Chicago
60
YOUR CALL

El Mezquite Inc.

1756 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608 · Pilsen · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
60/100

Passed most recently but 3 prior failures on record

Inspections
17
11 passed
Last Inspected
2025-11-19
Pass Rate
65%
3 failures
Score
60/100
YOUR CALL
Passed most recent inspection (2025-11-19)
Failed 3 inspections (2024, 2015, 2013)
Documentation & Training issues found across 6 inspections
Employee Hygiene issues found across 5 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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Sanitation serious 29×
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
Chemical Safety minor
🐀
Pest Activity critical
📌
Other critical
🔧
Facility Condition minor
2025-11-19 Pass Canvass
5
minor Sanitation

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

THE RACKS INSIDE THE REAR WALK IN COOLER HAS RUST ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANBLE, RUST FREE SURFACE.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

THE LOWER/SIDE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE REAR REACH IN FREEZER WITH STAINS, FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES.

serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

THERE IS A LEAK AT THE P-TRAP UNDER THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAK AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

WATER STAINED CEILING TILE ABOVE THE REAR WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

THE CFM ON SITE FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE.

2024-11-05 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 3
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 OBSERVED FOODS IN CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WITHOUT A LABEL WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 OBSERVED SIDE DOOR OPENED WITHOUT ADEQUATE MESH SCREENING TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DOORS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE MESH SCREENS WHILE OPENED.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.

2024-10-29 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 4
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 OBSERVED FOODS IN CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WITHOUT A LABEL WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111 OBSERVED ABOUT 15 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA ON THE WALL BY THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIOR...

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR DOORS OPENED WITHOUT ADEQUATE MESH SCREENING TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DOORS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE MESH SCREENS WHILE OPENED.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.

2023-10-19 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
3
serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED DISHWASHER WASH AND RINSE DISHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADEQUATELY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. USING A SANITIZING SOLUTION TO ADEQUATELY SANITIZE DISHES PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO SANITIZE DISHES.PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-02...

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

FOUND ICE MACHINE WITH A MINIMAL BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND REAR PREP AREA LIGHT BULB BURNT OUT. MUST REPLACE

2022-08-16 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 5
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED AT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK AND AT THE DINING ROOMM HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR (TOOLS) AND CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED NO UP TO DATE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR MANAGERS (ALL MANAGERS ENROLLED IN A FOOD SAFETY MANAGER'S CLASS WITH RECEIPTS DATED 7/13/22 FROM KEYSTONE ENRICHMENT SERVICE). INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR...

2021-10-07 Pass Canvass
4
serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH LOOSE FAUCET, LEAK FROM DRAIN PIPE AND NEED SPLASH GUARD BEING SO CLOSE TO THE STOVE WHERE FOOD IS PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAUCET, LEAK AND PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WALL TILE IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA MISSING AND OTHERS BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. (INFORMED OF UPCOMING REMODEL TO REPLACE ALL) OBSERVED REAR CEILING TILE MISSING DUE TO UPSTAIRS WATER DAMAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED STACKS OF CRATES AND OTHER MATERIALS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE BACK DOOR LEADING TO GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN. (INFORMED THEY ARE WAITING FOR TRASH PICK UP TO GET RID OF ALL)

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

2020-08-12 Pass Canvass
1
minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

2019-04-11 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 8
critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.

critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE OWN MADE FLAN, AND RICE PUDDING, INSTRUCTED ON PROPER LABELING.

minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP COUNTERS, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES OVER REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A SECTION OF THE REAR FLOOR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE RAW WOOD FLOOR.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

2018-06-15 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN FLOOR IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA OF FOOD SPILLS(BEANS)UNDER AND AROUND SHELVING.

minor Sanitation

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

REMOVE DIRTY MOP WATER IN BUCKET AT REAR, HANG MOP UPRIGHT TO PROPERLY AIR DRY.

2017-04-10 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
4
serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (REFRIED BEANS AT 148.5F) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES W...

minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

REPLACE THE BROKEN WALL TILE AT THE CORNER NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

minor Employee Hygiene

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

THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WAS SLOW DRAINING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT THE SINK DRAINS PROPERLY.

minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER.

2016-06-23 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD IN REAR PREP AREA BETWEEN THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE HAND SAINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.ALSO REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM COOLER STORAGE SHELVES.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE REAR UPRIGHT FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.

minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED CEILING PEELING PAINT IN REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/RESEAL.

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

OBSERVED PLASTIC AROUND THE REAR 2 COMP. SINK NECK OF NOZZLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE.

2015-12-28 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection

No violations found.

2015-12-16 Fail Canvass
2
serious Sanitation

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SANITIZER TEST KIT TO TEST PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

REPAIR LEFT LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER EXPOSED SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.

2015-06-11 Pass Canvass
7
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

LABEL PACKAGED DESSERTS IN DISPLAY COOLER.

minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM(DUST BUILDUP).

minor Plumbing & Waste

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

INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

minor Pest Activity

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

ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. PROPERLY ORGANIZE WALK-IN COOLER. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE REAR DOOR.

minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.

minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

2014-05-27 Pass Canvass
4
minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE DATED AND LABELED. ONLY FOOD GRADE BAGS ARE ALLOWED.

minor Sanitation

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

INNER DOOR FRAME OF BOTH COLD HOLD UNITS , FRONT PREP, HAS BUILD UP OF GRIME. MUST DETAIL CLEAN.

minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

BUILD UP OF GRIME ON COVING BEHIND COLD HOLD UNITS AND FLOOR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN. FLOOR TILE IN TOILET ROOM IS DAMAGE. MUST REPLACE DAMAGE FLORR TILES.

minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

VENTILATION COVER IN TOILET ROOM HAS BUILD UP OF DUST MUST DETAIL CLEAN.

2014-01-07 Pass License Re-Inspection

No violations found.

2013-12-31 Fail License
CRITICAL 5
critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION. CITATION ISSUED-SERIOUS 7-38-020.

minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

ALL SINGLE-SERVICE UTENSILS MUST BE STORED IN CLEAN CONTAINERS INVERTED(HANDLES UP).

minor Sanitation

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

REMOVE SHELF LINERS FROM SHELVES UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES AND PAINT RUSTY SURFACES. REPLACE MILK CRATES IN BASEMENT WITH SHELVING UNIT(S).

minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED.

minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN DINING AREA.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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