SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

EL MEZCALITO CANTINA & GRILL.

BEAT. 45/100

5147-5151 S ARCHER AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected January 15, 2026 · passed

Failed 2 of 4 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
4
2 passed · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
27
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
1 YEAR
since Jan 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 15
2026
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15: OBSERVED LEAKING FROM BOTH PIPES AND DRAINPIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX ALL LEAKS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDER EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDER EMPLOYEE WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-501.14: OBSERVED BUILDUP ON FILTERS OF BOTH HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND CLEAN FILTERS IN BOTH HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13: AT TIME OF INSPECTION NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ANY FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

JAN 8
2026
FAILED
12 violations5 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED TO FACILITY AT 10:50AM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED TO FACILITY AT 10:50AM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED ALL NECESSARY ITEMS NOT ON PREMISES FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN EMPLOYEES RESPOND TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO FOLLOW WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALChemical Safety
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

OBSERVED SHELLSTOCK TAG FROM NOVEMBER 2025 WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL AND OBSERVED CONTAINER OF FRESH OYSTERS IN WALK IN COOLER WITH NO SHELLSTOCK TAG IN CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED SHELLSTOCK TAGS OR LABELS SHALL REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER IN WHICH THE SHELLSTOCK ARE RECEIVED UNTIL THE CONTAINER IS EMPTY. CORRECTED ON SITE CONTAINER OF FRESH OYSTERS VOLUNTARILY DENATURED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGEMENT, VALUED AT $110 AND WEIGHING 20LBS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED SOME ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER WITH NO ASTERISK IDENTIFYING THEM AS SUCH. INSTRUCTED TO ADD AN ASTERISK TO ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. OBSERVED DISCLOSURE ON MENU NOT STATING THAT SOME ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW AND UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO UPDATE DISCLOSURE ON MENU TO STATE THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF WESTSIDE SIDE EXIT DOOR ON KOLIN STREET. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING FROM BOTH FAUCETS, PIPES AND DRAINPIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED LEAKING FROM FAUCET OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO FIX ALL LEAKS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OF 44.4F AT RIGHT HANDWASHING SINK MEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. (NOTE: THE LEFT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.)

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL GENDER EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL GENDER EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILDUP ON FILTERS OF BOTH HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND CLEAN FILTERS IN BOTH HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

AT TIME OF INSPECTION NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ANY FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

AT TIME OF INSPECTION NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.

MINOROther
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2611388 DATED 01/30/2025 NOT CORRECTED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS AND BOWLS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED O ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD-FREE OR LEAD-SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON-SITE OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

FEB 3
2025
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.11 OBSERVED NO STOPPERS AT THREE-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SINK STOPPERS AT ALL THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.

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

4-101.13(C) CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS AND BOWLS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED O TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD-FREE OR LEAD-SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON-SITE OR REMOVAL FROM PREMISES.

CRITICALPlumbing & Waste
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

5-402.12 OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON THREE-COMPARTMENT THE SINK IS LOCATED IN THE BAR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 30
2025
FAILED
8 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SINK IN REAR PREP AREA THAT WILL BE USED TO PREPARE BREAKFAST FOODS. COLD HOLD PREP COOLER OBSERVED IN SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSINK ACCORDING TO FOOD CODE STANDARDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED RUSTED COMPONENTS ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE COMPONENTS, DISCARD ICE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED AROUND PERIMETER OF BAR BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE AREAS, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A).

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

CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS AND BOWLS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED O ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD-FREE OR LEAD-SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON-SITE OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

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

OBSERVED NO STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SINK STOPPERS AT ALL THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.

MINORFacility Condition
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. GREASE TRAP OVERFLOWING ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025.

CRITICALPlumbing & Waste
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED LARGE GAPS AND CRACKED TILES IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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