FEB 20
2026
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL MEZQUITE GRILL.
EAT. 100/100
3121 W CERMAK RD · NORTH LAWNDALE, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 20, 2026 · passed
16 of 18 inspections passed, with 3 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
16 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
37
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since May 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING UNDER PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
AUG 22023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 2
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP DISH AREA TO BE WATER STAINED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN ALL AFFECTED CEILING TILES.
AUG 152022PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 15
2022
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE AREA UNDERNEATH THE GRILL TO REMOVE FOOD PARTICLES.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
FOUND NO COVER ON THE WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WASTE RECEPTACLE WITH A COVER FOR PERSONAL SANITARY ITEMS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MINIMAL CLEANING NEEDED TO VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE GRILL IN FRONT PREP AREA; CLEAN VENTS.
show all 18 inspections →
NOV 102020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOV 10
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED BREAD AND FOOD DEBRIS ON AND AROUND SURFACES OF TOASTER AND TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 162019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 16
2019
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE DEPOSITS ON THE CREVICE OF THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 142018PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 14
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
2-102.14A OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN -UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
3-501.17(C)OBSERVED READY TO EAT FOODS IN REACH IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED.MUST DATE MARK AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-202.16 MUST REMOVE FOIL AND PAPER TOWELS LINED ON LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA.MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11 MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FAN BLADES IN DINING AREA,INTERIOR OF OVEN,MICROWAVE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.11 MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL TILE BEHIND GRILL TABLE IN FRONT PREP AREA AND DAMAGED CEILING TILE NEAR FRONT WINDOW.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
PA 100-0367 OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION . MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
AUG 92017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 9
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
MULTI USE UTENSILS AT FRONT COUNTER FOR SERVICE MUST BE INVERTED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 292016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 29
2016
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST DEFROST THECHEST FREEZERS OF HEAVY ACCUMLICATION OF ICE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS THROUGHT PREMISES OF DUST BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
MAY 222015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 22
2015
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN WALL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE GREASE. CLEAN CEILING VENT IN REAR PREP AREA TO REMOVE DUST.
NOV 72014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOV 7
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (HANDLE UP).
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
INTERIOR OF COOKING HOOD WITH GREASE/DUST BUILD-UP ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
APR 182014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
APR 18
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
STORAGE SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER AND FLAT TOP GRILL ATTACHED GREASE CONTAINER NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING. REPAIR SAME. SPLASHGUARD MISSING INBETWEEN PREP SINK AND 3-C.OMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
FEB 142013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 14
2013
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
THE OPEN FOODS ARE NOT LABELED AND DATED, LABEL AND DATE ALL OPEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
THE REAR MOP SINK IS CLUTTERED, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE SINK.
MAR 142012PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 14
2012
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR BOTTOM CABINET OF FRYER IN FRONT PREP AREA.
FEB 182011PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
FEB 18
2011
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABLE & DATE COOKED FOODS STORED IN COOLERS.MUST LABLE BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS & PREPACKED DESSERTS IN COOLERS FOR SALE.
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.MUST INVERT POTS & PANS ON SHELVING UNITS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER BETWEEN HOT HOLDING UNIT & SERVICE COUNTER OR REMOVE UNIT,REACH IN COOLERS & FOOD STORED IN DINING AREA NEEDS LOCKS OR MOVE FOOD TO PREP AREA .MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN HANDLE ON TOP SIDE OF PREP COOLER.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA,MISSING WALL TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE 1- COMPARTMENT LEAKY FAUCET.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.CHEST FREEZERS.
MAY 112010FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 11
2010
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW
In food establishments, there shall be adequate sewage and waste water disposal facilities that comply with all the requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago. MUST PROPERLY INSTALL A MOP SINK WITH HOT/COLD WATER AND BACK FLOW DEVICE.
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. MUST PROPERLY INSTALL GREASE TRAP UNDER 3PART SINK, AND REPAIR PIPES UNDER SAME SINK.
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 →