONG WALLS AT THE BASMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST ALSO ELEVATE ARTICLES 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
NOTED DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
show all 11 inspections →
JUL 292022PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
JUL 29
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED A COLD HOLDING UNIT AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 50.0F AT THE INSPECTION. TOMATOES, WHOLE AVOCADOS, WHOLE GREEN ONIONS, AND TACO SHELLS FOUND INSIDE SAID COOLER (NO TCS FOODS). THE COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. REACH IN COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL THE COOL HOLDING UNIT IS RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND MAINTAINING A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED SMALL WHITE PLATES NOT INVERTED ON THE SHELVING UNIT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT SAID ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE THE SHELVING UNIT UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND MAKE SHELVING SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID AREA ON THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED A BLOWN OUT LIGHT BULB UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID LIGHT BULB.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES.
JAN 262021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 26
2021
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED HEAVY GREASE AND WATER ACCUMULATION ON FLOOR BY THE GREASE TRAP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT OF THE FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APR 272020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
APR 27
2020
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE IN BASEMENT. MUST INSTALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED LARGE HOLES IN WALL ABOVE MOP SINK IN BASEMENT. ALSO, OBSERVED FOAM INSULATION BEING USED TO SEAL BASEBOARDS UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE FOAM, REPAIR AND USE CLEAR SEALANT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FREEZER AND MICROWAVE IN DINING AREA NOT IN USE. MUST REMOVE ANY UNNECCESSARY ITEMS AND CLEAN AREA.
JAN 22019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 2
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED TCS FOODS WITH NO DATE MARKING. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY DATE TCS FOODS WITH EXPIRATION DATE WITHIN 7 DAYS,INCLUDING PREPARATION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST DISCLOSE FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
NO GREASE TRAP LOCATED UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE BAR. MUST PROVIDE AN ATTACHED GREASE TRAP.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WATER STAIN ON CEILING TILES IN DISH WASHING AREA AND WOMEN'S WASH ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 152018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 15
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NO GREASE TRAP PROVIDED UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR.NEED TO PROVIDE OR KNOW THE LOCATION
MAR 132018FAILED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 13
2018
FAILED
8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT FIRST FLOOR REAR DISH ROOM,INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE.PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT PROTECTED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING WALL ABOVE THE UNIT OR RELOCATED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
FRONT AND REAR DOOR MUST BE COMPLETELE RODENT/INSECT PROOF. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINER OVERFLOWING,LIDS NOT CLOSED.INSTRUCTED TO KEEP LIDS CLOSED.IF LID IS BROKEN REPLACE SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NO GREASE TRAP PROVIDED UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR.NEED TO PROVIDE OR KNOW THE LOCATION. NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE DRAIN BOARD AND ICE BIN BEHIND BAR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. NO LID PROVIDE AT ICE BIN BEHIND BAR AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
BASE BOARD/COVING IS NEEDED AT RAISED FLOOR IN PREP ARE IN BASEMENT,ALSO COVING IS NEEDED UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL HOLES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES ON WALL BEHIND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,BAR AREA,BASEMENT AND KITCHEN.SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES,THROUGHOUT.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH ROOM,FIRST FLOOR,NEED TO CLEAN DUST AND UNKNOWN PARTICLES AT LIGHT SHIELD IN THE KITCHEN,FIRST FLOOR.
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 →