APR 8
2026
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
EL MEZQUITE INC..
YOUR CALL. 72/100
1756 W 18TH ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 8, 2026 · passed
12 of 18 inspections passed, 3 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 7 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
12 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
61
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
12 YEARS
since Dec 2013
INSPECTION HISTORY
NOV 192025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
NOV 19
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
WATER STAINED CEILING TILE ABOVE THE REAR WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
THE CFM ON SITE FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE.
NOV 52024PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 5
2024
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
OCT 292024FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 29
2024
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
OCT 192023PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 19
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
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. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
FOUND ICE MACHINE WITH A MINIMAL BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
FOUND REAR PREP AREA LIGHT BULB BURNT OUT. MUST REPLACE
show all 18 inspections →
AUG 162022PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 16
2022
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
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 ALL MANAGERS.
OCT 72021PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OCT 7
2021
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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)
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
AUG 122020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 12
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
APR 112019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 11
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE OWN MADE FLAN, AND RICE PUDDING, INSTRUCTED ON PROPER LABELING.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP COUNTERS, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES OVER REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A SECTION OF THE REAR FLOOR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE RAW WOOD FLOOR.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
JUN 152018PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 15
2018
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
APR 102017PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
APR 10
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
* 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 WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
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.
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.
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.
JUN 232016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUN 23
2016
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
DEC 162015FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 16
2015
FAILED
2 violationsDETAILS
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
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.
JUN 112015PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
JUN 11
2015
PASSED
7 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
LABEL PACKAGED DESSERTS IN DISPLAY COOLER.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM(DUST BUILDUP).
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.
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.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
MAY 272014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 27
2014
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
DEC 312013FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 31
2013
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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 →